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Adrian Musolino is editor of V8X Magazine, and has written as an expert on The Roar since 2008, cementing himself as a writer who can see the big picture in sport. He freelances on other forms of motorsport, football, cycling and more.
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Five races remain in the 2015 MotoGP season. Five races standing between Valentino Rossi and a remarkable 10th World Motorcycle Championship, and an eighth…
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The freak accident that took the life of British IndyCar driver Justin Wilson will accelerate the push for closed cockpits in open-wheel categories. Closed…
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Derryn, you are right to a certain extent.
Success in F1 is largely dependent on having the right package – quick car, good team back at the factory etc, but a driver is a key ingredient in that mix.
Drivers aren’t the biggest determining factor, see how the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso et al are struggling with slow cars this year, but their ability has helped lift their teams up the grid.
A driver still has to maximise the opportunity presented to him and for that he needs skill, talent, fitness etc, all things key to any athletes performance no matter the sport.
Is it a sport?
It is still a contest fought between drivers, although some are handicapped by equipment, and teams. It also still takes immense effort, skill and fitness to drive those cars at such a level.
I too get very frustrated by the over reliance on technology and importance it plays in F1. This has gotten worse in the modern era of the sport with the manufacturers investing so much into technology. This makes minor things like tyre pressures etc crucial and such determining factors, things that many casual fans don’t understand or care about so I understand your position.
Webber stars to bring smiles back to F1
Here is the aforementioned Webber radio celebration – uncensored – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuMtQU1Cg4E
Webber stars to bring smiles back to F1
Would you take on Barry Hall if you were one of the other AFL clubs? If he decides he wants to continue his AFL career, it will be fascinating to see how they respond.
Hall quits Swans
Thanks for the comments folks.
Just to clarify something, I don’t think I am being overcritical of United. They may not have made “an impact in the off-season with few significant signings”, but they have still done well to bolster their squad with smart signings, especially given the financial situation which was the result of the instability,financial issues of the owner etc.
A-League needs big spenders and bigger stars
autogyro, you make an interesting point. Where I think this crisis is different to other F1 controversies, and why the breakaway threat was so real, is due to the fact that the likes of Ferrari and McLaren are buried down in the pack, unjustly according to them. With a salary cap, how could they use their superior spending power to claw back the advantage they believe they should have?
Martin, fair call. I also agree with the comment re: a spec series. This is what should differentiate F1 from other series. There are so many ways in which F1 can cut costs but the teams and the FIA have been very inactive over the years in this regard and now the FIA, who didn’t seem to mind the huge escalation in costs when the manufacturers were coming into the sport, don’t seem to know how to do it so they are resorting to draconian rules like budget caps.
Where to now for Formula 1 GP?
The next FIA president will come from within the body or someone who has been embedded in F1 politics. Interesting to hear Max mention Jean Todt again and he has been earmarked for some time now. Don’t think the manufacturers will be too impressed with him.
DC would be great on the commercial side of things. He always understood that the sport had to be entertaining and needed to do more for the fans.
Formula 1 on the path to self-destruction
autogyro, this is the problem with autocratic institutions. The FIA and Bernie have failed in grooming successors or even having a succession plan.
There is still much to sort out and it doesn’t seem the deal has made any headway on the commercial side, things like returning to North America, better revenue distribution etc.
As you say plenty of time for all concerned to screw it up and they need to address the fundamental flaws with the sport.
Formula 1 on the path to self-destruction
Well the breakaway threat is over – http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/76498
Max won’t be standing for reelection and so will be gone in October, the teams have agreed to some cost cutting plans and they have signed up til 2012.
Don’t expect an end to the political infighting however as there are still many issues unresolved.
Formula 1 on the path to self-destruction
Midfielder, that is the problem with private ownership, it’s at greater risk from the economic conditions. Adelaide United is, as I say, looking okay as the investment will pay off in the long term, especially compared to the 36ers.
The FFA are very confident of finding new investors and are in talks with several potential suitors.
Adelaide typifies the contrasting fortunes of the codes
It’s a tight squeeze for Webber, especially in the compact design of the Red Bull. His weight and height relative to other drivers will become an issue when KERS becomes compulsory. The weight of the system means the cars run significantly heavier and there is less available weight for ballast.
The three most underrated Aussie sportsmen
It’ll be a great day when he wins a race. Red Bull is in a great position this year.
The three most underrated Aussie sportsmen
Greg,
Yes the perception has been that MotoGP is the premier class and WSBK is like a second division obviously due to the prestige and history of Grand Prix and the better rider talent.
But now that MotoGP is struggling financially with a small grid attention is turning to WSBK which is flourishing thanks to some smart decisions and the low cost of production racing relative to the prototype MotoGP.
As a result manufacturers are pouring into WSBK, amazing in this economy, BMW and Aprilia joined this season while KTM is around the corner. With this support there is some real exciting talent in WSBK, talent which could not find its way into MotoGP due to the lack of competitive rides, see Ben Spies.
Se we have this scenario in which the second division is a lot healthier than the premier class.
One series makes sense. Being bikes the difference between production and prototype is not as clearly visible as it is with say Formula 1 and V8 Supercars so the general public doesn’t get the difference between the two.
The politics and different philosophies of the two series mean it is highly unlikely we will see one series unless MotoGP fails.
Stoner and Rossi rivalry to dominate MotoGP
I agree Kazama. Also World Superbike will greatly benefit from the proposal in MotoGP that rookies to the class aren’t allowed to race for manufacturer teams, they must first race in a privateer team. So the likes of Ben Spies could stay in WSBK as an alternative to risking their career progression by being on uncompetitive machinery in MotoGP.
Stoner and Rossi rivalry to dominate MotoGP
Kazama we may not get a race. I’m hearing it is raining in Qatar and they won’t race if it is wet, visibility will be too bad under lights. After the Malaysian F1 GP last weekend this is the last thing motorsport needed and it would be a disaster for MotoGP.
Fingers crossed it is clears up for the race.
Stoner and Rossi rivalry to dominate MotoGP
Kazama, many fans are looking to World Superbikes for their racing fix.
In MotoGP at least the tyre war variable has been taken out of the equation but I don’t see how the it will substantially improve the racing. The problem remains the electronics and the 800cc bikes not to mention the lack of depth of quality bikes on the grid. MotoGP needs a fundamental shakeup to get back on track.
The duel between Stoner and Rossi should be great though. Only Lorenzo has the potential to run with them in Qatar.
Stoner and Rossi rivalry to dominate MotoGP
Kurt by we I meant both certain sections of the media and the public.
Very unlucky for Mark at Albert Park, the guy has terrible luck.
Do we expect too much from our sports stars?
Dave, regarding the domination of the English today relative to other periods of domination by other countries; today it is happening in greater numbers, all four of the teams are up there and so unlike decades ago when fewer teams from each country were playing in the comp, the English clubs are crowding out the latter stages.
I have no problem with the English domination I’m just saying if we have for example a situation in which the semi finals are regularly between all English clubs then it may force UEFA to act.
The balance of power lies firmly with the EPL
Interesting times in F1. The pace of the Brawn GP car (formerly Honda) has impressed many and while some believed it wasn’t an accurate indicator of where they are, teams have been known to run light in testing to impress sponsors, Fernando Alonso seems to believe their pace is genuine.
It is so open this season and there is no real hierarchy so far in testing. McLaren are struggling at the minute so it could be the ‘other’ Mercedes engine in the Brawn that surprises.
Can’t wait for Melbourne.
Mercedes F1 bookends in 2009 World Championship
Towser, you click the report comment link on the comment you feel is inappropriate and the team will act on it.
Write the Newcastle Jets off at your own peril
Another point to mention is Newcastle being in the race to sign Scott Chipperfield. If he does sign as a marquee player it could force the on loan Joel Griffiths out of the position and raise doubts about his future at the club.
Write the Newcastle Jets off at your own peril
This article was written before Newcastle played in Beijing but I stand by the point, Newcastle have recruited well and will bounce back from last seasons disaster, helped by their ACL campaign.
The 1st half was shaky and Topor-Stanley was exposed numerous times but they did dramatically improve in the 2nd half and controlled the game at some stages.
As has been said this is essentially a new team and it will take time for them to find their balance.
Whether they can repeat Adelaide’s performance in Asia or win back the A-League title remains to be seen but I do believe they can be a threat next season.
jimbo, yes the top two teams go through.
Write the Newcastle Jets off at your own peril
The Reds task is so much harder but if they continue to hold out there is hope. Great crowd too getting frustrated. They want a hammering
Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United live blog
Crowd is building here at the ground. Frank Lowy and the Prime Minister have just addressed the crowd launching a program to help develop Indigenous players. Victory fans are certainly confident!
Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United live blog
Rob, Vettel is very special, an amazing talent who will be a world champion. Webber was always going to have his work cut out against him this year, made worse by the Aussies off-season leg break, but he has lifted his game and is closing the gap to Vettel.
Whether Red Bull can snag the championships away from Brawn remains to be seen. It is delicately balanced and the pendulum will swing between the two dependent on how track conditions suit their respective cars. Also, with improving teams such as McLaren on the way up, there may be other cars in the battle for podiums and this could play a crucial part in how the championship plays out.
Webber stars to bring smiles back to F1