Formula One 2012

[GP]

New season, new thread.

Senna will drive for Williams next year.

Never thought I'd say that... :wacko:

[Injury Time]

Wow F1 has so much money they can bring back the dead :faint: he's also shit, guess he's got big sponsor money behind him that has no influence on such things....

[GP]

I find it quite sad that a once great team like Williams are so strapped for cash they have to hire shit like Maldonado and Senna.

It is about time Rubens retired though.

[GP]

http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/3575/14764eccolaferrari2012c.jpg

Interesting sidepods.

[GP]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/409480_269111283155923_102855529781500_675161_1533 18172_n.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/5Wxz5.gif

[GP]

Adrian Sutil guilty of GBH.

Fined €200,000 and given 18-month suspended sentence.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

What an idiot.

[GP]

Yep.

That's probably why he has no race seat this season.

[Niall_Quinn]

Adrian Sutil guilty of GBH.

Fined €200,000 and given 18-month suspended sentence.

What did he do, batter a fairy? The guy's about 4' 2"

[GP]

http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/201202/mclaren-mp4-27-formu_600x0w.jpg

[PGFC]

Adrian Sutil guilty of GBH.

Fined €200,000 and given 18-month suspended sentence.


What did he do, batter a fairy? The guy's about 4' 2"

It was the sweetest of Honoury GHEL crimes, He glassed a Luxembourger.

[GP]

Looks like Rubens will be driving in Indycar this season. No deal yet but he tested a car at Sebring with Tony Kanaan.

[GP]

http://img.skysports.com/12/02/660x350/Ferrari-2012-car-F1_2712213.jpg

:sick:

[Niall_Quinn]

http://img.skysports.com/12/02/660x350/Ferrari-2012-car-F1_2712213.jpg

:sick:

Fuck, what did they do to the front of the car. And more importantly, why?

[GP]

http://www.grandprixweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/VJM05-2012.jpg

[GP]

http://i41.tinypic.com/ibglnc.jpg

[GP]

http://www.racecar-engineering.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/upc31.jpg

[GP]

http://a.yfrog.com/img815/5279/wf8tx.jpg

[GP]

http://www.f1talks.pl/wp-content/gallery/rb8/rb8_02.jpg

[LDG]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/16914962

Pre-season testing.

[GP]

:good: I've been following this today. The lap times are mostly irrelevant today.

[LDG]

I've been pretty ignorant to it thus far. Got rapidly bored last year....

What's all this "stepped nose" business.....McClaren don't seem to have it, yet everyone else does....

[GP]

Change in regulations means there's a maximum height for the nose cone. Most teams prefer a higher chassis so the nose has to step down like that.

McLaren have a lower chassis so the nose is smoother.

[GP]

http://img.skysports.com/12/02/660x350/Williams-FW34_2714574.jpg

I really hope Williams have a good season. It's really sad to see how far they've fallen.

[GP]

If you were wondering why Maldonado is still there...

http://imagenes.lapatilla.s3.amazonaws.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/maldonado.jpg

[GP]

Vitaly Petrov has replaced Jarno Trulli at Caterham.

Poor old Jarno.

[Coney]

If you were wondering why Maldonado is still there...

http://imagenes.lapatilla.s3.amazonaws.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/maldonado.jpg

Looks like an Arsenal board member's restaurant bill

[KESSLER]

anyone got a link for last nights sky preview show?

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Kimi on Top Gear. :bow:

Also, can't wait for this weekend. :popcorn:

[GP]

Kimi on Top Gear. :bow:

Also, can't wait for this weekend. :popcorn:

I do love Finns in F1 :D

Also...

Australian Grand Prix
Melbourne, 16-18 March

http://www.f1-fansite.com/circuits/circuits/AUS_F1_2010_Albertpark.jpg

Come on you McLaren boys!

[GP]

Nissan will apparently be racing the batmobile at Le Mans...

http://wtf1.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/53788-hi-Nissan-DeltaWing-051Black-800x533.jpg

:unsure:

[GP]

Australian Grand Prix

Qualifying

1. HAMILTON POLE POSITION!
2. BUTTON
3. GROSJEAN
4. SCHUMACHER
5.WEBBER
6.VETTEL
7.ROSBERG
8.MALDONADO
9.HULKENBERG
10.RICCIARDO

Alonso 12th :haha:

Massa 16th :haha:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Well done to Hamilton. And Button in fact!

I really hope Mercedes haven't got their act together this year, it does look like they have.

Alonso. :lol:

[KESSLER]

What happen to Kimi?

The Mercs look strong as do the Mclarens. Lets see if their race pace is as good.

Ferrari :haha:

[GP]

HRT will not be allowed to race after qualifying outside the 107% time :lol:

Perez has a 5 place grid pelanty after changing his gearbox.

[GP]

http://media.t3.com/img/resized/an/xl_AngryBirds_Heikki_624.jpg

:lol: Awesome

[McNamara That Ghost...]

:lol:

That's very good.

Formation lap under way. :popcorn:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Button in the lead!

Bruno Senna starts as he means to go on, he goes off track.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Vettel passes Rosberg on turn 10! Great move.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Grosjean is out. :doh:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Vettel goes off wide, still manages to see off Rosberg and Alonso somehow.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Schumacher goes off, Vettel easily passes him. Schumacher has a major problem, his race will be done, surely.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Everyone is passing Massa. :lol:

Raikkonen is having a great race.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Raikkonen. :haha:

He thought the blue flags were for him.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Safety Car is out. Vettel takes the opportunity to pit and comes back out ahead of Hamilton!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Kovalainen is out. :lol:

:faint:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Massa is out, :doh:

[GP]

Jenson Button wins!

Vettel 2nd
Hamilton 3rd

Great race!

[Maestro]

Lewis visibly angry and shows bitterness towards Button, Vettel on the other hand is magnanimous in defeat and joyfully celebrates with and congratulates Button.

Starting to hate Hamilton's attitude, he's got history with this shit as well, spoilt little prick if you ask me.

Well done Button!

[GP]

Massa is dreadful.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Well done to Button!

Massa had an absolute shocker.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/59149000/jpg/_59149603_59149602.jpg

:unsure:

[GP]

Almost as good as...

http://gifmesmile.com/data/published/01_2012/d4ba1ffe6247217484e9da4715c967da_pub.gif

[McNamara That Ghost...]

:haha:

[KESSLER]

Alonso deserves a better car

[GP]

Nah he's got what he deserves :)

[KESSLER]

haha he's a prick but a awesome driver tbh.

I want to see him battle it out with the best on a fairer playing field.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Almost as good as...

http://gifmesmile.com/data/published/01_2012/d4ba1ffe6247217484e9da4715c967da_pub.gif

:lol:

[Niall_Quinn]

Massa is dreadful.

Alonso is making him look even worse. That Ferrari is total shite. Miracle performance from Alsono today. Solid from Button. Awful from Hamilton. Great drive and great entertainment from Raikonnen.

[GP]

Alonso is making him look even worse. That Ferrari is total shite. Miracle performance from Alsono today. Solid from Button. Awful from Hamilton. Great drive and great entertainment from Raikonnen.

I'm not sure 3rd place can be considered awful. He got jumped at the start and shafted by the safety car. His lap times were as good as anyones. One of those days.

[Niall_Quinn]

I'm not sure 3rd place can be considered awful. He got jumped at the start and shafted by the safety car. His lap times were as good as anyones. One of those days.

He didn't have the pace to put pressure on his main rivals today, it was a fairly anonymous race for him.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Schumacher goes off, Vettel easily passes him. Schumacher has a major problem, his race will be done, surely.

Should never have gone back tbh.

[GP]

Malaysian Grand Prix
Sepang, 23-25 March

http://www.f1racingfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Sepang-Grand-Prix-Circuit.jpg

[LDG]

Malaysian Grand Prix
Sepang, 23-25 March

http://www.f1racingfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Sepang-Grand-Prix-Circuit.jpg

If you turn that 90 degrees, it looks like a messy vagina.

[GP]

So does your face.

[LDG]

:trophy:

:lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Raikkonen will get a five place grid pelanty for changing the gearbox.

Also, Massa was nowhere again for Ferrari in practice. Surely Ferrari will have to sack him soon? There's no way he can be honouring what his contract asks of him.

[GP]

I'm not sure why he's still there to be honest. He's been dreadful for 2 years.

There's a mid season test at the Mugello circuit, I'd be amazed if he's there for that.

Perez to replace him, I'd imagine.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Give one of the HRT drivers some practice, although they're probably getting more out of their respective cars in comparison already.

[LDG]

I'm not sure why he's still there to be honest. He's been dreadful for 2 years.

There's a mid season test at the Mugello circuit, I'd be amazed if he's there for that.

Perez to replace him, I'd imagine.

He's a bit of a pansy tbh. He has talent, sure, but you need some bollocks to drive those things. Take some risks, push the car.

That's where Hamilton is losing it a little bit I reckon. He's toning it down too much. Fuck the pelanties. He knows where to find grip and line on a track better than anyone, and car permitting, needs to start doing it again.

[PGFC]

I'm not sure why he's still there to be honest. He's been dreadful for 2 years.

There's a mid season test at the Mugello circuit, I'd be amazed if he's there for that.

Perez to replace him, I'd imagine.

Tbf He's not been the same driver since his accident

[GP]

Tbf He's not been the same driver since his accident

No he hasn't. I'm not sure it's just that though.

He hasn't won a race since 2008, when Hamilton took the title off him at the last corner. Not sure he's ever recovered from that either.

Either way, a team like Ferrari can't afford to carry a passenger like that.

I hope he signs a 10 year contract :)

[GP]

He's a bit of a pansy tbh. He has talent, sure, but you need some bollocks to drive those things. Take some risks, push the car.

That's where Hamilton is losing it a little bit I reckon. He's toning it down too much. Fuck the pelanties. He knows where to find grip and line on a track better than anyone, and car permitting, needs to start doing it again.

I don't think that's Lewis's problem. I think he just can't get to grips with the tyres.

He's, in my opinion, the fastest driver on the grid over a single lap, as last week's qualifying will support. But over a race distance, he can't manage the tyres as well as some others.

I think he'll be on pole tomorrow, for what it's worth.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Tyre management is going to be key on Sunday if the heat stays as it is. Might be worth the drivers using up most of their Option tyres in qualifying tbf.

[GP]

If the McLaren is as strong here as it was in Oz, even with Lewis on pole I'd have Jenson favourite for the race.

McLaren 1-2 plzthx.

[LDG]

I don't think that's Lewis's problem. I think he just can't get to grips with the tyres.

He's, in my opinion, the fastest driver on the grid over a single lap, as last week's qualifying will support. But over a race distance, he can't manage the tyres as well as some others.

I think he'll be on pole tomorrow, for what it's worth.

Is that him, or the pit though? He's a stubborn git, but he's not stupid. Many of the problems last season where to do with pit strategy, with Redbull being one step ahead all of the time....time he pulled a few punches imo.

I agree, he's the fastest man out there. Vettel is fuckin good (the ****), but Lewis has something else for me. It's a feel thing he has. Vettel is boring, like Schumacher. It'a all about german efficiency. Hamilton can actually bend a car round corners.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Raikkonen is up there with Hamilton and Button in Q1. Impressive.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Mark Webber leads after Q1.

HRT drop out but they can actually race tomorrow. :trophy:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Raikkonen leads after Q2. :blink:

Massa ad Alonso are both in to Q3. Not far away now. :popcorn:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Q3 is on.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Hamilton first, Button second!

Then Schumacher, Webber, Raikkonen, Vettel, Grosjean, Rosberg, Alonso, Perez. Though of course, Raikkonen will actually start 10th on the grid.

Clever of Red Bull to put Vettel on the harder tyres when he wasn't doing anything on the softer tyres, theoretically it should give him a race advantage.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

There's a high probability of rain before the beginnining of the race.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Well, the German police will know where David Haye is, if they're still looking for him. :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

It's raining. :popcorn:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Everyone is on intermediates now.

Formation lap under way.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Grosjean up to third!

Webber's starts. :doh: Although he is up to third now. :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Grosjean and Schumacher spin out!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Vettel is in fourth now.


What a first lap. :haha:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Grosjean is out. Bit of a pisser for him.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

I love seeing double pit stops. Brilliant from Red Bull.

Everyone going on to the full wets now.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Safetycar is coming out, not surprised. Cars were locking up in to corners, Hamilton said there was aquaplaning.

Lightning now! :haha: This is brilliant.

Karthikeyan in tenth!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Red flagged now.

[GP]

that's proper rain!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

The teams are asking if they can put tents up on the grid. :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Safety Car is out now, not sure if that means anything or if they're just bored and want to take it for a spin.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

The race should restart soon.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Safety Car is in this lap. Race to the pits probably. :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Half of the pack has gone in to the pits. :haha:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Perez leads. :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

McClaren. :doh:

A problem in the pits stops, Hamilton feeds back in to a lot of pitting cars, he comes out behind Alonso and Button!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Button has damage to the front wing and front tyres! Karthikeyan the car in front of him. :wacko:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Button has to pit again! Vettel now pits, it has worked out well for the Red Bulls so far.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Perez did the fastest lap of the race on the wet tyres, whilst everyone else is on intermediates. :haha:

Alonso leads currently. Wow.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Brilliant move from Ricciardo on Senna.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Vettel passes Rosberg! Up to fourth.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Now Raikkonen passes Rosberg, he's up in to fifth.

Raikkonen. :bow:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Webber is ahead of Rosberg now. :doh:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Light rain falling in the paddock. :lol:

Massa is having a good battle, way down the field.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Perez is going mental.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Perez is closing back in on Alonso. :bow:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Puncture for Vettel! Karthikeyan involved again. :haha:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Perez has gone wide now. His only hope is for the rain to fall.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

The top eight are in eight different cars. :bow:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Maldonado's race is over at the very end, yet again. Schumacher in to tenth now.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Vettel was told to retire, then told to stay out, now he has been told to retire again. :haha:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Alonso wins! Amazing win for he and Ferrari. Perez second, Hamilton third.

Then Webber, Raikkonen, Senna, Di Resta, Vergne, Hulkenberg and Schumacher.

Perez. :bow:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Also, a well earned :doh: for Button, Vettel and Massa.

[Coney]

The top eight are in eight different cars. :bow:

Well sure, but I thought all the Formula 1 cars were single-seater. ;)

[GP]

Well sure, but I thought all the Formula 1 cars were single-seater. ;)

Yeah but there are 2 of each.

[GP]

So a Ferrari protege in a Ferrari powered car makes a 'mistake' to allow Ferrari to win. Hmm...

[McNamara That Ghost...]

:lol: That could've cost him second though. I think the message got in to his head, he was in the zone before that. I mean, he could've just eased off otherwise.

[Coney]

Yeah but there are 2 of each.

:tumbleweed:

[GP]

Oh, and Massa was terrible again. Alwful.

[Dennis Bendtner]

Vettel called the freshie driver a 'cucumber'

[Niall_Quinn]

So a Ferrari protege in a Ferrari powered car makes a 'mistake' to allow Ferrari to win. Hmm...

Nobody allowed Ferrari to win that one. It was an astounding drive from Alonso. His car is a pile of shit basically, yet the driver and the team managed to overcome that today. Makes a big difference from last year when they spent their whole time shooting themselves in the foot. Great race with some different names at the top for a change.

[GP]

http://wtf1.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Perez.jpg

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Vettel called the freshie driver a 'cucumber'

Karthikeyan the destroyer. :bow: Not sure what his game is though as he contributed to Anglo and Germanic downfalls. :whistle:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a6/Narain_Karthikeyan_2011_Malaysia2.jpg/220px-Narain_Karthikeyan_2011_Malaysia2.jpg

What a man.


Also, it's a shame Chandhok isn't there too this season.

[GP]

We need Chandhok back, tbh. Those two trundling around at seven mph would make it much more interesting.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Those two could definitely be the guinea pigs for drivers to go the other way round the circuit.

[Dennis Bendtner]

This page is racist

[GP]

It's not my fault Freshies can't drive.

[Dennis Bendtner]

They have crap cars, and we are not seeing their potential. Hope Karun bhai gets Massa's seat.

[GP]

:lol: Yeah that'll happen.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

Everyone else could be in the Reasonably Priced Car, and they'd still get lapped.

[GP]

Everyone else could be in the Reasonably Priced Car, and they'd still get lapped.

:lol: :gp:

Even James May in a DACIA SANDERO!!! Would be faster

[Dennis Bendtner]

:(

serious note, how much are the crap drivers paid?

[GP]

:(

serious note, how much are the crap drivers paid?

Drivers like Kartikeyan are more likely to be paying HRT through sponsorship.

Pastor Maldonado comes with a $29m sponsoship package to Williams, for example.

[GP]

Chinese Grand Prix
Shanghai, 13-15 April

http://www.fia.com/en-GB/sport/championships/f1/2008/china/PublishingImages/circuit_map_chi.jpg

I predict a 3rd straight pole for Lewis.

Jenson to win the race.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

F1. :bow: First race live on BBC this year too.

[GP]

Yes, although I'll probably still watch on Sky.

[Olivier's xmas twist]

Yes, although I'll probably still watch on Sky.

Same here.

Think Vettle will win this one though, with lewis Second and Alonson 3rd.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Hamilton will probably a receive a five-place grid pelanty. Gearbox change.

[GP]

That's a shame for him, but one of those things I guess.

High chance of a wet race again though, so I'm not sure grid position is vital.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

I'll watch it on BBC because I don't know if their coverage will be any good or not, yet.

Lotus have made an official protest over Mercedes' wing design. :popcorn:

[GP]

I'll watch it on BBC because I don't know if their coverage will be any good or not, yet.

Lotus have made an official protest over Mercedes' wing design. :popcorn:

Red Bull have been whinging as well. It's already been declared legal though. I hope it isn't banned.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Mercedes just need to demonstrate it's 'passive'. I can't imagine Ross Brawn would be the overseer of a gigantic cock-up.

[GP]

As I understand it, it would count as passive. It's a by-product of the DRS opening.

I can't see them banning it now.

[GP]

http://wtf1.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Yaoming.jpg

:lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Crazy qualifying results:

Rosberg on pole! Hamilton second but will start in seventh, Schumacher makes it a 1-2 because of that, Kobayashi, Raikkonen, Button, Webber, Perez, Alonso, Grosjean!

Vettel and Massa out in Q2. :haha:

[GP]

Vettel :pal:

Massa :doh: He is dreadful.

[GP]

Congrats to Rosberg! I like him a lot. Not sure how quick the merc will be in the race but I hope he can stay in front.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Formation lap near completion. :popcorn:

Should be lots of overtaking with the two huge straights.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Button up to third!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Kobayashi has dropped to sixth.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

They just showed Senna's start. What a nutter, managed to give himself front wing damage by turn one. :doh:

Vettel in 14th. :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Raikkonen and Hamilton going side-by-side in the pit lane. :lol:

Hamilton and Webber are ahead of Raikkonen. Raikkonen tried squeezing the place back on turn six on Webber., ended up getting squeezed out. :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Schumacher is out!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Massa and Hamilton are close . :popcorn:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Perez is locking up right in front of Hamilton. Still ahead somehow.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Perez now pits, locked up again going in to the final corner. :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Horrible pitstop for Button! Ends up back in sixth!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Everyone is bunched up miles away from Rosberg. :haha:

Kobayashi sets the fastest lap.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Massa fnally pits.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

This is insane. Nine cars bunched up, surely there are going to be some pit stops soon.

Alonso goes wide! Perez ahead of him

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Four cars behind Raikkonen are all in the one second DRS zone. :haha:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Maldonado and Grosjean go wheel to wheel! Sparks flying. :haha:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Wow that was brilliant. Perez and Alonso are now bunched up with them too.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Hamilton and Webber fighting now. :lol:

Vettel up to second! Button up to third. Webber goes wide! :haha:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Hamilton now up to fourth! Raikkonen is falling back now, tyres have fallen off the cliff. 10th now. :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Vettel, Button and Hamilton have broken away now for second. Don't fancy Vettel's chances.

Rosberg must have a huge trollface on.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Button up to second!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Hamilton up to third!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Webber now in fourth. Vettel's tyres are falling off the cliff.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Rosberg wins! Congrats to him, imperious stuff that. Button second, Hamilton third. Then Webber, Vettel (some effort from him), Grosjean, Senna, Maldonado, Alonso and Kobayashi.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

That didn't get going until the 35th lap, ridiculous from then on. :bow:

[Marc Overmars]

So how come F1 is so open this year with a few different winners already?

[Niall_Quinn]

So how come F1 is so open this year with a few different winners already?

Dodgy tyres, bit like asking footballers to play with a square ball. Just randomises the results. F1 all about the TV audience now, has little to do with the drivers and cars (apart from sponsorship placement)

[GP]

Schumacher is out!

When that happened Brundle said 'I haven't been this disappointed since Shrek 2'

:lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

The FIA are absolute idiots for thinking this would go without any problems.


Force India team members were forced to flee as petrol bombs were hurled over their vehicle on their way back from the Bahrain Grand Prix track.

The four mechanics in a 4x4 were caught in the middle of an incident as police clashed with protesters.

Some tear gas fired by police entered the car, before the driver escaped through a gap in the flames on the road.

No Force India staff were hurt but two team members have asked to return home.

The men were travelling on the main highway from the track into the capital Manama when unrest spilled into the road.

After being stopped in the road for two to three minutes, the vehicle was able to move away as part of a larger group of traffic.

Anti-government protests in Bahrain caused the 2011 race to be called off, and a number of teams expected a similar outcome for this year's race amid security concerns.

Teams and drivers are known to have private misgivings about the wisdom of racing in Bahrain amid ongoing civil unrest, but none have so far publicly questioned the decision.

The four men were said to be emotional, upset and angry with organisers that the race had been allowed to go ahead.

Bahrain circuit chairman Zayed R Alzayani said: "They weren't targeted. They just happened to be there.

"I think it's unfortunate. It's an issue of timing. It could happen in any place in the world really, getting caught up in a riot or a fight or anything."

One of the Force India team who has asked to return home was in the 4x4, which ran into trouble around 20 minutes from the circuit on the outskirts of the capital Manama.

It came at the end of the first day of work for teams in Bahrain, where they have travelled for this weekend's race following assurances from the country's authorities and F1's governing body, the FIA, that the Gulf state is completely safe.

The MRS team entered in the supporting Porsche SuperCup series has withdrawn from the weekend's season-opening race, saying it could not guarantee the safety of staff.

A spokesman for the McLaren F1 team said: "We are putting in place the appropriate security measures, which we always do at every grand prix, in accordance with local requirements."

Alzayani said there would "probably" be more violence, adding: "I can't comment on the degree of violence, whether it will be more or not - I don't have that kind of information.
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Amnesty International says torture and ill-treatment continue in Bahrain

"I don't think they will be within the track or close to the track, and I think they will be handled in the right way."

Alzayani said his advice to fans was "be vigilant".

"I would give them advice to enjoy the weekend," he said. "Don't be too worried and too distracted not to enjoy the weekend."

A statement from the circuit said the Force India group had driven through "an isolated incident involving a handful of illegal protestors acting violently towards police."

It added: "During this incident a Molotov cocktail landed in the vicinity of their vehicle.

"After approximately two minutes, the route was cleared and the vehicle carried on its journey. There were no casualties and eyewitness reports from the scene confirmed that their vehicle had not been targeted itself."

The Gulf Kingdom's ruling royal family are being pressured to improve human rights and make reforms by the majority Shia population, who accuse the minority ruling Sunnis of discrimination.

On Sunday, the FIA said it was "satisfied that all the proper security measures are in place for the running of a Formula 1 world championship event", and the race will go ahead.

However, with practice in Sakhir due to start on Friday, protests have continued in Manama with more scheduled for near the circuit on Sunday's raceday.

Some television broadcasters have decided not to attend this year's race, but it is set to be shown in the UK.

Sky Sports refused to comment, while a spokesman for BBC Sport - which is due to screen highlights - said: "As the race has been officially sanctioned by the FIA we will cover the event as part of our contractual obligations.

"We take staff safety very seriously and continue to closely monitor the situation on the ground."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/17767985

[Niall_Quinn]

Bernie and the gang need their payday. A few petrol bombs won't change that. Must be nice when you are protesting a thoroughly corrupt government to see a big money carnival roll into town to take the piss. All predictable as you say.

[Syn]

Looks like it's going ahead.

Bet everyone involved wishes they were somewhere else though.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

The Sky Sports presenter thinks they're in Abu Dhabi. :lol:

[Japan Shaking All Over]

Way things are panning out over there, they probably wish they were!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

True. They probably are actually, leaving the drivers to it. The first F1 circuit with a ring of fire.

[Coney]

Bernie and the gang need their payday. A few petrol bombs won't change that. Must be nice when you are protesting a thoroughly corrupt government to see a big money carnival roll into town to take the piss. All predictable as you say.

I was going to say BE should be ashamed, but that is ridiculous. Without a conscience, you can't feel shame about that kind of thing.

[Coney]

And as expected...

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-17796833


A man has been found dead with gunshot wounds in Bahrain after overnight clashes with police, activists say, a day before Sunday's F1 Grand Prix.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

:doh:

Was bound to happen.

Also, Schumacher failed to qualify for Q2. :blink:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Massa fails to qualify for Q3, Grosjean makes it to Q3, Raikkonen doesn't.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Vettel on pole! Then Hamilton, Webber, Button, Rosberg, Ricciardo, Grosjean, Perez, Alonso and Di Resta

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Formation lap under way. :popcorn:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Alonso up to fifth! Grosjean in fourth. :wacko:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Massa passes Raikkonen. :blink:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Now Grosjean passes Webber for third!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Ah normality restored, Raikkonen back ahead of Massa in seventh.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Grosjean passes Hamilton up to second!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Another McLaren pit stop fuck-up, for Hamilton!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Hamilton takes a trip out on to the desert!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Raikkonen up to fifth ahead of Webber.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

1 Vettel, 2 Grosjean, 3 Raikkonen, 4 Webber, 5 Button, 6 Hamilton, 7 Alonso, 8 Rosberg, 9 Massa, 10 Perez. Currently.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Di Resta, Maldonado and Perez fight over the same corner. :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Raikkonen finally overtakes Grosjean.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

McLaren hold Hamilton up in the pits again. :haha:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Maldonado spins out. :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Alonso looks like he is going in to the pits and then swerves out of it. :wacko:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Raikkonen is right up on Vettel now.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Button is out of the race with one lap to go!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Vettel wins! Eerily dominant like, last season. Raikkonen and Grosjean in the Lotus' next, great drive from them. Then Webber, Rosberg (pending two post-match investigations), Di Resta, Alonso, Hamilton, Massa and Schumacher.

Horrible race for McLaren.

[Coney]

http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/sport/sport-headlines/ecclestone-unveils-auschwitz-grand-prix-201204235152/


BERNIE Ecclestone has unveiled plans for a Formula One car pointing session through the grounds of Auschwitz.

The four foot-tall outrage perpetrator was given a boost after yesterday’s motorised spectacle in a human rights atrocity passed off without a hitch for anyone doesn't live there.

Ecclestone said: "It will all be done very tastefully with the start lights in the shape of a menorah in tribute to fact the race is taking place during Passover.

[GP]

Spanish Grand Prix
Montmelo, 11-13 May

http://cliptheapex.com/resources/f1/circuits/f1_circuit_catalunya_montmelo_spain.png

[GP]

James Allen just said the HRT is lacking a little bit sharpness.

James 'Arsene' Allen :bow:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

:lol:

Also, Sky have been advertising the race as on Sky only this weekend. It's on the BBC at the same time. :rolleyes:

[GP]

Have you been watching on BBC? I've only seen the Sky coverage.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Yeah I have been, well, when they are screened live that is. Even been watching the build-up and reaction to races I have already seen on the iPlayer too. No need for the build-up to be between 90-120 minutes really.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Hamilton and Schumacher had to go before the stewards with something that happened in practice, no word on how it might change qualifying or the race itself yet.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

No pelanty for Schumacher.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

The Williams is very fast. :blink:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Senna spins out right at the end of Q1. :haha:

Maldonado will be safely in to Q2.

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

Webber and Button out of the top 10. :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Button and Webber are out of Q2!

Maldonado first. :blink:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

There was only a tenth of a second difference between Raikkonen in 5th and Webber in 12th. :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Q3 under way. :bow:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Hamilton is the only one to set a time so far.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

The countdown will elapse before a second time is set. :haha:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Hamilton on pole! Congrats to him. Maldonado(!!), Alonso, Grosjean, Raikkonen, Perez, Rosberg, Vettel, Schumacher and Kobayashi follow.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

He might lose the pole, he stopped the car on the track. :doh:

[Shaqiri Is Boss]

He will start from the back of the grid.

[PGFC]

I think Hamilton needs to find a new team.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

McLaren. :bow:

Herp derp supreme.

Maldonado the leader. :blink:

[GP]

Ridiculous penalty. Absolutely absurd.

An extra 5 litres of fuel would cost him less than a tenth. He took pole by over 5 tenths.

Mental :doh:

[Coney]

Ridiculous penalty. Absolutely absurd.

An extra 5 litres of fuel would cost him less than a tenth. He took pole by over 5 tenths.

Mental :doh:

Might be a silly rule but the team know the rules and should have got their shit together. Not the first time the team have fallen short. Needs a sergeant-major type to kick their asses and keep them focussed professionally.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Formation lap under way.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Alonso up to first! Perez has a puncture.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Raikkonen is in third, Rosberg and then Grosjean.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Hamilton up to 17th. :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Vettel and Webber have pitted earlier than anybody else.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Something flies off from Grosjea's car, he and Senna went wheel-to-wheel. :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Senna and Schumacher are out! Schumacher. :haha:

What a horrific season.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Looked like Hamilton ran over the rear wheel gun, or they couldn't get it out of the way. Whatever happened, the car jumped up in the air!

What are McLaren doing?

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Hamilton and Massa are near each other again. :doh:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Webber needs a new front wing.

:rose:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Alonso loses time going in to the pits, Maldonado gets the lead back! :bow:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Vettel and Massa both have a drive through pelanty. :lol:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Hamilton's tyres were falling off the cliff, he is in for a pit he probably didn't want to have.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Vettel passes Button, he is back up to seventh.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Perez is out. I'd be sad but they have a Chelsea badge emblazoned on their cars now.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Slow stop for Malodonado in the pits!

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Vettel needs a new front wing now. :blink:

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Alonso is right on the back of Maldonado. Still 16 laps to go though.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

There is a small chance Raikkonen could sneak the win.

[McNamara That Ghost...]

Vettel passes Button again. This time for 8th. :lol: