Racing (Car) : Formula 1 2014 Season

[andy_m]

Bianchi family statement in full:

Almost seven weeks after Jules’ accident at Suzuka Circuit, and following a challenging period of neurological intensive care, we are able to announce that Jules has made an important step.

Jules is no longer in the artificial coma in which he was placed shortly after the accident, however he is still unconscious. He is breathing unaided and his vital signs are stable, but his condition is still classified as ‘critical’.

His treatment now enters a new phase concerned with the improvement of his brain function.

Jules’ neurological condition remains stable. Although the situation continues to be serious, and may remain so, it was decided that Jules was sufficiently stable to be repatriated to his native France. We are relieved, therefore, to confirm that Jules was transferred aeromedically last night from the Mie Prefectural General Medical Center in Yokkaichi, Japan, to Le Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice (CHU), where he arrived just a short time ago.

Jules is now in the intensive care unit of Professors Raucoules and Ichai, where his care will also be monitored by Professor Paquis, Head of Neurosurgery Service.

We are thankful that the next phase of Jules’ treatment can continue close to home, where he can be surrounded and supported by his wider family and friends. We have nothing but praise for the outstanding care provided by the Mie Prefectural General Medical Center since the accident. We owe the medical staff there an enormous debt of gratitude for everything they have done for Jules, and also for our family, during what is a very difficult time for us. In particular, we would like to extend our thanks to Doctors Kamei and Yamamichi, and also to Mr Ogura, all part of the team of personnel caring for Jules in Japan.

[Cobbydaler]

Vettel to Ferrari, Alonso expected to join McLaren.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/30128844

[andy_m]

As much as I want Button to stay in f1 I think he should tell McLaren to poke it, personally.

[MalteseFalcon]

Thought he had already announced he was retiring?

[denphone]

Originally Posted by andy_m

As much as I want Button to stay in f1 I think he should tell McLaren to poke it, personally.

l hope he stays in F1 but obviously with another team one hopes.

[andy_m]

Originally Posted by MarkC1984

Thought he had already announced he was retiring?

No. He's said he wants to remain in the sport, but intimated that this might not mean f1. He's being heavily linked with WEC. Meanwhile McLaren have said that they won't make an announcement on their drivers line up until at least the first week in December, with obviously brushing strong expectation that this will be Alonso and one of Button or Magnusson.

[Hom3r]

Originally Posted by andy_m

As much as I want Button to stay in f1 I think he should tell McLaren to poke it, personally.

Originally Posted by MarkC1984

Thought he had already announced he was retiring?

I read that Webber wants him as a team mate or rival where he is racing.

[andy_m]

Well he said the following to f1.com:

Q: Should you risk a view into a crystal ball, what other future is out there for you in racing? Didn't Mark Webber write that you should join him in endurance racing...
JB: I've had some good chats with people about racing in WEC. Who knows! It looks very interesting and you obviously give it a bit of a thought. I am not stupid. I want to race next year. I want to be in a category that is competitive. And yes, it could be an exciting challenge.

Q: Have you been contacted by teams?
JB: Maybe.

[thenry]

Not sure if this has been raised already. What the hell is this boring circuit in Abu Dhabi doing as a final race. How interesting would it have been if the final race was in Texas! Just one track off the top of my head that is entertaining. The circuit has ruined it for me. I wouldn't mind going to Selhurst Park on Sunday to cheer on Palace.

[andy_m]

Money. Bernie. That is all. Bad isn't it?

[thenry]

He doesn't need to sell his soul though. Abu Dhabi would throw the money regardless.

[Cobbydaler]

Red Bulls to start from back of grid

http://m.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/30161617

[andy_m]

Originally Posted by thenry

He doesn't need to sell his soul though. Abu Dhabi would throw the money regardless.

Well, firstly he makes out that he wanted double points for the last three races, but was voted down to one by the teams. Whether or not this is true the teams definitely did approve double points in its current format, so he might be right. Secondly he no longer owns fom, but is employed to run it by the hedge fund he sold it to, so he does have a duty now to maximise profit on their behalf.

The impact on today's race is that Hamilton can't settle for a midfield finish and Williams might still finish behind Ferrari in the WCC - both of these issues would pretty much have already been decided without double points. I suppose if you ignore the inherent unfairness of double points to Hamilton who deserves the championship and Williams who deserve their third place, both on the basis of their performances over the course of the season relative to their rivals, it's hard to argue anything other than they've worked as intended and kept some interest going towards the end of the season. It's just that for a sport which has often found a way of serving up last round drama it's all beginning to feel a bit false.

[Bulky]

Delighted with that result , well done Lewis , Great season

[SnoopZ]

Lewis Hamilton wins and is crowned 2014 F1 World Champion!