topdowntoedown

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Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 16 total)
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  • #155373

    It’s pretty naive to think that there are no performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) that could help to improve the performance of an F1 driver; we’re not talking about cannabis or cocaine here, or suggesting that anyone is driving around on any sort of ‘high’. “Drugs” covers any chemical that creates a specific effect when put in the body.

    Let’s say the critical factor in success during race weekends is the driver’s skill, and that is a combination of natural talent and learned experience. Wouldn’t you say that a chemical that increased concentration would be helpful? Perhaps one that reduced stress levels, helping the taker to think more clearly? Both these are readily available.

    On a wider scale, over the last 20 years it’s become very clear that the drivers must all be super-fit. Of course, they all spend huge amounts of time in the gym, running, cycling and so on. There are huge numbers of products available that will “help” that training. Of course some are legal, and some very much banned, such as the EPO that has given cycling such a bad name. And around these there are masking agents to cover the traces of the drugs, diuretics to help with weight loss…

    I’m not saying that F1 drivers are using banned substances to improve their performances. But the products are widely (clandestinely) available. Certain drivers are even friends with participants in other sports who have been banned for their use. I’d go so far as to say it’s extremely naive to simply assume that F1 is a clean sport without proper testing – in and out of competition.

    #203750

    Is this a regular racing series, following the F1 tracks on GT5? I’d love to be involved, I have a Sauber C9 that’s really sweet to drive at 700PP, Sadly I’m working on Saturday so I’ll just have to see the results (much like the real race!)

    #190078

    Looks a lot like the 908 to me, but I guess there are only so many shapes that ‘fit’ the rules.

    Really looking forward to seeing them back – the GT-One was cut off in its prime.

    #190198

    Modern Indycars all look the same to me. ;)

    Lotus one’s nice though.

    #190314

    It’s a real shame, and if I was Jean Todt I’d be absolutely furious. They bring back the ‘endurance’ FIA World crown, and Peugeot just decide they can’t be bothered?

    I was never a Peugeot fan – something about the way Audi went about Le Mans was more appealing to me. But this is an insult.

    All the French complaining about a lack of a national team really should get behind Pescarolo now…

    #171637

    Sounds great. Hope it gets over to iPhone soon, I need something to play with on the Tube :)

    #166656

    That’s a f#cking good idea. :)

    #165748

    Saw that a while ago – agreed, it’s very moving where JYS and his wife talk about Cevert.

    Although given that this was shortly after the Swinging Sixties, the tone of what they say always makes me wonder about the nature of the relationships in that team ;)

    #165969

    Tip: don’t have arguments with idiots.

    #166113

    Definitely Hulkenberg for me. Alonso’s not going anywhere and won’t respond well to a ‘joint #1’ situation, so guys like Kubica and Webber are out of the picture. Rosberg is quietly de-facto #1 at Mercedes and isn’t going anywhere. Anyone else in the midfield is either too risky/inexperienced at the moment (Kobayashi, Buemi, Perez, Petrov), or too much of a plodder (Sutil, Glock, Kovalainen).

    Hulk’s ideal because he’s proved he’s quick all through his career, Ferrari don’t really need sponsorship money from him, but he wouldn’t be too much of a threat for Alonso in the short term. In a couple of years however – as with Massa pre-accident – he’ll blossom.

    There’s a caveat to this: Ferrari will have an eye on the road car business’s markets, and they would LOVE to have a driver from Russia, China or India. So if Petrov has a good season… don’t be surprised if he shifts to the dancing donkey at the end of the year.

    #157832

    Just made a home-town one for Jenson Button :) Can’t do it *in* his home town, but there are some great country roads around there.

    http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4241793

    Clockwise track, starting at the top. Start/finish line is a long (1 mile!) downhill straight that reminds me of the Mulsanne at Le Mans. The kink at the end keeps the speed down before a tight right-hander. The bottom then runs along past the woods, with a few kinks followed by a right-hand sweeper (think 130R). There’s then a ‘stadium section’ with a good passing place followed by a twisty section and a hairpin. After the hairpin there’s a drag up to the top of the hill with a medium-speed right/left before a sharp corner (like Les Combes at Spa).

    (I’ve spent too much time thinking about this).

    #157831

    Birmingham? What’s wrong with… http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4241763 ? ;)

    #157304

    1: Villeneuve

    2: Moss

    3: Barrichello – yeah yeah, never within a win etc. But poor old Ruby is surely the wild card to beat all wild cards?

    #157339

    If I wanted to listen to a four-cylinder turbo I’d borrow my girlfriend’s Alfa Mito.

    That said, I do expect the V4s to sound quite interesting so I’m reserving judgement for the minute…

    #156918

    A little bit tenuous…

    I got a PS3 and GT5 (it’s got karting, Monza, Suzuka and (both) Nurburgring(s))

    :D

Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 16 total)