The "tabloid free" 2007 British GP thread. (FREE British overkill inside!)

[Knowlesy]

Well, this is the one many have been itching for and many others have been dreading!

This is the first F1 homecoming of Lewis Hamilton. And not just any homecoming: for the first time in 11 years, a Brit starts his home GP with a commanding world championship points lead. And a rookie Brit at that. You couldn't make it up.

Silverstone has been the scene of a couple of watershed moments in Lewis' previous year and a bit. He had his first proper, extended F1 test here last September (enough for McLaren to give him the 2007 race seat alongside Alonso) and who could forget his epic performance here in GP2 last year? I was there to see it and it was really something special to see not only his perfect drives in both races (not to mention some outrageous overtaking) but the moment that sticks in my mind was he got a standing ovation. This is only meant to happen in F1.

All of which is of little comfort to "that other Brit", one Jenson Button. Like an unpleasant smelling tramp, Jenson has been ignored and shoved aside in a frenzy of "Lewis is God" propaganda. Jenson is now officially a nobody (do you know who he is?) and will have a relaxed British GP as nobody talks to him except his dad. Still, at least his engine won't blow up on lap eight this year after a woeful qualifying performance (I assume). Look out for the usual rabid masses of Jenson fans. And I mean properly look, because they will be not here this year. An exticnt species.

Then there's DC. Yes, he is still here (would you believe) for his 78th British GP. David, who is Scottish, will be cheered on by his mum and dad and will look to score a good result, hopefully before the RBR car breaks down once again. RBR incidentally, will be running a livery this weekend that consists of mugshots of the paying public. A brilliant idea that will not be picked up at any point by the TV director this weekend.

The final home boy is Anthony Davidson, otherwise known as Ant. He will be cheered on by some hardcore F1 fans (who will be outnumbered 99% by bandwagoners sadly) and Rennen. Unfortunately, he is driving a Super Aguri.

Lewis, the tabloids are relying on you again I'm afraid. Get pole, fastest lap and the win or else.

STOP PRESS: I am hearing unconfirmed reports that some non-Brits will be taking part this weekend. Stay tuned for further information as it is uncovered.

Drivers championship standings (after eight rounds)

Pos.	Driver	Team	Points	Wins
1.	Lewis Hamilton	McLaren-Mercedes	64	2
2.	Fernando Alonso	McLaren-Mercedes	50	2
3.	Felipe Massa	Ferrari	47	2
4.	Kimi Raikkonen	Ferrari	42	2
5.	Nick Heidfeld	BMW-Sauber	30	0
6.	Robert Kubica	BMW-Sauber	17	0
7.	Giancarlo Fisichella	Renault	16	0
8.	Heikki Kovaleinen	Renault	12	0
9.	Alexander Wurz	Williams-Toyota	8	0
10.	Jarno Trulli	Toyota	7	0
11.	Nico Rosberg	Williams-Toyota	5	0
12.	David Coulthard	Red Bull-Renault	4	0
12=	Takuma Sato	Super Aguri-Honda	4	0
14.	Mark Webber	Red Bull-Renault	2	0
14=	Ralf Schumacher	Toyota	2	0
16.	Jenson Button	Honda	1	0
16=	Sebastien Vettel	BMW-Sauber	1	0

Constructors championship standings (after eight rounds)

Pos.	Constructor	Points	Wins
1.	McLaren-Mercedes	114	4
2.	Ferrari	89	4
3.	BMW-Sauber	48	0
4.	Renault	28	0
5.	Williams-Toyota	13	0
6.	Toyota	9	0
7.	Red Bull-Renault	6	0
8.	Super Aguri-Honda	4	0
9.	Honda	1	0
10	Scuderia Toro Rosso-Ferrari	0	0
10=	Spyker-Ferrari	0	0

British GP: recent history

2006 top eight finishers

Pos.	Driver	Team	Time/gap	Grid pos.
1.	Fernando Alonso	Renault	1h25m51.927	Pole
2.	Michael Schumacher	Ferrari	+13.951	3rd
3.	Kimi Raikkonen	McLaren-Mercedes	+18.672	2nd
4.	Giancarlo Fisichella	Renault	+19.976	5th
5.	Felipe Massa	Ferrari	+31.559	4th
6.	Juan Pablo Montoya	McLaren-Mercedes	+1m4.769	8th
7.	Nick Heidfeld	BMW-Sauber	+1m14.594	9th
8.	Jacques Villeneuve	BMW-Sauber	+1m18.229	10th

	Driver	Team	Laptime
2006 fastest lap	Fernando Alonso	Renault	1m21.599
2006 pole position	Fernando Alonso	Renault	1m20.253
Lap record	Michael Schumacher	Ferrari	1m18.739 (set in 2004)

Other previous winners

Year	Driver	Team
2005	Juan Pablo Montoya	McLaren-Mercedes
2004	Michael Schumacher	Ferrari
2003	Rubens Barrichello	Ferrari
2002	Michael Schumacher	Ferrari
2001	Mika Hakkinen	McLaren-Mercedes
2000	David Coulthard	McLaren-Mercedes
1999	David Coulthard	McLaren-Mercedes
1998	Michael Schumacher	Ferrari
1997	Jacques Villeneuve	Williams-Renault
1996	Jacques Villeneuve	Williams-Renault

Circuit and race weekend information
Circuit map and timetable
Live timing
Event artwork
Official site

For the three people that won't be at the race this year, why not simulate the experience (err...) in the chat room.

And have a punt in the predictions competition while you're at it.

Enjoy the weekend!

[Robin_D]

Rain, Wetness and Moisture. I think this is what this years GP will be remembered for although I hope I am going to be proved wrong. I am seriously looking forward to the atmosphere this weekend and this could be the most pressure Lewis has had as of yet.
For those of you that are going, hope you enjoy and for those at home, hope you are there next year!

Knowlsey - DC's 78th British GP? Well I knew he was the oldest driver this year but by jove that's alot!

[Sodemo]

C'mon, lets have a nice wet one for a change, we are overdue an exciting wet grand prix.

[pottiella]

haha, brilliant intro there knowlesy...as ever.

Rain would be excellent, and in fact I was counting on it for the British Grand Prix if nowhere else this season. Sadly though, I think we're in for an uncharacteristically dry day on Sunday. dammit...

Oh the uproar if McLaren screw up Lewis' strategy this weekend

[andy_b]

Originally Posted by Sodemo

C'mon, lets have a nice wet one for a change, we are overdue an exciting wet grand prix.

i can see it now, the tabloids, Bernie and Max all complaining on Monday morning about how muddy and waterlogged the car parks were, no more British GP, and that John Kettley secret sent the Silverstone weather forecast in a sealed brown paper envelope to Mike Coughlan last week.

[andy_b]

Originally Posted by pottiella

Oh the uproar if McLaren.....<snip>

there will be moans and complaints whatever they do. If Hamilton wins, the Spanish press and Fred will complain. If Alonso wins, then GB (TM) will complain and if a Ferrari wins, well everyone will complain about McLaren screwing up their stragety. It all seems to be as out of control as the whole Stepney Coughlan present giving cermoney

[Schummy]

Grrrr! I'm green of envy! Why I cannot write posts like those Knowlesy's intros?

Ok

Great as always. I don't know why you lose your time following those ridiculous Bernie-cars. Come to the bike forum even more often and maybe you will get more points where you know.

Ah, I forgot:

Originally Posted by Sodemo

C'mon, lets have a nice wet one for a change, we are overdue an exciting wet grand prix.

The Brits are already w*t with Hammy, aren't they?

[duke_toaster]

I'm looking forward to the possibility of a wet race - some on-off showers in quali would be good with the new format.

[strider]

I may be the odd one out here, but I don't think there will be that much rain over the weekend.

Like 2000, it is more likely to be remembered for the rain that has made the car parks waterlogged already and will cause a lot inconvenience to many people. If you're going, and I may be, prepare to be patient.

Also off-track the Stepneygate affair will loom large.

So let's hope for a brilliant race on-track. I reckon the Ferraris and McLarens will be pretty evenly matched.

[rcarr]

I'd like Hamilton to win for obvious reasons, the 2nd best would be for Massa to win it. With Alonso or Kimi, they never seem to smile even if they do well!

I'll be cheering on DC come rain or shine! Unlike some on this forum I am not a glory hunter, however I am a Hamilton fan but I have been since he was in cadet karts!

Hamilton is the heart throb of some young ladies I know but only because he is in Formula 1, they probably didn't know who he was 6-12 months ago!

[pottiella]

andy_b...lol who's Fred?!!

strider, I'm pretty sure we won't have a wet race either unfortunately.

[NAC]

Very nice intro Knowlesy and I love the title.

Now I'm trying to read between your lines here and I may have got a little confused so just to be clear I take it you like Hamilton then.

If so on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being low and 10 being bloody flippen unbelievable) where would you put Hamilton on the scale???

Keep up the great intros

[Jimmy Magnusson]

Originally Posted by strider

Like 2000, it is more likely to be remembered for the rain that has made the car parks waterlogged already and will cause a lot inconvenience to many people. If you're going, and I may be, prepare to be patient.

Yeah, sleeping in the car (bring a big SUV) during the Sunday-Monday night might not be a bad idea. And if you don't want to do that, just head cross country with it and clear all the traffic.

[schead]

Originally Posted by strider

I may be the odd one out here, but I don't think there will be that much rain over the weekend.

Like 2000, it is more likely to be remembered for the rain that has made the car parks waterlogged already and will cause a lot inconvenience to many people. If you're going, and I may be, prepare to be patient.

Also off-track the Stepneygate affair will loom large.

So let's hope for a brilliant race on-track. I reckon the Ferraris and McLarens will be pretty evenly matched.

Ahh, I remember 2000 well. That was the last British GP that I went to. I don't think anyone managed to get away without the tractor tow.

I also remember being really ****ed off that Coulthard won. Mainly because the whole nationalistic "get behind the Brit" thing really annoys me. Particuarly given how he is Scottish and the Scot's tend to go for the "get behind anyone who isn't English".

[schead]

Incidentally, looking at the leader board I just realised. When has it ever been so absolutely clear where the pecking order lay in the teams?

McLaren = 1 + 2
Ferrari = 3 + 4
BMW = 5 + 6
Renault = 7 + 8

Then we have Williams Toyota 9 + 11, split by another Toyota of Trulli in 10th. I am sure that if it weren't for Wurz's extreme luck, (as well as excellent driving) in the Canadian GP, combined with Ralf's extreme mediocrity it would be a Toyota 9 + 10, with a Williams 11 and 12.

Actually, I have just checked, and in 2002 the top 8 were distributed as :-

Ferrari = 1 + 2
Williams = 3 + 4
McLaren = 5 + 6
Renault = 7 + 8

Well, I find it interesting anyway.

[rcarr]

Originally Posted by schead

I also remember being really ****ed off that Coulthard won. Mainly because the whole nationalistic "get behind the Brit" thing really annoys me. Particuarly given how he is Scottish and the Scot's tend to go for the "get behind anyone who isn't English".

No need for that! I would support Jenson or Ant and Lewis of course if they won, yes I am Scottish.

In general though, we have produced better racing drivers than England has. Considering there is only 5 million of us!

[schead]

Originally Posted by rcarr

No need for that! I would support Jenson or Ant and Lewis of course if they won, yes I am Scottish.

In general though, we have produced better racing drivers than England has. Considering there is only 5 million of us!

I can't speak for F1 fans, since I don't know any Scottish F1 fans, (although every Scottish person I have known have been convinced that Coulthard is by far the best driver in the world, even though they don't follow F1).

What I do know however, is that every single Scottish person that I have met has admitted that they will ALWAYS cheer on whoever is playing England at football. I don't really care, since I don't actually follow football, nor do I follow F1 drivers based on nationality, since patriotism really does irritate me.

As for great drivers, Jacquie Stewart and Jim Clark were undoubtably great drivers. But it HAS been 34 years!!!

[andy_b]

Originally Posted by pottiella

andy_b...lol who's Fred?!!

Mr Alonso to you

[pottiella]

don't know how many scots or where you've met schead, but being a scot, I don't know anyone who thinks DC is the best driver in the world!! Anyone who isn't a fan but thinks that..well why are you even taking note of that then? Its like someone saying ralf schumacher must be brilliant because they've heard he's Michael's brother! My personal favourite is a non-british driver, so it makes little difference. But yes, I do cheer DC on, and have always done so...but in the same way I really like Ant (even if he does make some clumsey mistakes! but then again, DC has done no end of those...), so I'll be cheering for him too. In fact, I didn't like Jenson before but I feel gutted for him and think he deserves a break, and am really willing him to get points on Sunday.
The only one I'm not exactly supporting (and I'll say it openly, as everyone is entitled to like or dislike a driver, for whatever reason) is Lewis. But good on him if he manages to win the race...lets face it, the brits have had their fair share of misery recently...

As for the thing about supporting anyone who is England's opponent...don't take it so damn seriously. Scotland and England have always had a rivalry which has evolved into lighthearted opposition. If we all hated the English so much, I assure you, it would be a lot uglier than just opposing the support in sports or whatever. What's more is that a large part of any true intent to dislike an English side is exactly for the reason all this Lewis business is evoking in people...the hype and the sheer pretentiousness that seems to descend on fans and the media...and that REALLY annoys everyone that isn't English, not just the Scots (ask a lot of europeans)...its just that the scots are the ones that the English can see disliking it. and don't even get me started on flags..case in point, British flags go up for Andy Murray, but English flag come out for Tim Henman. I personally don't have a problem with it, but its just pointing out the constant double standards...so common its become that its actually laughable now, and its in that lighthearted spirit that you'll hear a Scottish person (and other origins) jokingly say "anyone but England".

Lets just put it into a bit of perspective...ie don't get yourself wound up by it!

[pottiella]

Originally Posted by andy_b

Mr Alonso to you

Oh, I'm on first name terms don't you know? It's Fernando for me!!

Baffling how he gets the name Fred...but we'll differ on the actual opinion itself anyhow

[mp356a]

Originally Posted by Knowlesy

....
Then there's DC. Yes, he is still here (would you believe) for his 78th British GP.....

That's a ton of British GP's!

[rcarr]

*OFF TOPIC SORRY!* I don't see why us Scots should be supportive of an English team. I am one of the 1s that would support the team playing against England.

I have lived down here for 7 years, have an English fiancee and I am part English myself but I still would never support a team representing England. Tim Henman is British, so is Andy Murray, when they represent Great Britain then I'll support them. British athletes and swimmers are the same. As soon as I see a St. George's Cross, my back goes up. Its all the crap that goes with it, England are the best football team ever, well actually no, they haven't proved it! Same with the rugby, they were world champions 4 years ago, a long time ago in rugby terms, they've been beaten by every nation in the 6 nations apart from Italy since 03!

Near my fiancee's house there is a guy who is adverising something outside his house with a Union Flag painted on the fence and it says "Made in England."

David, Allan McNish and Dario Franchitti all sport Saltire Crosses on their cars, they all stipulated they are Scottish not British! Fair play to them, not many English drivers would do that! I know Jenson had an England flag helmet for a Grand Prix or 2.

I have a great big Saltire on the roof of my racing car!

I am proud to be Scottish, we are the trodden upon nation of the British Isles. Apart from Wales obviously.

[Pro Racer]

i think it is funny the Pom's can overkill about Hamilton and the British GP yet they are having a whinge about us having overkill on Casey Stoner in Moto GP, take a look at your own backyard before you critisize others .

i know the poms will have a go at me for this but it's true.

[FPV GTHO]

Originally Posted by Pro Racer

i think it is funny the Pom's can overkill about Hamilton and the British GP yet they are having a whinge about us having overkill on Casey Stoner in Moto GP, take a look at your own backyard before you critisize others .

i know the poms will have a go at me for this but it's true.

Do you realise every second post of yours mentions either Webber, Stoner, Vermuelen or West?

[pottiella]

uh oh, it's all kickin off here now...knowlesy, get yourself back here and sort everyone out!

I plead innocence of course...