2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

First Race canceled. :td

http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/racing...ory?id=6144179

Bahrain Grand Prix called off


Associated Press

LONDON -- The season-opening Formula One race in Bahrain was called off Monday because of anti-government protests sweeping the Gulf kingdom.

The race is the country's biggest international sports event and has been on the F1 calendar every year since 2004.

"We felt it was important for the country to focus on immediate issues of national interest and leave the hosting of Bahrain's Formula One race to a later date," Bahrain's crown prince said in a statement.

Abdelhak Senna/AFP/Getty ImagesBahrain's crown prince says next month's season-opening Formula One race has been called off as the nation faces deadly anti-government protests.

Eight people have been killed since the unrest began last week and demonstrators planned to use the March 13 race to highlight demands for the ruling monarchy to give up its near-absolute control.

Much of the protest has centered on Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who owns the rights to the Grand Prix. He told F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone by telephone Monday the race was off.

"After the events of the past week, our nation's priority is on overcoming tragedy, healing divisions and rediscovering the fabric that draws this country together; reminding the world of the very best that Bahrain is capable of as a nation once again united," the crown prince said.

Last week, Ecclestone said he hoped the unrest "all blows away" and the race could proceed. So far, no new race date has been set.

"It is sad that Bahrain has had to withdraw from the race, we wish the whole nation well as they begin to heal their country," Ecclestone said. "The hospitality and warmth of the people of Bahrain is a hallmark of the race there, as anyone who has been at a Bahrain Grand Prix will testify. We look forward to being back in Bahrain soon."

The Bahrain GP could be rescheduled later in the season, with speculation it could take place after the Abu Dhabi race on Nov. 13 if the season finale in Brazil is moved from Nov. 27 into December.

"It is clear that to race in Bahrain at this time would be inappropriate given the current circumstances," Williams F1 team chairman Adam Parr said.

Parr said final winter testing will now be held at Barcelona's Catalunya Circuit from March 8-11, instead of in Bahrain from March 3-6. The next Formula One race the Australian GP on March 27.

"The right decision was made, in light of what is going on, so we look forward to Melbourne instead," Red Bull driver Mark Webber said.

Tensions remain high in Bahrain after battles in which riot police fired on protesters trying to reclaim landmark Pearl Square last week. The protesters already had forced the cancellation of a lower-tier GP2 Asia Series race last weekend.

But it is the arrival of Formula One teams that brings worldwide attention to a nation of about 525,000 citizens. The race would normally be broadcast to a worldwide audience of about 100 million in 187 countries.

Protesters said over the weekend that holding the race would be an insult to the victims of the uprising. They added that it also would show that the Sunni royal family, in power for 200 years, has not heard the demands of the Shiite population, which wants a larger share in the nation's decision-making.


Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

Maybe the drivers who are already there can drive the course anyway like a remake of "Deathrace 2000".

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

Actually I am suprised Bernie let it cancel, but I am sure he is making out either way. I hope FIA extend testing as the teams will be that far behind without the race weekend.

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

As I understand it they are going to have more practice in lieu of the race

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

5th test in Barcelona was confirmed today for 8-11th of March.

There's also talk of having the Bahrain GP rescheduled for in November either before or after the Indian GP and the Abu Dhabi GP

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

McLaren looks totally a mess this year.:sh:bh

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

Just one more reason to stick with NASCAR, where the biggest danger is somebody's still exploding in the infield. :r

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

So when are they gonna turn on the sprinklers?:r

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

Can't wait! Now that I have an iphone I can keep up with it this year.:noon

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

Almost half the races seem to rain either way. Rain won't make more passing. It's too hard to see. Get rid of side view mirrors if you want more passing.

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

Well looks like HRT wont be racing due to the 107% rule.

One thing I dont understand is in the qualifying, why some of the teams dont get out there for some laps? In Q2 Sergio Perez sat in the pits and only completed 2 or 3 laps, while the 'good' teams are out there from Start to Finish. I just dont get it. Perez had the speed in Q1 to make it to Q3.

Another year, more of the same with Vettel much faster than everyone else.

Can't wait for the race tonight! I need to get a TV on my patio so I can watch the race and smoke a cigar. I can bring my PC out there and stream the DirecTV to it...but its not the same.

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

Great race! It is interesting that neither RBR car used it's KER's during the race. That 80 hp they were missing at points every lap! And Vettel still won pretty easily.

I was surprised that Sauber's got DQ'd and nothing happened to Hamilton for his broken undercarriage. Seems like F1 trying to 'protect' the stars.

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

Anyone know what ticket prices will be next year in TX? I can't find anything on their site.

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

Nope but I'm going! We should have an F1 Herf! :tu

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

There's a wide range depending on if whole weekend and where on track.

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

Don't forget the SpeedTV F1 Challenge. We have a league set up "Cigar Asylum GP" PM me for the password once you get your team set up.

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

Petrov and HRT were the stories for me. Perhaps RBR has issues with KERS? Vettel was on fuego the whole weekend. Ok, I can see why Renault was so sticking behind Petrov when most would've dumped him. Is he a pay driver?

I did not think FIA would say "sorry" to HRT on the first race, but good see they are sticking to their guns on this one.

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

Petrov drove great, and I thought it was crazy that Sergio Perez got through the race on 1 tire change! Now Pirelli is talking about changing the tires so that wont happen WTF! One guy is able to preserve his tires and they think they need to change the tires? They need to make the tires lay down the rubber instead of marbling up all over the track.

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

The Pirelli tires look too home made looking. Granted, all of the tires are hand made, but at least Michelin and Bridgestone tires look like a finished product.

I did not read about Pirelli wanting to change the formula. If they're anything like Pirelli's street tires, I'd expect them to be noisy and have sidewall issues, lol. I am Bridgestone fan when it comes to my cars. I'll take S03's over P Zero's any day.

I wish they would bring back launch control. Watching Alonso in the Renault take off like a gun shot was awesome.

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

I haven't been able to watch for a few seasons now. How does Ferrari look?

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

The are up there, but it's too soon to really say.

It's going to be good battle this season. When was the last time 5 World Champions raced at the same time? Not only that, the cars are not that far apart among the five.

Mercedes GP is the furthest back among the WC driven teams, but I have faith in Schumacher (and Rossberg) to develop their car faster than the rivals except for maybe McLaren.

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

Red.... lol

They are looking pretty good. FA is always a threat to win, Massa is a good 2nd driver.

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

[quote=kgoings;1220492]Red.... lol
QUOTE]

:D

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

Pratice 1 is today for Malaysia! Gonna watch it online, and hopefully get home from work in time to grab a cigar and watch Practice 2 on Speed!

Things I am interested to see this weekend:
-Can Petrov finish on or near the Podium again?

-Will Perez be able to sniff out the top 10 again?

-RBR with KERS, will Webber move up and will anyone be able to stay with Vettle.

-Would love to see some wet driving conditions.

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

If there's one circuit that sees rain over the weekend, this is it.

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

I know, I was surprised that they didnt get any rain during P1 P2

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

Not much talk this year. I am amazed at how well the RBR team is doing despite the constant problem with KERS. I was for sure that Hamilton was gonna pass Vettel this morning.

Sergio Perez is doing great out of the rookies as well as Di Resta.

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

Excellent race today, Vettel showed me some real driving skills that went beyond having a superior car to Hamilton.

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

Kind of boring race. RBR and McLaren, fill in the blank for the race. Nice to Schumacher in the points.

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

How about Fernando Alonso at the start? Diving on the inside and taking the lead was beautiful to see!

Also Alonso demonstrated that, when on equal tires, soft or hard compound, he can keep Red Bull Racing behind. He had a little trick. Webber was behind Alonso, so, Alonso collected Webber at the beginning of a corner up to half way through, and then sped off leaving Webber to try again and catch-up with the Ferrari. This little trick nearly eliminated the advantage Red Bull Racing has with the design and blown diffuser which result in massive grip in slow corners. Very clever driving.

On the other hand, Hamilton made the mistake to use his KERS to much during a whole lap, because he had little or no KERS left at the beginning of the main straight. The McLaren team tried to tell him to do something different, but he did not really pick up on that.

By the way, Vettel had no KERS issue during the race. It was just clever thinking by Red Bull Racing to only use the system when really needed, as proved to be the case during the last 10 laps of the race in Barcelona.

Nick Heidfeld drove a anonymous race, but still managed to go from position 24, last on the grid due to gearbox problems during qualifying on Saturday, to 8th place in the race and picking up points. Webber showed this is possible too, earlier in the season. Therefore, great drive Quick Nick!

There was one thing that puzzled me during the race and that was the Ferrari pit stop.......

Pit stops by Ferrari were slower the they can be in Barcelona. Why? They needed to change tires, but when doing so, they started with the front tires and only when the new front tires were put on, the started taking off the rear tires. That’s where they lost 2 seconds easy on every pit stop. Why? I don’t know.......Yet!

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

:wo Practice starts in 2 hours! This is my favorite race.

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

My favorite pre-race and first couple of laps. Once the Monaco gets going, it's a real yawner. I would love to see it live. I bet the support races are really good.

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

Just to look at:D
http://www.mythicalcigars.com/liefhe...co2-2011-1.jpg

http://www.mythicalcigars.com/liefhe...co2-2011-2.jpg

http://www.mythicalcigars.com/liefhe...co2-2011-3.jpg

http://www.mythicalcigars.com/liefhe...co2-2011-4.jpg

Perhaps some others will folow later in the day or week.

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

Last year was pretty exciting! Fernando slicing through the field..the nasty crash at the very end where the two cars were on top of each other.

Great pics! Did you take those

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

The FIA should drop Monaco because it's unsafe with unsatisfatory paddocks, but the glamour and history keep it on the schedule. I don't think Bernie makes much on this race. Wet weather is when the miracles happen in Monaco.

FIA should allow slicks in Monaco to mitigate the lack of down force.

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

For everyone who hate or love it......
FYI, the paddock is fine beside the harbour and you can take the bridge to get to the pits. I just miss the old pitlane. It is a glamour race and thats how the teams see it, besides winning looks nice on your CV.
Ferrari and Alonso ended on top this Thursday
http://www.mythicalcigars.com/liefhe...co2-2011-5.jpg

http://www.mythicalcigars.com/liefhe...co2-2011-6.jpg

http://www.mythicalcigars.com/liefhe...co2-2011-8.jpg

http://www.mythicalcigars.com/liefhe...o2-2011-12.jpg

http://www.mythicalcigars.com/liefhe...o2-2011-13.jpg

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

This is one of my favorite races! Can't wait! SPA is the other!

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

SPA is also another of my favorites. The drivers seem to love Monaco. Lewis was geeked out this morning about driving the course.

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

There's no info available yet. You can sign up here for updates. Man, it'll be great to have F1 return to the States!

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

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Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

SPA is a classic. I wonder what it's like for fans not seeing the cars come by as often as other tracks?

I love Montreal's track. Heavy braking and flat out sections really punish the car. Not to mention the Champions Wall.

If I could win one race it would be Monaco like Panis and Trulli. I don't think it elevates them to a champion driver level.

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

Scarey morning! Thank God he is okay, when they brought out the tarp to cover the area they were working on I thought "this is not good"

I've become somewhat of a Perez fan over the course of the first couple races.

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

Statement from the Sauber Formula 1 team.

"After Sergio Pérez‘s heavy accident in the final minutes of qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix, of course, the relief that the 21-year-old Mexican didn’t suffer any serious injuries is the overriding emotion inside the Sauber F1 Team. He was taken to the Hospital Princesse Grace in Monaco where he underwent an extensive examination. The medical staff informed the Sauber F1 Team that he escaped the shunt with concussion and a bruised thigh. Pérez will remain in hospital at least overnight and will definitely not start the race on Sunday."

He was lucky they replaced the Armco with some other stuff. I have seen Jenson Button crash at the same place during practice in 2003 and he was not so lucky. His BAR was torn in half because he T-boned his car like Perez did, but there was a Armco in the way. Button escaped but was unconscious by the impact and did not race that weekend. Everyone was quite in the media centre when it happened because it looked very bad indeed, because most of us had seen Senna crash into the wall at Imola.....

Perez one day before....
http://www.mythicalcigars.com/liefhe...erez2011-1.jpg

http://www.mythicalcigars.com/liefhe...erez2011-2.jpg

http://www.mythicalcigars.com/liefhe...erez2011-3.jpg

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

OK, I rechecked the photos from Monaco, and I'm still puzzled. Where the hell is Tony Stark? :D

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

Pérez news from Sauber Formula 1

"After having spent a good night at the Hospital Princesse Grace in Monaco, Sergio Pérez underwent some further medical examinations on Sunday. The 21-year-old Formula One driver from Mexico suffered concussion and a bruised thigh in his heavy accident in qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix. The medical staff want to keep him in hospital for another night under observation and to carry out another scan on Monday."

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

So far there has been a lot of passing for Monaco. Not clear winner half-way through the race.

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

Another crash resulting in a red flag. Hope that Petrov is ok.

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

Petrov complained about pain and did not want to get out of the car by himself. He was unconscious for a short amount of time. He is ok and will be checked at the hospital.

Everyone was allowed to change tires and other repairs were allowed by the FIA to get a perfect 6 laps to the end of the race.

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

PROVISIONAL RACE RESULTS

The Monaco Grand Prix
Monte Carlo, Monaco, Monaco;
78 laps; 260.520km;
Weather: Sunny.

Classified:

Pos Driver Team Time
1. Vettel Red Bull-Renault 2h09:38.373
2. Alonso Ferrari + 1.138
3. Button McLaren-Mercedes + 2.378
4. Webber Red Bull-Renault + 23.100
5. Kobayashi Sauber-Ferrari + 26.900
6. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes + 27.200
7. Sutil Force India-Mercedes + 1 lap
8. Heidfeld Renault + 1 lap
9. Barrichello Williams-Cosworth + 1 lap
10. Buemi Toro Rosso-Ferrari + 1 lap
11. Rosberg Mercedes + 1 lap
12. Di Resta Force India-Mercedes + 2 laps
13. Trulli Lotus-Renault + 2 laps
14. Kovalainen Lotus-Renault + 2 laps
15. D'Ambrosio Virgin-Cosworth + 2 laps
16. Liuzzi HRT-Cosworth + 3 laps
17. Karthikeyan HRT-Cosworth + 3 laps
18. Maldonado Williams-Cosworth + 5 laps

Fastest lap: Webber, 1:16.234

Not classified/retirements:

Driver Team On lap
Petrov Renault 68
Alguersuari Toro Rosso-Ferrari 68
Massa Ferrari 33
Schumacher Mercedes 33
Glock Virgin-Cosworth 31
Perez Sauber-Ferrari 1


World Championship standings, round 6:

Drivers: Constructors:
1. Vettel 143 1. Red Bull-Renault 222
2. Hamilton 85 2. McLaren-Mercedes 161
3. Webber 79 3. Ferrari 93
4. Button 76 4. Renault 50
5. Alonso 69 5. Mercedes 40
6. Heidfeld 29 6. Sauber-Ferrari 21
7. Rosberg 26 7. Force India-Mercedes 10
8. Massa 24 8. Toro Rosso-Ferrari 7
9. Petrov 21 9. Williams-Cosworth 2
10. Kobayashi 19
11. Schumacher 14
12. Sutil 8
13. Buemi 7
14. Perez 2
15. Barrichello 2
16. Di Resta 2

Re: 2011 Formula 1 Thread
 

After his crash during the Monaco GP this afternoon, Vitaly Petrov complained about his left ankle to the medical crew, so doctors drove him to the Princess Grace hospital for further checks. No fracture had been diagnosed at the circuit.

Once at hospital, it was confirmed that there was no swelling or broken bone. As a precaution, Vitaly will undergo a full body scan but he should be back in the paddock within a few hours.