Ponderbox

[Nessafox]

That also leads me to another question: does anybody in this world really care about Charles Pic? Other than making punny jokes. It's quite an achievement to be even more anonymous than Chilton!

I care about Charlie Pic. I care about rejects! But, the British Press also tend to overhype British drivers (I'm not against it, they just do it), so if you listen to British F1 coverage, then maybe Max is more popular than Pic. But then again, you are Belgian, surely there is Belgian F1 coverage.

Now, thinking of it even more logically, Chilton is already more famous than the rest of the F1 paddock put together

I only watch Belgian coverage when not having other options. But either way, they are focussing mostly on Van Der Garde and a little bit on Bianchi when talking about the backmarkers. Which is logical, Belgian has always had an interest on Dutch drivers and Holland on Belgian drivers, because of the historic rivaly between both countries (and the fact that half of Belgium speaks the same language as Holland), and the interest in Jules Bianchi is obvious because of his connection to Lucien Bianchi.

But i don't think they ever even mentioned Pic. Not chilton either. I don't really think the French care much about Pic either (but i'm not sure about that) But the Brits sure as hell care about Chilton

[Londoner]

I'm sure I read this somewhere in an old F1 season review book, but was there a practice/qualifying session at Interlagos once where the stewards forbade the drivers from crossing the pit entrance whilst on track, despite the fact that that line was the natural racing line, and almost ended up with a farce where most, if not all of the drivers nearly got penalised for ignoring the edict, until common sense prevailed? It would have been about 9-19 years ago, on the basis I remember reading that Olivier Panis was involved in this.

Or is this all just a figment of my imagination?

[dr-baker]

I'm sure I read this somewhere in an old F1 season review book, but was there a practice/qualifying session at Interlagos once where the stewards forbade the drivers from crossing the pit entrance whilst on track, despite the fact that that line was the natural racing line, and almost ended up with a farce where most, if not all of the drivers nearly got penalised for ignoring the edict, until common sense prevailed? It would have been about 9-19 years ago, on the basis I remember reading that Olivier Panis was involved in this.

Or is this all just a figment of my imagination?

I don't remember it, but it sounds plausible that it may have happened...

[ibsey]

I'm sure I read this somewhere in an old F1 season review book, but was there a practice/qualifying session at Interlagos once where the stewards forbade the drivers from crossing the pit entrance whilst on track, despite the fact that that line was the natural racing line, and almost ended up with a farce where most, if not all of the drivers nearly got penalised for ignoring the edict, until common sense prevailed? It would have been about 9-19 years ago, on the basis I remember reading that Olivier Panis was involved in this.

Or is this all just a figment of my imagination?

I've got a sneaky suspicion this may have been 1999 when IIRC the pit lane entrance was moved to a position as you say right on the natural racing line, where the cars who were not pitting, where doing approx. 200 mph!

EDIT; Think that was also the year when they extended the pitlane exit (which also previously was considered dangerous, since cars rejoined in the 'blind spot' of those cars on a hot lap).

[takagi_for_the_win]

I'm sure I read this somewhere in an old F1 season review book, but was there a practice/qualifying session at Interlagos once where the stewards forbade the drivers from crossing the pit entrance whilst on track, despite the fact that that line was the natural racing line, and almost ended up with a farce where most, if not all of the drivers nearly got penalised for ignoring the edict, until common sense prevailed? It would have been about 9-19 years ago, on the basis I remember reading that Olivier Panis was involved in this.

Or is this all just a figment of my imagination?

That indeed happened, in 1997.

[dinizintheoven]

I know a way to settle the Max Chilton debate once and for all.

It involves a Suzuki Liana.

[dr-baker]

I know a way to settle the Max Chilton debate once and for all.

It involves a Suzuki Liana.

And a figure-of-eight track I assume!

[dinizintheoven]

Certainly a figure-of-eight track that looks a bit like a Dustbuster from above.

[AustralianStig]

One day I'd love for a team to make a shortlist of 10 or so drivers that they'd like, and then take them to the Top Gear Test Track and whoever posts the best time in the Liana wins the seat.

[good_Ralf]

They need to put Nico Rosberg or Paul di Resta in the car, if they are interested.

[WeirdKerr]

I know a way to settle the Max Chilton debate once and for all.

It involves a Suzuki Liana.

stick a certain Hungarian in the car too.....

[go_Rubens]

Not thinking about post count inflation, but will anyone actually start a Word Assiciation Game this year? Just a thought coming to my head.

[CoopsII]

Not thinking about post count inflation, but will anyone actually start a Word Assiciation Game this year?

For all we know "dibs" has already been called on it

[roblo97]

Not thinking about post count inflation, but will anyone actually start a Word Assiciation Game this year? Just a thought coming to my head.

I would start it if no one minded. In fact, I was thinking the same on my paper round this morning.

[dr-baker]

Not thinking about post count inflation, but will anyone actually start a Word Assiciation Game this year? Just a thought coming to my head.

I would start it if no one minded. In fact, I was thinking the same on my paper round this morning.

I'm surprised it hasn't started yet. Last year, I seem to recall it starting before the final round by a few days...

[Ataxia]

Not thinking about post count inflation, but will anyone actually start a Word Assiciation Game this year? Just a thought coming to my head.

I would start it if no one minded. In fact, I was thinking the same on my paper round this morning.

I'm surprised it hasn't started yet. Last year, I seem to recall it starting before the final round by a few days...

I think it would be nicer if there was something more...intellectually stimulating.

[Klon]

I think it would be nicer if there was something more...intellectually stimulating.

I'd have to agree with that. If there is one board tradition I really could do without, it's the game.

[CoopsII]

I think it would be nicer if there was something more...intellectually stimulating.

Such as?

[shinji]

I think it would be nicer if there was something more...intellectually stimulating.

Such as?

Something like that 6 Degrees Team Mate thing I started last year, but better.

[takagi_for_the_win]

I think it would be nicer if there was something more...intellectually stimulating.

Such as?

Things more intellectually stimulating than the Word Association thread

Talking to mugs of Earl Grey
Talking to doors
Thinking about talking to doors
Talking to Kimi Raikkonen
Charles Pic
Ordering toe-nail clippings in order of length
Head-butting the door 47 times
Reading this list
Raspberry jam
Taking a labrador for a walk
Being taken for a walk by an overzealous labrador
Putting pencils up your nostrils
....

Continued ad infinitum

[UncreativeUsername37]

Thinking about talking to doors

"Hey, door behind me. How are you doing?"
"..."
"I know you're not one for small talk, but you can at least have some manners. Anyway, I'm going to make this post on the F1 Rejects forum about imagining talking to you! Isn't that exciting?"
"..."
"I know, silly question. So I'm going to make that post now."
"..."
"Yeah, I don't know how you're supposed to respond to that statement. Bye!"

[Ataxia]

Thinking about talking to doors

"Hey, door behind me. How are you doing?"
"..."
"I know you're not one for small talk, but you can at least have some manners. Anyway, I'm going to make this post on the F1 Rejects forum about imagining talking to you! Isn't that exciting?"
"..."
"I know, silly question. So I'm going to make that post now."
"..."
"Yeah, I don't know how you're supposed to respond to that statement. Bye!"

I asked the door to marry me, but it was already engaged...

[AdrianSutil]

Thinking about talking to doors

"Hey, door behind me. How are you doing?"
"..."
"I know you're not one for small talk, but you can at least have some manners. Anyway, I'm going to make this post on the F1 Rejects forum about imagining talking to you! Isn't that exciting?"
"..."
"I know, silly question. So I'm going to make that post now."
"..."
"Yeah, I don't know how you're supposed to respond to that statement. Bye!"

I asked the door to marry me, but it was already engaged...

I return to the forum for jokes like this?!?!

[CoopsII]

I think it would be nicer if there was something more...intellectually stimulating.

Such as?

Things more intellectually stimulating than the Word Association thread

Talking to mugs of Earl Grey
Talking to doors
Thinking about talking to doors
Talking to Kimi Raikkonen
Charles Pic
Ordering toe-nail clippings in order of length
Head-butting the door 47 times
Reading this list
Raspberry jam
Taking a labrador for a walk
Being taken for a walk by an overzealous labrador
Putting pencils up your nostrils
....

Continued ad infinitum

Off you go then, son. You start off and we'll join in.

[tommykl]

Well, there was the off-season quiz a couple years ago...

[pi314159]

Well, there was the off-season quiz a couple years ago...

In fact, this morning I thought about starting a new one.

[tommykl]

Well, there was the off-season quiz a couple years ago...

In fact, this morning I thought about starting a new one.

Well don't just think about it, do it!

I'm pretty sure I'll have the time to pick some devilishly difficult questions about F1 history in between exams

[pi314159]

Well, there was the off-season quiz a couple years ago...

In fact, this morning I thought about starting a new one.

Well don't just think about it, do it!

I'm pretty sure I'll have the time to pick some devilishly difficult questions about F1 history in between exams

I've created a quiz:

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=6680

[FullMetalJack]

Has there ever been a Formula 1 driver who didn't have a driver's license?

I'd love to know if i'm more qualified than anyone.

[dr-baker]

Has there ever been a Formula 1 driver who didn't have a driver's license?

I'd love to know if i'm more qualified than anyone.

Didn't Lewis receive a driving ban in Oz a few years ago for "hooning" to use the local slang? And I think Jenson had to be driven in Oz on his debut because he was too young at the time for his British licence to be valid there? And I think that in China, you need to be a Chinese citizen to drive in the country? I know that the journalists always mention being chauffered around China (something that they don't mention elsewhere).

[Jocke1]

Has there ever been a Formula 1 driver who didn't have a driver's license?

I'd love to know if i'm more qualified than anyone.

Don't know about F1, but I remember a hilarious MotoGP segment pre-race on Eurosport, around 2003.
The film-crew followed Max Biaggi to a driving school, where he would take a motorcycle license for the street.
He had never had one.

I think I have it recorded somewhere.

And at that time Max was a four-time 250cc World Champion, and a three-time 500cc/MotoGP runner-up.
I thought it was funny. I remember they showed Max zig-zagging through the cones on the track with a yellow vest on (might have been another color).
When I took my own motorcycle license in 2007, I laughed to myself while training with the cones, because all I could think about was Biaggi.
They must have been embarrassed while giving him instructions etc.
I mean, talk about over-qualified. Just hand him the damn license already, or mail it to him!

[tommykl]

Has there ever been a Formula 1 driver who didn't have a driver's license?

I'd love to know if i'm more qualified than anyone.

Didn't Lewis receive a driving ban in Oz a few years ago for "hooning" to use the local slang? And I think Jenson had to be driven in Oz on his debut because he was too young at the time for his British licence to be valid there? And I think that in China, you need to be a Chinese citizen to drive in the country? I know that the journalists always mention being chauffered around China (something that they don't mention elsewhere).

I'm not sure about China, but I know you have to be an Indian citizen to be allowed to drive there...

[mario]

Has there ever been a Formula 1 driver who didn't have a driver's license?

I'd love to know if i'm more qualified than anyone.

Didn't Lewis receive a driving ban in Oz a few years ago for "hooning" to use the local slang? And I think Jenson had to be driven in Oz on his debut because he was too young at the time for his British licence to be valid there? And I think that in China, you need to be a Chinese citizen to drive in the country? I know that the journalists always mention being chauffered around China (something that they don't mention elsewhere).

In the case of Button, I think that was because Button was, due to his age, unable to hire a car in his own name - he was only 20 at the time, and usually most car hire companies will not lend cars to drivers below the age of 21 for insurance reasons. As for Hamilton, I think that he was threatened with a temporary ban on driving, but ended up with a fine and had to participate in an anti-speeding publicity campaign IIRC as an alternative.

That said, I recall hearing a claim a while back that Ayrton Senna was briefly stripped of his licence for traffic offences - I believe that he had borrowed a motorbike from a friend and was caught riding it without a helmet.

[good_Ralf]

I can think of one: Pizzonia

[roblo97]

Has there ever been a Formula 1 driver who didn't have a driver's license?

I'd love to know if i'm more qualified than anyone.

Didn't Lewis receive a driving ban in Oz a few years ago for "hooning" to use the local slang? And I think Jenson had to be driven in Oz on his debut because he was too young at the time for his British licence to be valid there? And I think that in China, you need to be a Chinese citizen to drive in the country? I know that the journalists always mention being chauffered around China (something that they don't mention elsewhere).

In the case of Button, I think that was because Button was, due to his age, unable to hire a car in his own name - he was only 20 at the time, and usually most car hire companies will not lend cars to drivers below the age of 21 for insurance reasons. As for Hamilton, I think that he was threatened with a temporary ban on driving, but ended up with a fine and had to participate in an anti-speeding publicity campaign IIRC as an alternative.

That said, I recall hearing a claim a while back that Ayrton Senna was briefly stripped of his licence for traffic offences - I believe that he had borrowed a motorbike from a friend and was caught riding it without a helmet.

Wasn't he also nicked for doing 145MPH on the M1 or something?

[watka]

On a more morbid note, lest we forget Mike Hawthorn, who died in a road accident.

[Jocke1]

On a more morbid note, lest we forget Mike Hawthorn, who died in a road accident.

And Norick Abe, MotoGP legend.

[CoopsII]

On a more morbid note, lest we forget Mike Hawthorn, who died in a road accident.

And Norick Abe, MotoGP legend.

And remembering double F1 world champion and triple crown winner Graham Hill who was killed 38 years today.

[FMecha]

Why, and when, sparks are gone from F1?

[mario]

Why, and when, sparks are gone from F1?

If you're talking about sparks from the floor of the car, that would be down to the combination of much stricter restrictions on floor wear and the reduction in the size of the skid blocks on the floor (which are now effectively limited to a thin strip across the front of the T-tray) that were brought in as a response to the tragic events of 1994 (there is one theory that Senna's accident might have been caused by a sudden loss of rear traction due to the rear skid blocks striking the ground).

There is also the fact that, to a certain extent, the teams don't want the car to strike the ground that frequently for performance reasons too (i.e. the obvious issue of continually disrupting the airflow beneath the floor of the car). Within reason, you want to run the car close enough to the ground to maximise the performance of the diffuser by increasing its expansion ratio, but not so close to the ground that you then start losing performance due to boundary layer drag - as car be seen these days though, the teams have to be more conservative than in the past to avoid damaging the floor and racking up penalties due to technical infringements.

What you might sometimes see are sparks from the endplates of the front wings - they do have small metal strips to prevent them being damaged when striking kerbs (given how aggressively the drivers will strike the kerbs these days), although sometimes the front wings will strike the ground if the drivers strikes a kerb especially hard and causes the entire car to pitch very aggressively (an example of that might be Hamilton in Korea when he was taking unorthodox lines to try to pass Hulkenberg in the lower speed complexes).