F1 2006 season discussion board.

[pixelputa]

[img width=500 height=333]http://images.f1racing.net/large/54700.jpg[/img]

.. they are now scared of Bridgestone... read this:

As he prepares to defend his first F1 title, reigning champion Fernando Alonso is concerned with the pace and consistency he's see from Bridgestone teams - even at this early stage in pre-season testing. It is widely accepted that the new rule bringing back tyre changes during a race for 2006 will benefit Bridgestone more than Michelin.

"It looks like the Bridgestone tyres are shaping up very well and our worst fear is that they could have another season like two years ago when they really dominated," Alonso said. "I really hope that together with Michelin we can make sure that isn't the case."

Renault has stuck with Michelin for 2006 - the French tyre manufacturer's final year in the sport.


.. it proves to show that they won last year due to tyres.

STUTTGART — Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher and the man who dethroned him last year, Fernando Alonso, agree on one thing: Renault go into this season as favourites.

“Renault currently look the strongest team, followed by three teams, Honda, Mercedes and Ferrari,” Schumacher said yesterday.

Alonso agreed with the German, saying his team was the team to beat. “I know the R26 is a highly competitive car and it can only be my goal to defend my title,” the Spaniard said.

Sunday’s Grand Prix in Bahrain will offer a first indication for the season, but as the French team has achieved the fastest test results, it seems likely that Alonso and his team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella will be among the leaders on the 5,412km-long track.

“We are ready for the first race and are looking towards getting as many points as possible from the race. But the track is also quite unique as there is so much sand. Going into the corner, you never know what you will find on the other side.

“That makes driving there very complicated. There will be some unknowns in the first race.”

Schumacher tested a lot in Bahrain last month and hopes he is prepared for the heat and the sun. “Having tested there will certainly not count against me,” he said on his home page (www.michael-schumacher.de).

“On the contrary, there should be a slight advantage for us when it comes to choosing tyres and adapting to conditions.”

Although he does not see himself as one of the favourites, he is hoping to do better than last year, when a hydraulic defect forced him to retire on the 13th lap while he held second place.

However, Schumacher is certain Ferrari will not have as terrible a season as they did last year and that they have managed to bridge the gap to the other teams.

[fingolfin]

..all of our questions will be answered this weekend. but you cant determine who's the top team on the first race. the winner of the maiden race usually has luck on their side. Only on the third race we can see the true potential of the cars and drivers and the teams in general.

[j_puffy]

my money is on the SCARLET team to regain its lost glory! qualifying for the 2006 bahrain gp schumi on front a ferrari front row lockout! felipe massa has also showed his stuff! by taking 2nd place! i'd love to see ferrari and honda battling it out for the championship! but a 4way title fight would also be great!

[fingolfin]

..damn. this is it. the best season of formula one has commenced. did you guys saw the qualifying session? it was absolutely amazing !!!! it's like a mini-race. All cars on track. And guess who came out on top?? Ferrari, one-two, Schumy and Massa. Button third and Alonso was on 4th. You need strategy, driver skills and of course luck in this years' qualifyin session. its damn tricky. hehe

[fingolfin]

..Alonso won. but damn. Ferrari is back. the driver of the race for me is Nico Rosberg. He got 2 points in his debut.

[yob]

yah alonzo won, grrr wa ko kita... hmmm

[yob]

Fastest Bahrain Lap record:

1.30.252 (Schumi) V10


First Qualifying race 2006:

1:31.431 (Schumi) new V8 engine

[j_puffy]

qualifying this season is spectacular!

[stellar]

yehheeeee..ferrari is back in action a podium position made by schumi and best lap record sa bahrain ni ha! kay ongoing pa ang race sa malaysia ron...tan-aw lang mo sa live coverage din sulti-e lang ko ninyo ha!.. lol

[j_puffy]

i hope jenson button can score his maiden F1 Victory this weekend