Point and squirt

Hungary is upon us(or 'Ungary as they call it at Ferrari). Usually a scorcher, this is the venue of one of the most dramatic days last season and, prior to that, the occasion of what may well turn out to be Jenson's only win in Formula One. You can't imagine that happening this year can you?

In the paddock they call the Hungaroring a "point and squirt" circuit because of its many twists and turns. To my mind it is like a go-kart track and I'm not sure if it is fun to drive in a Formula One car or irritating. It is odd that it remains on the calendar with so little debate. The circuit is not one of the best, the facilities are poor, but it seems safe. There must be a very good deal involved for someone to explain its longevity, given that this is the 23rd year of the Hungarian Grand Prix. In the early years, apparently, the VIPs at race weekends in Budapest - Bernie, Ron, Frank etc etc - used to drive around in Ladas...those were the days.

For Lewis, Hungary will have very mixed associations(as it will for Fernando). One thing I remember clearly was how impressive and focused Lewis's race performance was last year even after all the drama of "pitlane-gate" the day before. He drove to his third win of the season, with Kimi in his mirrors all the way, but then returned to the press room after it with the weight of the world back on his shoulders and admitted he made a mistake in not allowing Fernando through in quali.

"I think, going into the race, it felt like a big cloud over my mind and it was difficult to stay focused because obviously you had this feeling in the team. The team weren't getting any points, so you didn't know whether the team hated you or just hated the situation or who they blamed," he said. By the by, I have always had a feeling about why that incident happened in the first place. If you recall, Lewis set off on that infamous lap at the beginning of Q3 at what might be regarded as normal pace. Fernando drove much slower and with Kimi all over him as a result. Was Lewis thinking, 'Fernando is setting a trap' in the sense that Lewis would have to slow down so much to let Fernando through that Kimi would get by too?

Anyway that was then, this is now. The goal this time round for Lewis is to try and clinch his third win in succession and entrench what already looks like a firm psychological hold over his rivals. Kimi has got to get going after some unconvincing performances where poor set-up choices have hampered his race weekends. Felipe has looked out-classed by Lewis in the last couple of races. However a dry track at Hungary could suit him. Just mulling this over, you can see the weaknesses in the Ferrari pair so clearly just now, but it is hard to see them in Lewis(hence his status in many minds as now the strong favourite for the title).

Car performance is again debatable. Traditionally, McLaren have prospered at the Hungaroring and Martin Whitmarsh has said recently that the signs look good again for the "silver arrows" after their competitive showing in sector three at both Silverstone and Hockenheim.

Speaking of which, Toyota released this statement today about Timo's big crash in Germany. Even the biggest spenders in the pitlane re-use some stuff, it seems...

"Following Timo Glock's incident during the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim, Toyota Motorsport initiated a thorough investigation. This initially established that a rear toelink(trackrod) gave way causing Timo to lose control of the car, but confirmed that there were no exceptional circumstances before or during the incident in the German Grand Prix.

Further investigation has established that damage sustained in the British Grand Prix two weeks earlier was the cause. During that race Timo suffered several incidents. As is normal practice, some parts from the British Grand Prix were carried over to Hockenheim, including most of the rear right suspension. Although the parts were subjected to the normal test and screening process following the Silverstone race and passed fit for use at Hockenheim, it has become apparent that it did not identify an issue which subsequently led to the incident at Hockenheim.

As a result of this investigation, Toyota Motorsport has revised its inspection processes to include such cases and is extremely confident there will be no repeat."

Comments

[F1-Insider]

Ed, your comment: 'There must be a very good deal involved for someone to explain its longevity, given that this is the 23rd year of the Hungarian Grand Prix', highlights all that is wrong wrong with F1 and goes back to the 'in the back on the mind' feeling that all's not right.

There is NO way this track should be on the calendar. When we consider all the flack Silverstone has receive over the years coupled to the many amazing races there and compare this to what Hungary brings.

At all times, no exceptions, the racing should come first and if all were right with how F1 is governed that would be the case. Let's be honest, who out there expects an exciting race with several overtaking manoeuvres this weekend? The only hope of good racing is rain, and rain is not the norm in Hungary.

Who was it that said a certain person cared about F1? Well I think Hungary show this not to be the case!!

[P M Reddy]

Lewis will emerge victorious third time in a row, at Hungary GP. He has a perfect car at his disposal, is a superb driver. I don't see any negative points. However, luck also should be on his side.

P M Reddy, Dubai

[Miguel Albacete]

Hi again Ed!

It seems that was yesterday when occured the "pitlane-gate", I hope that all people forgive it and they talk about the present season.

I think that if Lewis qualifies in first row Lewis will win. Because he is fast, he has a big confidence himself and has a great car that allows him exploit all his skills.

In the case that Lewis do a mistake, we will have a great spectacle seeing how Lewis overtake the others car :)

Regards, Miguel.

P.D.: I hope that Kimi, Massa or Kubica will have a great car to fight against Lewis. I don´t speak about Fernando because this track is one of the worst circuits to its Renault R28@"Clio"

[Mark Bullen]

Why does anyone even bother with F1?

Boring, fixed, dull, predictable, pitlane overtaking. Rubbish all round. wake up and smell the roses - other sports exist that will thrill you. F1... I've watched the first bit, fallen alseep and woken up - and nothing has changed.

Rubbish - so why did I waste two minutes of my life writing this - simple; World SuperBikes, Brands Hatch this weekend. Over 50,000 more than attend F1 Silverdull will be there - it's massive, it's on TV.

Watch it - no, on second thoughts don't; it'll be too exciting for you dullards.

[Derek Smith]

I can't help but think that the circuit must suit the Ferrari as it will, surely, be easier to set up as the circuit is very similar all the way round. What has seemed to be Kimi's problem is that the car has seemed to be either on or off at various sections of tracks. If they set the car up for the straights then they sacrifice the infield and vice versa. Hungary, being all infield, will be easier and will suit the ferrari's wheelbase.

I know I am not sticking my neck out by saying that it will be down to qualifying but it is a fact.

The fight between Kimi and Massa will also benefit Lewis so a second place to either one would not be a disaster.

Ron must be repeating: Must not make a tctical decision, must not make a tactical decision.

Can't say I'm particularly looking forward to the race.

[jordi]

Ed, are you trying to justify LH selfish actions?

And please LH fanatics, refrain from telling me to move on, that we are in 2008 etc, etc. Is Ed who brought the subject.

Ed: What's happening with Mclaren engine been investigated, not a mention?

Regards.

[Alex]

Ed,

Well done for actually mentioning the real spark for the Pitlanegate fire.... Alonso was deliberately slowing in order to cause Lewis problems with Raikkonen, there was nothing "curious" about it. If FA does end up in a Ferrari and tries moves like that, he may well find himself waking up next to a horse's head....

@Mark Bullen
Yes, we could be in for a tedious Sunday, but 10 days ago we had enough excitement to last for months, an F1 race with real live overtaking and, hours later, MOTOGP at Laguna Seca, one of Valentino Rossi's greatest ever races.

Brands Hatch should be good, but it is a great shame former Chelsea Bridge hooligan Shane "Shakey" Byrne will not be there.

[todd]

i dunno, i quite like Hungaroring, i've driven it on a track day once and i enjoyed it.

[Anon]

Personally, I am quite satisfied with the decision. We can keep arguing about this forever, which I do not intend to do. I am happy that the tabloid culture has been dealt a blow. The judge is a good person- one who applies the law as it should be and as it is written.

Now: TO HUNGARY!

For an Alonso fan, Germany was a bit painful to watch. Fernando seems to be driving a bit crazily these last few races, France, Monaco, Canada, and now Germany. but Hungary must be his favorite track now considering his '08 misadventures in Monaco.

Lewis Hamilton: when will he stop? After France, he seemed to be definitely broken and his spirit crushed as he went on about being indestructible. Aside from the bit of ego showing, you have to admit he is soert of unkillable. It took two elite drivers, Alonso and Raikkonen, to bring him down to the floor this year.But now, he has matured as was expected aat the beginning of last year. The only thing that is a thorn in his side is inconsistency. If he wins in Hungary and become the first driver to win three races in a row since '06, I think he will have solved that problem for the time being! Problem is, if you look at Lewis's performances, you see that a race win is followed by two bad races. Australia led to Maslaysia and Bahrain, while Monaco led to Canada and France. But a win in Hungary seems to be his own by right and it seems nothing can stop. Mechanical failure? Heikki takes all of them and the McLaren seems OK. Pit-lane acident? Lesson learnt. Rain accident? Well, no one is invincible in the rain, but Lewis seems to be able to hold it off easily. Crash? Very unlikely. Heikki being faster? Well, Fernando was undoubtedly faster than Lewis in Hungary, but Heikki is not Fernando.

So what could stop him?

Should anything stop him? For me, it seems incredible that someone could win three races in a row considering how this season has been all about bounces up and down. Lewis can do it though.

His neasrest challenger will almost certainly be Nick Heidfeld. Nick is back in real shape and will probably break into Q3. I can see him starting fifth, heavily loaded. Let's not forget that last year, Nick outqualified both Ferraris fair and square. With the better '08 car, it seems he has second place bolted in the race. I have some crazy idea that he will win. Probably not. Ferrari are too debilitated to take on McLaren, so on a McLaren stronghold, don't expect much!

Race preds:

Lewis
Nick
Kimi
Heikki
Robert
Felipe
Fernando
Nico- random guess there.

But this season has taught us never to say never. And I can see only one thing stopping Lewis, and that is bad strategy in faor of tires. Probably not.

PS: Hungaroring also hosted some great races. Just think of '06 and the Fernando massacre and, oh yeah, Jenson winning. Or the race where Mansell overtook Senna.

[IDR]

"There must be a very good deal involved for someone to explain its longevity, given that this is the 23rd year of the Hungarian Grand Prix."

The Goulash, no doubt, (always made with spaetzle -Hungarian ñoquis).

For the race, I'm afraid that we will see another LH and McLaren dominance... anyhow, I will be watching the race on the sea, much less boring than in any other part.

[CHIUNDA]

Actually Ed i am curious why you have not mentioned the technical work going on at McLaren currently which seems like will be the WDC decider. Neither have you mentioned the coming investigation of Hamilton's engine - even conspiracy theory haters i think would like discussing that one.

[CHIUNDA]

Anon

Just from memory i think the three things that have characterized bad races for Lewis this season have been:

Team Errors
Driver Errors
Safety Car

Taking that because of the Mature Factor the first two will likely be managed out by team meetings and personal mantras; and the fact that we are all aware that McLaren consistently strategize for safety cars; the chances of Mclaren having a bad weekend will depend on:

1.Unreliability
2.Ferrari comeback
3.BMW shock

A third win in a row? Makes one jittery - lets see how mature this kid has grown.

[Richard]

Ed, Good comments about the Hungaroring. Inadequate layout for today's F1.

Rather than over psychoanalyse, let us be grateful that we have multiple contenders for the title this year.

McLaren seem to have got their balance right - but have they upped their pace for the faster circuits.

I am now certain that Hamilton is (not will be) a champion to match all before him & note an upsurge of interest in F1 that was absent for many years until 2007.

If only the FIA had a new president....

[Anon]

Chiunda: agree with you on everything.

1.) Unreliability: so far, only two problems with the McLaren, Heikki in Monaco and Spain. Unreliability tended to shosw up in the latter stages of the '07 season for McLaren, so maybe new things will happen. Lewis and his tires are a big subject of concern.

2.) Ferrari comeback. If Ferrari have a comeback, they will still be behind McLaren because this is a McLaren track. But who knows?

3.) I can just see Nick being fueled heavy and winning on strat with the SC and taking a win. No clue why. Which reminds me, remmeber when Fernando said they had a chance of winning in Canada but screwed up by telling him to pit under SC or something like that? I thought he was exaggerating. Hockers shows that what he said may have been right. If he had been on Nelsinho's strategy, he probably would have won, or least given Lewis a good run for his money...

Enojoy the race and regards

[Becken]

ABOUT MCLAREN ENGINE:

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/69428
QUOTES:

“…The FIA has begun its annual routine random checks on all Formula One engines, with Mercedes-Benz the first manufacturer whose power unit will be examined…”

“…That process began after Hockenheim, with Lewis Hamilton’s engine being the first to be sealed by the FIA so its checks can be conducted. Inspection of other manufacturers’ engines will take place over the remainder of the season…”

[Mrs Bishop]

This gp doesn't look too exciting, i'm on holiday so i'll probably just check the highlights on this one. Hopefully Lewis will be able to keep the momentum, but if he doesn't it's no biggy.

@jordi
i think someone mentioned on another post, engines are routinely being checked at random because of the new rules on engines. Theres an article somewhere on the autosport website about it, for some reason they've started the checks late.
Thats also why the conspiracy theories have stopped.

[Pinaster]

Well, Ed, yes, past is past. And you cant change the past. "but then returned to the press room after it with the weight of the world back on his shoulders and admitted he made a mistake in not allowing Fernando through in quali." Could you please refresh our memory and quote the exact Lewis´statement (source included, please)?
Because I only remember Lewis complaining to the FIA against his team mate! You can´t change the past, but we can change the history, same old dirty liying game, you know what I mean, dont you? I will hate to be called liar, so I will appreciate very much if you can clarify my confusion.

[selector]

Hamilton should win every race he is in the fastest car!
Just about any of the top dozen drivers would win in a McLaren.

The thirst for a British champion has made you blinkered to his sheer arrogance and his unpopularity outside of Britain. In following F1 you would have to be completely stupid to think that drivers are what wins races and Ron Dennis himself has siad, that he believes that drivers only need to get the car home as the teams of today are so sophisticated in controlling all facets of the car.

I look forward to being hammered but Hamilton is overrated in the extreme.

[Racekid84]

Hamilton is unstoppable right now. If anyone can clench 3 wins in a row it would be him. He is on top of his game right now.

[Nagyon Finom]

There's one very simple reason (beside the goulash) why the Hungarian Grand Prix remains on the calendar with little debate:

The Women :)

More seriously, the race has a lot going for it despite not being one of the best tracks:

History - The Hungarian Grand Prix was the first held behind the Iron Curtain. Though this may be of less significance now than in 1986 it was VERY significant at the time.
Geography - The only GP in Eastern(ish) Europe...A region otherwise left in the cold by F1. It's the closest GP to the hordes of Finnish fans as well as Polish F1 converts supporting their man Kubica. Another bonus is the track itself is quite close to Budapest rather than being in the middle of nowhere like some.
Price - Hungary is very very cheap in comparison to the other European countries which host GPs.

I'd rather not read too much into the Alonso/Hamilton shenanigans...two spoiled brats trying to out-tantrum each other. I'm over it.

Personally, I'd like to see BMW have a strong outing this weekend. Would be great to see Kubica get another win. Otherwise, as much as it pains me to say, the smart money is on Hamilton.

[Ed Gorman]

Hello Pinaster

The source was a piece I wrote in The Times on August 6th 2007. Hamilton said the following in the post race press conference. He was talking about his pre-race preparations and a meeting he had had with Phil Prew, Martin Whitmarsh and Fernando on the Saturday afternoon to try and clear the air. This is what he said: "We went through what the programme was and they asked me why I didn't do the part they wanted me to. And so I explained to them; I said 'look I made a mistake - I apologise, it won't happen again. But it's happened. Let's forget about it and move on. We're both on the front row, so we can still smile.'"

That was the first we had heard of an apology from Lewis and I don't think he could have said it in a much clearer way.

[peter]

@ Jordi.
My friend, I think you may have an obsessive personality. Do you blog the French newspapers now that Alonso seems to be estranging himself from Renault?

[Paul]

Does anyone know why Martin Brundle never goes to the Hungarian GP? Is it his own personal protest against a track that is unsuitable for F1 racing?

[Pierre]

Jordi,

Your comments always make me laugh.

Firstly you can't get over the fact a rookie beat your hero last year, but the way Monobrow (anyone notice how he's had them plucked???) behaved out of the car last year has found him in a underpowered Clio managed by a guy with excessively sweaty armpits...

And still you win the John Grisham Conspiracy Theory Awards each time there is a new blog!

Keep up the good work!

[Anon]

"We're both on the front row, so we can still smile.'" That last sentence is hilarious. I guess he said that before he filed the complaint? Fernando must have thought that Lewis had a GREEEEAT sense of humor.

And it is true that a Hamilton filed a complaint, correct?

[cvt]

5 yrs ago a 21 yr old Spainard driving a car for the 4th best team qualified on the pole and won the race.

Can anyone imagine Rosberg or Vettel or Glock or Kubica doing that this Sunday?

[rubeniken]

Martin Brundle, Martin Brundle...Did he ever win a F1-race?

[Rubenike]

For all that people who love F1:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/formulaone/2462144/Fernando-Alonso-refuels-his-Formula-One-desire-as-part-of-a-slower-Renault-team.html

[Anon]

Very nice article Rubenike, enjoyed it.

[Pinaster]

OK, Ed, accept my apologies. I suppose that I forgot that statement because I couldnt take it seriously. It was a sad joke worth to forget. Deliberately prejudice the legitimate Alonsos chance in q3, blaming your team mate and testifying against him some hours later on Saturday, and apologize in Sunday can not be taken seriously. Yes, it couldnt be clearer, it was cristal clear that he is not what he pretends to be: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2007/aug/07/motorsports.formulaone2007

[james]

Thanks for the article Rubeniken, if only there was more professional journalism like that we could generate much more understanding between fans and countries.
Long life to the F1.

[jlk]

@ Pierre
Your missive was nasty but one of the funniest I have seen in a while. Keep it up!
JLK

[Racekid84]

I guess this race will remain on the circuit calender and be the same boring, slow, predictable race it always is. Some things just don't change.

[Deadbeat]

Yes, F1 can be a bit dull and Hungary looks set to be just that.
MotoGP is just amazing. Watching Rossi scrapping with Stoner through the Corkscrew at Laguna Seca was awesome! In fact, last weekend was one of the best for F1 and MotoGp that I can remember. Let's hope Hungary proves me wrong.

[Deadbeat]

Yes, F1 can be a bit dull and Hungary looks set to be just that.
MotoGP is just amazing. Watching Rossi scrapping with Stoner through the Corkscrew at Laguna Seca was awesome! In fact, last weekend was one of the best for F1 and MotoGp that I can remember. Let's hope Hungary proves me wrong.

[Alastair]

Those that think F1 is "dull" simply don't understand the sport's dynamics. If they need something simpler and more two dimensional inits excitement, there is plenty to choose from - WTCC, MotoGP etc., so why write complaining posts to a F1 discussion? Have you nothing better to do?
On the subject of Hungary, it is a great circuit with some fantastic technical corners and very hard to get right. Do you honestly think that F1 would be improved were every circuit generic?

[JR]

McLaren's resurgence over the Silverstone/Hockenheim weekend's was dramatic. Hamilton's pace through the corners reminded me of the speed and poise of Renault's mass damper car of 2006 seemingly oblivious as it rode the kerbs.
Is it down to the variable torque (linked by the obligatory separate switch, to meet the technical requirements for torque control) system which is seemingly emulating 'traction control' that's responsible.

The question is, is it legal, if so who else has or is going to introduce the system on their car and how soon?

While this could be the innovation to win both championships, might it be banned as coincidentally the Renault mass damper was at Hockenheim two years previously?

[JR]

On the Ed vs Pinaster spat. Only Lewis was smiling, FA was demoted 10 places. A question, was the quote checked against the recollections of Prew, Whitmarsh or Alonso?

I'm unsure if I've ever come across an actual admission of culpability by Lewis (and there's been enough to warrant the odd one) so naturally I'm curious.

Ed,

I am still amazed by how the British press forgives Hamilton for this incident.

You keep telling us how Fernando does not play his cards very well and he will never drive for a top team again. Lewis behavior will eventually backfire as well.

And you keep telling us that since Lewis apologized it was all OK. No it was not OK, Fernando was penalized with 5 positions in the grid and lost the World Championship by just one point. He lost at least 2 in Hungary.

So again, it is not OK to simply apologize after backstabbing your teammate. Lewis, "the teamplayer". Ha ha ha don't make me laugh!

[tamas]

It is possible to overtake at the Hungaroring if one really tries. As Nelson Piquet did passing Senna on the outside...

[Richard]

TAMAS - it seems that most people want to see a generic (Tilke) track, so they reject Hungaroring because it's an easy target due to its layout.

The fact is, some of the best drivers of all time loved this track (Senna included) and there has been a number of dramatic developments during the Hungarian GP over the years to warrant its inclusion on the calendar.

People should be careful what they wish for - I was never so bored

[Steve]

Perhaps we should dump the Monaco procession as well?

[Patrick Leahy]

I agree. It is a boring race track and no-one would miss it if it went. Monaco may be processional, but it throws up occassional surprises and it has glamour. I suspect Hungary is still there because it's the only eastern european track. But they should build a new one and move there quickly.

[Richard]

@PATRICK LEAHY - 'Monaco may be processional, but it throws up occassional surprises and it has glamour'

So Damon Hill almost winning at the Hungaroring in an Arrows, and Jenson Button winning in a Honda weren't surprises?

And, when did you ever see racing like this at Monaco? It's Piquet and Senna:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWzOM8fmq5g

Or how about this one? It's Mansell overtaking Senna. Mansell started 12th on the grid, and he won the race!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8n5LIIYo0ts&feature=related

And then there's this processional bit of racing between the two best drivers of the time, Alonso and Schumacher:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddWVrk9aFSg

Now, if you'd prefer glamour, that's fine, but maybe you should be posting your comments in a more appropriate place i.e. one that prefers to talk about designer labels rather than exciting motor racing. Perhaps Hello! magazine has a blog?

[Daniel]

'F1-Insider | 28 Jul 2008 11:26:45'

Quite right, it does make you wonder how the hungaroring retains it's place in the calendar. Boring races on a boring track rather like the newer tracks, Bahrain, etc.. characterless, unlike Spa, Silverstone, Monza, Suzuka.... I keep thinking that all is not quite right behind the scenes, Bernie is only interested in keeping his shareholders happy and as for FIA-rrari....