Shanghai Gazette

Thursday 16 October 2008 | RF1 Paddock Pass

| Thursday | Shanghai

Your essential guide to all the paddock gossip in the lead up to the race weekend.

Fernando in the Press Conference
Fernando Alonso was invited to the official FIA Press Conference this afternoon. As the winner of the last two races, he was keen to talk about the leap in performance made by the team in recent races. "I think that all the changes made to the car are starting to pay off," he explained. "The performance is much more consistent, the chassis allows me to push harder, and that helps with the management of the tyres." For the weekend Fernando is optimistic: "Ferrari and McLaren are difficult to beat, but we will do everything to make the most of even the slightest opportunity," he concluded.

The surprising news about the French Grand Prix
During lunchtime in the ING Renault F1 Team hospitality, the French paddock contingent only had one topic of conversation: the decision by the FFSA to cancel the 2009 French Grand Prix. The British, Spanish and Italians were also keen to join the discussion and expressed their disappointment with the decision. "Of course the circuit was a long way from Paris and it was difficult to find somewhere to stay," explained one photographer, "however, Magny-Cours was a regular on the calendar and the whole paddock is sad to see its demise."

Hamilton under the spotlight
Lewis Hamilton, the leader of the championship is a man constantly followed by the British media. He has a chance to win the championship on Sunday and so he is always in the headlines. The recent statements by the other drivers about Hamilton's driving are also continuing to consume a lot of ink here in China.

All in good time - a little patience
The Shanghai International circuit may take its name from the city of Shanghai, but it's more accurate to say that the circuit is in the vicinity of Shanghai. As a result it can take almost two hours by road to reach the hotels in the centre of the city. The traffic jams are truly monstrous and so the teams have to get up very early in the morning to arrive at the track in time.

GP2 again
The GP2 series powered by Renault, which is the final rung on the ladder to Formula 1, begins its Asia series this weekend. 26 cars will take to the grid and will compete in the six round championship supporting Formula 1 on three occasions (Shanghai, Sepang, Bahrain). It's the first time that GP2 cars have driven in China.

Comments

Thursday 16 October 2008 at 12:51:45 by NandoFan

Nice pictures!

I'm curious to hear the press conference too )

It will be a very exciting weekend and lets hope it won't be the decisive one.

Thursday 16 October 2008 at 12:57:48 by Freeter

welcome to China! Hope the team a very competitive weekend! The third win for FA..

Thursday 16 October 2008 at 13:05:43 by NandoFan

How long has it been since a driver won 3 times in a row?

Rain is expected from friday till sunday.

Thursday 16 October 2008 at 13:11:30 by NandoFan

The answer is 2006 where Fernando won 4 races in a row and Schumi 3.

Thursday 16 October 2008 at 14:03:50 by Brendanq

Looking forward to this weekend, may just post on here with like minded guys n girls now. as the anti alonso thing is getting annoying.

i know we are all aiming for the same goal.

go for it nelson and fernando

Thursday 16 October 2008 at 14:11:54 by amc

there's an interesting comment at the end of Autosport's Thursday 'straw poll'...

...asking you to guess at what points in the press conference Alonso was grinning the most...

It just goes to show how much he's playing with the press...but he's playing a dangerous game. Perhaps he feels he loses either way, so why not have some fun while he's at it.

Thursday 16 October 2008 at 14:18:06 by RF1 Paddock Pass

Nandofan, the latest I had heard was that rain was a possibility for Sunday. The rest of the weekend is expected to be pleasant - but it depends which forecast you look at...

Thursday 16 October 2008 at 14:39:00 by Ayrton1992F1

Hello RF1, can you tell me how is the mood of the team?

Are they confident of another win, or a double podium? (in front of hamilton!) hehe

Anyway, good luck to all of you, if Fernando wins this GP he will show for GOOD that he's the best of all out there, cause ham,mas,rai never won 'three in a row' this year

As for Renault they showed that they are clearly the best team in F1, cause from being 1.5 seconds slower than the mclaren, they were faster than the mclaren's in fuji !!

Incredible job!
Fantastic developement

Thursday 16 October 2008 at 14:49:13 by Blackmadonna

(Jon McEvoy - The Daily Mail)

"All pilots except Lewis: Is that among the pilots, there is a feeling that you are jealous or envious of the fact that Lewis is leading the championship and even to go wherever he appears to be the biggest star?"

Now what kind of a question is this for a race press conference?? Are we in the kindergarten here??? They should really start to make some kind of IQ tests for journalists before attending such official events.
I guess its not easy for the drivers, with being the most intelligent guys (exceptions only prove the rule) to be confronted with a bunch of ignorants sometimes...

I know completely off- topic, sorry, rant over.

Thursday 16 October 2008 at 14:52:18 by RF1 Paddock Pass

Hi Ayrton, the mood is really positive at the moment. We’ve got that winning feeling again so it feels a bit like 2005 and 2006. As Bob Bell said in his interviews this week, to get two wins is the ultimate reward for all the efforts in Enstone, Viry and at the racetrack pushing the development of the car.

We’re not ruling out another win, but in reality we know that it will be tough to beat McLaren and Ferrari for a third straight race. Mind you, Fernando thinks a podium could be in the offing, maybe even in front of Lewis!

I’m glad that we’ve finally made you happy. I can still remember all your moaning during the first part of the season, but we’ve delivered on our promise to give Fernando a car that is worthy of his talent. Let’s hope we can continue like this for the next couple of races.

Thursday 16 October 2008 at 15:16:36 by rupert

moaning???

constructive criticism and helpful advice surely!!

i think it just shows how much people care that they are upset by the team not doing as well as we all know it can. the thing i admire more than any other in the rf1 team is that they have a plan and stick to it. if things don't go well they engineer their way out instead of panicking and falling apart, all signs of a battle hardened, professional and talented team confident in their abilities.. its just from outside sometimes it appears that there isn't much going on so people, myself included become disheartened..

here's to the r29!!

rup

Thursday 16 October 2008 at 15:31:48 by Ayrton1992F1

@ RF1PP hahaha

I know you remember my moaning, but if you was in my place you would think the same as me, I was dissapointed cause of the much confidence that was around, and that made us one of the slowest teams in f1 at the first races, but after that I knew that Renault will comeback

Anyway, you made me happy for good!
you really made me remember one of the best years i had in my life (2005-2006)
you guys rock,

All of you know that McLaren has at least three times bigger budget than Renault, and we're EQUAL in speed now if not faster!

The developement of the car is just unbelieavable, in modern f1 NO TEAM has ever made a comeback from being 1.5 secs behind!!!

this is fantastic, really
I'm so motivated for next year, you can't believe how much lol

The only thing that can make
me unhappy is if fernando leaves for honda, honda will never reach the top with their japanese style management

anyway, thanks for your great pics, once again they are very very good, but anyway, is there any change that you can give us all the season's posts pics ? in high resolution i mean
:P

Many of them can become great backgrounds.

Finally, the mood is really positive for the team as you said, but the fans' mood is higher than ever, we'll all support you forever.

Anyway, I noticed something, Nelson is not slow, he's very fast but he has many problems with the car setup, etc

see two examples :

1.Hungary (he did fastest lap than fernando in the race!!!!!!!!) , while in quali he was slow, very slow

2.Fuji, he was in front of hamilton, ha-ha, while in quali he couldnt pass to q2

Is there any problem with nelson that can be solved?

Anyway, if Fernando stays for next year, two are great for teammates

1.Piquet
2.Di Grassi

If our team is capable of winning many GP's and being competitive enough to be champs again, we will need a fast teammate next to nando, not a slow one

If Nelson show a bit that he's grown up in driving terms, he's a good teammate for fernando

If not, maybe Di Grassi can take his place, cause as I heard, he's very consistent and very fast.

Anyway, cya for now..

Thursday 16 October 2008 at 15:32:17 by MO1023

@ rupert,

Their was alot of moaning and nanny picking I remember it vividly. One user even reffered to the R28 as a bath tub with wheels. thats all in the past and forgotten, we have achieved alot since then

Thursday 16 October 2008 at 15:33:06 by Ayrton1992F1

@11, yes tell that to RF1PP, thats what I mean

lol

rupert is right, critisism shows that the fans CARE about the team

lol, soz for double post

Thursday 16 October 2008 at 15:34:53 by manuStudio

New French GP 2010 Project.
http://i38.tinypic.com/2j5x6gw.jpg

Thursday 16 October 2008 at 15:45:00 by manuStudio

It will not be tough to beat Mclaren since Lewis is on a roll of mistakes, he can easly be pushed aside as seen before, and Heikki has been a slug since he left RF1.

Thursday 16 October 2008 at 15:50:54 by Rulietta

@ManuStudio, yeah, Marne La Vallée. Very easy to access to from Paris, on the RER A, or by car, all the same, or train. The setting in itself is nice, very "Mickey Mouse" like, as would say one of my best friends who lives close to this place. When asked where she lives, she always says "At Mickey's" lol. And the feeling is very fairytale like, rather American and clean in terms of organization, many hotels, restaurants, everything is ready for a large amount of spectators.

Now the fact that there won't be a French GP in 2009 is what saddens me, although the official calendar won't be issued before december, who knows what can happen until then.

Thursday 16 October 2008 at 16:02:35 by manuStudio

Hi Rulietta, yes I agree that a F1 project at Disney is great in terms of infrastructure. It is also not far from my place, like 1 hr.
The fact that there is no French GP next year, which is nothing new, is good news in my view, so they will know the need for a new place and make it better.

Thursday 16 October 2008 at 16:07:46 by manuStudio

After the GP in 2010, we can go and eat at the Buffalo Bill in Disney.

Thursday 16 October 2008 at 16:21:16 by Ayrton1992F1

@15
hahaha hill in the williams, lol

Thursday 16 October 2008 at 17:02:27 by NandoFan

RF1PP, the weather update I read was at the official formula 1 site.

Even they can't give us any guarantees since they also rely on weather stations like everyone else.

Lets hope things goes in Massa's favour if rain comes in to play.

Thursday 16 October 2008 at 17:10:35 by manuStudio

"Lets hope things goes in Massa's favour if rain comes in to play."
I hope it will go Kubica's way.

Thursday 16 October 2008 at 18:38:27 by NandoFan

Me too accually, but thats very unlikely.

Thursday 16 October 2008 at 18:47:45 by amc

it's horrible having to work on a Thursday/friday of a race weekend! I can read everything but cant reply...

Anyway, yes, I have to say I would much prefer Kubica to win...the underdog and the one who deserves it the most. Shame it won't happen.

Anyhoo, what i was thinking today was how Ferrari, McLaren and BMW must surely now consider Renault a threat, and will be much less dismissive in considering them when planning their strategies.

With both Ferrari and McLaren NEEDING those front rows and maintain them in the race, Fernando (and even Nelson if he got the qualifying right) is just a huge inconvenience for them, and one that they will be seriously considering now.

So I reckon - as much as I have confidence we have the pace to challenge them for the win and podiums - unless something goes wrong for the teams, Fernando will be forced back a bit, more than is a realistic representation of where he should be.

Free practice will be interesting, but qualifying will be crucial for overall strategy because I think Renault still lack in that department to McLaren and Ferrari where they possibly equal them in race pace.

Intriguing times.

Thursday 16 October 2008 at 20:04:32 by amc

btw guys, just to go back to that autosport article we were fuming about earlier today - its been changed...not perfect, but a lot better i hope!

Thursday 16 October 2008 at 20:15:22 by Rulietta

@Manustudio, Very good idea lol, and a little Tour de la Terreur to ensure a good digestion :p

About MC, well, I cannot agree because I live in Burgundy, but this is a very subjective opinion lol. In terms of infrastructure MC was really not practical. Last year it took me one hour and an half to get to the parking lot (whereas I was in close to Nevers already), I couldn't get no cash because there are no cash suppliers, and to eat, there are not enough tables to sit. Not to mention the sunburns I got etc etc :p BUT Magny-Cours is dear to my heart lol...

RF11111111? (lots of ones, but you deserve them) I read on l'Equipe that in Japan, the RF1 team had been offered a bottle of Japanese wine to "celebrate the win", before the actual GP, if any omen or sign of that kind occurs in China, please tell uuuus!! Oh well, no, don't, or it'll jinx it. Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy yourselves tomorrow, we surely will enjoy ourselves too!

Thursday 16 October 2008 at 21:17:55 by siberianlady

Hmm- great to hear GP2 is back- wonder who will be driving in the series this time............

Thursday 16 October 2008 at 22:15:09 by Honey

Real shame about Magny Cours, I know facilities were lacking but even so. I guess the addition of Abu Dhabi others have to make way.

Thursday 16 October 2008 at 22:39:42 by amc

I worry about making a new track the finale.

I've never been a huge fan of Shanghai as a track, but love the likes of Brazil which really takes a lot out of a driver. It's a great circuit for a finale.

The problem with new tracks is that it is usually very hit and miss at the moment. We had 2 new tracks this year, valencia and singapore - one was a complete disappointment for drivers and spectators alike, and the other was a surprise joy.

So to bring a new track like Abu Dhabi in as a grand finale is very risky, because it could turn out to be a Valencia once the cars hit the track. It would be better in my opinion to sample new tracks some time inside the season, then if a success by all means give it its earnt status as a final race.

Thursday 16 October 2008 at 23:01:10 by siberianlady

I agree with you there amc.
I understand the need for modern facilities but most of the modern track just lack tradition and flavour and the real spirit of F1. I mean how many more are going to be replaced by modern "yawn" tracks? I mean Spa went and thank god came back but we are losing Silverstone, Imola is gone, now Magny Cours, Montreal- and what do we get instead?
At least suzuka is back next year instead of Fuji- yeah the nountain is spectacular when you can see it but.........
I seriously think Bernie needs a proper financial person now and yeah I think I could do it better!

Thursday 16 October 2008 at 23:38:15 by goblin321

wow absolutely breathtaking first snap!!!!! i just been gazing at it for a while now...
lolz few of the comments made me laugh like anything

hmmm so the excitement is building now and the equation is becoming more and more complex for the front runners!!!!
I do hope that the WDC doesn't get decided at this race and it goes rite to the wire and who knows may b RK can pull off some miracle this season??
As Alonso said... anything is possible...
I must admit i will have some anxious next few days since I will not be able to follow the Quali and race this weekend due to some personal commitments but all my prayers and best wishes are with the team and whatever the result.. as i always say... you guys rock!!! ( and i will read all the blogs to feel the excitement of the race weekend)
hmmm i dont know why but i have this feeling that the best is yet to come from NP and i'm sure if ever someone can do exceptional even with not so favorable conditions... its our very own Alonso
Good luck team and hope that the FP goes all well and team can come out strong with perfect car setup and as for the WDC who knows.. my dream might come true ( had a dream twice... after Monza but at that time i laughed it out but now it looks like there is an outside chance )

Thursday 16 October 2008 at 23:58:42 by 987654321

ahhhhhh
alonso yesterday 15/10/2008 at the in Shangai International Airport :
http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=vS4OAlscjR ...
toma !

Friday 17 October 2008 at 00:02:29 by amc

aww, you'll be missed on the blog goblin...hope you can catch up with the race later.

hey, I'm surprised nobody has spotted this:

Kubica and Alonso go karting in Shanghai, just as friends...

http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.a ...

great pictures too:

http://www.sic-kartworld.com/english/Gal ...

Friday 17 October 2008 at 00:03:20 by amc

oops...this is a better link to the gallery:

http://www.sic-kartworld.com/english/Gal ...

Friday 17 October 2008 at 02:11:34 by MO1023

@33 good article, the stand out bit was at the end when it said Alonso will fight to be champion for the third time? Im guessing they mean win a third race lol

Friday 17 October 2008 at 02:17:02 by MO1023

Well Im of to bed for 2 hours I will be back for practice 1 at 3am to post updates bi

Friday 17 October 2008 at 02:28:56 by amc

right...I must get some sleep as i have work to get up for - so like last week I'll again miss first free practice. I hope it goes well for Renault, and the recent good form is confirmed rather than disappointment of it being just circumstantial. Renault deserve this more than any team I think, given the work put in all year.

I'll try follow fp2 from the train...see ya then!

Hope I wake up to positive Renault talk!