2013 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Formula 1

With Vettel comfortably clinching the championship in India, he can now relax for the last 3 races of the Season beginning at the stunning Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, the race that starts in sunset and ends in the moonlight. In other parts of the championship, Fernando Alonso has a bit of pressure for fighting to keep 2nd place in the standings. Kimi Raikkonen is 3rd in points, 24 points behind on 183, while 4th in points Lewis Hamilton is a further 38 points back on 169.

Speaking of Hamilton, the Team Principal of the Mercedes team he drives before, Ross Brawn, is stepping down from his role at the end of the season after he and team declined to an agreement that he would've found another important role in the team, instead he is parting ways with them altogether at the end of the 2013 Season.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/24725406

Kimi still yet to arrive in Abu Dhabi, expected not to be running FP1.

Meanwhile, the greatest driver we will likely ever witness, Max Chilton, could join Force India replacing Paul di Resta seemingly.

Milan655 wrote:Kimi still yet to arrive in Abu Dhabi, expected not to be running FP1.

Meanwhile, the greatest driver we will likely ever witness, Max Chilton, could join Force India replacing Paul di Resta seemingly.

I'm still holding out for them to see sense and hire Kevin Magnussen.

RetrogradeRenegade wrote:

Milan655 wrote:Kimi still yet to arrive in Abu Dhabi, expected not to be running FP1.

Meanwhile, the greatest driver we will likely ever witness, Max Chilton, could join Force India replacing Paul di Resta seemingly.

I'm still holding out for them to see sense and hire Kevin Magnussen.

Sense and logic in F1? Nonsense! Seats are driven by money. If you have a big bankroll, you've got a seat waiting for you, regardless of talent (and lack thereof). I've lost all hope for a driver of quality to get a race-winning seat without having sponsorship. It's the way of the business nowadays.

Milan655 wrote:Kimi still yet to arrive in Abu Dhabi, expected not to be running FP1.

Meanwhile, the greatest driver we will likely ever witness, Max Chilton, could join Force India replacing Paul di Resta seemingly.

One driver who will never do anything special replacing another driver who will never do anything special. Wow, Force India.

crl wrote:

Milan655 wrote:Kimi still yet to arrive in Abu Dhabi, expected not to be running FP1.

Meanwhile, the greatest driver we will likely ever witness, Max Chilton, could join Force India replacing Paul di Resta seemingly.

One driver who will never do anything special replacing another driver who will never do anything special. Wow, Force India.

I love Paul di Resta! Not because I think he's a good guy, a good driver, or anything like that, but his bitching is comedic gold. Watching him whine makes me smile, because he's good at it. However, Max Chilton looks like if Lance Bass had a F1 career instead of a boyband career, so he's ok too I guess, but he's no di Resta. ._.

Maldolan(Maldonado) looks like he's got the Lotus drive instead of Nicoverrated Hulkenberg, which makes me genuinely happy because Maldolan seems like he's legitimately insane. I love that. The only thing that makes him back off and take it easy is Monaco, a track that he's always excelled at. Even if he screws up, he's giving 150% when only 75% is required... and if you don't think that's bound to cause some excitement (for all the right and all the wrong reasons), then ... well...

Not sure what to make of the whole Kimi fiasco. I think Kimi is going to arrive late to show the team he doesn't care anymore and that he will screw around a little. Makes you wonder if he really will be a challenge to Alonso in 2014, or if Ferrari signed him just so that their rivals don't have a driver that could beat Fernando on race day...

...wouldn't be the first time a team in any category did that...

Kimi Raikkonen had planned to arrive late since last week. The way Lotus organised things however, it would seem as if they were trying to get the best out of advertisement and PR.

He arrived yesterday evening, now taking part in FP1.

Grosjean fastest in FP1. Vettel fastest in FP2.

Cynon wrote:Nicoverrated Hulkenberg

>one point outside top 10 in points in a SAUBER
>overrated

Da fuq.

4 Brake issues during FP2. Foreboding.

[quote="Cynon"][quote="crl"]

Milan655 wrote:
Maldolan(Maldonado) looks like he's got the Lotus drive instead of Nicoverrated Hulkenberg

Don't entirely know why you think Hulkenburg's an overrated driver, he deserves the Lotus seat more than Maldonado because he's been putting on a strong performance in the second-half of this year, while Maldonado only has 1 Point this year.

BWardboy88 wrote:

Cynon wrote:

crl wrote:

Milan655 wrote:
Maldolan(Maldonado) looks like he's got the Lotus drive instead of Nicoverrated Hulkenberg

Don't entirely know why you think Hulkenburg's an overrated driver, he deserves the Lotus seat more than Maldonado because he's been putting on a strong performance in the second-half of this year, while Maldonado only has 1 Point this year.

He's okay, but he's not the next big thing. I for one, am very interested in seeing what Maldonado will be able to do with a top-line (or near enough) car.

I understand that opinion, although I disagree with it. Prior to the second half of this season, Hulkenberg in F1 hasn't been the biggest of impacts excluding his pole in Brazil. However, considering the equipment he's had to deal with (Williams, Force India) it's not entirely surprising.

Interestingly, Force India have offered a contract already to Nico. Should Maldonado secure the seat, this will be the second time he has lost out on a race seat to Pastor's money. Also, this would suggest that Force India are looking to give both Adrian and Paul the boot, having also entered talks with Max Chilton.

Kimi threatens to set out remainder of season if he does not receive a years worth of his wage. Hasn't been paid this year yet. http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/111042

Conspiracists claim that he is ensuring Ferrari finish 2nd in the constructors in order for them to receive larger royalties toward the beneficial development of his future car.

We could welcome the Italian flag back onto the grid, 3rd driver Davide Valsecchi says he is ready to race for free.

God damnit Lotus let me like you. ;____;

Alexander Rossi wins the GP2 race from pole. 

crl wrote:Alexander Rossi wins the GP2 race from pole. 

and is the first American to win a GP2 race.

MAK WEBBA ON POLE.

Equals Brabham's pole count.

Milan655 wrote:Kimi threatens to set out remainder of season if he does not receive a years worth of his wage. Hasn't been paid this year yet. http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/111042

Conspiracists claim that he is ensuring Ferrari finish 2nd in the constructors in order for them to receive larger royalties toward the beneficial development of his future car.

We could welcome the Italian flag back onto the grid, 3rd driver Davide Valsecchi says he is ready to race for free.

More reasons why I lost respect for Lotus.

RetrogradeRenegade wrote:

BWardboy88 wrote:

Cynon wrote:

crl wrote:

Milan655 wrote:
Maldolan(Maldonado) looks like he's got the Lotus drive instead of Nicoverrated Hulkenberg

Don't entirely know why you think Hulkenburg's an overrated driver, he deserves the Lotus seat more than Maldonado because he's been putting on a strong performance in the second-half of this year, while Maldonado only has 1 Point this year.

He's okay, but he's not the next big thing. I for one, am very interested in seeing what Maldonado will be able to do with a top-line (or near enough) car.

This. It's obvious Maldonado knows how to drive the car fast, just needs to know how to keep it in once piece.

If he can do that, going to Lotus will be a HUGE positive for him

Raikkonen has been put to the back of grid for the race after his car failed a front-floor deflection test.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/24791401

Sucks for Kimi. This puts an end to a horrific week.

Kimi's fucks given: -9000

My Favorite driver is out, while my 2nd Favorite driver wins!

Good win Vettel, one more win and he's broken the record for the most straight wins in a Season.

I reckon Marussia are in for an incredible 2014. Their disappointing form where they have dropped to the 11th best team each weekend for the past couple Grand Prix suggest they are now fully focused on producing their 2014 car. Alongside that, they are set to finish 10th in the constructors so long as Bianchi's best result of 13th is not bettered by Pic or Van der Garde. It is still readily possible that Marussia or Caterham, with luck, weather and attrition on their side, to even finish 9th in the constructors..that would really be something, 2 points in the unpredictable Brazilian weather?

Milan655 wrote:I reckon Marussia are in for an incredible 2014. Their disappointing form where they have dropped to the 11th best team each weekend for the past couple Grand Prix suggest they are now fully focused on producing their 2014 car. Alongside that, they are set to finish 10th in the constructors so long as Bianchi's best result of 13th is not bettered by Pic or Van der Garde. It is still readily possible that Marussia or Caterham, with luck, weather and attrition on their side, to even finish 9th in the constructors..that would really be something, 2 points in the unpredictable Brazilian weather?

Here's an accurate description of the 2014 backmarkers.

Fernando Alonso transferred to Hospital for precautionary check on back after launching over the kerbs avoiding Jean-Eric Vergne.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/24798485

Vettel making history as usual.