Luca Badoer Finally Gets Ferrari Drive

[BDunnell]

Even so, it really isn't worth worrying about, nor using the word 'disgrace' — it would have been a disgrace had he got out of his car and punched a marshal, or something, but he didn't. It's like the use of the word 'tragedy' in sport. It's often completely inappropriate. Badoer was awful, but not a disgrace.

[ioan]

Even so, it really isn't worth worrying about, nor using the word 'disgrace' — it would have been a disgrace had he got out of his car and punched a marshal, or something, but he didn't. It's like the use of the word 'tragedy' in sport. It's often completely inappropriate. Badoer was awful, but not a disgrace.

Oh no, this performance is a disgrace to what Ferrari stand for.
His performance is disgracing a 60 year long history of excellence.

[BDunnell]

ioan, you are getting overly worked up, as so often. Ferrari has had some awful seasons at times in the course of that history, the like of which would make those such as yourself who seem to expect metronomic perfection shudder with impotent rage.

[Sonic]

Only one word describes that;

PANTS!

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. How can anybody be so slow

Ioan; I was totally wrong mate and I bow to your superior knowledge of all things Ferrari. Get him out of the car now and get someone who can drive in the seat.

[ioan]

ioan, you are getting overly worked up, as so often.

So what?!
It is my right to have an opinion about Badoer and the team choosing him as Felipe's replacement.
Don't like my opinion? Fine, but don't believe that you can change it.
I knew it before Badoer put a foot in that car that he was going to be useless and man I was underestimating his capability to go slow.

[ioan]

Ioan; I was totally wrong mate and I bow to your superior knowledge of all things Ferrari.

Thanks, you are very fair :up: , but really no need for that. :)
Also no need for any superior knowledge of Ferrari, it was just based on good old common sense, something Ferrari obviously lacks, totally.
Felipe should take some sedatives or avoid watching the race tomorrow otherwise I fear for his health in such circumstances.



Get him out of the car now and get someone who can drive in the seat.

To late, no driver change allowed after FP3.
I'll have to cringe for another 2 hours tomorrow. :s :(

[veeten]

Said it before, and I'll say it again; there is a big difference between Formula 'Solo' and Formula 1. Gene was the better choice, as he even proved race pace in this year's Le Mans. What more do you need?

[jens]

As suspected, Badoer has been struggling in modern F1 environment and actually he has struggled even more than I thought. Badoer makes Alguersuari and Grosjean look like the greatest talents of all times. Hell, Badoer's performance was worse than even Yoong's!

Another management mistake by Ferrari. What is clear that F1 is not meant to be a charity to give "a reward for a very loyal employee for his hard work". In as competitive sport as F1, team should always aim for the best, not to do any favours to anyone.

Another proof that Ferrari under Todt's management was very different and much more professional. In 1999 they aimed for the best possible option and as Todt had been keeping a keen eye on Salo for many years, he rated him and decided to give the Finnish guy finally a proper chance. Despite lack of testing, Salo delivered two podiums.

If Ferrari has any sense left, Badoer will be ousted of that race driver role already before Spa, no matter how harsh it may be for their "long-time loyal employee".

[wedge]

It's one driver not doing well in qualifying for a motor race, not a massacre of children.

Some Tifosi will say they are both one and the same thing, Badoer is a massacre of the Ferrari brand! When was the last time Ferrari qualified dead last?

[Sonic]

To late, no driver change allowed after FP3.
I'll have to cringe for another 2 hours tomorrow. :s :(

Yep I know. Hopefully he'll be so slow no camera man will pick him up at any point and I won't have to look at it!

[Ranger]

Some Tifosi will say they are both one and the same thing, Badoer is a massacre of the Ferrari brand! When was the last time Ferrari qualified dead last?

Monaco 2006, both Ferrari's dead last. ;)

[wedge]

To late, no driver change allowed after FP3.
I'll have to cringe for another 2 hours tomorrow. :s :(

Shame this scenario didn't happen this time last year. I would've enjoyed seeing McLaren fans laughing and pouring scorn at Ferrari for a change :D

[VkmSpouge]

No racing, no testing, no experience with the car and track and he gets 20th. No real surprise I guess.
You know last night I had a dream about riding in a bus and passing the 1993 Scuderia Italia Lola driven by Luca Badoer. I can't help but feel that the dream was trying to tell me something.

[wedge]

Monaco 2006, both Ferrari's dead last. ;)

On outright speed, not penalised for blatant cheating!

[truefan72]

badoer did write some history today. It is the first time in Ferrari's F1 history that one of their cars starts dead least on pure performance.

I feel for this guy. I wouldn't say no either to a Ferrari drive, and a chance to get back int F1. something to tell my kids, something special for an Italian to drive. But let's hope foer his sake and ferrari's that this was his last F1 race.

[ioan]

Monaco 2006, both Ferrari's dead last. ;)

They didn't qualify dead last, they were demoted, that's a big difference!

[ioan]

badoer did write some history today. It is the first time in Ferrari's F1 history that one of their cars starts dead least on pure performance.

I feel for this guy. I wouldn't say no either to a Ferrari drive, and a chance to get back int F1. something to tell my kids, something special for an Italian to drive. But let's hope foer his sake and ferrari's that this was his last F1 race.

He should resign straight away. He won't get any points tomorrow, heck he will have to battle even to get 20th place! So they better do the right thing and conserve the engine for whoever will come and will use it to get some points for the team.

[BDunnell]

Some Tifosi will say they are both one and the same thing, Badoer is a massacre of the Ferrari brand! When was the last time Ferrari qualified dead last?

I agree that it is dreadfully embarrassing, but can't the language used in relation to such a thing be more moderate? As I said, there is a tendency in sport to use words like 'disaster' and 'tragedy' when they are utterly inappropriate.

[Knock-on]

Not a good qualifying by any standard. The times he posted were warm-up lap times.

Lets hope he can repay the faith the Ferrari mamagement have offered him by pulling out a credible performance in the race.

I really find this character assassignation of a driver by some members quite distasteful but am not surprised. As ben says, this is F1 and not some mass murder or crime of similar gravity. Give the boy a break and let him enjoy what might be his last, emotional race for a team he has dedicated a quarter of his life to.

I would like to think that if DC had a test drive for McLaren or Hill at Williams, we would applaud them even though they were dead last :(

There is still room for genorisity, respect and manners in F1 no matter what some "life or death" fans would have us think the sport has become.

[veeten]

I agree that it is dreadfully embarrassing, but can't the language used in relation to such a thing be more moderate? As I said, there is a tendency in sport to use words like 'disaster' and 'tragedy' when they are utterly inappropriate.

So, I guess we could say that the promotion of BADoer was a lapse in judgement, and the on track results could be seen as an embarassment for the team.

There, happy now? :p

[ioan]

Lets hope he can repay the faith the Ferrari mamagement have offered him by pulling out a credible performance in the race.


I wonder what would you say if he was to drive a McLaren, Williams or BrawnGP car.

There is no hope left, he's 1.6 seconds/lap slower than Alguersuari and he will only finish in front of those who retire or have some freak problem.

[wedge]

I agree that it is dreadfully embarrassing, but can't the language used in relation to such a thing be more moderate? As I said, there is a tendency in sport to use words like 'disaster' and 'tragedy' when they are utterly inappropriate.

No, because by their current high standards those words are apt.

The Ferrari is easily a top 10 car and its a complete disgrace that a car is wasted languishing dead last.

I'm a Spurs fan. It was a complete and utter disgrace we were languishing in the relegation zone last season and we're one of the top 6/7 teams in the EPL.

[ioan]

I agree that it is dreadfully embarrassing, but can't the language used in relation to such a thing be more moderate? As I said, there is a tendency in sport to use words like 'disaster' and 'tragedy' when they are utterly inappropriate.

What language?
That was a very very moderate language to describe such a bad (you notice I don't use much worse adjectives here) driver.
In fact compared with how people were treating Ide and Young back in the days I think I'm treating Badoer too nicely.

[BDunnell]

What language?
That was a very very moderate language to describe such a bad (you notice I don't use much worse adjectives here) driver.
In fact compared with how people were treating Ide and Young back in the days I think I'm treating Badoer too nicely.

I don't mean swearing or any such like. In fact describing Badoer's performance as f***ing awful would be very fair, in my view!

[Sonic]

I would like to think that if DC had a test drive for McLaren or Hill at Williams, we would applaud them even though they were dead last :(

Hill was certainly getting on towards dead last in his last season ;) But there is a big difference between having a test and being expected to race.

I seem to remember Reutemann getting a test at the Argentine GP in '95 and yes we all applauded him - he was off the pace as you would expect, but it was just a bit of fun. Badoer is now going into a GP over a second slower than the next slowest guy.

Save the "genorisity, respect and manners" for Goodwood - this is racing and no quarter should be given.

[ioan]

I don't mean swearing or any such like. In fact describing Badoer's performance as f***ing awful would be very fair, in my view!

IMO fairest way to describe his performance would be something I'd rather not post right now.

[jens]

Even if Ferrari doesn't initiate replacing Badoer, the Italian may step out of the race drive voluntarily, because I think he himself must feel quite embarrassed too at the moment.

[veeten]

No. To use an anecdote, it's like taking someone that has worked in the mail room for under a decade and promoting them to the level of district manager for a week, just to 'reward them for their years of faithful service'.

One week later, it's a steady stream of poor choices, bad decisions, and the results that require a lot of explaning to your most faithful of clients and customers that have been with you for years. They will seriously question your sense of business accumen, and look at either having you replaced or look to others to do a better job since you cannot be relied upon anymore.

Just a comparison, look at it as you like...

[Roamy]

These cars are hard to jump into and drive fast right away granted. But this guy is a freaking stone and probably shouldn't even be the test driver. But maybe he just wants to drive up through the pack to show his skills. They should have just braced the cheater's neck with his chin and raced on!!

[Hondo]

Ferrari missed a golden opportunity this weekend. They should have put JV in the car. They would have had the father, son & holy Ferrari angle to play to the media. JV is just as capable as Luca when it comes to being the slowest in the field. Ferrari could have "leaked" to the Spanish media that they wanted to race Gene but the contract forbids them from doing so until Massa misses 2 races, blah blah. Most people are aware JV and Michael aren't the best of friends...more great media bait.

Regardless of who does what in the race, Ferrari has missed a chance to own the entire media corps for the weekend.

[ioan]

One thing we know now is that this Badoer guy was certainly not responsible for developing the great Ferrari racers.
His reputation as a great test driver has just been shot to pieces. Both him and Ferrari can only own up to the disgrace we witnessed today. :(

[Sonic]

One thing we know now is that this Badoer guy was certainly not responsible for developing the great Ferrari racers.
His reputation as a great test driver has just been shot to pieces. Both him and Ferrari can only own up to the disgrace we witnessed today. :(

Whilst I'm in total agreement that todays performance was beyond poor, I'm not sure we can assume that he didn't provide a good service to Ferrari over the years.

Clearly, as he was never promoted to a race seat, Ferrari never thought he was a world beater (much the same argument I have used regarding Ant Davidson - if he's so good why did he not get a race seat with BAR/Honda) but he must have done some good work to be kept on board for ten years.

Shall we just say he is past his prime??

[Roamy]

Ferrari missed a golden opportunity this weekend. They should have put JV in the car. They would have had the father, son & holy Ferrari angle to play to the media. JV is just as capable as Luca when it comes to being the slowest in the field. Ferrari could have "leaked" to the Spanish media that they wanted to race Gene but the contract forbids them from doing so until Massa misses 2 races, blah blah. Most people are aware JV and Michael aren't the best of friends...more great media bait.

Regardless of who does what in the race, Ferrari has missed a chance to own the entire media corps for the weekend.

While JV might have been the slowest he would be a hell of a better bet to be up the grid than StoneLuca

[maximilian]

The words "monumental embarrassment" come to mind, looking at these results. And by that I mean not Luca Badoer personally (who can blame a guy who has a WORSE F1 record than ME!), but Ferrari, for being absolutely clueless about who to put into the car, and having no real backup plan (hell, Piquet or Bourdais would have done hugely better). To have a Ferrari qualify dead last WITH A GAP is truly embarrassing.

[F1boat]

As much I feel for Luca, I think that Ferrari need to call Bourdais for the next race.

[Bagwan]

Poor Luca .
Thrown into the deep end , with no life preserver .

Didn't look too promising today , but it's been a long time , and he'll go long in the first stint .
I can't imagine the pressure on this poor , with the scorn of the Tifosi already raining heavily on his parade .

You breaka da car , you dona driva hera no mora , anda dena we breaka you legs so you dona driva anywhera elsa no mora too .

He looked scared shirtless out there .
He'll need to do pretty damned well to get any chance of keeping the seat until Felipe returns .

Felipe must be of two minds right now , with one side thinking how terrible Luca's performance has been so far for the team , and the other thinking how good this makes him look in comparison .



And , Fiero , you are right that they missed the big opportunity for a great show with JV in that seat .
Maybe next race , as it doesn't look like Luca will be there . This could be a career ending debut for Badoer .

[Shalafi]

My first thought when I heard Luca had got the drive was what happens if he out-performs Kimi? Where would that leave the Finn then?


And your thoughts now?

[BDunnell]

Ferrari missed a golden opportunity this weekend. They should have put JV in the car. They would have had the father, son & holy Ferrari angle to play to the media.

Just as Ferrari did to such good effect in putting Andretti in one of their cars for Monza in 1982, in fact.

[maximilian]

Ferrari missed a golden opportunity this weekend. They should have put JV in the car. They would have had the father, son & holy Ferrari angle to play to the media.
The result would have probably been similar, but I'd have to agree that it would be fun... especially if they changed the car number to 27, too :D

[ioan]

Didn't look too promising today , but it's been a long time , and he'll go long in the first stint .

He'll be losing 1.5 to 2 seconds per lap to those in front of him, by the time the 19th placed car has it's first pit stop the driver will have time to have a coffee and still go back on track in front of Badoer! :\

[Dave B]

Why not put Rossi in the car for Spa? He couldn't be worse than poor old Luca, but at least he'd guarantee Ferrari a bucketload of media coverage.

[ioan]

Why not put Rossi in the car for Spa? He couldn't be worse than poor old Luca, but at least he'd guarantee Ferrari a bucketload of media coverage.

Because with that they will have used up their 4 allowed drivers for this season.
I guess it will be Badoer until they find someone suitable for racing that car.

[Saint Devote]

Badoer said after qualifying that he was in the range that Ferrari targeted for him at this race. That the Valencia race is being treated as a major test session because it is his first run, a new circuit and he could not test before running - he has not driven anything for many months.

He will be racing at Spa and he said that the Belgian Grand Prix will be the first racing test versus Valencia being run for him as a test session only.

[ioan]

Yeah, sure! :\
Everyone would say the same if found themselves in his shoes.
Test or no test he is way to slow and didn't improve his pace compared to the others at all after 2 days in the car!

[RalfsLastFan]

One thing we know now is that this Badoer guy was certainly not responsible for developing the great Ferrari racers.
His reputation as a great test driver has just been shot to pieces. Both him and Ferrari can only own up to the disgrace we witnessed today. :(

This is what I can't figure out...I mean, he's a Ferrari test driver. Doesn't that job involve driving the damn car? At race speeds?

In all honesty, what has he been paid to do that he's THAT at sea in the car?

[Valve Bounce]

There are quite a few drivers, already named here on this thread who could have done better than Badoer. That Ferrari chose him is their business; I guess that just about sums it up.

[ioan]

This is what I can't figure out...I mean, he's a Ferrari test driver. Doesn't that job involve driving the damn car? At race speeds?

In all honesty, what has he been paid to do that he's THAT at sea in the car?

Yesterday I realized that I have no idea what he might do during testing given how slow he is. :s
I know the test drivers are supposed to be very consistent in order to be a good benchmark when various parts are being evaluated, but surely they need to be fast to make use of those new parts in a way similar to what the race drivers do.

I'm really shocked by his poor showing.
And it's not just that his lap times are bad because he might have made some mistakes here and there while pushing the car to the limit, not at all, I watched his on board footage and line comparisons and he was missing like 90% of the apexes, was breaking way earlier than any other driver and he used the full width of the track only when he made a mistake and slid wide!

[Valve Bounce]

Will SchM be fit enough for the next race?

[ioan]

There are quite a few drivers, already named here on this thread who could have done better than Badoer. That Ferrari chose him is their business; I guess that just about sums it up.

Right now they are pretty much hurting their own business with this all times worse driver choice. And it's not like if he was one of those pay drivers with more cash than talent, nah Ferrari are actually paying him for this! :confused:

[ioan]

Will SchM be fit enough for the next race?

No. :(

[F1boat]

Because we are now jumping to conclusions about his abilities to test, do you have any data about his testing times in previous years, compared to the ones of the regular drivers and Gene?
Thank you.

[F1boat]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77893 - Jarno defends Luca.

[Ranger]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77893 - Jarno defends Luca.

Luca deserves defening... the people who put him in that race seat do not.

[ioan]

Luca deserves defening... the people who put him in that race seat do not.

When I think that Friday Montezemolo went as far as saying that Ferrari can win the race with Badoer I ask myself if he's sane. How can he be so far off reality? And why doesn't he let the team management do the right thing?

According to James Alen, Montezemolo is trying to improve his image in Italy for political reasons and that's why he went the Italian way with team staff and now with Badoer. This time it backfired and the team isn't looking like improving either so I hope he stops mixing politics with business at Ferrari.

[Sonic]

Because we are now jumping to conclusions about his abilities to test, do you have any data about his testing times in previous years, compared to the ones of the regular drivers and Gene?
Thank you.

Yes. After Ioan mentioned on the previous page that he now doubted Luca's value as a test driver I went away and did some research. I can't post the link now as I'm on the phone but Luca set the fastest lap of Jerez in any test during 2002. A lap of 1m18.2s if memory serves.

He also had the fastest F399 lap recorded at fiorano (again don't quote this until I've posted the links this afternoon).

The guy is doing a bad job here at Valencia but I don't think it is fair to start bad mouthing his 10 years in the job. Ferrari are not stupid - he must have been up to the task, however it seems Luca has past his best.

As for Badoer's insistance that he'll be better when he gets to spa; I doubt it. Back in '99 the most challenging corner was eau rouge. That has not been the case in recent years. The cars have changed so much that it will effectively be a completely new circuit for him. I liken it the playing a computer game - he'll know which way the corners go, but braking distances, cornering speed, apex, point of turn etc etc will all be totally different to what he knew before. Ferrari should get him out of the car asap.

[ioan]

FGS he just let Grosjean overtake him in the pitlane! :mad:

[gm99]

At least Luca is very polite - he graciously stepped aside for Grosjean at the pit lane exit :D

[ioan]

His pace is pants and his racing skills deserted him.

[ioan]

And now he gets a drive through penalty for being stupid! :rotflmao:

[Hawkmoon]

If not Badoer, then who? I've no love for Badoer but Ferrari must be sure that whoever gets the drive for Spa doesn't have to go through a similar learning curve. So that means no Gene. Piquet and Bourdais are available and have current racing experience but neither have set the world aflame and don't exactly inspire confidence.

I think they should try and buy somebody out. Go get Fisichella. He's Italian, experienced and would probably be available. Grease Vijay's palm with enough green and I reckon he'd let Fisi go.

Can't be worse than this debacle.

[Ranger]

Ferrari just needs a driver that can get points.

Bourdais or Piquet would do fine.

[gm99]

I think the problem is that if Ferrari makes another driver change now, they can't make another one (for Schuey, for instance) this season as each team is limited to four drivers per season. So I guess they'll be staying with Badoer for the time being...

[ioan]

If not Badoer, then who? I've no love for Badoer but Ferrari must be sure that whoever gets the drive for Spa doesn't have to go through a similar learning curve.

As you say Piquet Jr.and Bourdais are available and they can get Fisi given that Force India owns them money and it would help them to free up the seat for Liuzzi.

IMO Piquet Jr. would do well when teamed with a race engineer like Smedley.

[F1boat]

I think Bourdais is the best choice possible.

[Garry Walker]

One thing we know now is that this Badoer guy was certainly not responsible for developing the great Ferrari racers.
His reputation as a great test driver has just been shot to pieces. Both him and Ferrari can only own up to the disgrace we witnessed today. :(
Lets leave his pace out of the question. If he was a ty test driver who doesnt know anything, why would Ferrari have had him for over 10 years?
In anycase, drivers have very little to do with improving the cars, the engineers are for that.


And your thoughts now?
He should hide in a corner for 2 months for posting something so unbelieveably stupid.

[ioan]

Lets leave his pace out of the question.

Yeah, let's talk about missing 90% of the apexes and braking zones and the amount of hilarious mistakes he made in only one race. he's making Yuji Ide look great!

[Garry Walker]

Yeah, let's talk about missing 90% of the apexes and braking zones and the amount of hilarious mistakes he made in only one race. he's making Yuji Ide look great!

Again, you understand nothing about the point I was making.
His performance today was stupid (especially letting Grosjean overtake him in the pits, then get penalized. That was embarrassing), but you questioning his test-driving ability because of it "outperforms" even Badoers performance today.

[ioan]

Again, you understand nothing about the point I was making.
His performance today was stupid (especially letting Grosjean overtake him in the pits, then get penalized. That was embarrassing), but you questioning his test-driving ability because of it "outperforms" even Badoers performance today.

Maybe he's test driver abilities were better a few years ago but right now I think he's abilities as test or race driver are pretty much useless.

What is it worth the data on some parts when the test driver only takes a corner with 150kph while the race drivers do it with 170kph or more? Not much, really.

[wedge]

He's out of his comfort zone.

Would've done a bit better had he been racing in Silverstone or Barcelona.

[Robinho]

Maybe he's test driver abilities were better a few years ago but right now I think he's abilities as test or race driver are pretty much useless.

What is it worth the data on some parts when the test driver only takes a corner with 150kph while the race drivers do it with 170kph or more? Not much, really.

i did see a graphic during the race where Luca's apex speed at whichever turn they were monitoring was a matter of 4kp/h down on Kimi's.

plus he doesn't test at Valencia, he has pounded thousands of laps at the same circuit that he knows every braking point and apex in his sleep. hes a good tester, but the step to racer is too great

[Garry Walker]

Maybe he's test driver abilities were better a few years ago but right now I think he's abilities as test or race driver are pretty much useless.

What is it worth the data on some parts when the test driver only takes a corner with 150kph while the race drivers do it with 170kph or more? Not much, really.

Oh come on, we are not talking about 20kph differences. We are talking about a difference of a few kph
Badoer was always very highly rated for his test driving abilities and was consistant enough to give good data. Test driving is not about the speed, it is much more about consistancy.

As a racer he never was anything good, as a tester, he was brilliant from all the info we have on him.

[ioan]

i did see a graphic during the race where Luca's apex speed at whichever turn they were monitoring was a matter of 4kp/h down on Kimi's.



Oh come on, we are not talking about 20kph differences.

OK I was exaggerating. My bad.



Test driving is not about the speed, it is much more about consistancy.


His lap times were all over the place today, and after 2 race distances on this track he was still as far from Kimi as he was after FP2 on Friday, which is what worries me most as it means he might have reached his best already.

[Garry Walker]

OK I was exaggerating. My bad.



His lap times were all over the place today, and after 2 race distances on this track he was still as far from Kimi as he was after FP2 on Friday, which is what worries me most as it means he might have reached his best already.

He was getting a bit better as the race went on.

Lets hope he will be within 1,5 seconds (!!!) of Kimi at spa.

[ioan]

He was getting a bit better as the race went on.

Lets hope he will be within 1,5 seconds (!!!) of Kimi at spa.

The whole field is withing 1 second these days so 1.5 seconds is way to much of a gap.
I hope we won't see another Ferrari propping up the time sheets in qualifying and race on driver merit again.

[52Paddy]

I hope he stays in the car for Spa. If he doesn't prove to me that he can at least race competitively against a crop of midfield, then he should be replaced immediately. He has experience at Spa. It's been part of the calendar in every season of his racing career. The familiarity of the track should come back to him after Friday practice if he has what it takes to be an F1 driver these days. Otherwise, he should go back to his role as a tester.

For those who doubt his testing abilities: Do you really think Ferrari would hold onto him for almost 10 years if he wasn't providing them with any data? I know he's Italian. I know Ferrari have more sentimental attachments than other teams. But they're not idiots, and I don't believe they would hold onto a driver if he wasn't doing his job (i.e. providing data from testing.)

[ioan]

I hope he stays in the car for Spa. If he doesn't prove to me that he can at least race competitively against a crop of midfield, then he should be replaced immediately.

:eek: Is that you Luca?! (LdM) :p :

[ioan]

Apparently we are in for another treat of comedy in a week's time. :\


"First of all it was important for him to finish," Domenicali told the BBC. "It was difficult you know... We need to stay cool and calm and we know that it was important for Luca to finish. I respect that.

"I'm sure that we have seen a Luca that has not really shown up, but he has real potential. Apart from the fact he was racing for the first time in a long time, also from a psychological point of view the pressure on him was very high, even if we didn't create it.

"We will speak together. I think we will discuss it tonight but I think it is important to keep up Luca because he is a real team player and this is important in Ferrari."

Asked whether he believed Badoer would be in the car again for Spa, Domenicali replied: "Yes, I think so."

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77936

I start to believe that Stefano is way to 'calm' for a F1 team boss.

[F1boat]

Instead of simply talking I suggest checking the times:
FP 1:
Raikkonen 1.43.384
Badoer 1.45.840
Big gap, +2.5
FP 2:
Raikkonen 1.40.7
Badoer 1.42.0 - +1.7
FP 3
Raikkonen 1.40.2
Badoer 1.42.1 + 1.9
Qualy 1
Raikkonen 1.38.8
Badoer 1.41.4 + 2.8 - really bad

Yet today:
Raikkonen 1.39.2
Badoer 1.40.5 +1.3

The gap is becoming narrower. I am not saying that Luca is becoming worthy of the place in Ferrari, but he achieved better with each passing day, so maybe he is right in what he says and it is right to wait till Spa. However, this is if you want to be fair and if you like him (as Ferrari and I obviously do). If you are pragmatic, you will get Bourdais.

[christophulus]

In fairness, Ferrari didn't have long after Schu pulled out to find a replacement. It's easy to say you should put Bourdais, Piquet in the car but Ferrari also have to sort out contracts etc etc. Putting Badoer in for some stability for a couple of races, to a team that is probably still somewhat shaken up by the temporary loss of Massa, isn't a totally stupid idea.

Yes, he's slow, but he's also a temporary measure - I still expect someone else in the seat for Monza though.

[Dzeidzei]

He was getting a bit better as the race went on.

Lets hope he will be within 1,5 seconds (!!!) of Kimi at spa.

Wont happen. As Spa is Kimis track the difference will be 2.5 secs. Put LucaDM behind the wheel, its a better pr stunt.

[ioan]

Instead of simply talking I suggest checking the times:
FP 1:
Raikkonen 1.43.384
Badoer 1.45.840
Big gap, +2.5

FP 2:
Raikkonen 1.40.7
Badoer 1.42.0 - +1.7 Correction: 1.42.0-1.40.7 = 1.3

FP 3
Raikkonen 1.40.2
Badoer 1.42.1 + 1.9
Qualy 1
Raikkonen 1.38.8
Badoer 1.41.4 + 2.8 - really bad

Yet today:
Raikkonen 1.39.2
Badoer 1.40.5 +1.3

The gap is becoming narrower. I am not saying that Luca is becoming worthy of the place in Ferrari, but he achieved better with each passing day, so maybe he is right in what he says and it is right to wait till Spa. However, this is if you want to be fair and if you like him (as Ferrari and I obviously do). If you are pragmatic, you will get Bourdais.

No he isn't.
In fact he's been as close in FP2 as in the race, it's just that you didn't get the maths right.
He was 1.3 seconds/lap slower Friday after 3 hours of testing and he is exactly as bad after FP3 + Q + a full race! :\

[ioan]

Wont happen. As Spa is Kimis track the difference will be 2.5 secs. Put LucaDM behind the wheel, its a better pr stunt.

:D

[ioan]

In fairness, Ferrari didn't have long after Schu pulled out to find a replacement.

10 days was more than enough and Domenicali was going to get Fisi but LdM chose Badoer, for whatever stupid reason.

[F1boat]

No he isn't.
In fact he's been as close in FP2 as in the race, it's just that you didn't get the maths right.
He was 1.3 seconds/lap slower Friday after 3 hours of testing and he is exactly as bad after FP3 + Q + a full race! :\

Sorry about the Math, I was never good :) However, Luca's best time was achieved in the race, no?

[Saint Devote]

Badoer will be in the car at Spa and the only way to judge is to wait and see what he does there.

Valencia is history and not relevant for Spa.

Of course he will not be competitive with Kimi - if he was then THAT would be difficult to understand.

[52Paddy]

Valencia is history and not relevant for Spa.

Of course he will not be competitive with Kimi - if he was then THAT would be difficult to understand.

Valenica is certainly not relevant, given that it was a track Luca never drove before.

Indeed, he won't beat Kimi. I doubt he'll even score a point. But I'll sig bet that Luca will be less than 1.3sec off the pace.

[jens]

Badoer also racing at Spa? :eek: Wow, just wow!!

Anyway, the "positive" side is that at least this Badoer stuff confirms that racing in modern hi-tech F1 is not too easy like it has been claimed throughout many years. :D And all those Grosjeans and Alguersuaris are actually quite well-prepared rookies and not some random people to jump into F1 to be at reasonable pace straightaway.

[jens]

Valenica is certainly not relevant, given that it was a track Luca never drove before.

Indeed, he won't beat Kimi. I doubt he'll even score a point. But I'll sig bet that Luca will be less than 1.3sec off the pace.

I suspect the gap will be at least 2-3 seconds. Spa is a longer circuit than Valencia and it's also more demanding for drivers (known as "drivers circuit") with its fast corners (how much will Luca lift in Eau Rouge?).

Besides this... I'm not sure, but probably Badoer hasn't driven at Spa for 10 years any more, so I wonder, how much of a use his past experience is there.

[christophulus]

10 days was more than enough and Domenicali was going to get Fisi but LdM chose Badoer, for whatever stupid reason.

Because Fisi was under contract?

I don't know for sure, I'm just suggesting that a bit of stability might be welcome within the team. No point dragging Fisi away from Force India if (*IF*) Massa was going to be OK within a couple of races, which now looks very unlikely.

[ioan]

Sorry about the Math, I was never good :) However, Luca's best time was achieved in the race, no?

Yes, but as you can see others also improved constantly during the week end, most probably due to the track surface rubbering in and offering better grip.

[ioan]

Because Fisi was under contract?

I don't know for sure, I'm just suggesting that a bit of stability might be welcome within the team. No point dragging Fisi away from Force India if (*IF*) Massa was going to be OK within a couple of races, which now looks very unlikely.

Fisi is reported to be looking to be Ferrari's 3rd driver next season and Domenicali was in contact with him and FI, who ow money to Ferrari for the past engine contracts.
All that was needed could have been done in a couple days at most.

[52Paddy]

I suspect the gap will be at least 2-3 seconds. Spa is a longer circuit than Valencia and it's also more demanding for drivers (known as "drivers circuit") with its fast corners (how much will Luca lift in Eau Rouge?).

Besides this... I'm not sure, but probably Badoer hasn't driven at Spa for 10 years any more, so I wonder, how much of a use his past experience is there.

Spa is longer, I guess I didn't consider that. But even so, the laps are only about 4 secs longer than in Valencia. Its most certainly a drivers circuit but Luca has driven it 5 times in the past. He knows about the track, knows that you can go practically flat through Eau Rouge etc. This experience is valuable. The track has changed only slightly since he used to race there so it should still be fresh in his mind. I can accept that he may be 1.3-1.5 secs off Kimi (given the longer track) but 3 secs if a bit much. Unless of course he has indeed lost it :s

[woody2goody]

Right, even though it's my birthday today and I'm in a good mood, I really have to rant about some of these comments in this thread, mainly by one Ferrari supporter in particular.

Ok, Grosjean and Alguersuari beat Luca all weekend. As the commentators said today, both of them have raced in the last 4 weeks, Alguersuari even raced F. Renault during the break from F1. Luca hasn't driven an F1 car since last year.

He got better as every session went on. His real problem was getting up to speed, hence his poor qualifying. His fastest race lap was decent, especially considering Kimi usually does a couple of very fast laps in the grand prix.

Luca got a good start, made up 6 places, was on pace with the Toro Rosso of Alguersuari for most of the race, and finished the Grand Prix. Good effort.

Yes, he spun off twice and let Grosjean by in the pitlane (probably just a misjudgement or a panicky moment), but he kept out of trouble. Without the spins he would probably have beaten Alguersuari.

Also, someone hit him from behind at the start which can't have helped the car's balance.

Now to his abilities, of which I think Ioan especially has been disgusting in his criticism of. He did a test with M. Schumacher a year or two ago, in which he was only 0.2 behind the great man. In history he has always been close to the pace of Rubens, Michael and even Felipe, within a tenth or two.

There is no way in hell that Luca is a bad driver. I think all he needs are some tips in driving the 2009 car, maybe from Kimi or Felipe. He wasn't pushing very hard, and nobody does when they don't even know the limits of their machine.

I agree, he was slow this weekend, and on board with him you could see that, however I'm CONVINCED he will do much better in Spa-Francorchamps. He's raced there 3 or 4 times I think in F1, he'll know the circuit, and he'll be able to push with confidence I'm sure.

I think he did well considering he's basically been cold with regards to driving all year, and in Spa I reckon he'll only be 0.5 away from Kimi.

Ioan I'm disgusted that you can doubt someone's contribution to a team over TEN YEARS, disregarding how highly rated he has been with Schumi, Brawn, Todt and others, just because of a poor performance in a race in which he had about 5 days to prepare for.

You compare him to Yoong and Ide, well Ide lasted 4 races before he was booted for dangerous driving, and it took Yoong 2 seasons to get within 1.0 seconds of his team-mates (Alonso and Webber).

Luca was extremely rusty and unfamiliar with the car and track (at least Yoong I think had driven some of the F1 tracks before), and yet he only ended up 1.3 down. Not to mention his unfamiliarity with KERS too.

Ferrari fans should be supporting such a loyal member of their team instead of kicking him when he's already struggling.

[ioan]

Spa is longer, I guess I didn't consider that. But even so, the laps are only about 4 secs longer than in Valencia. Its most certainly a drivers circuit but Luca has driven it 5 times in the past.

10 years ago!
Hopefully his memory is better than his driving skills! :laugh:

[ioan]

Luca got a good start, made up 6 places, was on pace with the Toro Rosso of Alguersuari for most of the race, and finished the Grand Prix. Good effort.

By your, very low, standards maybe.

[52Paddy]

10 years ago!
Hopefully his memory is better than his driving skills! :laugh:

You don't forget these things overnight. I don't know about you Ioan, but when you're so engrossed in something for a time in your life, that sticks with you right to the grave. Sure, it will take a few laps to get into the swing of things, but it will become familiar again. Whereas in Valencia, there was no history to dig up. It was all learning.

[woody2goody]

By your, very low, standards maybe.

For the situation. It has nothing to do with me. believe me, I want Ferrari's stand in to do really well, I enjoy when a driver steps in and performs, but cast your mind back to when Marc Gene stepped in for R. Schumacher. He was testing every other week for Williams.

I do agree with people when they say Gene should be in the car, but I think you should judge Luca after Spa, and maybe Monza, and if he's still as bad, then i'll agree with you.

Until Massa comes back, or someone else takes the drive, you should support him 100%.

[ioan]

You don't forget these things overnight.

10 years is not overnight in my book. :rolleyes:

You Badoer apologists are really cracking me up, keep them coming, at least we won't be bored until next Friday when he starts the clown number again.

[F1boat]

but cast your mind back to when Marc Gene stepped in for R. Schumacher. He was testing every other week for Williams.


Or even when Rubens did his first starts with Honda, he was nowhere near Button...

[woody2goody]

Or even when Rubens did his first starts with Honda, he was nowhere near Button...

Also, Piquet was 1.3 behind Alonso once or twice I'm sure in qualifying...

[F1boat]

Yes, but as you can see others also improved constantly during the week end, most probably due to the track surface rubbering in and offering better grip.

To me is bizarre to ridicule every reason for Luca's misfortune and to excuse everything little he achieved. This is open malice, not concern from a fan to his favorite team.
JMO.

[Robinho]

one thing i can think of - i would assume that Badoer is very much unfamiliar with the KERs in that car, and how to get the best from it, especially when he's still learning the track and the cars characteristics - i'd imagine Kimi is using it to best advantage for the full 8(?) seconds a lap every lap, whilst Badoer is probably too busy remembering which way to go to use it properly and get the best out of it.

still, he should have got that somewhere close even then, and he was still shocking, but it could account for a couple of tenths of the gap, the rest i'll put down to pure lack of ability

[ioan]

To me is bizarre to ridicule every reason for Luca's misfortune and to excuse everything little he achieved. This is open malice, not concern from a fan to his favorite team.
JMO.

What are you talking about? He achieved nothing!
He even LET the cars overtake him by going of the way, in the pit lane. :rotflmao:

[ioan]

one thing i can think of - i would assume that Badoer is very much unfamiliar with the KERs in that car, and how to get the best from it, especially when he's still learning the track and the cars characteristics - i'd imagine Kimi is using it to best advantage for the full 8(?) seconds a lap every lap, whilst Badoer is probably too busy remembering which way to go to use it properly and get the best out of it.

still, he should have got that somewhere close even then, and he was still shocking, but it could account for a couple of tenths of the gap, the rest i'll put down to pure lack of ability

Kers is used 6.6 seconds a lap and on a track with very long straights it can account for 0.2 - 0.3 seconds.
I doubt that Badoer didn't remember to use it at least on the start finish line.

[jens]

One may laugh at Badoer now, but yes, we really should NOT diminish his past accomplishments (like doubting his testing skills, etc).

About being race driver, Badoer was in F1 in the 90's for several seasons and he wasn't exactly a useless driver back then - he was driving very uncompetitive machineries and actually did a respectable job in them, putting in some nice drives. What we can say about current situation, is that Luca is probably well past his prime now. But it doesn't mean he was that hopeless throughout his career.

[ioan]

One may laugh at Badoer now, but yes, we really should NOT diminish his past accomplishments.

What can be diminished in getting NO points in 48 races?!



About being race driver, Badoer was in F1 in the 90's for several seasons and he wasn't exactly a useless driver back then - he was driving very uncompetitive machineries and actually did a respectable job in them, putting in some nice drives.

Strangely enough none of the 'better team' thought he was good enough, only the likes of Forti and Minardi ever considering him for a race seat until 2 weeks ago.

[jens]

Strangely enough none of the 'better team' thought he was good enough, only the likes of Forti and Minardi ever considering him for a race seat until 2 weeks ago.

Yes, he probably wasn't good enough to make a serious impact in F1, but he was nonetheless better back then than he is now.

[F1boat]

he was driving very uncompetitive machineries and actually did a respectable job in them, putting in some nice drives.

Like Nurburgring 1999. Luca was also F3000 champion in 1992, I learned today :)

[ioan]

Yes, he probably wasn't good enough to make a serious impact in F1, but he was nonetheless better back then than he is now.

That's obvious, but also history and it doesn't help with him being the slowest ever driver with hundreds of thousands of kilometers in a F1 car.

I start to believe that Stefano is way to 'calm' for a F1 team boss.

You're starting to believe that? I believed that as soon as Ron Dennis said he liked Domencali.

I don't want the Ferrari team boss to be liked or to be likeable. I want him to out-tw@t all the other tw@ts.

There isn't enough feck-you attitude in Maranello nowadays.

[ioan]

You're starting to believe that? I believed that as soon as Ron Dennis said he liked Domencali.

I don't want the Ferrari team boss to be liked or to be likeable. I want him to out- all the other s.

There isn't enough feck-you attitude in Maranello nowadays.

I must say you are right. Domenicali is way to calm and Motezemolo is making with him whatever he wants.

[woody2goody]

Yes, he probably wasn't good enough to make a serious impact in F1, but he was nonetheless better back then than he is now.

The thing is, back then, the guys at the back were 3-4 seconds slower than the guys at the front, so if you were in a Minardi (who seemed to be the only team who were consistently at the back), then you would only have a chance of points in bizarre circumstances (Europe 1999, Australia 2002, USA 2004).

So to say that Badoer getting no points from 50 races or so is so bad, look who he has driven for: Scuderia Italia, Minardi and Forti Corse.

I've got some data to back that up. These are the quali gaps from Minardi drivers to pole position in 1999:

Australia: Badoer +4.7, Gene +6.5
Brazil: Sarrazin +3.4, Gene +4.1
San Marino: Badoer +4.5, Gene +3.6
Monaco: Badoer +3.2, Gene +4.3
Spanish: Badoer +3.7, Gene +3.5
Canada: Badoer +3.5, Gene +4.0
France: Badoer +8.3, Gene +7.8 (Wet race?)
Britain: Badoer +3.8, Gene +3.9
Austria: Badoer +2.6, Gene +3.4
Germany: Badoer +2.9, Gene +2.3
Hungary: Badoer +2.8, Gene +3.7
Belgium: Badoer +3.8, Gene +4.2
Italy: Badoer +2.9, Gene +3.2
Europe (Nurburgring): Badoer 2.7, Gene +2.8
Malaysia: Badoer +4.6, Gene +3.8
Japan: Badoer +5.0, Gene +4.0

I don't think even the biggest critic of Luca could say he (or Marc) ever had a realistic chance of points apart from Europe where his car failed him and Gene scored a point for 6th.

[Valve Bounce]

If not Badoer, then who? I've no love for Badoer but Ferrari must be sure that whoever gets the drive for Spa doesn't have to go through a similar learning curve. So that means no Gene. Piquet and Bourdais are available and have current racing experience but neither have set the world aflame and don't exactly inspire confidence.

I think they should try and buy somebody out. Go get Fisichella. He's Italian, experienced and would probably be available. Grease Vijay's palm with enough green and I reckon he'd let Fisi go.

Can't be worse than this debacle.

I know certain people here will jump on me, but I am confident that either Sato or Ant would have done heaps better than Luca.

To put in perspective Badoer's fast testing time back in 2002, ant ran just .2 secs of SchM's fastest time at Monza during testing 3 years ago, and that was with a Honda. :eek:

[Valve Bounce]

He's out of his comfort zone.

Would've done a bit better had he been racing in Silverstone or Barcelona.

It's the Arthritis :( It won't get any better because it is an age thing.

[F1boat]

The thing is, back then, the guys at the back were 3-4 seconds slower than the guys at the front, so if you were in a Minardi (who seemed to be the only team who were consistently at the back), then you would only have a chance of points in bizarre circumstances (Europe 1999, Australia 2002, USA 2004).

So to say that Badoer getting no points from 50 races or so is so bad, look who he has driven for: Scuderia Italia, Minardi and Forti Corse.

I've got some data to back that up. These are the quali gaps from Minardi drivers to pole position in 1999:

Australia: Badoer +4.7, Gene +6.5
Brazil: Sarrazin +3.4, Gene +4.1
San Marino: Badoer +4.5, Gene +3.6
Monaco: Badoer +3.2, Gene +4.3
Spanish: Badoer +3.7, Gene +3.5
Canada: Badoer +3.5, Gene +4.0
France: Badoer +8.3, Gene +7.8 (Wet race?)
Britain: Badoer +3.8, Gene +3.9
Austria: Badoer +2.6, Gene +3.4
Germany: Badoer +2.9, Gene +2.3
Hungary: Badoer +2.8, Gene +3.7
Belgium: Badoer +3.8, Gene +4.2
Italy: Badoer +2.9, Gene +3.2
Europe (Nurburgring): Badoer 2.7, Gene +2.8
Malaysia: Badoer +4.6, Gene +3.8
Japan: Badoer +5.0, Gene +4.0

I don't think even the biggest critic of Luca could say he (or Marc) ever had a realistic chance of points apart from Europe where his car failed him and Gene scored a point for 6th.

Thanks for the post. :) Nice info. Good luck for Luca in Spa, if he races there.

[Bezza]

Poor choice by Ferrari in my opinion. Badoer is a good test driver but is not a good racing driver. Back in '99 they did the right thing and appointed Salo, who was a free agent and much better than Badoer, who was, ironically, being outpaced by Marc Gene in a Minardi that year.

Badoer has had his chances in F1, he is not F1 material and never will be and this appointment astonishes me.

I think my opinion was proved correct this weekend.

What a joke! Possibly the worst driver ever to compete in an F1 race, he was so out of his depth I think my mum would have done better. At least she wouldn't have been caught speeding in the pitlane FOUR times!

[Bezza]

Badoer said after qualifying that he was in the range that Ferrari targeted for him at this race. That the Valencia race is being treated as a major test session because it is his first run, a new circuit and he could not test before running - he has not driven anything for many months.

He will be racing at Spa and he said that the Belgian Grand Prix will be the first racing test versus Valencia being run for him as a test session only.

Bollocks! He was just slow and he will be slow again at Spa.

He was well past it, and he was never any good to begin with.

[jimakos]

Bollocks! He was just slow and he will be slow again at Spa.

He was well past it, and he was never any good to begin with.

Let's give him a second chance guys!
Neither I like him but I think is ferrari's fault that chose Badoer for a so high level!!
If in Spa doesn't make something good he have to go out byhimself ;)

[F1boat]

Let's give him a second chance guys!
Neither I like him but I think is ferrari's fault that chose Badoer for a so high level!!
If in Spa doesn't make something good he have to go out byhimself ;)

I agree, although in theory Monza should be his best track.

[ioan]

I agree, although in theory Monza should be his best track.

Why not say Abu Dhabi is his best chance (as no one raced there)?
This way you apologize him for the rest of the season. :D

IMO he won't be good on any track, not with the driving he showed last week end.

[BDunnell]

What a joke! Possibly the worst driver ever to compete in an F1 race...

No way. The performances by, for example, Al Pease and Jean-Denis Deletraz were far, far worse. Though I will concede that Badoer was an embarrassment for Ferrari at best.

[Bezza]

No way. The performances by, for example, Al Pease and Jean-Denis Deletraz were far, far worse. Though I will concede that Badoer was an embarrassment for Ferrari at best.

Al Pease? Not heard of that one you'll have to enlighten me. Deletraz indeed though was far worse, you're right. :)

Badoer certainly the worst of the decade. Worse than Yuji Ide!

[ShiftingGears]

Al Pease? Not heard of that one you'll have to enlighten me. Deletraz indeed though was far worse, you're right. :)

Badoer certainly the worst of the decade. Worse than Yuji Ide!

He'll get better. He'll still be bog slow though.

At least Badoer hasn't shown himself to be outright dangerous like Ide was. So far, anyway.

[jimakos]

Why not say Abu Dhabi is his best chance (as no one raced there)?

Correct opinion this!
Abu Dhabi will be the best chance to him but I don't think that he'll go so away...

[ioan]

Correct opinion this!
Abu Dhabi will be the best chance to him but I don't think that he'll go so away...

I certainly hope he won't. :D

[ioan]

He'll get better. He'll still be bog slow though.

At least Badoer hasn't shown himself to be outright dangerous like Ide was. So far, anyway.

That's just because every time someone came close to him he LET them by something Ide wouldn't have done, and rightly so.

[F1boat]

Why not say Abu Dhabi is his best chance (as no one raced there)?
This way you apologize him for the rest of the season. :D

IMO he won't be good on any track, not with the driving he showed last week end.

He knows Monza very well, that's why I think that it will be his best chance to shine there.

[ioan]

He knows Monza very well, that's why I think that it will be his best chance to shine there.

When did he drive last time at Monza?

[F1boat]

My statement about Monza is based in the opinion which I heard by various F1 experts which I believe know more about the sport than you.

[ioan]

My statement about Monza is based in the opinion which I heard by various F1 experts which I believe know more about the sport than you.

This is laughable.
I do not consider myself an F1 expert, but I also know that 99% of the so called experts know close to nothing about Badoer and what he could do in Monza.

So, once again, when did Badoer last time drive a F1 car around Monza?

PS: The only tracks he might do significantly better than he did last week are Mugello and Fiorano because he drove those tracks hundreds of times more than any other driver, but even there the actual crop of f1 drivers would be beating him after a couple FP sessions.

[F1boat]

This is laughable.
I do not consider myself an F1 expert, but I also know that 99% of the so called experts know

That's how you think, I can't help you. The discuss anything with you which is not strictly technical is pointless. Bye!

[BDunnell]

This is laughable.
I do not consider myself an F1 expert, but I also know that 99% of the so called experts know close to nothing about Badoer and what he could do in Monza.

So, once again, when did Badoer last time drive a F1 car around Monza?

PS: The only tracks he might do significantly better than he did last week are Mugello and Fiorano because he drove those tracks hundreds of times more than any other driver, but even there the actual crop of f1 drivers would be beating him after a couple FP sessions.

ioan, on this occasion I'm with you 100 per cent. How much does 'local knowledge' really influence any F1 driver's performance on a circuit these days? I'd say not a lot.

I was re-reading an article the other day which included Eddie Jordan's predictions for this season. Now, he may have many detractors, but he still knows more about F1 than you or I. However, all of his predictions were absolute bo11ocks - worth no more than yours or mine. So the words of people who are undoubtedly experts of one form or another are not necessarily worth much.

[ioan]

ioan, on this occasion I'm with you 100 per cent.

Thanks! It's good to see we still agree every now and then, especially on the obvious aspects of the sport. :)

[ioan]

That's how you think, I can't help you. The discuss anything with you which is not strictly technical is pointless. Bye!

:wave:

[ioan]

Apparently Badoer also managed to crash into Sutil's Force India in Parc ferme after the race! :laugh:
His week end was worse as Yuji Ide's average ones, I wonder how long before the FIA decide to revoke his superlicense in order to make our lives easier! :rotflmao:

[F1boat]

ioan, on this occasion I'm with you 100 per cent. How much does 'local knowledge' really influence any F1 driver's performance on a circuit these days? I'd say not a lot.

I was re-reading an article the other day which included Eddie Jordan's predictions for this season. Now, he may have many detractors, but he still knows more about F1 than you or I. However, all of his predictions were absolute bo11ocks - worth no more than yours or mine. So the words of people who are undoubtedly experts of one form or another are not necessarily worth much.

I trust James Allen. I follow his articles and his predictions usually come true.

[ioan]

I trust James Allen. I follow his articles and his predictions usually come true.

James has good articles because he is in the paddock and can get general info from the source, but when it comes to 2+2 he usually messes it up and makes it 5.

[F1boat]

Haven't noticed IMO. He fails to predict what will happen when there is a big shift in the team order, like McLaren in Hungary, but then few can predict these things anyway.

[BDunnell]

I trust James Allen. I follow his articles and his predictions usually come true.

Yes, his blog is certainly worth a read.

[callum122]

I predicted Badoer to finish the race in 11th.

Get him out of the F***ing car.

[Garry Walker]

He'll get better. He'll still be bog slow though.

At least Badoer hasn't shown himself to be outright dangerous like Ide was. So far, anyway.

He has been going too slow to be dangerous.

[Bezza]

They should remove Badoer now, he is embarrassing himself and will only be looked back on in future years as a useless driver, when without these races he would have been an average driver who never got a chance in a decent car!

F1 is funny really. I remember some people over in History & Nostalgia voting Badoer as the 49th best driver of all time (!) - because of his test driving duties with Ferrari. This was already stupid, but now after Valencia, would they still vote him in at 49th???

[Roamy]

well this is a sad state I must say. Then dumbass Ferrari is going to waste spa by letting the stone drive again. Maybe I will send him a decal from the space shuttle because if he tries eau rouge flat he will be launched. The guy is scared and that does not go well in motorsports. Gene has be driving some fast machinery this year and I can't imagine the stone was chosen over him.

[ioan]

well this is a sad state I must say. Then dumbass Ferrari is going to waste spa by letting the stone drive again. Maybe I will send him a decal from the space shuttle because if he tries eau rouge flat he will be launched. The guy is scared and that does not go well in motorsports. Gene has be driving some fast machinery this year and I can't imagine the stone was chosen over him.

And Gene makes it clear that he is unhappy with t he teams decision, even if he accepts it:


"These past weeks have not been easy for me," Gene wrote in his column in El Mundo newspaper.

"It's hard to assume that you won't be racing at your home grand prix after winning the Le Mans 24 Hours and having completed over 10,000 kilometers with Ferrari and Peugeot.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77965

How is it possible that Ferrari overlooked a LeMans winner, someone who drove several races in very high performance machinery this season?
The answer is LdM's big ego and lack of knowledge of his own team.

[leopard]

Supposing Ferrari is so kind to give Badoer more chances, we hope he can make some improvement. It was excusable for driver who hasn't driven quite long for the whole race. Although at the end team has to prepare the worst probability from the consequence of selecting replacement drivers.

I am not really sure these two drivers will drive that slow, I named two names, Mark if not Michael...

[52Paddy]

I must say though, as much as I support Badoer's efforts, its been a while since we've had something like this. A driver returning and making a bad impression on some. When was the last time? I guess it would have been Tarso Marques in 2001, who had raced previously in 1997. Though I'm still hanging on for Spa. Téigh Lúcas mo sean-bláthana!!

[ShiftingGears]

He has been going too slow to be dangerous.

He still managed to mingle with the backmarkers thanks to KERS at the start ;)
That could've ended badly considering how spacially inept he appeared to be after his pitlane incident.

[woody2goody]

He still managed to mingle with the backmarkers thanks to KERS at the start ;)
That could've ended badly considering how spacially inept he appeared to be after his pitlane incident.

Well somebody ran into him at the start so we'll never know. I know it's fashionable to jump on the bandwagon of having a go at the poor guy, but he did make up 6 places on the opening lap before being shunted on that lap and spinning off on the second lap I think.

Oh and FYI, Ide was 2.8 slower than Sato in Australia qualifying, 1.7 in Malaysia, 3.9 (!) in Australia, and 1.6 in his fourth and final race, in Imola.

I will almost guarantee Luca will be within 0.5 of Kimi even by the next race. Comparisons of Ide are stupid. I bet if Michael Schumacher had been in the car, he would have been half a second off Kimi at least due to having to learn the car/track etc. By the end of the race he would have got there but only just.

Luca's race pace was on par with most of the midfield runners for most of the race. He would probably have beaten Grosjean, Alguersuari and Glock without the spins and penalty.

[pino]

Well somebody ran into him at the start so we'll never know. I know it's fashionable to jump on the bandwagon of having a go at the poor guy, but he did make up 6 places on the opening lap before being shunted on that lap and spinning off on the second lap I think.

Oh and FYI, Ide was 2.8 slower than Sato in Australia qualifying, 1.7 in Malaysia, 3.9 (!) in Australia, and 1.6 in his fourth and final race, in Imola.

I will almost guarantee Luca will be within 0.5 of Kimi even by the next race. Comparisons of Ide are stupid. I bet if Michael Schumacher had been in the car, he would have been half a second off Kimi at least due to having to learn the car/track etc. By the end of the race he would have got there but only just.

Luca's race pace was on par with most of the midfield runners for most of the race. He would probably have beaten Grosjean, Alguersuari and Glock without the spins and penalty.


I am glad to see that I am not alone in this jungle :p : ;)

[Easy Drifter]

I do not usually post in F1 on drivers unless involving an incident.
Luca has hardly been in a race car this year because of the testing ban.
He has not actually raced for several years.
Considering I think he did a reasonable job.
There could be a considerable step up by Spa. He now knows the car. It will be a track he has raced at although years ago and changed. He deserves the chance. If he is as far off the pace again then he should probably be replaced.
In addition to Gene and the Ant do not forget Piquet and Bourdais would jump at the chance to drive. Of course, JV would also probably be willing!!!!!! :eek: :D

[F1boat]

I am glad to see that I am not alone in this jungle :p : ;)

No, you aren't.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77973
"Since the time that they told me I was going to be the driver, my life has changed. I am the most happy - not that before I was unhappy – but I am really very happy now. For me it is a special time because, as a I told in the past, it was my dream since I was a small child I was thinking and dreaming I want to drive Ferrari in F1 when I am big. So you can imagine now that I can do it, this will be the best period in my life. It will be not long, but for me it will be enough"
Really that's why Ferrari need to be respected, they are like family and sometimes in the middle of the championship fight they can find time and dignity to fulfill the dream of "a small child" dreaming to drive for Ferrari. Kudos for them and I hope that Luca will be allowed to drive in Italy as well.

[ioan]

Well somebody ran into him at the start so we'll never know. I know it's fashionable to jump on the bandwagon of having a go at the poor guy, but he did make up 6 places on the opening lap before being shunted on that lap and spinning off on the second lap I think.

Oh and FYI, Ide was 2.8 slower than Sato in Australia qualifying, 1.7 in Malaysia, 3.9 (!) in Australia, and 1.6 in his fourth and final race, in Imola.

I will almost guarantee Luca will be within 0.5 of Kimi even by the next race. Comparisons of Ide are stupid. I bet if Michael Schumacher had been in the car, he would have been half a second off Kimi at least due to having to learn the car/track etc. By the end of the race he would have got there but only just.

Luca's race pace was on par with most of the midfield runners for most of the race. He would probably have beaten Grosjean, Alguersuari and Glock without the spins and penalty.

He ran into another car in parc ferme while doing like 10 kmh! :down:

[Roamy]

Putting Luca in A Ferrari F1 car at spa is like sending me to the opera with a fat bitch with her hair up and a pair of those fag binoculars.
Just will never be a pretty sight!! :p :p

[ioan]

Putting Luca in A Ferrari F1 car at spa is like sending me to the opera with a fat bitch with her hair up and a pair of those fag binoculars.
Just will never be a pretty sight!! :p :p

:up: :laugh: :up:

[Bezza]

I will almost guarantee Luca will be within 0.5 of Kimi even by the next race.

Haha! He won't even be within 1.5 secs and I am willing to bet woody. How about a tenner? :)

[jimakos]

Putting Luca in A Ferrari F1 car at spa is like sending me to the opera with a fat bitch with her hair up and a pair of those fag binoculars.
Just will never be a pretty sight!! :p :p


Great inspiration mate :monkeedan

[Knock-on]

Haha! He won't even be within 1.5 secs and I am willing to bet woody. How about a tenner? :)

Go on then Bezza. I think he will qualify within 1.5 seconds.

You're on.

[Bezza]

Go on then Bezza. I think he will qualify within 1.5 seconds.

You're on.

*shakes hands with Knock-On* :)

[Knock-on]

*shakes hands with Knock-On* :)

But I'm not coming "op Narth" to pick it up :laugh:

[Bezza]

But I'm not coming "op Narth" to pick it up :laugh:

Haha! :laugh:

Internet banking my friend... :)

[RS]

Badoer's (lack of) performance was hardly surprising for someone who hadn't driven an F1 car properly this year and hadn't raced for 10 years. But to be fair he did close the gap in lap time to Kimi gradually over the weekend. Be interesting to see what he can do this weekend, good luck to him!

[woody2goody]

Haha! He won't even be within 1.5 secs and I am willing to bet woody. How about a tenner? :)

I wish I had a tenner to bet anyone :D

1.5 seconds is to easy, I think you've sold yourself a bit there mate :D

[schmenke]

He ran into another car in parc ferme while doing like 10 kmh! :down:

Did he really? :laugh:

[ioan]

Did he really? :laugh:

Yeah, into Sutil's Force India!
This is funny also as poor Sutil must be already panicked when he sees a Ferrari coming towards him! :D

[woody2goody]

Yeah, into Sutil's Force India!
This is funny also as poor Sutil must be already panicked when he sees a Ferrari coming towards him! :D

:D

[F1boat]

Yeah, into Sutil's Force India!
This is funny also as poor Sutil must be already panicked when he sees a Ferrari coming towards him! :D

Yeah, I think all Ferrari cars have hit him or at least came dangerously close to him on occasions LOL.

[Bezza]

I wish I had a tenner to bet anyone :D

1.5 seconds is to easy, I think you've sold yourself a bit there mate :D


You'll see. Badoer 1.5 secs slower than Raikkonen at Spa - its a long track, one of Raikkonen's favourites, Badoer not raced for 10 years.. I think its the easiest £10 ever.

[Garry Walker]

I will almost guarantee Luca will be within 0.5 of Kimi even by the next race.

:rotflmao:

Lets make a bet. If Badoer qualifies within 0,5 seconds of Kimi, I will not post at this forum for a month.
If he doesnt, then you will not post here for 1 month.

Deal?

[Knock-on]

:rotflmao:

Lets make a bet. If Badoer qualifies within 0,5 seconds of Kimi, I will not post at this forum for a month.
If he doesnt, then you will not post here for 1 month.

Deal?

This just opens up far to many possibilities :D

Perhaps I can have one with ioan about Button winning the WDC :D

[BeansBeansBeans]

If Badoer qualifies within 0,5 seconds of Kimi, I will not post at this forum for a month.

Come on Luca! You can do it! :p :

[ShiftingGears]

Within 0.5 seconds?

No way!
Raikkonen's going to kill him.

[woody2goody]

:rotflmao:

Lets make a bet. If Badoer qualifies within 0,5 seconds of Kimi, I will not post at this forum for a month.
If he doesnt, then you will not post here for 1 month.

Deal?

Yeah why not Garry.

Deal

<shakes hands with Garry> :D

Ooh, if he gets knocked out, say, in Q2 or Q1, do we take both drivers time from that session?

[ioan]

This just opens up far to many possibilities :D

Perhaps I can have one with ioan about Button winning the WDC :D

Dream on. I'm not betting! :p :

[Garry Walker]

Yeah why not Garry.

Deal

<shakes hands with Garry> :D

Ooh, if he gets knocked out, say, in Q2 or Q1, do we take both drivers time from that session?

:D Wonderful.

Yes, if one of them gets knocked out in one session, then we will take the others time from that same session.

[Garry Walker]

Come on Luca! You can do it! :p :
Care to join our bet :p :

[woody2goody]

:D Wonderful.

Yes, if one of them gets knocked out in one session, then we will take the others time from that same session.

Cool.

I wonder if anyone else would like to put their hat into the ring, like you said?

[BeansBeansBeans]

Care to join our bet :p :

Okay, but I'm taking your side. Badoer will not qualify within 0.5 seconds of Raikkonen at Spa. Can anyone recommend any websites for Woody to surf in the coming month?

[DexDexter]

Okay, but I'm taking your side. Badoer will not qualify within 0.5 seconds of Raikkonen at Spa. Can anyone recommend any websites for Woody to surf in the coming month?

http://www.kimiraikkonen.com :D

[jens]

I hope too many such bets won't be made or otherwise this forum will feel rather empty in short future. :D

[SGWilko]

Within 0.5 seconds?

No way!
Raikkonen's going to kill him.

Yes, I've heard that a few jars and Luca is a gonna...... ;)

[edv]

It might be instructive to those looking to bet against Kimi that no driver has ever gone faster than him at Spa over the past 30 years. (1:47.930 lap in 2008 is the current lap record)
I do recognise that very slight alterations were made to the circuit at Bus Stop and LaSource before the 2008 race.

[SGWilko]

It might be instructive to those looking to bet against Kimi that no driver has ever gone faster than him at Spa over the past 30 years. (1:47.930 lap in 2008 is the current lap record)
I do recognise that very slight alterations were made to the circuit at Bus Stop and LaSource before the 2008 race.

http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/f1-information/going-to-a-race/spa-francorchamps-circuit-information/ says different

[ioan]

It might be instructive to those looking to bet against Kimi that no driver has ever gone faster than him at Spa over the past 30 years. (1:47.930 lap in 2008 is the current lap record)
I do recognise that very slight alterations were made to the circuit at Bus Stop and LaSource before the 2008 race.

I'm very sure wikipedia is wrong on that fastest lap time. There were faster lap times set at Spa.

[edv]

Curious.
They have Kimi as lap record holder at 1:45.1, but show MSch doing a 1:43.7 in 2002.
Either Kimi's time is related only to the 2008 event, or they are not counting times before the circuit alterations.
In any case, seems Kimi is fast at Spa

[jimakos]

In any case, seems Kimi is fast at Spa

That's why I believe Kimi have possibilities to win this race!
Excellent driver in a good condition and a stage that gets on him...

[ioan]

Curious.
They have Kimi as lap record holder at 1:45.1, but show MSch doing a 1:43.7 in 2002.
Either Kimi's time is related only to the 2008 event, or they are not counting times before the circuit alterations.
In any case, seems Kimi is fast at Spa

Out of the current drivers Kimi has the best stats at Spa, but unlike what some believe MS was the one who was best around there over the years and holds the lap record too.

[woody2goody]

Oh Kimi is good at Spa there's no doubt. However I'm prepared to bet just in case I'm correct. If so, that means Luca will have probably shut a lot of people up.

I'm not doing this to get rid of Garry btw. I just have blind faith in my own stupidity :D

[edv]

Out of the current drivers Kimi has the best stats at Spa, but unlike what some believe MS was the one who was best around there over the years and holds the lap record too.

According to F1 official website, Kimi has the lap record:

Spa-Francorchamps
Race Date: 30 Aug 2009
Number of Laps: 44
Circuit Length: 7.004 km
Race Distance: 308.052 km
Lap Record: 1:45.108 - K Raikkonen (2004)

[jimakos]

According to F1 official website, Kimi has the lap record:

Spa-Francorchamps
Race Date: 30 Aug 2009
Number of Laps: 44
Circuit Length: 7.004 km
Race Distance: 308.052 km
Lap Record: 1:45.108 - K Raikkonen (2004)

I don't know what to believe :eek:
One for sure:the fastest lap has done by Ferrari :D

[ioan]

According to F1 official website, Kimi has the lap record:

Spa-Francorchamps
Race Date: 30 Aug 2009
Number of Laps: 44
Circuit Length: 7.004 km
Race Distance: 308.052 km
Lap Record: 1:45.108 - K Raikkonen (2004)

Maybe it's a race lap record otherwise it's a mistake as 1:43.726 is certainly faster:

http://ndtv.f1pulse.com/racecard/Belgian_Grand_Prix_2002/404241/race_card_qualify.aspx

http://www.newsonf1.com/2002/races/belgium/qres.htm

http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/results.php?raceID=51

[edv]

For sure they're making a distinction between qualifying lap and race lap.

[F1boat]

I don't know what to believe :eek:
One for sure:the fastest lap has done by Ferrari :D

No, in 2004 Kimi was driving McLaren-Mercedes. It was his only win that season.

[racing393]

I guess his long awaited return was up in smoke, i know just the driver......ready

Heres a clue, he was the old "stig"

Perry.....

[ioan]

I guess his long awaited return was up in smoke, i know just the driver......ready

Heres a clue, he was the old "stig"

Perry.....

So many periods, all at the wrong place.

[52Paddy]

I guess his long awaited return was up in smoke, i know just the driver......ready

Heres a clue, he was the old "stig"

Perry.....

Fred Perry? Frank Perry? Brian Ferry? Furry Berry? Aaaahhhhh I can't take the suspense!!!!!!!!

[jimakos]

No, in 2004 Kimi was driving McLaren-Mercedes. It was his only win that season.

Oops my mistake!!
Sorry :)

[inimitablestoo]

I'm very sure wikipedia is wrong...

Surely not :D

[ioan]

Surely not :D

Wouldn't be the first time either! :D

[woody2goody]

Well, in light of my bet this could be the last few hours I'm here for a month :D

For my pickems I picked Luca to come 8th this weekend, given the massive benefit of KERS at Spa.

However I'm not sure even a top 10 qualifying will save me! Knowing how good Kimi is at Spa, he will probably get pole position, so Luca would have to qualify top 4ish for me to win my bet with Garry.

I think there's more chance of me qualifying in the top 4 in that car...

[Ranger]

Maybe it's a race lap record otherwise it's a mistake as 1:43.726 is certainly faster:

http://ndtv.f1pulse.com/racecard/Belgian_Grand_Prix_2002/404241/race_card_qualify.aspx

http://www.newsonf1.com/2002/races/belgium/qres.htm

http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/results.php?raceID=51

Lap records are only counted during the race.

[rusha84]

I'm one of those crying my hearts out upon learning that Schumi wouldn't be racing in F1 Singapore (http://www.f1racingsingapore.blogspot.com/). I was really looking forward to see him race in the night race. :(

[52Paddy]

Well, in light of my bet this could be the last few hours I'm here for a month :D

For my pickems I picked Luca to come 8th this weekend, given the massive benefit of KERS at Spa.

However I'm not sure even a top 10 qualifying will save me! Knowing how good Kimi is at Spa, he will probably get pole position, so Luca would have to qualify top 4ish for me to win my bet with Garry.

I think there's more chance of me qualifying in the top 4 in that car...

Ah woody. I guess you're going to back on everything you said last week pretty soon :mark:

[F1boat]

Luca P10 in FP1, but with the rain, times are not very meaningful.

[woody2goody]

Ah woody. I guess you're going to back on everything you said last week pretty soon :mark:

Nah I'm gonna stick with it.

I'm feeling good for Luca after practice. He showed more confidence than I thought on the wet track. He made a couple of mistakes, but so did everyone I think.

[Knock-on]

Well, in light of my bet this could be the last few hours I'm here for a month :D

For my pickems I picked Luca to come 8th this weekend, given the massive benefit of KERS at Spa.

However I'm not sure even a top 10 qualifying will save me! Knowing how good Kimi is at Spa, he will probably get pole position, so Luca would have to qualify top 4ish for me to win my bet with Garry.

I think there's more chance of me qualifying in the top 4 in that car...

Wathe your ass on that door mate :D

Anyway, good luck. If you're correct, then I'm a tenner to the good :D

[woody2goody]

Luca P10 in FP1, but with the rain, times are not very meaningful.

Yeah nobody really got many dry laps in. Trulli went for it a bit more than most and got a decent time. 2nd (Button) to 10th (Badoer) didn't really get to build themselves up for a proper run.

10 drivers didn't get a single dry lap in so we can't read anything from the times.

[woody2goody]

Wathe your ass on that door mate :D

Anyway, good luck. If you're correct, then I'm a tenner to the good :D

I'll... see... you... all... in... October... <sniff>

No I'm actually pretty confident. It'll be close I think but he's definitely got a shot at 0.5 off Kimi.

Is it still 0.5 on a wet track I wonder?

[ioan]

Luca P10 in FP1, but with the rain, times are not very meaningful.

He was slowest of all those who posted a lap time in the dry. 5 seconds slower than Trulli and 2 seconds slower than Kimi.

[ioan]

Come on Ferrari, put someone else in that seat by tomorrow morning.

[F1boat]

Yet Rob Smedley said that Luca's times are OK, he is losing time in turn 10. About the times, they are not meaningful, as woody said, only Jarno made a decent lap.

[Bezza]

I'll... see... you... all... in... October... <sniff>

No I'm actually pretty confident. It'll be close I think but he's definitely got a shot at 0.5 off Kimi.

Is it still 0.5 on a wet track I wonder?

If he is +1.5 secs or more away from Kimi, I win £10 :)

I think we have to establish, during qualifying, that the only fair comparison is to compare Kimi and Badoer at the end Qualy 2. The final session includes race fuel so we cannot include that in the bet, unless Knock-On was hoping for that loophole ;)

Kimi to be 1.5 secs faster than Badoer after Qualifying 2 :)

[Knock-on]

If he is +1.5 secs or more away from Kimi, I win £10 :)

I think we have to establish, during qualifying, that the only fair comparison is to compare Kimi and Badoer at the end Qualy 2. The final session includes race fuel so we cannot include that in the bet, unless Knock-On was hoping for that loophole ;)

Kimi to be 1.5 secs faster than Badoer after Qualifying 2 :)

I don't mind when we do it so end of Q2 is fine with me :D

(or the end of Q1 if one doesn't make it through)

<shakes hand>

[ioan]

2 seconds slower than Raikkonen!
1 second slower than the next slowest driver! :D

[woody2goody]

2 seconds slower than Raikkonen!
1 second slower than the next slowest driver! :D

You really shouldn't be happy about that :D

[ioan]

You really shouldn't be happy about that :D

I'm trying to see the positive side of this catastrophe at Ferrari. ;)

PS: I suppose that Badoer will again say that he's doing exactly as expected! :laugh:

[F1boat]

On the other hand, he is not that far behind the world championship leader :(

[ioan]

On the other hand, he is not that far behind the world championship leader :(

Really?
When 19 drivers are within 1.1 seconds Badoer is another second down, looks a lot to me!

[Bagwan]

Get a clue guys !

Have you not seen the short version of his name that they use in the screen graphics ?
He is "BAD" .


Is this the curse of Enzo ?
He said he never wanted another Italian son in the Ferrari seat .

[F1boat]

Really?
When 19 drivers are within 1.1 seconds Badoer is another second down, looks a lot to me!

I mean that "Brawn GP" are also very, very bad :(

[Sonic]

OMG Luca you suck! Be a man and hand the keys back to LdM and tell him it was a BIG mistake.

[BeansBeansBeans]

Lookhow Badyouare

[I am evil Homer]

Aren't Ferrari embarassed by this? The guy is a joke so far.

[schmenke]

Lookhow Badyouare

Grab yer coat, the doors that way :mark:

[Knock-on]

You really shouldn't be happy about that :D

I love it. All he has to do is pick up the pace by 0.5 seconds in Q2 and I'm £££'s in :laugh:

How about this for a statistic then?

If he gets within 1.5 seconds of Kimi, he will be the most improved driver this season :D

[woody2goody]

I love it. All he has to do is pick up the pace by 0.5 seconds in Q2 and I'm £££'s in :laugh:

How about this for a statistic then?

If he gets within 1.5 seconds of Kimi, he will be the most improved driver this season :D

Well, with around half an hour left in the session, he set the fastest first sector time of anybody up until that point, and I thought 'right, here we go, the real Luca has returned', and then I watched the rest of the lap, and he lost 3.8(!) seconds in the last two sectors on that very lap. Granted, he improved by two seconds over that, but he still wasn't great.

His problem must be confidence. He's not using all the race track, and he isn't getting on the power early enough. He's driving sensibly and carefully, but that isn't enough when everyone else is driving the nuts off it.

He used to drive with real passion in his Minardi days. I'll be amazed if Rob Smedley and co aren't going through what he needs to do with him. In fact, I don't see why they weren't pushing him really hard to excel and not just to be mediocre.

We could all see what he was doing wrong, why couldn't Luca himself or even the team?

On a lighter note, Alguersuari = :)

[jens]

Unfortunately it looks like the only way, how woody2goody can avoid losing these bets, is to hope that Kimi's car blows up on his very first Q1 flyer...

[ioan]

Unfortunately it looks like the only way, how woody2goody can avoid losing these bets, is to hope that Kimi's car blows up on his very first Q1 flyer...

I hope Kimi get's into Q3, so bye bye woody! :D

[Knock-on]

Unfortunately it looks like the only way, how woody2goody can avoid losing these bets, is to hope that Kimi's car blows up on his very first Q1 flyer...

:laugh: Poor old Woody :D

I though 1.5 seconds was a good target for Baddie boy but 0.5 was a bit of a leap of faith.

Balls of steel our Woody has :D

[pino]

:laugh: Poor old Woody :D

I though 1.5 seconds was a good target for Baddie boy but 0.5 was a bit of a leap of faith.

Balls of steel our Woody has :D

knockie, isn't over yet...Go Badoer Go Woody :D

[F1boat]

Luca beat Kazuki in FP3 and is less than a second from KR lol :-)
http://www.formula1.com/results/season/2009/817/6667/

[Tazio]

11 Raikkonen 1.46.409

18 Badoer 1.47.055

Come on Woody !!
Here's what your talkin' about!
May Luca channel the little known Greek god "Testiclese"!
for the other .145
BTW Thanks for going to bat for Ferrari!
Come on!

[jens]

0.6secs? Badoer should borrow Alonso's 6 tenths now and everything would be properly fine then! :D

[Sonic]

Luca looks like he's on the softer to try and get through Q1

[Sonic]

bye bye Luca :wave:

[ioan]

knockie, isn't over yet...Go Badoer Go Woody :D

:rotflmao:

[ioan]

Bye Bye Luca! :wave:
Bye bye Woody! :wave:

This would have been a fitting exit but sadly I'll have to cringe for another 90 minutes tomorrow. :\

[Sonic]

Bye Bye Luca! :wave:
Bye bye Woody! :wave:

This would have been a fitting exit but sadly I'll have to cringe for another 90 minutes tomorrow. :\

No way! Having seen his attempt at "overtaking" he'll be in the barriers before he gets to the top of the hill. :rolleyes: :p :

[AJP]

At least he gave it a go....

And will be able to say he raced for Ferrari... ;)

[veeten]

and Luca is in his customary place; 20th :s

[Sonic]

Love it! Luca's fastest at something. 324kph through the speed trap, 10kph faster than anyone else. However if you bin it two seconds later it hardly counts! :D

[BDunnell]

Dear oh dear oh dear. That really is an embarrassment. Nobody at Ferrari can surely ever argue that this was a good idea.

[ioan]

Love it! Luca's fastest at something. 324kph through the speed trap, 10kph faster than anyone else. However if you bin it two seconds later it hardly counts! :D

Must have been because he missed his braking point before he hit the barriers.

[F1boat]

He is better than in Valencia, though, good luck for him tomorrow!

[veeten]

Dear oh dear oh dear. That really is an embarrassment. Nobody at Ferrari can surely ever argue that this was a good idea.

Give LdM some time, and I'm sure that he could pull some kind of excuse out of his... err.., come up with some explanation as to why. ;) :p

[ioan]

Dear oh dear oh dear. That really is an embarrassment. Nobody at Ferrari can surely ever argue that this was a good idea.

Ferrari should have put Fisi in that car already in Valencia and they might have had a chance to keep 3rd in the WCC.

LdM should not mix in the F1 team's decisions ever again!

[jens]

Bah, feel sorry for woody2goody. :(

Badoer was actually a bit better than I expected. The loss was around 1 second, wasn't it? Well, at least less than 1.5s, which was another bet here.

[jimakos]

There is no doubt about Badoer now!
I think Ferrari have to change him with somebody else...

[ioan]

Bah, feel sorry for woody2goody. :(

Don't be, he dug himself in that hole.


Badoer was actually a bit better than I expected. The loss was around 1 second, wasn't it? Well, at least less than 1.5s, which was another bet here.

Actually it was 1.4 seconds, way to much in the same car.

[jens]

Don't be, he dug himself in that hole.


He seems quite a nice and friendly MSF member, that's why he is missed. Forum needs positive people. :)

[Sonic]

Don't be, he dug himself in that hole.

I've got huge respect for Woody. He stuck to his guns and supported his man against the odds. :up: