Sidepodcast

Daily: 16th March 2010

Yesterday, I trusted the daily to Mr C and it was almost two hours late, so I have snatched the reigns back for Tuesday. The conversations are mostly still revolving around Bahrain and the impact of the refuelling ban, but there is a dedicated thread for that. Instead, I will point you in the direction of some completely different topics:

• It was a huge week for Christine's Rankings with loads of drivers moving up and down. Mr C commented earlier in the weekend that if Chandhok wasn't leading there would be something very wrong with the world. Thankfully, we don't have that problem!
• I posted our F1 Debrief show yesterday, and it's a good one, mostly because it features a lot of voicemails from our lovely listeners. Rather than listen to us whine about the Bahrain GP, we hear from you guys and what you think. More please.
• I stumbled across the return of Paddock Life. I love the behind the scenes peek, although of course we have such unprecedented access this year that it's not as special as it used to be. Still, there are great stories about Rubens being a bit cheeky, and the grid protest by the drivers.

That'll do it for now. Let us know how your week is going, and I will see you in the comments.

Daily: 17th February 2009

So far, we have all the signs of a slow news week, but as it is only Tuesday, things could soon pick up. Most of the stories we heard yesterday were speculation and rumour - but when has that ever stopped us?

• USF1 suggested they would love to test Danica if she was interested, mostly because she generates a lot of press. Okay, that's not the biggest compliment in the world, but if she were to line up on the grid - how competitive would she be? Who would she be on a level with, and would she be able to win?
• The Honda rumours continue apace, with first Petrobras coming out to dismiss the Senna backed contemplation, and then Grandprix.com suggesting that Richard Branson would be bringing his Virgin brand into the mix. As of yet, we know nothing concrete, and I know there are many getting frustrated with the lack of actual news.
• Meanwhile, the confirmation from ING that they will be pulling out from F1 completely at the end of this year has cast doubt over Renault's future. Briatore says the cost cutting measures will keep the team in the sport for a few years yet, and Bob Bell has predicted a good, strong few races to start this season off with. If they win, things should be fine, but if the start of the year is anything like 2008 - the bosses won't be happy, will they?

That'll do for now. There'll be some testing updates from Bahrain, no doubt, although I have to admit it's not quite as exciting now they're actually getting some running in. Nevertheless, I will see you in the comments.

Daily: 12th February 2009

A sandstorm! Who would have thought? Of course we are all laughing hysterically at the fact that the teams raced off to the desert to avoid the weather and have been halted by... the weather. But we are also talking about other things:

• Webber's triumphant return. I almost feel sorry for Vettel, having to sit around and wait for his team mate to fail, and it was not to be. The Australian was completely fine, said it was all much easier than he'd expected, and did more than a race distance. Can we safely say that he will be on top form for the racing to start? Still not sure if that top form is enough though.
• Apparently three drivers have paid up the fee for their superlicence, despite ongoing dramas between the FIA and the GPDA. So, who was it? Who has crossed the picket line? Was it those who didn't have to pay that much, or those who get their team to pay it anyway?
• Apparently, Ferrari (the car company) have posted record sales for 2008, despite the auto industry struggling intensely in recent months. What is it about the prancing horse that means people keep shelling out?

That should keep us going until the testing kicks off again today, assuming that there is any running to keep an eye on! Don't forget to vote on the first (and only) team mate battle in the Character Cup, and when you're done, I'll see you in the comments.

Daily: 10th February 2009

After the RB5 hit the ground running yesterday, we're now ready to see it in action as the test in Jerez gets underway. In fact, we really do need to see it in action, as it got cut off after only 14 laps. Here's what we'll be looking out for:

• A couple of teams will be heading out to the desert and favouring Bahrain over the European circuits. Toyota, BMW and Ferrari are the ones we know about, I wonder if anyone else will try and avoid the weather and join them?
• Williams seem to be running with yet another new livery. There's a lack of sponsorship going on, and some more white on the car than the previous iteration. Will this be anything like the finished product or are they just teasing us?
• Kathi left us with a great comment from Vettel, who's only summations from his brief ride in the RB5 were: "It's mostly blue and it goes round in circles." Love it. Will he be able to get any more track time today?
• And of course, given our new found knowledge of KERS, we'll be watching ever so closely for any hints about the device on any teams that may be running it.

That should keep us going. I can't wait to see the car's in action again, hopefully the weather will hold for them. Let us know what you're up to, and I'll see you in the comments.

Thoughts Ahead of the Red Bull Launch

We're not entirely sure what time Red Bull are planning to reveal their 2009 car this morning, but an educated guess says it'll be around 9am GMT. Before then though, it might be worth having a quick round-up of gossip and expectations prior to the event.

On Friday the team released a preview video detailing the changes to rule book for this year. The animation offered a sneak peek as to what we might experience livery wise and Dave confirmed the video features a close approximation of how the car will look.

Ian from Racing Bulls recently posted a list of Technical Specifications of the RB5 which covers the finer points of the new machine alongside a small teaser image.

Additionally, and I'm not sure if this has been covered elsewhere on the web, but we have it on good authority that the Newey pencil has been working its magic and the RB5 might just feature amongst other things:

• An unusually sculpted nose
• A complex multi-planed front wing arrangement

It should be noted that the above information didn't come from anyone who's commented on this site before, and may or may not be exclusive to Sidepodcast. However, given that a team only get to launch a new car once a year the rest of the rumours are probably best left unprinted.

Vettel is due to debut the new machinery on track in a couple of hours, and we may just find ourselves looking at one of the best looking cars on the grid.

Daily: 8th February 2009

We're racing towards some new F1 action, with a launch and some testing due next week. Until then, we can bathe in the relative silence of a weekend, that is, until the live show begins later tonight.

• Yesterday, the GPDA stepped into the superlicence battle, by issuing a statement in response to Max. Will it make any difference though, and can Max's high prices really be overturned?
• I've been adding some tables to the wiki, mostly to experiment with the table facilities, so you can now check out the upcoming battles in the Character Cup, or have a look at who's doing well in the Podcast Guesses game. (Another one of those coming up later today!)
• Also on the wiki, we're still looking for you guys to sign up to the Sidepodmap. It's easy to do, just stick a pin in your location, and we can take a look at how beautifully global we really are.
• And my final wiki page to plug is the Flickr page. If you've got some pictures stashed away on the photo sharing site and would like us all to have a look, then please feel free to add yourself to the Wiki. We've got three already, but that's including us, so really only two.

Like I said, there'll be a live show arriving later today, although I can't give you a time just yet. Until then, I'll see you in the comments.

Daily: 7th February 2009

The weekend is finally upon us, and I personally couldn't be happier about this. Two whole days off, apparently being buried in the snow, so let's talk about Formula 1 instead.

• We've found some new pictures of the Renault, and guess what? Someone has decided he doesn't actually mind the livery all that much. I suppose if the ugly rear wings will grow on us, then the liveries should do the same, shouldn't they?
• With the news that Bourdais has secured the seat at Toro Rosso, Sato is left without a seat in F1. He says he has unfinished business and wants to return but knows his options are limited. Instead of thinking about the future, though, in the comments, we've been trying to remember his best moments. If you've got any to add, leave your thoughts.
• Dank let us know about a BBC press conference to be held later this month regarding what their F1 coverage will be like. Let's say that you could have anything you desire in the way of coverage, what would you want?

If that's not enough for you, don't forget to check out the Red Bull video, and vote in the latest Character Cup. While you're at it, I'll probably see you in the comments.

Daily: 5th February 2009

Now that snow really isn't dominating the headlines anymore, I'm not sure what we're going to talk about. Just kidding, there's still plenty going on in the F1 world. Here are just a few topics:

• The FIA and FOTA are bigging up cost cutting again, with Max suggesting many standard parts with just certain areas for development will be the way forward. He also thinks they won't be taking away the in-season testing ban anytime soon. Boo.
• Although we know categorically that Peter Windsor isn't interested in this USF1 idea, it is an interesting concept. What new teams or old ones could resurface and fill up the grid? Which familiar faces would we see return?
• Apparently, FOTA are starting to look at the intial results of a major market research initiative they undertook. I heard nothing about this. Anyone else approached for a spot of F1 research? I wonder who they polled.

Talking of polls, don't forget to register your vote in the latest Character Cup, if you haven't already, and if you feel like sharing, let us know which way you chose and why. I'll see you in the comments.

Daily: 3rd February 2009

With the possible return of in-season testing, and the news that Singapore will finally have a safe pit lane (boo about the bumps), yesterday was a good day in Formula 1. Let's hope today brings us more, but for now, here's what Sidepodcast stuff we're talking about:

• The wiki now comes under Sidepodcast itself, with the new URL as: wiki.sidepodcast.com. With that in mind, it's also worth plugging the Quikmaps page, as there has been some great recent activity on there. Please, please have a go at making your own circuit, it's very easy and the results are brilliant.
• With the additional functionality to the Doohickey that drop.io images can now be viewed without leaving the site, there's never been a better time to post some pictures and share them with the world!
• Also, this seems to have brought the live commenting solutions to the fore. If you're not sure of the difference, there's information available here. Once you're comfortable with them, let us know what features you'd like to see. No promises of anything, but development is happening in the background slowly, and we love to take your ideas on board.
• Oh, and don't forget to choose between Massa and Fisi in the Character Cup.

Phew, that's probably the most self-indulgant daily thread we've ever done. Let's get back to talking about F1 now... or maybe snow. I'll see you in the comments.

Daily: 1st February 2009

February is here, and we are looking forward to a busy day at Sidepodcast Towers. However, that doesn't mean we'll leave you with nothing to discuss. Here's what's going on at the moment:

• Mateschitz has said he won't be rushing to sell Toro Rosso, as he only wants to give it to a buyer who will keep the team alive and well. This is good news for the team, and it's refreshing to see a team being sold without the controversy and depressing headlines.
• Supposedly the French Grand Prix has been dealt another blow, as plans for a street race in Paris are ditched. This never seemed particularly likely, but what with all the recent news about a French race being negative, will it ever return to the calendar?
• Don't forget to vote for your choice between Rosberg and Piquet on the first round of the Character Cup. You've got until 7pm tonight, so make your selection if you haven't already, and share your reasons, if you so desire.

We will be back later today with the second round, and more news, if there is any. Please feel free to discuss whatever is on your minds, and I'll see you in the comments.