http://f1insight.madtv.me.uk/ Keep up to date with this post on F1 Insight Clive Allen RSS Feeder-breeder by Mad Of course, if the scenario you predicted occurs, then the journalists will simply assert that another property of an explosion is that it dissipates quickly. That way, they don't have to admit that their original description of Vettel was wrong. Personally, I think Vettel is good, but that it's too early to say how good he is. Also, Bordais should be able to give a good account of himself - STR politics permitting! 29/12/2007 17:15:53 http://madtv.me.uk/f1insight/default.aspx?blogid=191 Not sure if I agree Bourdais will or won't be the fatser driver, but for the record, I'm really not a fan of Bourdais. I've watched him race the past few years in Champ Car and his attitude, to me, stinks - especially his run in's last season with new boy Doornbos. Horrible, I know, but I'm sorry - I'm never less than honest. Though I did see an interview with him on MotorsTV and though maybe he's not so bad. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 29/12/2007 20:33:35 http://madtv.me.uk/f1insight/default.aspx?blogid=191 I think Clive is being generous and kind in his assessment of Vettel. No harsh words, leaving the door open for civilized discussion, I on the other hand will try to remain civilized but think he's grossly over rated. Luizzi hand the upper hand on him all the remaining races unfortunately LUCK counts in the final tally and Vettel got some good luck, Luizzi got some bad luck. Bourdais? I can't form an opinion yet but surely his experience and maturity should prove of value. Vettel is still a rookie, I don't see value in a rookie. 30/12/2007 05:21:43 http://madtv.me.uk/f1insight/default.aspx?blogid=191 I like Vettel, actually, and hope that he proves me wrong in not seeing anything special in him as yet. It's just that his reputation mystifies me after quite a few GPs in which he did no better than many other rookies would have. At least with Bourdais one can see where the reputation comes from. Four championships in a row has to mean something, after all. But a lot is expected from him too - this coming season will be an interesting one for STR-watchers. Happy New Year to everyone! :) 30/12/2007 16:22:38 http://madtv.me.uk/f1insight/default.aspx?blogid=191 I watched Bourdais alot over the years in Champ Car. He is a very good driver, arrogant, but most drivers are. He should be the teacher but with his unfamiliarity in an F1 car he will be a student. This team has alot of growing to do and not much time to do it. We (fans) expect greatness now. I personnaly like Vettel, but man he looks so young. He drives like an man and looks like a boy. His youth may become an issue throughout the year. All in all I like this team and hope that they have a good year. Vettel success on the wet last year showed me that he has the courage to be a champion, but his talent will have to shine this year. If the car is a dog we have to watch how he handles himself through it this should demonstrate his character. We still have much to learn about young Vettel. 30/12/2007 19:34:17 http://madtv.me.uk/f1insight/default.aspx?blogid=191 I think I am most interested in seeing how Bourdais does. He's been waiting for his chance so long that he really deserves to do well - but it remains to be seen how well his Champ Car skills transfer to F1. 30/12/2007 21:55:20 http://madtv.me.uk/f1insight/default.aspx?blogid=191 John F, I don't think looking young is necessarily a hinderance - look at Casey Stoner after all ! (Sorry to bring up MotoGP on an F1 blog, but it's the best example I could think of). Maybe being baby-faced could mean your opponents underestimate you? Could be an advantage ! I am not a great Bourdais fan so it will be interesting to see how he fares in F1. Did anyone else see the move he pulled on Power in the 2006 Gold Coast Indy? One of the most stupid moves I have ever seen at that level of motorsport - and this was from a (at the time) 2 time Champion. The sort of thing you would expect to see in amateur racing, or from a rookie. I am not convinced he will be able to cut it in F1, but I guess all will be revealed. Happy new year to everyone ! It is 42 degrees here in Melbourne today (I think about 110 for those of you in farenheit) so I will be seeing in the new year poolside at my folks place ! :) 30/12/2007 22:25:46 http://madtv.me.uk/f1insight/default.aspx?blogid=191 I think Mario Theissen is as smatter than we know. Here's my take on this. Unlike McLaren who sprung their rookie on F1 cold turkey, BMW decided to test Vettel in an F1 seat in such a way as not to embarass the BMW name if he didn't work out. To be fair the STR car is no prize, Vettel's not done well and I'm really interested to see how he compares to Bourdais but the REAL TEST is wether BMW takes him back !!!!!! 31/12/2007 16:13:47 http://madtv.me.uk/f1insight/default.aspx?blogid=191 I thought STR had bought out BMW's contract with Vettel... 31/12/2007 16:43:39 http://madtv.me.uk/f1insight/default.aspx?blogid=191 The problem we have is that if Vettel outperforms Bourdais then we do not know upon which driver it is the greater reflection. 31/12/2007 18:08:45 http://madtv.me.uk/f1insight/default.aspx?blogid=191 Its too bad that Bourdais was signed on before the end of the season, I bet Renault would be salivating to put him along side Alonso. That may have saved Luizzi's seat and we could see how well the TR car has really advanced. 31/12/2007 23:02:45 http://madtv.me.uk/f1insight/default.aspx?blogid=191 Pink, I only said something about his youthful looking face. You are correct about Casey Stoner. Did he just retire? He looks young also. I think that I am actually envious of their apparent youth. Happy New year to all. I do not know about you guys but I am sooo happy to see 07 go. Thanks for the weather report down under. I live on an island off the Southern New Jersey Coast, it is 45 degrees F. Please forgive that I do not know what that is in C but since Jimmy Carter left office we do not use metric much here unless you work on your own car. As far as the "if"s go Dan I don't think that this would have saved Lizzi's seat. I think that was decided after his first race. 01/01/2008 00:58:07 http://madtv.me.uk/f1insight/default.aspx?blogid=191 Care to revise your opinion, Clive? 11/04/2011 07:16:30 http://madtv.me.uk/f1insight/default.aspx?blogid=191 But then, when he goes away, everybody feels lost, because there's no one telling everybody what to do or where to be, or even where the whole thing is going. 01/12/2011 08:16:37 http://madtv.me.uk/f1insight/default.aspx?blogid=191