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[Lucky Rathen]

Well, 1 race down, thoughts/opinions?

Pretty masterful drive from Hamilton, though the first race is always misleading as there are always, always reliabilty issues in the first race and drivers from lower on the grid end up on the podium, and this was no exception. I don't think for a second that Ferrari are going to be that gash in every race. Still, can't take anything away from Lewis, he didn't put a wheel wrong all weekend. Definitely a future world champion.

The new rules look certain to make things more interesting, the abolotion of driver aids meaning it's a lot more up to the driver than the car. It's no conincidence in my opinion that the racing starting getting boring when they brought in traction control etc. in 2002. Now we'll see good driving being rewarded and mistakes being punished so there's a lot more pressure on the drivers, which is as it should be, they're only the best drivers in the world for chrissakes. People who makes loads of mistakes will be found out as they won't have the car sorting out their fuck ups for them and it'll be gravel traps ahoy for the more untidy drivers like Massa. 3 street races this year which are pretty unfrgiving, there's no run off areas, just walls and barriers.

I got Alonso in the sweeper so I'm going to be supporting him this season. £100 back if he wins. Tho the Renault looks really slow this year, and BMW and Red Bull are catching up so I think he'll struggle in the middle of the pack. Plus Honda and Toyota might up their game a bit this year. Me, I'm still a Button fan myself, and not forgetting DC. "If he doesn't accept responsibilty I'm going to kick three colours of shit out of the little bastard". Quality.

[Bigsby]

Yeah, thought it was a fun race and shaping up to be a good season for all the reasons you outlined.

[Chris]

Brilliant race, can't remember the last time a dry race ended with only 6 cars. Getting rid of driver aids is a great decision.

I reckon Red Bull and Torro Rosso will pull of a few surprises this year. Honda are still in bad shape and are going to take another season to get themselves together I think. Mclaren will win the title though, Ferrari 2nd with BMW third.

[Captain America]

I was surprised by BMW. About a month ago it looked like there car was going to be utter mince, and their testing went pants. But looks like they could actually get some serious points this year.

[Lucky Rathen]

I don't get that stupid new rule about not being allowed to refill under a safety car. Barrichello was left with two options

1 - Refuel and get black flagged
2 - Run out of fuel.

It's not like he could have predicted the safety car...

[Frosty Jack]

Originally Posted by Elwood Cobra Kai

I don't get that stupid new rule about not being allowed to refill under a safety car. Barrichello was left with two options

1 - Refuel and get black flagged
2 - Run out of fuel.

It's not like he could have predicted the safety car...

I don't think he was black flagged for the refuelling - he got a 10 second penalty for that. He was booted out for going through a red light coming out the pit lane.

[MattJimF]

Originally Posted by Elwood Cobra Kai

I don't get that stupid new rule about not being allowed to refill under a safety car. Barrichello was left with two options

1 - Refuel and get black flagged
2 - Run out of fuel.

It's not like he could have predicted the safety car...

they introduced that rule last year, and you can refuel under the safety car, you just have to wait to be given the all clear to go into the pit lane.

[Lucky Rathen]

Ah OK, cheers for clearing that up.

[Chris]

And you also can't leave the pit lane when the safety car is on the start finish straight, as you'll emerge into a big queue of cars. That's why Barricello was black flagged.

See BBC have got the rights for F1 from next season, good stuff. No more fucking adverts in the middle of races.

[Bigsby]

Hope they keep Brundle.