British GP 2008

[Knock-on]

Well, 1st timed practice is underway.

[Dave B]

Ah you bugger, you beat me to it!

[Knock-on]

Ah you bugger, you beat me to it!

I can't believe I beat VB to the thread

Has someone had an "off" on the first warm-up lap?

[Dave B]

Not much running so far, but Nakajima is providing good entertainment.

[jens]

Okay. My preview and thoughts before the decisive moments of the weekend.

Ferrari is the main favourite as usual. Räikkönen the main candidate for race win as Silverstone should be one of his strongest circuits.

We didn't see the true pace of McLaren at Magny-Cours as both drivers were stuck in traffic throughout the race due to starting grid penalties. But Macs have traditionally been quick at their home circuit and probably may be the only conceivable threat to Ferrari this weekend.

I have some reason to be optimistic about Toyota after successful last week tests at Silverstone and Toy was quick already last year, when Ralf was 5th in Q2 (shame the cars broke down in the race). But actually I'm not that much worried about the pace of Toyota, but the pace of Trulli, because Silverstone has been the second worst circuit after Hungaroring for him. Even if he has qualified well, then he has always struggled in the race. I think Timo may have a good chance of beating Jarno this weekend.

There is some sceptitism about BMW's performance, which might be a tad more impressive than Magny-Cours, but generally they have been moving backwards on aero circuits. Red Bull is very consistent and Webber should be in the points again! Renault is a rival too, but it seems like they due to lack of performance they have decided to make some glory qualifying laps as Alonso has qualified into Top3 for twice with less fuel on board than anyone else. So I'd say on merit minor points are achievable.

Others can only pray for rain if they want to get any points. For Vettel and Honda rain has often been beneficial and has lifted them into points contention. Considering the current form of Williams, rain (or safety car) may be their only hope too. As well as Force India with the new extended engine cover, of course.

[Dave B]

Alonso's retired, Glock's spun harmlessly on his oil, and Massa's gone heavily into the tyre barrier presumably also on Alonso's fluids.

Red flag, Massa's car's a total mess but he's out of the car and walking

[gravity]

If only we could have more write-ups like that about a British GP!!!
No mention of LH/JB/DC. Don't worry though, the ITV team will more than make up for that!

[ioan]

what a mess.

It seems we might get a wet qualifying tomorrow, and a dry race after that.

[ioan]

I doubt that we will see Massa in the afternoon session, his whole transmission needs a change after this shunt.

Alonso was a tool, he kept the car on the racing line while spitting oil all over the place.

[Dave B]

The session's restarted with 16 minutes remaining. If BMW's radio transmissions are anything to go by it's unlikely we'll see any more serious running as there's a lot of concrete dust on the track.

That said, Fisi's Force India has just gone out to clean up!

Massa's completely unharmed, although there's a serious doubt whether his car will be repairable.