Ah, Monday again, but there's no chance to be miserable this week as it's the return of F1 and that can only be a good thing! Yesterday, Mr C got caught up watching Montoya doing some NASCAR thing, and threatened to watch more during the year. Thank goodness F1 is coming back. Here are some of the things we're talking about:
As ever, don't forget to check out Jackie's fabulous Something For the Weekend series. Although it's not technically the weekend anymore, it's always worth browsing through the links on there, as they always select the best stuff over on Viva F1. I should also do a quick shout out for the quiz-formerly-known-as Pitlane Fanatic. It's returning in a new VivaF1 shape, so stay tuned to Viva F1.
I'm offering up a quick shout out on behalf of Mr C to Vanquish's blog. There are some fabulous stories on there, with the last one being all about Sir Stirling Moss. The entries are quite long, so you need to grab a cup of tea and a biscuit, settle down and get reading.
On a self-promoting tangent, I posted an unusual item on Media Future Change yesterday. Mr C and I had been having a conversation, but he was too busy to turn it into a blog post so instead I recorded his words and turned them into a transcript. At some point he will be appearing on the podcast with me, but for now, it's a great way to be a fly on the wall as we discuss media future changey type things. I like the way it's turned out, let me know what you think!
That should do it for now. With the weekend over, it's time to focus fully on the countdown to Free Practice on Friday. Let me know how you're passing the time, and I will see you in the comments.
Maverick and Jackie bring the Pitlane Fanatic Wednesday night quiz to life, as Steven Roy and Journeyer battle it out for a number of rounds. The tension is high, the knowledge is incredible, but who will emerge victorious?
The real night shift begins, with just two hours left of this Sidepodradio extravaganza. It's been quite the marathon, but we're not quite there yet. We've still got a couple of great shows coming up:
22:00 Film Watch - Bassano Clapper and Christine join forces to discuss all things film related, with Christine's lack of knowledge and Bassano's intelligent insights, it will be quite the thirty minutes.
22:30 Whose Start Line Is It Anyway? - Nick hosts a panel type game show that resembles the programme of a similar name. Lots of our show hosts return for this one-off special.
We're doing this for an as yet undecided charity, so if you like what you're hearing and are feeling generous, please donate. No amount too small.
Please keep in touch in the comments, we'll be trying to keep up throughout the day.
We are already a quarter of the way through and by the time this 60 minutes is up we'll have completed a third of the entire marathon. What will the next hour hold in store for us?
15:00 Unless I'm Very Much Mistaken... - The Wednesday night Pitlane Fanatic quiz goes live with Maverick and Jackie asking the questions, and two very special guest stars wracking their brains for the answers.
15:30 All Sports with Sean - Sean ably guides us through the murky world of sports other than Formula 1, with voicemails and questions from commenters and some insight from down under.
We're doing this for an as yet undecided charity, so if you like what you're hearing and are feeling generous, please donate. No amount too small.
Please keep in touch in the comments, we'll be trying to keep up throughout the day.
There were breakout threads all over the place yesterday as the news kept on pouring in. Personally, I'm hoping for a bit of a calmer day today, but you just never know with F1. Here are some of the things we're talking about:
It's all about the new Lotus F1 team, how they will fare, and what the grid will look like now that BMW have found a buyer as well. We've got a breakout thread for this, and we're still trying to fathom out how the FIA made their decision.
Over on Pitlane Fanatic, Maverick has written a highly researched article called: Born to Cheat? It takes a closer look at human behaviour and asks the ultimate question - can the teams help themselves? Also, don't forget the Pitlane Fanatic quiz, as it is Wednesday.
The daily Sidepodradio update - we have now got most of the pre-recorded shows completed, which is great news. If you are still to do an Interviews with Bloggers segment, please get that in as soon as you can. More info is available on the wiki. If you're a show host and are going live on Sunday, let us know if there's anything you need, and we'll do our best to be as ready as possible!
That'll do it for now. We're midway through the week, and I don't know about anyone else, but I'm starting to get all excited about Sidepodradio. Is it Sunday yet? I'll see you in the comments.
Friday is here, and that can only mean it is Free Practice day in Hungary. Now Free Practice is usually the least exciting day of the race weekend, and if you multiply that by being at the Hungaroring, we're not expecting much. Still, the weather is supposed to be nice.
RG created a great quiz last night called: "Which F1 Driver Are You?" It's a couple of pages of questions but well worth a few minutes of your time. Apparently I am Jaime Alguersuari, which is typical as I can't even say his name. If you haven't already, take the quiz and let us know who you are.
Ollie has written a good post about the naming conventions surrounding US F1 - if that is in fact what they are really called. Am also a fan of the title, as it looks like this could be the start of an occasional series. Yay.
Also, if you've not placed any bets on the upcoming race weekend, then you might be able to glean something from F1 Punter's latest two posts - Hungary for Success and Another Podium Possibility. The latter features Timo Glock, which will make the aforementioned RG happy.
That'll do it for now. Join us for live commenting throughout the day as we enjoy Free Practice, and let us know how you think the rest of the weekend will pan out. I'll see you in the comments.
We're halfway through the week now and it's far from the quiet news week I thought it might be. Nevertheless, here are some of the other things we're talking about:
We're trying to come up with a new name for the Trulliometer, as it looks as though Hamilton is setting up his own. From the depths of despair over the weekend, he's now on the up, suggesting that all the car needs is a few tweaks here and there and everything will be fine again. Hamiltonometer, anyone?
Amy has been keeping an eye on the cakes we've seen in the pitlane so far, and has come up with a list. I'm intrigued by the F1 cakes, so would love to know if you've ever made, or been given an F1 themed cake. Or if you could make a cake for someone, what would you bake? Mmmm, cake.
Don't forget the Pitlane Fanatic quiz tonight. It starts at 8:30pm and features some fiendishly hard questions, usually including a spot the difference, which is about the only time I ever get anything right. On the PF topic, Jackie has set up her own blog, brand new, so make sure you add it to your bookmarks.
That'll do for now. Don't forget to check out the final episode of season two of Sidepodpanel, expertly hosted by the aforementioned Amy. It is now available in all it's edited goodness. As usual, I'll see you in the comments.
A bumper Sidepodpanel gets smaller as the show goes on, but we have two guest hosts with some fantastic topics (and double the killer questions as well). Expect space travel, songs, and cartoon characters as Jackie and Lou take the helm.
This week sees the debut of Sidepodquiz - a test of Formula 1 knowledge past and present. This pilot show sees Ollie from BlogF1 answer our fiendishly tricky questions, and get a very respectable score.
If you want to hear Ollie take the quiz, it's available via this audio player, otherwise have a go at the quiz yourself - the questions are below. We'd love to hear how you got on, so please let us know your score in the comments.
The Rookie Round
10 questions, 1 point per question
Which high-speed circuit in the Austrian mountains made its debut in 1970? Osterreichring or A1-Ring
In the 2007 season, two drivers participated in only one race. Winkelhock was one, who was the other? Nakajima
Which engine did Sauber debut with in 1993? Ilmor or Mercedes or Sauber
What does the black flag with an orange circle in the centre represent to drivers? Mechanical problem with car, driver must return to pit
Which year did the points system change to its current format? 2003
Which year did the Australian Grand Prix move from Adelaide to Melbourne? 1996
Niki Lauda famously won the world driver's championship by the smallest margin ever when he finished half a point ahead of his nearest rival. What year was this? 1984
Which team had to change its livery prior to the start of the 1999 season? BAR
Which current TV presenter and wannabe Formula 1 star drove an Ensign in the 1980 Belgian Grand Prix? Tiff Needell
What was the relationship between Ian Scheckter and Jody Scheckter? Brothers
Bonus Question
Chosen driver: Sebastian Vettel, 2 points
How many times has Vettel retired so far this year? 6
The Three Stopping Round
Multiple Choice, 2 points per question
How long in kilometres to the nearest decimal place is a lap of the Valencian street cirucit? 4.9, 5.2, or 5.4? 5.4
March Engineering arrived in Formula 1 in 1970, but where did they finish in the constructors championship that year? 7th, 3rd, 5th? 3rd
In the 2000 season, how many races of the 17 on the calendar were won by Ferrari? 10, 12 or 14? 10
Which 1973 Grand Prix saw the introduction of the Safety Car for the first time in Formula 1? Germany, Italy, Canada? Canada
How many times as Michael Schumacher been disqualified from an F1 race in his career? Twice, three times or four? Twice
Bonus Question
Chosen driver: Sebastian Vettel, 2 points
What is Vettel's career points total so far? 29
Who Am I?
30 second time limit, points = time remaining after correct answer given
I was born on January 11th 1983 in Starnberg. My father came from Uruguay, but moved to Germany at the age of 28. I speak fluent German, English, Spanish , and a little Italian. I began karting at the age of 14, and progressed to Formula Ford 1800 in 2002. I won all ten rounds of the season from pole position. My first F1 role was as test driver for MF1 Racing, before I was given a race drive in 2007 by Spyker. I am now a Force India driver and race alongside Giancarlo Fisichella.
Adrian Sutil
Ten Second Trivia
Guess four on a certain subject - ten points for all four, otherwise 1 point each
Jean Alesi drove for six teams during his Formula 1 career. Name four of them. Tyrrell, Ferrari, Benetton, Sauber, Prost, Jordan
Let us know how you get on, what you think of the quiz, and whether you'd be up for taking part. We'll give further details about signing up closer to the time of the next round.
In a bizarre mix of A Question of Sport and Mastermind, the BBC are running a series of sport-themed Mastermind shows, where the participants are quizzed on their favourite teams and players. The latest show involves student Ben Croucher tackling the subject of Formula 1 from 2000 to 2007. If you are in the UK and can access the BBC iPlayer, it can be viewed here until the 31st July.
But don't go there yet!
As a bit of Friday night fun, I have transcribed the questions for your viewing pleasure, and thought we could host ourselves our very own pub quiz. Except, this isn't a pub, there's no prizes, and I have stolen the questions.
But hush. It's just a bit of fun. If you Google the answers, you're only cheating yourselves, etc, etc. Let us know how you get on in the comments. The answers are hidden in grey at the end of each question. Enjoy.
Jenson Button drove for which team in 2000, his first season in Formula 1? Williams
How many races did Michael Schumacher win in 2000 when he became the first Ferrari champion since Jody Scheckter in 1979? 9
Which city did Lewis Hamilton celebrate the first of his four victories in his inaugural season? Montreal
Which driver gave the Super Aguri team it's sole four points in the constructors championship in the 2007 season? Takuma Sato
Which country did Michael Schumacher achieve the last of his 91 Formula 1 Grand Prix wins? China
Who finished sixth in the Australian Grand Prix of 2007, having started last on the grid? (FYI, Ben passed on this one)Felipe Massa
In March 2003, Fernando Alonso started on pole position for the first time. At which Grand Prix circuit did he achieve this landmark? Sepang International Circuit
Which driver retired at the end of 2001 after 202 Grands Prix, only one of which he won? Jean Alesi
When Ralf Schumacher sustained two fractures in his spinal column, which official test driver replaced him at the 2004 French Grand Prix? Marc Gene
Who won the British Grand Prix on St. George's Day becoming the first British winner of the new decade? David Coulthard
All but three teams withdrew from the 2005 US Grand Prix over a tyre safety issue. Ferrari and Jordan-Toyota were two that did compete, which team was the third? (Poor old Ben was allowing the pressure to get to him slightly here, saying Jordan. Damn it.)Minardi
In 2003, which driver failed to finish in 9 races but also had his first Formula 1 victory when he won the Brazilian Grand Prix? Giancarlo Fisichella
Lewis Hamilton's first Grand Prix win in 2007 came almost a year after fellow Briton Jenson Button won a Grand Prix on which circuit? Hungaroring
In 2004, Michael Schumacher won the first five races of the season. Which Renault driver stopped it being a run of six by winning at Monaco? Jarno Trulli
What is the name of the driver who made his debut in the 2007 US Grand Prix, aged 19? He finished in 8th place. Sebastian Vettel
The former World Champion Jacques Villeneuve drove for Renault in three Grand Prix in 2004 season. Two were in China and Brazil, in which country was the third? Japan
Ben got 14. I only managed 5, but we have already established that I can't remember anything. How did you do?
Update: Have just finished watching the rest of the show, and Ben came third out of four. Rubbish. I guess his general knowledge of other sports let him down. However, I'm even more annoyed that the only girl finished fourth. Gah. Letting the side down. Not that I could have done even remotely better, as I demonstrated above.
