Three McLaren personnel had to be treated at the medical centre at Spain's Circuit de Catalunya after a fire in the team's garage.

 

McLaren said the team members were "released shortly after" being admitted following what was said to be "a small fire" that was "quickly extinguished".

Laps so far today on Day 1 of the Second Pre-Season Test at Barcelona

 

Magnussen - 119

Gasly - 110

Russell - 106

Giovinazzi - 90

Albon - 85

Hamilton - 83

Hulkenberg - 80

Stroll - 73

Norris - 71

Ricciardo - 54

Vettel - 52

Leclerc - 29

Bottas - 1

 

Paddy Lowe is on indefinite leave from Williams, expected to be a permanent departure. Clearly he's taken the fall for the delayed delivery of the car.

The FIA World Motor Sport Council has approved plans for an extra Formula 1 world championship point to be awarded for fastest lap, starting from the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

Not sure I like this idea, we might get a farcical situation where teams just outside the points will dive into the pits for hyper sorts then banzai around the track quali-style. That could make it more interesting tbf & it is only a solitary point so doubt it'll affect much. That said I can see them offering points for pole down the line, then the fewest retirements, then the fewest penalties amassed and then the best livery according to a fan vote etc.

They should take a page from NASCAR and award like 5 points for the one who led the most laps and 1 point to anyone who led at least one lap. It makes the pit strategies even more intriguing because cars in the back will time it so they can lead that one lap before pitting.

Edited March 8, 20196 yr by DJHazey

They should take a page from NASCAR and award like 5 points for the one who led the most laps and 1 point to anyone who led at least one lap. It makes the pit strategies even more intriguing because cars in the back will time it so they can lead that one lap before pitting.

 

i like this idea

Not too sure what to make of a point for fastest lap. I'll probably like dobbo said that they'll be a point for pole, then two points for the most laps led.

Not sure I like this idea, we might get a farcical situation where teams just outside the points will dive into the pits for hyper sorts then banzai around the track quali-style. That could make it more interesting tbf & it is only a solitary point so doubt it'll affect much. That said I can see them offering points for pole down the line, then the fewest retirements, then the fewest penalties amassed and then the best livery according to a fan vote etc.

Apparently it’s only awarded if they finish in the points in the first place

Ah right well that makes a bit more sense.

a new series has just been put on netflix. about to binge!

this series is really bloody good!

I watched the first episode back down on the train last night. It was really enjoyable! The teams seem to have been really good about allowing the camera's access to film the ups and downs. Well, apart from Ferrari and Merc who refused to take part.

Confirmed: a point will be awarded for the fastest lap in F1 starting in Australia. The driver must finish in the top ten to be eligible for the point.

Finally it looks like Mercedes may not have the upper hand this season.

 

 

For large parts of last season Ferrari did have the quickest racecraft but a combo of vettel flopping & poor team strategies cost them dear. My thinking is these instances won't be quite so commonplace this year.

Charlie Whiting, F1’s race director, has passed away aged 66. He had suffered a pulmonary embolism on Thursday morning in Melbourne. A great loss to the sport.

 

 

 

 

Great to see Kubica back in Formula One, but I fear that it could be a trying season for Williams with how testing has gone for them.

Made up for bottas, after such a wretched year last season a win straight away under his belt. Albert park continuing to be a rare poor track for Lewis!

 

If I were a Ferrari fan I'd be very concerned indeed over their lack of pace...

Dani Ric continuing the run of rotten luck for Aussies in Aus. Gutted for him that his first race was totally wrecked, but in someway I guess it took some of the pressure off and we can come out swinging next time around