Formula1 - 2012

As Ulti pointed out in his last post Kimi is back and driving for Lotus-Renault (here is list of where we stand for 2012 Drivers) only addition I have seen so far is Pastor Maldonado is confirmed for Williams.

I am being convinced to go to the Melbourne GP next year, never been as I enjoy the TV coverage and knowing what is going on. Having the F1 iPhone app would at least keep me in formed of where every one is. Pros/cons to going?

Great experience if you have never been Watzi. Only Cons are the price of food and drink, plus the long walk to the toilet after a few drinks We live about 1 klm (15 minute walk) from the track if you need somewhere to park

Thanks BM. Will see where thing lie closer to the event.

wow both STR drivers have been replaced. New drivers will be Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne. Im surprised by that but not at the same time.

http://planetf1.com/news/3213/7377685/STR-Hand-Seats-To-Ricciardo-Vergne

Yep agree Ulti always thought one would go but not both.

Guess things will go a bit quite now on the F1 front till teams start unveiling cars for next season and testing gets underway in Feb (??).

Nah news isnt going quiet just yet Still a couple of seats up for grabs and yeah talks on cars for next year. Caterham's F1 has already passed first crash test

Well Williams have now settled on its last seat and it goes to Bruno Senna, so Barrichello could miss out on driving in what would be his 20th season, his only chance would be with HRT, if he chooses to try for that seat, the last remaining one to be filled.

So caterham have released their 2012 car to the public, looks interesting. more will be debuting withing the next week or so and im looking forward to seeing how the others turn out.

Just looked at the pics Ulti looks good.

I read that this year they have changed the crash testing so that now you have to pass the FIA crash testing before you can test, last year you could take the car testing but could not race it till it passed the test.

yeah thats right with the crash testing. have to pass it first if you want to participate in the testing

Well we have had another launch today of the McLaren. It looks nice.

Here is a list of all launch dates

Ferrari launched their 2012 car on the internet today. Linky.

Interesting with the stepped nose but reading through most of the car has changed from last years car.

Also Force India revealed their car today as well a bit less of a write up on there car over at formual1.com Linky

The first official practice session starts this week, Tuesday, all teams bar Marussia (formerly Virgin) are taking part. Link

Also Karthikeyan takes the last seat at HRT. Link

First test session complete. Here is the aggregated results and final day results Link

Wonder just how much sand bagging goes on for these? I guess we find out in just over 30 days time when Melbourne kicks off.

HRT have failed there crash test.

Haven't really been following what has been going on, but looking forward to the start of the season

Only a short walk from the track, so might rent our one of our spare rooms for beer money

Just when I thought all the seats for F1 2012 had been settled along comes Petrov replaces Trulli at Caterham for 2012

With some 25 days till practice 1 in Melbourne things are beginning to get close. Should have next round of pre season testing in Barcelona soon.

End of the second lot of 4 days of pre-season testing. Not really sure how to read the results, could potentially be a very close season.

Well all the testing done and I think all cars have passed the F1 crash tests, so qualifying in a weeks time will be done in Melbourne. I just hope Mark has a good season.

It looks like I will be going to the race on Sunday which will be an experience, but at this stage for various reasons will probably drive. What is the best hearing protection to wear?

I'd probably pick up a set of reusable ear buds Watzi.

There not as bulky as earmuffs, if it's a hot day they won't become uncomfortable & they won't interfere with the perving spectacles

Bah, don't be so soft, I have never worn anything The weather is looking a little dodgy for later in the week and the weekend, but 30 here today, so would be great if it was like this for the weekend. Otherwise, if it is cold those earmuffs could also help keep your ears warm

I just had someone selling 2 x 4 day GA tickets for $150 (for both), but they have gone now plus I have family staying with us for the weekend

Is it just me getting REALLY excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

nope not just you, i too am extremely excited for the new season to start

Thanks Willy, recon I might just have to do those ear bud things.

Yep don't like the long term forecast,if it is wet I will be staying home.

If you can't find any ear buds Watzi, any soft cheese will do. I recommend Edam or Gouda..as long as you get sections without holes

Well, you know the season has started when at 7:30 in the morning you are woken up by the sound of F1 cars Some heavy rain this morning too, so was surprised when I heard them, let alone that early.

I would like that alarm clock.

Oh well...... next year could be an option........ maybe of Bernie doesn't sell us out.