The Motor Forum

Dr. Hfuhruhurr · Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 1:34 pm Post subject: The rash F1 prediction thread

Surely we must be getting to the time where we muse on who'll do well this season, based purely on testing times, conjecture, speculation and of course, prejudice.

Despite McLaren's apparent testing woes, it's hard to see them not being one of the front-runners. Even if they don't start on top, they have the skills to develop and improve the car throughout the season, and of course a rather good number one driver.

Likewise, it's hard to see Ferrari dropping the ball, though as with last year, their problem is to decide which driver will be the main title contender. Raikkonen might be transformed after his poor 2008, but might just have lost interest/mojo. The question then is how soon to decide that's the case, and then they need Massa to achieve his undoubtedly brilliant best every race, not sporadically.

This ought to be the year when BMW, Toyota and Red Bull start competing for wins, not just podiums. The latter two have shown great testing form, but how real will that be in Q1 at Melbourne. I predict a tough year for Heidfeld and Webber, expecting them to be considerably outshone by their team-mates.

Renault look like they might have a similar year to 2008, namely a chaotic start followed by a dramatic surge that will bring wins aplenty for Alonso, but too late for him to be a title contender.

Brawn Racing is tough to call - they look good in testing, and have three wise old heads on call - two in the cars, one on the pit wall. The toughest issue might turn out to be budget or cashflow. Let's hope not.

That leaves Force India, Williams and Toro Rosso, who I'm afraid will be scrapping over points and minor placings. STR punched well above their weight last year, thanks mainly to the Ferrari engines and Vettel, but I can't quite envision a repeat this year.

So - setting myself up for ridicule: Lewis to take the drivers' title, Ferrari the constructors', and Vettel, Kubica, Alonso, Trulli and Button to win at least one race each.

Nice Guy Eddie · Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 2:03 pm Post subject:

I'll have to agree with you about Ferrari taking the constructors championship but the drivers is still wide open between either Hamilton or the Ferrari boys, I can't see anyone else getting close.

I haven't been consentrating too much on testing so can't comment much further. I hope Brawn racing does well and that Williams has some return to form.

Didn't McLaren have the same poor start to last year and then it all changed round.
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Matt · Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 2:16 pm Post subject:

I've unstickied the old one, so you can sticky this, if you'd like.
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BeN · Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 2:32 pm Post subject:

I think it'll be much closer, with the exception of Force India who will bring up the tail once again.

Remember that even Toro Rosso and Williams (Rosberg especially) had some good finishes last season.
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Stuntman · Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 3:16 pm Post subject:

BMW to win the constructors.
Stuntman to be invited to Silverstone by BMW to watch the British GP (here's hoping!)
Lewis to win the drivers.
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Dr. Hfuhruhurr · Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 3:28 pm Post subject:

Big TC · Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 4:02 pm Post subject:

GP winners this year: Hamilton, Kovalainen, Kubica, Heidfeld, Button, Massa, Raikkonnen, Trulli, Alonso, Vettel.

Title to Raikkonen. Constructors to BMW.
Closely followed by Ferrari, McLaren, Toyota, Renault, Red Bull, Brawn
Then Williams ahead of Torro Rosso and Force India.

Kubica will again be the best driver, and will be offered a mountain of cash to join Ferrari.

Its looking like a close and exciting season....
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TimR · Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 10:21 pm Post subject:

Ferrari for constructors champions.

I think Alonso will be champion followed by Kimi, Kubica, Lewis.

Red Bull will be midfield along with Brawn and behind Toyota.
STR will be second last behind Williams but ahead of Force India.

Sav · Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2009 7:58 pm Post subject:

Mclaren-Mercedes start a four day test at Jerez tomorrow, apparently they have a major upgrade for the poor-performing MP4-24. I hope Hamilton can be compeititive.

I hope BMW win the constructors title, though.
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Big Blue · Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2009 1:55 pm Post subject:

Ferrari constructors
I'd like to say Kimi for the title but I fear he's not the most reliable. Alonso is probably the hungriest and best driver so I'm going for him this year.
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Chris M Wants a V-10 · Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 9:24 pm Post subject:

Piquet Junior and Fisichella to get their P45's before the season is out. Kimi to possibly suffer the same fate, if not, then he will get the boot for next season.
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Humphrey The Pug · Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 12:48 pm Post subject:

All of the above makes some very interesting reading considering the start to the season.
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Big TC · Posted: Tue May 05, 2009 5:19 pm Post subject:

Twelfth Monkey · Posted: Sat May 09, 2009 4:05 pm Post subject:

Indeed, though you're not alone. There was an article in CAR earlier this year entitled 'Why Robert Kubica will be the World Champion' or something very similar. Makes the rash predictions above seem nearly on the money.
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Dr. Hfuhruhurr · Posted: Mon May 11, 2009 6:51 am Post subject:

Twelfth Monkey · Posted: Mon May 11, 2009 2:14 pm Post subject:

'Hostage to fortune'? If only I were as well-mannered as you clearly are, Nick...
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"Accident Blackspot"? These aren't accidents. They're throwing themselves into the road gladly. Throwing themselves into the road to escape all this hideousness.'