Monaco Driver of the Day

[yodasarmpit]

Has to go to the very unlucky Sutil for me.

What a drive in the Force India, just a shame Kimi wrecked his chances.

[wedge]

:up:

And who said last year's result of being quickest in free practice was fluke?!

[F1boat]

I agree!

[F1boat]

I agree about Adrian, then I nominate Lewis and Kubica.

[gm99]

Absolutely - he and Kubica were the only ones who didn't make a single mistake throughout a very difficult race.

Donkey of the race goes to Räikkönen - he was off the pace throughout the week-end (except for the final few laps, when it didn't matter anymore) and managed to take out Sutil. He probably cost Force India a couple of million dollars in season-ending prize money that way...

[aryan]

I really feel for Sutil.

Yes, he deserves the DOTR title, with no reservations.

Kimi will owe him one.

[ValentinoXX]

Ferrari don't want to get beaten by a Force India car,

So they knocked him off the race

[gloomyDAY]

Ferrari don't want to get beaten by a Force India car,

So they knocked him off the raceShut up.

Anyway, DOTD goes to Sutil.
Vettel is definitely an honorable mention.

[gloomyDAY]

Sutil
Vettel
Hamilton

[ValentinoXX]

Shut up.

Anyway, DOTD goes to Sutil.
Vettel is definitely an honorable mention.


mlm

[ioan]

Sutil without a doubt. Followed by Vettel and Hamilton.

[aryan]

Everyone made mistakes other than Kubica and Sutil.

The difference is that the BMW is a fast car to begin with while the Force India...


That poor team... how many more opportunities will they have to score 5 points?

[ioan]

That poor team... how many more opportunities will they have to score 5 points?

Not many. Their fans will sure not love Raikkonen from now on, and man there are almost 1 billion Indians out there! :D

[Dave B]

Sutil, without a doubt. Along with Kubica about the only driver not to make a mistake. I really feel for him and the whole of Force India.

[gloomyDAY]

mlm :rolleyes:

I'm just glad that Sutil got a chance to strut his skills.
Many have written him off because of the incidents in the beginning part of the season. Unfortunately, Sutil most likely won't get another chance to gain points.

[HenryM]

Sutil, vettel and kubica.

[Nikki Katz]

I'd go for Sutil too, though I think it was a great race from Kubica and Hamilton, despite that incident at the start.

[gloomyDAY]

Nico would have been my choice, but he wrecked.

[ioan]

Ferrari should show Raikkonen the door and take Sutil on! :D :p :

And before you start jumping up and down on me remember how many around here wanted Massa replaced by Vettel after the first race of the season! :D

[Viktory]

Sutil, no question about it.

[Viktory]

Seems as if Massa and Kimi have switched roles here.

[VkmSpouge]

Definitely has to be Adrian Sutil, he drove flawlessly and was just in the wrong place at the wrong time when Kimi Raikkonen messed up.

[gloomyDAY]

Seems as if Massa and Kimi have switched roles here.Isn't it Ferrari's policy to favor one driver? I'd have a tough time trying to decide who is better.

[veeten]

Sutil was a grand example of when the driver and car are on the same page. A great piece of driving, up to the incident with Kimi.

The real test is if Force India and Sutil can duplicate that feat during the rest of this season, otherwise it'll be a one-time hit in a season of near-misses.

[donKey jote]

Sutil driver of the race, despite brake testing Kimi ;) :p : :erm:

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/16/16_3_166.gif

[F1boat]

About Donkey of the race, I am VERY disappointed with Fred.

[Gibbsy]

I think you are all showing your euro bias here. Sutil was great and deserved dotd.

But no love 4 Webber at all...

-Numerous fastest laps
- No mistakes all day (better than Massa, Raikonnen, Hamilton etc in this regard)
-ran in the top 5 or 6 all day and just plain outdrove his usual competition of Fred and Heidfeld.
- 4th place in a red bull.

Thought he should atleast get a mention.

[gloomyDAY]

Good point. How did we forget about Webber?

Sutil
Hamilton
Webber
Vettel
Kubica

[donKey jote]

I think you are all showing your euro bias here. Sutil was great and deserved dotd.

But no love 4 Webber at all...

-Numerous fastest laps
- No mistakes all day (better than Massa, Raikonnen, Hamilton etc in this regard)
-ran in the top 5 or 6 all day and just plain outdrove his usual competition of Fred and Heidfeld.
- 4th place in a red bull.

Thought he should atleast get a mention.

Webber simply performed according to expectations... that's the difference, not bias :)

[aryan]

Webber does deseve an honourable mention, but not DOTR. He was among all of those who at least made one mistake: he couldn't bring the grooves to temperature at a time when Fred was flying.

Sutil... did not put a foot wrong in such conditions.

He and Mike Gascoyne for putting his driver in such a position, were simply brilliant.

[ioan]

I think you are all showing your euro bias here. Sutil was great and deserved dotd.

But no love 4 Webber at all...

-Numerous fastest laps
- No mistakes all day (better than Massa, Raikonnen, Hamilton etc in this regard)
-ran in the top 5 or 6 all day and just plain outdrove his usual competition of Fred and Heidfeld.
- 4th place in a red bull.

Thought he should atleast get a mention.

Sutil and Vettel went from the last paces to finish 4th and 5th repectively.
Webber went from 7th to 4th after Raikkonen took himslef and Sutil out of contention.

I understand that people like their national hero, but we should keep at least a drop of objectiveness. ;)

Webber did a very good race, but not near to what Sutil and Vettel managed in inferior cars, that's all.

[ioan]

Good point. How did we forget about Webber?

Sutil
Hamilton
Webber
Vettel
Kubica

Vettel and Kubica did better than Webber.
Vettel came from last row to finish just behind Webber and Kubica managed to dice it with the front runners.
Webber did what he was expected to do, not worse but not better.

[m.lowe]

Driver of the day = Suttil
Ar$e of the day Raikkonen having another Blonde moment

[gloomyDAY]

Vettel and Kubica did better than Webber.
Vettel came from last row to finish just behind Webber and Kubica managed to dice it with the front runners.
Webber did what he was expected to do, not worse but not better.Sorry for my lapse in judgment. I just can't get this image out of my head.....


http://v8.spa-networks.co.uk/s_images/special/Webber-superhero.jpg

[FIA]

Sutil deserves to keep his seat, he is a great driver. Perhaps to replace Piquet at Renault, I was guttered for Sutil great race though.

Who got fastest lap of the race in the end?

[VkmSpouge]

But no love 4 Webber at all...

You are totally right, Mark Webber drove very well today and earned those points.

[dwboogityfan]

For me Sutil just pips Lewis, Webber and Vettel to driver of the day. Mark has been the star of the season so far as I am concerned and is driving better than ever.
As for donkey of the race Kimi deserves a mention but has to be Glock. He spent as much time going backwards off the road than forwards today. Heidfeld was also shocking pretty much all weekend.

[Willard67]

Probably Sutil for showing such gumption and aptitude in those conditions -shame Kimi ruined his race for him =(.

Then Webber. Just gets on with it, and brings the car home. Top Bloke!

[Bluenoseandproud]

Sutil followed closely by Hamilton. Sutil drove brilliantly until Kimi *****d up his car with a stupid mistake. Hamilton lost because he made the mistake that gave him the win ;) He would have won by at least 45 seconds if Rosberg hadn't binned it. Mind you, then Sutil wouldn't have retired so...

[SGWilko]

Heidfeld was also shocking pretty much all weekend.

Well, he was out of sorts even in Q2, but I doubt Fred Flintstone driving his front wing into Nick's sidepod made his car any quicker. (Gald Nick drove over Freds front wing as he pulled away - almost a Mastercard moment (priceless).

Fred was like an inpetulent kiddy today, way too impatient. Someone should have a quick word in his 'shell like' that this aint wacky races.... He made Piquet Jnr look respectable today, and NPJnr was bordering on the hopeless.

Webber had an off course moment on the grooved tyres, so really, the only two drivers at the front who made nil mistakes were Robert and Adrian.
Poor Nico, through no apparent fault of his own, had his wing knackered not once but twice - he was clearly pushing very hard to make up. I think Frank enjoyed his driving up till then. ;)

[ioan]

Well, he was out of sorts even in Q2, but I doubt Fred Flintstone driving his front wing into Nick's sidepod made his car any quicker. (Gald Nick drove over Freds front wing as he pulled away - almost a Mastercard moment (priceless).

I was laughing at that too! :up:

[CaptainRaiden]

Not many. Their fans will sure not love Raikkonen from now on, and man there are almost 1 billion Indians out there! :D

I am sure they are smart enough to understand that Kimi didn't do it intentionally. It was a mistake. Stupid, yes, but then that's very rare from Kimi. Today was really sub par driving from Kimi, but don't pounce on him when he is down. Don't try to stir stuff up against him. :p

[Sleeper]

Sutil, no contest, he spent much of that middle part of the race trading fastest laps with Hamilton and Webber, I dont think we will ever see that from a Force India again any time soon.

Its Canada next and Montreal has a tendancy of throwing up surprise results (Sato's Super Aguri passing Alonso's McLaren for 6th anyone?) so maybe justice will be done.

[Robinho]

definatley Sutil, he was outstanding. a great example of the driver making the difference, such a shame for him to be taken out, although it was unfortunate for Kimi, to be fair he did an amzing job of saving the car several times on the way into the corner, if he'd been lucky and had no-one in fornt he would have possibly collected it and just skipped the chicane. almost a great save from Kimi.

Webber was also awesome all race, just forced onto dry tyres a couple of laps early.
Kubica drove great and made no mistakes.

Hamilton was sensationally fast in the middleand won the race well, but did hit the wall.

Massa was a pleasant surpirse, really quick, but also made a mistake and stayed out on the inter's too long

[Brown, Jon Brow]

Sutil

He always looked promising last year in comparison to Albers but seemed to have lost a bit of speed when Fissi arrived.

His performance today will only do him good confidence wise.

[Garry Walker]

Webber did a very good race, but not near to what Sutil and Vettel managed in inferior cars, that's all.

Funnily enough, Vettel was again beaten in qualy by Bourdais. AGAIN. We all know he is great in wet, but so far he has shown nothing when its dry and usually it is.

Ferrari should rush and sign that true superstar. :rotflmao:

[gloomyDAY]

Funnily enough, Vettel was again beaten in qualy by Bourdais. AGAIN. We all know he is great in wet, but so far he has shown nothing when its dry and usually it is.

Ferrari should rush and sign that true superstar. :rotflmao: Too bad Bourdais slammed into the back of Coulthard. We have yet to see who is the better Seb over the course of an entire race. Canada will probably be a great opportunity to see who is better this year, especially with a new car.

As of now:
Vettel 4
Bourdais 2 (5 if his engine didn't blow in Melbourne)

[Dzeidzei]

I understand that people like their national hero, but we should keep at least a drop of objectiveness. ;)


This is hilarious, ioan.

[petrolhead ben]

sutil is my driver of the day without a doubt. I thought he was superb today and drove brilliantly. I couldn't believe he was up there with the ferraris at the end. Shame about the incident with raikkonen it was just a bad error from the champion in my opinion.

But also kubica was once again excellent today. I was surprised that he was able to keep up the pressure on massa the whole race and end up beating him.
I know massa stayed out to long on his tyres but robert seemed to be slightly quicker throughout the race apart from when his tyres were graining in the middle stint. Webber was impressive again as was vettel, who seems to like wet and slippery races like in fuji and china last year.

But the best thing for me is the championship table. Hamilton, raikkonen , massa and kubica are all covered by 6 points. I don't know whether it will stay like this but it looks good at the moment.

[donKey jote]

He made Piquet Jnr look respectable today, and NPJnr was bordering on the hopeless.
Until the dries came on ;) :p

[truefan72]

Sutil and Vettel went from the last paces to finish 4th and 5th repectively.
Webber went from 7th to 4th after Raikkonen took himslef and Sutil out of contention.

I understand that people like their national hero, but we should keep at least a drop of objectiveness. ;)

Webber did a very good race, but not near to what Sutil and Vettel managed in inferior cars, that's all.

yep :up:

1. Sutil - it's all been said
2. Vettel -as ioan said
3.Hamilton - he won the race and pulled away when it mattered
4.Kubica - probably the quickest out there and if LH hadn't gone in early would be the winner.
5. cough...barrichelo...cough - got points after starting 14
6. Nakajima - proves he belongs

donkey

Raikkonen
Heidfeld - for showing me nothing
Piquet -I want to give him time, and I think that the pressures and management style at renault aren't helping him either. Being #2 to Alonso isnt helping him either in both team focus(on Alonso) and expectations. Look at how much quicker (relative speaking) and relaxed Kovaleinen is now. there isn't much between he and LH in terms of times. We'll see about Piquet soon.
THAT BEING SAID...he's got to show me something.

[ioan]

Massa was a pleasant surpirse, really quick, but also made a mistake and stayed out on the inter's too long

He had no radio connection with the pits for the last part of the race, so it wasn't his decision.

He did however clearly outpace Kimi in Monaco, that might boost his confidence even further.

[ioan]

Too bad Bourdais slammed into the back of Coulthard.

It was the wall and DC, so DC or not DC he was out on his own doing.



This is hilarious, ioan.

Why is that? I certainly do not support anyone because of their or my nationality.

[Knock-on]

Obviously it was Sutil but I wouldn't worry about him getting punted off too much. He has raised his real estate to such a level that I expect him in a decent drive next year. Perhaps a BMW needs a replacement ;)

[truefan72]

Another thing.

what impressed me most about Sutil/Force India was that the car and driver were holding their own once conditions dried up. Sandwiched between the 2 Ferrari's the car & driver didn't look out of place and seemed to perform very well.

I think that Force India may be on their way up. It shows that with the right backing and effort ( ala Super Aguri prior to France 07) ateam can be fairly competitive. To be honest though, this was a 2008 breakout peformance for sutil who up till today didnt really show much in a car that is capable of running midpack.

[truefan72]

Sutil and Webber are my nominations for driver of the race, but to say what you did is again quite stupid.
Webber was awesome today.


Funnily enough, Vettel was again beaten in qualy by Bourdais. AGAIN. We all know he is great in wet, but so far he has shown nothing when its dry and usually it is.

Ferrari should rush and sign that true superstar. :rotflmao:

IMO Bourdais is much better than Vettel and probably should be in a better seat. I wished he had gone to McLaren when there was an opening. I'm sure a few teams (especially Renault) now regret not snapping him up, a driver who's quick, and excellent at setting the car up. Idealy, I'd love to see him at Renault next year if possible.

[ShiftingGears]

Webber and Sutil, definitely. Kubica and Hamilton were sublime.

Brilliant race!

[Mikko]

Kimi! :cool:

[jens]

Sutil by a country mile. He fought himself into the points and was driving fastest laps in the worst car on the grid. And he was flying both in the wet and drying conditions, so it can be just about setup. He is such kind of driver, who seems to excel in difficult conditions (Fuji last year) or on so-called drivers' circuits like Spa last year. I think he has been struggling to adapt to the non-TC car. Future races will show, what is he worth or whether he has gained some consistency.

The only driver, whose performance could get close to him, is Kubica. He was really constant, precise and simply impressive in those changing conditions in a car, which is inferior to Ferrari and McLaren.

Hamilton built an impressive lead during the second stint, but... a driver, who hits the wall at Monaco (luckily didn't damage suspension though), can't be nominated as the DOTD.

Webber, Vettel, Barrichello, Kovalainen did all fine too, but just weren't so clearly noticable during the race, but more likely were gradually climbing upwards due to avoiding trouble. Remember, Sutil was closing on Webber, passed him during stops and drove away from him. Sorry, but Mark's performance wasn't even close to Sutil this day.

[Nikki Katz]

According to Autosport, Sutil was reprimanded by the stewards after the race for overtaking under yellows - Barrichello, Nakajima and Piquet, all on the same lap. Ok yellows were out, but how is that even possible at Monaco? And if this happened on lap 13 then why didn't they think of punishing him at the time?
I take it that this was the bit where Alonso drove into Heidfeld and there was something of a jam.

[PSfan]

According to Autosport, Sutil was reprimanded by the stewards after the race for overtaking under yellows - Barrichello, Nakajima and Piquet, all on the same lap. Ok yellows were out, but how is that even possible at Monaco? And if this happened on lap 13 then why didn't they think of punishing him at the time?
I take it that this was the bit where Alonso drove into Heidfeld and there was something of a jam.

The incident in question happened when Alonso got into Heidfield, and almost the whole field came to a complete stop. Thanks to him being able to get around slow cars, Sutil managed to jump from 11th to 8th thanks to that corner.

[Ari]

1. Sutil
2. Vettel
3. Webber

I can't believe people are giving Hamilton DOTR. He hit a wall and killed a tyre. Doesn't deserve accolades for that. It ended up working to his favour but I don't see him as a genius for winning in the best car after colliding with the wall.

Sutil was very, very unlucky of course. I'd have loved to see Force India get those points. That said, I don't remember this kinda love coming for Webber last year at Fuji.

Webbers run last night was extremely underrated. Kept puting up fastest laps and was one of the few drivers who didnt't put a foot wrong. Has scored ALL of Red Bulls points this year. He would be a rocket in a better car.

[cy bais]

another one for Sutil :)

[aryan]

1That said, I don't remember this kinda love coming for Webber last year at Fuji.


I do. Most people were calling for Vettel's/Hamilton's heads for weeks after that incident.

[pino]

Sutil :up:

[Cozzie]

Sutil without a doubt! Just this weekend many here were saying that maybe Force India should replace him but that performance was a rare flash of brilliance, hopefully we will see more in the future. Who wants him replaced now?

[Storm]

Due to his clean and sensible driving in tricky conditions...Sutil

cozzie, But can he do it in the dry ? Fisi has been kicking him.

[ArrowsFA1]

Sutil gets my vote, simply because he was heading for fourth place on merit in a Force India.

Having said that I think we saw a very special race from Lewis Hamilton. Ok he made an error, but he recovered from it and dominated the race in very difficult conditions. It's the kind of win, like Senna at the 1985 Portugese GP and Schuacher in Spain 1996, that will be remembered for a long time.

[Dzeidzei]

Why is that? I certainly do not support anyone because of their or my nationality.

Didnt argue that. I referred to your comment about "at least a drop of objectiveness." That coming from you is hilarious as you are the truest of fans. (which is good, bytheway)

[ioan]

The incident in question happened when Alonso got into Heidfield, and almost the whole field came to a complete stop. Thanks to him being able to get around slow cars, Sutil managed to jump from 11th to 8th thanks to that corner.

So in fact he took advantage of a difficult situation, and it was rather difficult to avoid passing cars that were stoped because their way was blocked before they could react.
Stupid tactics by the FIA and they only reprimanded him to shut their mouth about Kimi ramming their car! :down:

[ioan]

Didnt argue that. I referred to your comment about "at least a drop of objectiveness." That coming from you is hilarious as you are the truest of fans. (which is good, bytheway)

I see.
Well, I try as hard as possible to be objective. However I reckon it's difficult and often impossible to achieve. ;)

[Tallgeese]

That's a tough one.

Sutil would have made it but he didn't finish, so I'd say that he's out, but he does deserve some recognition. On the other hand, I would say that Hamilton kept his cool throughout & really performed brilliantly throughout, whereas in some ways you have to be impressed by Kubica's performance too.

My vote goes to Hamilton.

[ozrevhead]

If anyone cant see how good Marks race was then they should be banned for having an opinion on F1!

The only reason kimi and sutil got infront was because it didnt dry quick enough for Mark when he pitted on drys - he was consistantly qucker.

Notwithstanding though how good Sutil was - i was hoping it would only cost him one place not DNF....that was heartbreaking

[Bluenoseandproud]

That's a tough one.

Sutil would have made it but he didn't finish, so I'd say that he's out, but he does deserve some recognition. On the other hand, I would say that Hamilton kept his cool throughout & really performed brilliantly throughout, whereas in some ways you have to be impressed by Kubica's performance too.

My vote goes to Hamilton.

Ah, but you missed out the fact that it was not Sutil's fault, and Hamilton lost out on my vote because he made the mistake. Kubica and Webber are worthy of note, but on the other hand, they aren't saddled with a Force India are they :p

[Zico]

1. Sutil.. No question, A faultless drive near the front in a mid-pack car, all for nothing. I was gutted for him..

2. Kubica.. for his excellant fault free performance

3. Hamilton.. his clipping of the wall and puncture somehow played into his hands, so a tad lucky.. but his pace during the mid part of the race was what ultimately gave him his deserved win.

[ioan]

That's a tough one.

Sutil would have made it but he didn't finish, so I'd say that he's out, but he does deserve some recognition. On the other hand, I would say that Hamilton kept his cool throughout & really performed brilliantly throughout, whereas in some ways you have to be impressed by Kubica's performance too.

My vote goes to Hamilton.

I think we should have had a poll so we can see how many people will elect Hamilton's crash prone race over Sutil's perfect race!

Whatever happened to the objectivity in this world.

[SGWilko]

Hamilton's crash prone race.

:rotflmao: Hamilton touches a barrier, and all of a sudden his race is crash prone. Sheesh ioan, why are you backing Massa then - he must be a crash magnet in comparison given his early F1 career history!!! :D

[truefan72]

I think we should have had a poll so we can see how many people will elect Hamilton's crash prone race over Sutil's perfect race!

Whatever happened to the objectivity in this world.

just when I'm about to be pulled it, you drive me away LOL

he hit the barrier once, fixed his car and went on to dominate the race,at one point up by40 seconds. How is that crash prone.

on the other hand, a certain Ferrari driver had to change his nose 2 times

please ioan, you don't have to be objective, but you do have to deal with reality. ;)

[Whyzars]

I think we should have had a poll so we can see how many people will elect Hamilton's crash prone race over Sutil's perfect race!

Whatever happened to the objectivity in this world.

If I was a wise ass I'd say that Sutil should've seen Raikonnen coming. ;)

Sutil was unlucky and if he'd've been able to avoid Raikonnen's tumble run then it would've been the drive of the year. Unfortunately he was collected by the red wobbly and that, as they say, is that.

In my opinion, the driver of the day was actually Kimi Raikonnen. He alone influenced the race result of at least three other drivers and he should buy Sutil a house or something equally big and expensive for causing such manifest grief.

I've actually replayed that final shunt over and over and see it as a masterful "save" on Raikonnen's part but can't get over how the physics got him so totally out of shape. Brilliant stuff.

Sutil was an absolute bummer and another Monaco fairytale squished. Webber put in a solid drive as usual, Bourdais was another driver that looked good in the wet as did many others. Alonso showed true brilliance and he looks hungry for a win. A stronger team mate could help him no end.

I love the Monte Carlo Grand Prix. If you give an F1 car something to hit the racing becomes full of anticipation which is sadly lacking from most circuits. Monaco is rarely boring and the cream always rises to the top.

In my opinion the drive of the day, and congratulations, must go to Lewis Hamilton.

Great race.

[ioan]

That's exactly what I expected, Hamilton fanboyism at it's highest! :D

Cheers fanboys! :p

[markabilly]

Sutil
then Webber and then Hamilton

I would vote Kube in there, but felt had he done a bit more, he might have won. If he had won, then no question as to who would be the racer of the race....

[jens]

Well, there seem to be different opinions whether Hamilton's win was deserved or not.

I would take such view angle: Yes, he made a mistake, but it was a small mistake and wasn't serious enough for damaging the suspension. I would draw a parallel with a 'typical circuit' - someone goes off into the gravel, but manages to get back to the track and wins. Undeserved win? Mistake, yes, but the mistake wasn't serious enough for a retirement. That's racing.

[Ari]

I think we should have had a poll so we can see how many people will elect Hamilton's crash prone race over Sutil's perfect race!

Whatever happened to the objectivity in this world.

I'm with you on this one ioan!

Utterly baffled.

[Ari]

Well, there seem to be different opinions whether Hamilton's win was deserved or not.

I would take such view angle: Yes, he made a mistake, but it was a small mistake and wasn't serious enough for damaging the suspension. I would draw a parallel with a 'typical circuit' - someone goes off into the gravel, but manages to get back to the track and wins. Undeserved win? Mistake, yes, but the mistake wasn't serious enough for a retirement. That's racing.

The McLaren is built like a tank. If he made that same mistake in another car would it be 'considered' small?

[pino]

poll added and my vote goes to Sutil :up:

I'm not sure that there can be a 'Driver of the Day' other than the winner, but here's my 20 lira's worth......

Hamilton, ok, made a small mistake and was lucky in that he was near the pit entry when he made it. But luck is all part of racing. He got fortunate with his strategy being perfect for the conditions, yes, but he did make his strategy work.

Sutil drove very well, although my understanding was that if you pass cars under a Yellow Flag you get a penalty....remember Liuzzi doing that in Fuji to give Sutil a point last year.

For me, the driver who made no mistakes, beat everybody on a non-forced strategy and had it under control was Kubica.

But, like I said, the only real 'Driver of the Day' is the winner.

[I am evil Homer]

I'm with you on this one ioan!

Utterly baffled.

How Sutil can be driver of the race is baffling me...illegal overtaking and he didn't finish. A sympathy vote maybe but driver of the day? No way.

[pino]

How Sutil can be driver of the race is baffling me...illegal overtaking and he didn't finish. A sympathy vote maybe but driver of the day? No way.

How about he was 4th overall on a Force India...with 3 laps left ? ;)

[SGWilko]

I'm not sure that there can be a 'Driver of the Day' other than the winner, but here's my 20 lira's worth......

Hamilton, ok, made a small mistake and was lucky in that he was near the pit entry when he made it. But luck is all part of racing. He got fortunate with his strategy being perfect for the conditions, yes, but he did make his strategy work.

Sutil drove very well, although my understanding was that if you pass cars under a Yellow Flag you get a penalty....remember Liuzzi doing that in Fuji to give Sutil a point last year.

For me, the driver who made no mistakes, beat everybody on a non-forced strategy and had it under control was Kubica.

But, like I said, the only real 'Driver of the Day' is the winner.

:up: I think Kubica's contribution to the race is overlooked a little - where did he start and where did he finish!

As for Sutil and the yellows, I always think that Monaco is a tough one to call. Is Sutil expected to wait behind the other cars in the roadblock. Technically, if the car he is passing under yellows is stationary, he should be ok.

Question remains IF Sutil HAD finished, would the stewards have clobbered him for the yellow flag issue? :)

[SGWilko]

How about he was 4th overall on a Force India...with 3 laps left ? ;)

Pretty much entirely on merit too!

[ShiftingGears]

:up: I think Kubica's contribution to the race is overlooked a little - where did he start and where did he finish!
:)

Indeed. Faultless and looked like winning it at one point, and was pulling away from Massa. Unfortunately for him, Hamilton seemed to come out of nowhere.

Maybe another wet sunday this year... ;)

[ioan]

How about he was 4th overall on a Force India...with 3 laps left ? ;)

And he did not finish because of someone else foolishly ran into him.

[SGWilko]

And he did not finish because of someone else foolishly ran into him.

You know, the more I think about it, the more I think Kimi is being given a hard time here.

He HAD to push at the final restart - the guy is racing for a world championship FCOL. OK, he made a mistake, and poor Adrian was in the wrong place at the wrong time (is the yellow flag issue a factor here?).

But - and it's a big but - Kimi did save his 'moment' where the likes of DC before him lost it big time and headed straight for the scene of the accident, so lay off him a little (in fact, watch the accident in real time - Kimi's reactions to the tank slapper were almost super human - and I'm no Kimi/Ferrari fan, believe me, so that's a big compliment from the Stuart G Wilkinson camp I can tell you!!!).

All the main players (bar Robert of course) made mistakes - McLaren with Heikki, Ferrari with Kimi, Kimi and Massa at turn 1, Lewis at Tabac, Fernando at the top'o'the hill etc......

Kimi has had punishment enough for comeing away from Monaco with 'nil points' (as they say in eurovision).

So yes, Kimi was trying very hard on cold grooved tyres, but no one should be lambasted for trying as hard as they can, should they? :)

[CaptainRaiden]

You know, the more I think about it, the more I think Kimi is being given a hard time here.

He HAD to push at the final restart - the guy is racing for a world championship FCOL. OK, he made a mistake, and poor Adrian was in the wrong place at the wrong time (is the yellow flag issue a factor here?).

But - and it's a big but - Kimi did save his 'moment' where the likes of DC before him lost it big time and headed straight for the scene of the accident, so lay off him a little (in fact, watch the accident in real time - Kimi's reactions to the tank slapper were almost super human - and I'm no Kimi/Ferrari fan, believe me, so that's a big compliment from the Stuart G Wilkinson camp I can tell you!!!).

All the main players (bar Robert of course) made mistakes - McLaren with Heikki, Ferrari with Kimi, Kimi and Massa at turn 1, Lewis at Tabac, Fernando at the top'o'the hill etc......

Kimi has had punishment enough for comeing away from Monaco with 'nil points' (as they say in eurovision).

So yes, Kimi was trying very hard on cold grooved tyres, but no one should be lambasted for trying as hard as they can, should they? :)

I possibly couldn't agree more with that.

And also, I'm saying this not because I am a Kimi fan, but he is been given unnecessary hard time, all because people couldn't see a possible underdog glory. Get over it! I am sure Sutil got over it faster than some of the posters here. :p

[jens]

He HAD to push at the final restart - the guy is racing for a world championship FCOL. OK, he made a mistake, and poor Adrian was in the wrong place at the wrong time (is the yellow flag issue a factor here?).


I don't quite agree with this sentence. Why did he have to push according to you? He had 4 points in the bag and passing at Monaco is very difficult. By the way, at the exit of the tunnel he was nowhere close to Sutil to even attempt an overtaking move, so he should have just relaxed and taken that corner easily.

[SGWilko]

I don't quite agree with this sentence. Why did he have to push according to you? He had 4 points in the bag and passing at Monaco is very difficult. By the way, at the exit of the tunnel he was nowhere close to Sutil to even attempt an overtaking move, so he should have just relaxed and taken that corner easily.

Well, IMOHAII, perhaps Kimi thought the Ferrari ought to be a wee bit quicker than the Force India, and knowing that last years WDC was won by one point......

Show me a racing driver that is not going to give it all in such a situation, and I'll show you a has been. ;)

[Melqui]

Kubica, I like this driver a lot, cant wait to see him in Mclaren or Ferrari

[Knock-on]

Well, IMOHAII, perhaps Kimi thought the Ferrari ought to be a wee bit quicker than the Force India, and knowing that last years WDC was won by one point......

Show me a racing driver that is not going to give it all in such a situation, and I'll show you a has been. ;)

Spot on.

The points system removes the desperation to get on the podium as it is. Hell, you only get 2 extra points for winning than second so why the hell risk 8 points.

The biggest offence is not finishing. It doesn't matter if you drive cr4p and cruise around as long as you get points.

Hats off to Kimi for pushing like a real F1 driver.

[leopard]

Spot on.

Hats off to Kimi for pushing like a real F1 driver.

:rotflmao:

[jens]

Funny. At first Kimi was crucified for running into the back of Sutil and... now he is starting to be praised. :dozey: David "The Wallmaster" Coulthard is the hero of the Monaco GP then - look how hard he tried, wasn't his fault that armco-barriers were so close to the track. :p :

[SGWilko]

Funny. At first Kimi was crucified for running into the back of Sutil and... now he is starting to be praised. :dozey: David "The Wallmaster" Coulthard is the hero of the Monaco GP then - look how hard he tried, wasn't his fault that armco-barriers were so close to the track. :p :

No one here is praising Kimi for being an oik and punting Sutil up the jacksie, more recognising his ability to avoid the barriers, while pushing hard to make up places.

[ioan]

Funny. At first Kimi was crucified for running into the back of Sutil and... now he is starting to be praised. :dozey: David "The Wallmaster" Coulthard is the hero of the Monaco GP then - look how hard he tried, wasn't his fault that armco-barriers were so close to the track. :p :

:rotflmao: :up:

[ioan]

No one here is praising Kimi for being an oik and punting Sutil up the jacksie, more recognising his ability to avoid the barriers, while pushing hard to make up places.

You mean he actually didn't hit the wall in the first turn?! :eek:
Must have watched another race! :p :

[aryan]

The kind of twisting of the faces which goes on here in this forum can only rival the political spin our politicians put on various bills/proposals in the House.

Utterly hilarious.

[SGWilko]

You mean he actually didn't hit the wall in the first turn?! :eek:
Must have watched another race! :p :

OK, yes he did, not in the first turn (which to me, means the first corner on the first lap) but at turn one....

I was, you clearly didn't realise, referring specifically to the Sutil incident, as given away by the fact I mentioned Sutil in the paragraph concerning which incident I was referring to!!! ;)

[SGWilko]

You mean he actually didn't hit the wall in the first turn?! :eek:
Must have watched another race! :p :

OK, yes he did, not in the first turn (which to me, means the first corner on the first lap) but at turn one....

I was, you clearly didn't realise, referring specifically to the Sutil incident, as given away by the fact I mentioned Sutil in the paragraph concerning which incident I was referring to!!! ;)

[ioan]

The kind of twisting of the faces which goes on here in this forum can only rival the political spin our politicians put on various bills/proposals in the House.

Utterly hilarious.

Completely agree.

[SGWilko]

Completely agree.

Surely, my learned friend means 'Hear hear'!!! :laugh:

[MAX_THRUST]

One word to describe each driver from me then.....

I have waited before I posted this.......I needed time to think about it.

Hamilton - fortunate
Heiki - unlucky
Masa - Slow
Kimi - Twat
Nick H - Alonso
Robert K - Strong
Alonso - Muppet
Rubens - Good
Jensen - Who...
DC - careless (is that two words)?
Webber - Strong
Vettel - Ok
Bourdais - Blind
Trulli - ?
Piquet - ?
Glock - ?
Sutil - mugged!!!!
Fisi - ?
Rosberg - aarrgghhh, close.
Nakajima - Chicane

? Were they racing, didn't really notice them after the start.

Max Mosely, did anyone see him, very low profile this weekend.

Weather GREAT
Track GREAT
Action GREAT

[aryan]

Surely, my learned friend means 'Hear hear'!!! :laugh:

:p :

[stevie_gerrard]

Without a doubt, Sutil was immense in this crazy GP, fair play to the lad whos taken a lot of stick lately :up: