Formula One in Bahrain
May I suggest that we all show our disgust at the non-cancellation of the Bahrain Grand Prix, by not watching or listening to the race. Even without satellite TV, I’m certain I can find something else to watch or listen to.
I suspect that the race clashes on Sunday with the London Marathon and I might go to see that anyway.
Brian Redhead Was Right
I have been listening to the Malaysian Grand Prix today on BBC Radio 5 Live.
It has been a disaster for Sky, as for most of the race, it has been raining cats and dogs.
So as the late great Brian Redhead once said. “If television had been invented first, radio would be the dominant medium, as the pictures are better!”
The BBC commentators are proving him right, by bringing interesting guests to the microphone, explaining everything that is going on extremely well. But then, the BBC has had all that practice with cricket.
If I was paranoid, after reading Brian Redhead’s Wikipedia entry, I’d think I had a ruptured appendix, as he died of one, after complaining of pain in his left side and leg. But I’ve had my pain for years, so it’s probably nothing to worry about.
The Abu Dhabi Round of Formula Boring
I said in the Day 44 post, that I rushed home to watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. I shouldn’t have bothered, as it certainly lived down to my nickname of it of Formula Boring. That is after Sebastian Vettel crashed out early.
I should have gone to Waitrose, as I need some toilet bleach. Now that is really interesting! I wish I had. Unfortunately, nothing in this house needs paiting, so I can’t do any of that for excitement instead.
I can’t say I’m sorry Formula One is going to Sky, especially, as the real Grand Prix, like Monaco and Silverstone, will probably still be on the BBC. But races like Abu Dhabi, India and Malaysia could really only be improved by starting again with circuits that need to be driven, rather than steered.
Formula One to Iran
I never thought I hear these words together, but then some of those who work in Formula One have a different set of morals to those that I do!
I doubt it will happen, but read this piece in the Telegraph. Here is the update at the end.
UPDATE on 08/09: Bernie Ecclestone, F1’s chief executive, has now played down the possibility of a race in Tehran. “It’s not a question of politics,” Ecclestone said. “I’m not political. If a country is peaceful and safe then that is fine with me. But we have three or four countries waiting their turn. I don’t think Iran is top of our list at the moment.” Of course, Bernie has never been known to perform a U-turn.
If you could read Bernie’s mind, you’d make a fortune.
A Visit To Abbey Mills
This week is Sewer Week and I had an invite to visit the pumping station at Abbey Mills.
These pictures were taken of the outside and inside of this cathedral of sewage.
Formula One Meets Victorian Technology
A few years ago, Thames Water had a problem. Under the pumping station are Victorian centrifugal pumps that pump raw sewage to Beckton works for treatment. These are connected to 1930s electric motors in Dalek-like structures on the ground floor, using heavy steel shafts. The motors are controlled from the control panel in the last image.
The shafts were showing signs of their age and needed replacement.
So Thames Water turned to the experts in high-power transmission at high speed – Formula One.
The pumps are now connected to the electric motors, using high-strength, lower-weight carbon-fibre shafts.
It was a fascinating visit and thanks to Thames Water, who made it all possible.
Virgins in More than Name
Just watching the start of the Formula One race in China.
Virgin Racing have left their car on the jacks at the start!
Isn’t that a bit fundamental?
Don’t Buy Your New Car from Toro Rosso
I’ve just seen rather a spectacular crash during practice for the Shanghai Grand Prix on the BBC.
Sebastien Buemi escaped unhurt after the front wheels flew off his Toro Rosso car in a dramatic crash unhurt during Chinese Grand Prix practice.
The Swiss, 21, careered off the track at the end of the long back straight, where cars are doing about 194mph.
Buemi, clearly shaken, vented his anger at his team on his return to the pits.
Toro Rosso said the crash had been caused by a failure if the front-right upright, which caused an immediate failure of the same part on the left.
The BBC has a video here.
It would appear to be a pretty bad design failure, as the uprights didn’t seem strong enough.
Formula Boring – 3
The dross continues!
The Malaysian Grand Prix did show signs of life, but it all fizzled out like some damp squib, when Hamilton couldn’t get past Sutil and Alonso couldn’t pass Button.
We need overtaking for excitement! Endless replays of the manuevers that do happen don’t count.
At least Vettel won another very naff trophy!
It Pays Not to be Arrogant
Just watching the qualifying for the Malaysian leg of Formula Boring and perhaps it isn’t so.
Maclaren and Ferrari tried to be too clever and didn’t get past the first qualifying section. Whereas Lotus did what Eddie Irvine said you should and get a good lap in the bank early and made the second section.
Monaco
Monaco is to me a soulless place and a small excursion from Cap Ferrat took us to the Principality. I didn’t get out of the car and took just one picture.
Monaco
It shows the barriers that are being put in place for the Monaco Grand Prix on May 16th.
I used to always want to go to the Monaco Grand Prix. But after going to Spa a couple of years ago and leaving without knowing who’d won, I would now always watch Formula One on television. Even that now is perhaps questionable, as it is so boring after the rule changes.
But Monaco will always be remembered for the victory of Stirling Moss in the Lotus 18 in 1961 against three (Yes! Three!) Ferraris. There is some film of it here on Sir Stirling’s web site.
When Metier was sold, I was advised to go somewhere like Monaco for a couple of years to avoid the tax. I didn’t! And having been a couple of times to places like Monaco, I can’t say I regret it at all.
The Anonymous Widower 