[Blake]

so i'm watching this japan grand prix and i'm into it. i know pretty much nothing about formula 1. what do i need to know? who are the big players? what are the big rivalries? etc..

[nmulax]

Always cool to hear another person's into F1 , it's an amazing sport.

You're coming in with 2 races left to the season - China next weekend, and Brazil the weekend of Halloween. I'd suggest checking them out as it'll make for some great racing.

The big players are obviously Ferrari and McLaren-Mercedes.
For whatever their reasons, people seem to gravitate to one of the two. Not saying people don't like other teams/drivers. But, when asked between those two, most fans know exactly where their loyalty lies.

Rather then me cut and paste the info, I'll give you the links.

Wikipedia on F1
Sure it'll be slightly biased by whomever wrote the entry, but Wiki is a great way for getting general info on the sport, constructors, and drivers.

Wiki 2008 F1 Season

Formula 1 official site
The official F1 site. Great source for photos, interviews, race times, and everything else.

Planet F1 news
IMO a decent independent news site for F1. You can tell they're a UK based site though, and their bias towards Hamilton shows through.

[Voltigeur]

It's a great sport!

Must see races: Monaco, Spa (Belgium, my fav due to the track), Melbourne (Downunder), Monza (Italy), 1st race at Singapore at night this year was cool and well organized - look for that too, and yes, Brazil is always great.

I also like the European when it's at Nürburg and this year's in Valencia was interesting as a change. I have a fondness for the Hungaroring because I was there 2005 and happened to be staying at the same hotel as Alonso - they know how to party!

Things to understand & learn:

- strategy, when to pit, tire selection etc
- handling / balance of the cars and set-up for a particular track
- aerodynamics - as above
- tires, huge and underappreciated factor, as above track contingent
- the annual drivers' waltz: who's going where - akin to free agency in the NFL
- it's good to know some history, the great drivers like Senna, Villeneuve, Prost, and all-time most frequent World Champion, 'Schumi' (doesn't resolve the question as whether he's the greatest - so much depends on the car in the modern era)

Up and coming driver: Sebastien Vettel, youngest ever winner in F1- just this year.

The links above are good references.

[achien]

I would add Renault and BMW into the mix for 2009...

For establish drivers: Hamilton, Massa, Raikkonen, Alonso, Kubica

Up and coming drivers: Vettel, Bruno Senna (nephew of the late Ayrton Senna) could have a seat in 2009

Originally Posted by nmulax

...

The big players are obviously Ferrari and McLaren-Mercedes.
For whatever their reasons, people seem to gravitate to one of the two. Not saying people don't like other teams/drivers. But, when asked between those two, most fans know exactly where their loyalty lies.
...

[E90SLAM]

dun get me started on the Japanese GP....

[E90SLAM]

i'm guessing for 2009....the two big is still McLaren Mercedes and Scuderia Ferrari.....
the third and forth should be BMW Sauber and Renault (given their performance in later 2008...and Alonso helping to develop the 2009 car....they cannot be ignored...)

also Red Bull Renault who has S. Vettel....we might see him on podium more often in 2009.....if the Renault engine performs well....

[E90SLAM]

and in 2009...things can get interesting....
no more aerodynamic add-ons...clean body work....reduce downforce....
and Bridgestone will bring back SLICK tires!!!

hopefully will be more overtaking....

[.:bHd:.]

Originally Posted by E90SLAM

and in 2009...things can get interesting....
no more aerodynamic add-ons...clean body work....reduce downforce....
and Bridgestone will bring back SLICK tires!!!

hopefully will be more overtaking....

And no Canada

[E90SLAM]

Originally Posted by .:bHd:.

And no Canada

i forgot that....

but i heard since this came so suddenly....might be a tactic of Bernie wants more money from Montreal.....greedy bastard....

[nmulax]

Originally Posted by achien

I would add Renault and BMW into the mix for 2009...

Yeah, I didn't mean that BMW and Renault aren't a force to be recognized. They definitely are. And it'll be interesting to see if making the jump to Redbull was a good move for Vettel.

I just meant that even the most hardcore BMW/Redbull/Williams/etc fan, still has a preference between Ferrari and McLaren. I myself will always cheer the Scuderia - even though Alonso and Heidfeld are my favorite drivers.

Originally Posted by E90SLAM

i forgot that....

but i heard since this came so suddenly....might be a tactic of Bernie wants more money from Montreal.....greedy bastard....

Like he doesn't have enough money. The greed of that man is sickening.

[E90SLAM]

its obvious that Bernie and Max is fucking greedy....
axed Montreal and wat's the new course???
Abu Dahbi.....duh...its all about $$$$$$!!!!
god...bring back Canadian GP!!!!

[E90SLAM]

All I know is Formule One Management (FOM) is the next thing worse than the FIA Stewards....

FOM threatened Menborne GP earlier this season....planned to move Silverstone to Donington Park for British GP for 2010....if Donington Park is not ready to meet latest FIA safety regulations...there will be no British GP at all...WTF????

[Blake]

i just like the fact that there are so many variables to formula 1. i can't stand to watch nascar because of the redneck factor...plus watching cars go in circles on an oval doesn't do it for me. looks like i've got some reading up to do.

[E90SLAM]

Originally Posted by blakepilot

i just like the fact that there are so many variables to formula 1. i can't stand to watch nascar because of the redneck factor...plus watching cars go in circles on an oval doesn't do it for me. looks like i've got some reading up to do.

once you get to know F1...you'll like it...the technology...the unique-ness of each track...the history (Silverstone, Monza, Spa, Monaco...)....driver's mentality...pit strategy, fuel load....etc etc....

[achien]

this saga is not over yet, it is only about $$$ (and from rumor-mill, we are talking only about ~$20M)...

I predict Montreal will be slotted back in 2009 (once this damn federal election is over).

Originally Posted by .:bHd:.

And no Canada

Originally Posted by E90SLAM

i forgot that....

but i heard since this came so suddenly....might be a tactic of Bernie wants more money from Montreal.....greedy bastard....

[Blake]

Originally Posted by achien

I predict Montreal will be slotted back in 2009 (once this damn federal election is over).

that would be nice...2 birds with one stone! canada trip and an f1 race!