Bahrain GP 2009 - Race 4/17

[stockhausen]

Predictions?

I suspect that Brawn, Toyota and Red Bull will continue to do well; McLaren will make further improvements and Ferrari will finally score a point or two

At least it will probably be dry.

 

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In another strange decision by the FIA, they are to allow an incompetent Doctor who was suspended earlier this year for three months following the death of a patient he had examined and discharged to be responsible for the medical facilities in Bahrain - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/8013037.stm.

I suspect that Dr Amjad Deeb Obaid may be related to the Al Khalifah family

 

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As a doctor at Silverstone myself, I dont think his skills in treating an injured F1 driver will be related in any way to him sending home a sickle cell patient (who subsequently died).

Seems like the FIA made a good decision for a change

In practical terms, would F1 teams tend to rely on local doctors or have their own medical team and supplies available? I realise that they are unlikely to cart a complete operating theatre around with them but I would have thought that they would have some people who they knew and trusted on hand.

 

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Thursday paddock pics - http://www.formula1.com/gallery/race/2009/807/general/thursday.html

The Renault guy in the middle (of five) in picture #8 looks pregnant

 

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Why is it that we in the UK can't host a proper race, with world-class facilities without "issues"

For much the same reason that the Americans can't (or wont) - MONEY!

Bernie Ecclestone can get more money and better facilities in other countries around the world that are willing to spend a fortune for the privilege.

I believe that there are questions over F1 in France and there were in Belgium a few years ago - it is all about money.

 

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Many British people work within F1, more than half the teams are located within the UK ... if the Government can fund the Olympics (at a huge cost), give some money to the likes of the FA ... then I'm sure that the government should be able to spare some cash for the F1 GP.

I really can't see the British Government putting money into a British GP for at least a couple of reasons:

1. It isn't a vote winner in the way that football every weekend is (the Olympics are going to lose us a fortune - 100% vanity)
2. It doesn't exactly fit with their desire to establish "green" credentials
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I'm not saying that this money should not come without strings though; if it was the government kicking up a fuss over BE taking a 50% cut of revenue it would have far larger "clout" and would force change much quicker.

Somehow, I really can't see Bernie buckling under the pressure of Brown, can you?


The BBC On-line coverage - http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8015765.stm - is good to watch / listen to, I liked the shot of Massa "getting into the zone". Well done the Beeb

 

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I know it is meaningless at this stage, but McLaren are looking good

What are those fan/brake heaters/blowers placed on the front wings when the cars are in the pits

 

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I just LURVE the "ghost image" technology - cool!

 

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Dad reckons that Button burn't his bum whilst driving the car at Bahrain.. as it got that hot, I've not heard or read this anywhere else.. anyone care to clarify? Thanks.

[Button] extended his lead of the championship to 12 points but paid a personal price in the intense heat when he suffered burns at the top of his left buttock.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/apr/26/jenson-button-bahrain-grand-prix

Sounds like a bit of PR nonsense from a right breast to be honest - Mansell did it so much better in the 1980 Austrian GP