I just bought my car from David Hobbes, I have to like him or he won't fix the oil consumption issues (1.5 qts burned since last oil change 2000 miles ago -- what is this, an S2000?). So lay off. And, I thought he had the gig next year?

Lots of talk surrounding the passing under yellow situation -- here's the clearest footage I could find, which pretty much puts the issue to bed.

http://blog.axisofoversteer.com/2012...se-closed.html

The Spanish media is all crying for Ferrari to appeal the issue, but it looks like VET did the right thing. That said, it sure is close, and I'd kinda like to see them fight. They have until November 30 to lodge a formal complaint, so I guess we'll wait and see.

I think Vettel has been an unbelievable prick since he crossed the finish line -- saying something like "I should go to Ayrton's grave and tell him what his nephew tried to do to me," accusing teams of dirty tricks to beat him all season (if anyone's guilty of that shit, it's his team), and saying the championship has "left a bad taste in [his] mouth" -- that guy should be collared. Good thing he doesn't have a Twitter account, or he and Hamilton would be vying for best foot-in-mouth moment of the season.

So, all of that said, the kid fought some pretty bad luck and pretty terrible strategic decisions by his team, to bring it home successfully. It was a great race, and he drove his ass off, for which I (angrily) congratulate him. Still don't have to like him, though.

 

Hobbs does have the gig next year, hence my inability to miss him. But I wouldn't have missed him if he had lost the gig.

Selling new cars with oil consumption issues only makes him MORE shady in my view, not less.



Ferrari should file a complaint, even if they lose it would be fun to F with Vettel. I too angrily and through gritted teeth congradulate him.

 

Ferrari filed for clarification last night -- the news this morning is that the FIA doesn't believe Vettel did anything wrong, but haven't responded officially yet. Doubt any trophies will change hands, but it's still nice to see them put up at least a little bit of a stink.

UPDATE: The FIA has confirmed that the pass was legal. http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2012/11/2...-vergne-legal/

 

I get that people don't care for Vettel, but this whole idea is a slippery slope. Where does it end. Lets say FIA agrees to override the decisions that are made during the race (the only place where legitimate penalties should happen). What happens next? Does RBR then go back thru all the video and footage from the whole year to find Alonso violations, then issue some sort of counter protest.

If cars don't pass tech after a race, then we have a post race disqualification. Fine, but that is not a reversal of an in race action or steward decision. In race decisions for penalties, should occur in race. Then we could see if a driver can overcome their race violation.

 

/>

There needs to be a certain amount of time to appeal.... during the race, after the race, etc... but not days after...

Vettel has won...like him or not, he is the 2012 Champion....the FIA has said that there will be no review.

 

It was really cool to see in person.... there were a few other events there over the weekend and it was amazing to see where the 458s and the 911s would have to lift or to brake while you see just how much later the F1 cars would break, or go through turns flat... it's noticeable with the eye just how much of a difference the cars are.

If I could go back and find seats, I think Turn 12 is the place to sit.. you can see a huge chunk of the track from there... (and of course, the price reflects the viewing)... but that's the place to sit in my opinion...


Having said that, I've now been to Austin... and I favor it over Montreal.... but I won't go back...I'd like to visit another track someday..too bad nothing is close by.

 

Here's the rulebook on the subject:

Article 179b of the international sporting code says: "If, in events forming part of an FIA championship, a new element is discovered, whether or not the stewards of the meeting have already given a ruling, these stewards of the meeting or, failing this, those designated by the FIA must meet… summoning the party or parties concerned to hear any relevant explanations and to judge in the light of the facts and elements brought before them."
It adds: "The period during which an appeal in review may be brought expires on 30 November of the year during which the decision that is liable to review has been handed down, if that decision is likely to have an effect on the result of a championship."



So, the FIA is in fact required to investigate further, by their own code. Language is everything in this stuff, and that instance of 'those designated by the FIA MUST meet' is an imperative.

That said, I don't think that anything will come of it, and we won't have to re-cork the champagne bottles in the VET camp. Here's hoping Ferrari can get their shit together and produce a more competitive car next year and, as the mantra in the broadcast booth has been, 'take the fight to Red Bull.'

 

ah.. great point... didn't know that about the FIA piece... (but I read this morning they won't take action) so the bottles are empty, the celebrations at RBR can continue...
and yes, I'll be curious to see who takes the fight to RedBull next year.. Selfishly, I'd like to see Button but he needs to improve his qualifying times and not have a lull like he did in the middle of the season like he did this year.

On a side note..intersting stat (courtsy of Jake Humprhey twitter)....

In 58 races for McLaren as teammates:

JB: 672 points
LH: 657 points

todays useless fact

 

 

Umm, New Jersey 2014. S2KI UMW group outing, in the garbage state!