As promised, FIFA's ranks were updated today. I was probably a bit optimistic with some of my predictions. Here's what actually happened:
Biggest movers upwards:
Liechtenstein - this tiny nation were massively boosted over the last month, jumping 10 places to 148. This is still seven places lower than where they were in August, and comes thanks to their draw with Estonia.
Bosnia and Herzegovina - up 7 places thanks to a win over Slovakia and a draw with Poland. They're now ranked 44 in the world, and 13 places over their August rank.
Up five - Belgium (57), Georgia (73), Israel (50) and Malta (164). Georgia are continuing their rise from the bottom of the table, rather more sedately than Montenegro's. Israel, Malta and Belgium, however, all have lower positions than their August ranks.
Up four - Finland (83), which is still rubbish when you consider they were 32 positions higher in August.
Up three - Austria (46), Cyprus (90) and France (18). France, having beaten England, are starting to get back in order and returning to their usual position. Austria have also done well, rising 14 positions since August. Cyprus... well, their 2010 has been all over the place, with dramatic rises and falls.
Biggest movers downwards:
Lithuania - they've been up slightly, but now have lost out, returning to approximately their August position. In their game over the last month, they were beaten by Hungary.
Estonia - down 8, a disappointing drop for the Estonians who drew with Liechtenstein. But they're still up on their August position.
Azerbaijan - they had some good rises in position since August, but have now started dropping again. They're down 8, but still up overall.
Albania - much like Azerbaijan, it's the first drop after a run of rises. So they're still up on their August ranking.
Down 5 - Latvia (78) and Faroe Islands (136). It's just another drop in the series for unlucky Latvia, who were 49 in August. As for the Faroes, they didn't play in November/December as their friendly was just before the previous calculation.
Down 4 - Ireland (36), Romania (56). Ireland's is no change overall since August, but Romania continue to drop.
15/12/2010
10/12/2010
FIFA Rankings December 2010 (prediction)
There were a whole bunch of friendlies plus two qualifiers just after the November rankings were released, plus a friendly between Poland and Bosnia&Herzegovina on 10th December. Looking at the results of these games, I predict:
Poland and Bosnia-Herzegovina drew 2-2, but won their earlier friendlies against Ivory Coast (19) and Slovakia (18) respectively, so both teams should gain. Their opponents will lose out.
England will probably fall in points, though maybe not position, as will Germany. France should gain after beating England.
Portugal beat first-placed Spain 4-0, incredibly. That gets them the maximum possible points for a friendly game - 600 - and may result in them even overtaking England (dare I say it). The Netherlands, who beat their opponents Turkey (29), might even go top. But that's less likely.
Expect Luxembourg, Romania, Northern Ireland and Belgium to do well after draws. Northern Ireland's was with a poorer team, but they maintain good form.
Finally, Georgia beat much better opponents in the form of Slovenia (15), and will also gain.
Poland and Bosnia-Herzegovina drew 2-2, but won their earlier friendlies against Ivory Coast (19) and Slovakia (18) respectively, so both teams should gain. Their opponents will lose out.
England will probably fall in points, though maybe not position, as will Germany. France should gain after beating England.
Portugal beat first-placed Spain 4-0, incredibly. That gets them the maximum possible points for a friendly game - 600 - and may result in them even overtaking England (dare I say it). The Netherlands, who beat their opponents Turkey (29), might even go top. But that's less likely.
Expect Luxembourg, Romania, Northern Ireland and Belgium to do well after draws. Northern Ireland's was with a poorer team, but they maintain good form.
Finally, Georgia beat much better opponents in the form of Slovenia (15), and will also gain.
02/12/2010
World Cup 2018 and 2022
Now we know:
Russia will host the 2018 World Cup, and Qatar will host the 2022 World Cup. If I make it to 2022, that will be 12 years of this blog and I'll probably be out of touch - everyone will have moved on from blogging.
England, naturally, are disappointed. Still, we do get the Olympics in 2012 - which I hope to be volunteering at - so we're not completely bereft of sport. But as a country we are so able to host the competition, with our fantastic stadiums! In the last world cup, England had a greater proportion of players in our leagues than any other country - including Spain and Germany, who have fantastic leagues too.
Other countries that missed out are Japan, South Korea, the USA, Australia (all 2022), Spain/Portugal and Netherlands/Belgium (2018 - joint bids). It will be interesting to see how these countries handle the cup. Qatar should do well, but Russia... could be interesting.
No international football over the next months for Europe, but FIFA will be updating the rankings on December 15th.
Russia will host the 2018 World Cup, and Qatar will host the 2022 World Cup. If I make it to 2022, that will be 12 years of this blog and I'll probably be out of touch - everyone will have moved on from blogging.
England, naturally, are disappointed. Still, we do get the Olympics in 2012 - which I hope to be volunteering at - so we're not completely bereft of sport. But as a country we are so able to host the competition, with our fantastic stadiums! In the last world cup, England had a greater proportion of players in our leagues than any other country - including Spain and Germany, who have fantastic leagues too.
Other countries that missed out are Japan, South Korea, the USA, Australia (all 2022), Spain/Portugal and Netherlands/Belgium (2018 - joint bids). It will be interesting to see how these countries handle the cup. Qatar should do well, but Russia... could be interesting.
No international football over the next months for Europe, but FIFA will be updating the rankings on December 15th.
17/11/2010
European Friendlies 17/11/2010
European Games
A lot of friendlies and two Euro 2012 qualifiers today. Here are the more surprising results:
Germany only scraped a draw against much weaker opponents, but at least they did better than England who lost to rivals France. It was also disappointing for Northern Ireland to lose against African team Morocco.
More happily, Poland beat Ivory Coast, Belgium beat Russia, Georgia beat Slovenia, Bulgaria beat Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina beat Slovakia. In each of these games, the lower-ranked side won.
Similarly, there were draws for Luxembourg, Romania and Liechtenstein against much higher-ranked Algeria, Italy and Estonia respectively.
In the Euro 2012 qualifiers there were no surprises, with Finland destroying San Marino as Croatia beat Malta.
A lot of friendlies and two Euro 2012 qualifiers today. Here are the more surprising results:
Germany only scraped a draw against much weaker opponents, but at least they did better than England who lost to rivals France. It was also disappointing for Northern Ireland to lose against African team Morocco.
More happily, Poland beat Ivory Coast, Belgium beat Russia, Georgia beat Slovenia, Bulgaria beat Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina beat Slovakia. In each of these games, the lower-ranked side won.
Similarly, there were draws for Luxembourg, Romania and Liechtenstein against much higher-ranked Algeria, Italy and Estonia respectively.
In the Euro 2012 qualifiers there were no surprises, with Finland destroying San Marino as Croatia beat Malta.
FIFA/Coca-Cola Rankings Adjustment November 2010
No real change
The updates today to the FIFA rankings are minimal in Europe. This is because only Cyprus, Scotland and the Faroe Islands have played since the last update, although Italy and Serbia's game has now been taken into account. There are a lot of friendly matches and two Euro 2012 qualifying matches tonight, which will be considered on December 15th.
Biggest risers: Albania are up seven to 58th. They have not lost any places since August, when I first started tracking things. Nobody else has gained more than three places in the world rankings. However, Greece rise one place to 11th. Italy gain two places.
Biggest fallers: Wales fall seven to 111th. They're by far the worst of the British teams. Moldova and Macedonia each lose six places, and Cyprus lose five despite their draw with Jordan yesterday. Russia, who were briefly in the top 10, fall to thirteenth as Egypt get the number 10 slot. Serbia lose 3 places.
The updates today to the FIFA rankings are minimal in Europe. This is because only Cyprus, Scotland and the Faroe Islands have played since the last update, although Italy and Serbia's game has now been taken into account. There are a lot of friendly matches and two Euro 2012 qualifying matches tonight, which will be considered on December 15th.
Biggest risers: Albania are up seven to 58th. They have not lost any places since August, when I first started tracking things. Nobody else has gained more than three places in the world rankings. However, Greece rise one place to 11th. Italy gain two places.
Biggest fallers: Wales fall seven to 111th. They're by far the worst of the British teams. Moldova and Macedonia each lose six places, and Cyprus lose five despite their draw with Jordan yesterday. Russia, who were briefly in the top 10, fall to thirteenth as Egypt get the number 10 slot. Serbia lose 3 places.
15/11/2010
Formula 1 2010 Season Summary Two
Here are some of the stats I have collected over 2010:
Qualifying Stats
The best qualifiers were Sebastian Vettel with an average position of second, and Mark Webber with an average position of 2.5.
The worst were Karun Chandhok on an average of 23.4, and Sakon Yamamoto on 22.9. I wonder if either would have had a better average if they'd been allowed to race more?
The best driver at outqualifying his teammate is Robert Kubica, who has started ahead of Vitaly Petrov seventeen times in 2010.
The worst is thus Petrov in percentage terms, but in their fewer races Yamamoto and Nick Heidfeld have each only won the qualifying battle once.
Race Stats
Obviously Vettel had the best results, with his winning the championship. However, Fernando Alonso has the best average finish on 5.1, with Webber second on 5.6 and Vettel third on 5.9.
The worst finishers were Christian Klien with an average of 21, Lucas Di Grassi on 18.4, and Jarno Trulli on 18.2. This is rather surprising, but Trulli has had a lot of bad finishes and retirements in 2010.
The best driver for retirements in-race is Felipe Massa, with only one race retirement in the nineteen. Yamamoto, Klien and Heidfeld have also had only one retirement each, but over fewer races.
The worst driver for retirements is Trulli, who has only finished eight of the races this year. He did not even start in Australia.
Team-wise, the best for retirements has been Ferrari. Despite unreliability in practice and qualifying, they have only had three DNFs all year. One was for Massa, and two were for Alonso of which one was classified.
The worst team for retirements was Lotus, with 18 non-finishes. Virgin only have one less, on 17. This makes Hispania the most reliable of the new teams, and indeed over the last four races Hispania have had both cars finish each time.
Position Changing Stats
In terms of positions gained or lost from start to finish, the best and worst are surprising. Basically, take the qualifying winners and losers, then switch them around!
In his 10 races, Chandhok was the best driver at gaining positions, with an average of more than five per race.
The worst, by contrast, was Vettel, who lost an average of four positions per race. Webber was the next-worst. Presumably it's easier to lose positions if you always start well, and vice-versa, but Trulli's low-starting Lotus tended to lose positions while Alonso's high-starting Ferrari tends to gain them.
Outside of the new teams, Jaime Alguersuari was the best at gaining positions. Outside the big three, Nico Hulkenberg was the worst.
Other Stats
The youngest team was Toro Rosso, with the only two drivers younger than me. Excluding Hispania and Sauber with their extra drivers, the oldest team are Mercedes, where Michael Schumacher's age is combined with a younger Nico Rosberg.
The youngest Team Principal is Christian Horner, who isn't quite 37. The eldest is Frank Williams, who has the same birthday as me and is doing well for 68.
Qualifying Stats
The best qualifiers were Sebastian Vettel with an average position of second, and Mark Webber with an average position of 2.5.
The worst were Karun Chandhok on an average of 23.4, and Sakon Yamamoto on 22.9. I wonder if either would have had a better average if they'd been allowed to race more?
The best driver at outqualifying his teammate is Robert Kubica, who has started ahead of Vitaly Petrov seventeen times in 2010.
The worst is thus Petrov in percentage terms, but in their fewer races Yamamoto and Nick Heidfeld have each only won the qualifying battle once.
Race Stats
Obviously Vettel had the best results, with his winning the championship. However, Fernando Alonso has the best average finish on 5.1, with Webber second on 5.6 and Vettel third on 5.9.
The worst finishers were Christian Klien with an average of 21, Lucas Di Grassi on 18.4, and Jarno Trulli on 18.2. This is rather surprising, but Trulli has had a lot of bad finishes and retirements in 2010.
The best driver for retirements in-race is Felipe Massa, with only one race retirement in the nineteen. Yamamoto, Klien and Heidfeld have also had only one retirement each, but over fewer races.
The worst driver for retirements is Trulli, who has only finished eight of the races this year. He did not even start in Australia.
Team-wise, the best for retirements has been Ferrari. Despite unreliability in practice and qualifying, they have only had three DNFs all year. One was for Massa, and two were for Alonso of which one was classified.
The worst team for retirements was Lotus, with 18 non-finishes. Virgin only have one less, on 17. This makes Hispania the most reliable of the new teams, and indeed over the last four races Hispania have had both cars finish each time.
Position Changing Stats
In terms of positions gained or lost from start to finish, the best and worst are surprising. Basically, take the qualifying winners and losers, then switch them around!
In his 10 races, Chandhok was the best driver at gaining positions, with an average of more than five per race.
The worst, by contrast, was Vettel, who lost an average of four positions per race. Webber was the next-worst. Presumably it's easier to lose positions if you always start well, and vice-versa, but Trulli's low-starting Lotus tended to lose positions while Alonso's high-starting Ferrari tends to gain them.
Outside of the new teams, Jaime Alguersuari was the best at gaining positions. Outside the big three, Nico Hulkenberg was the worst.
Other Stats
The youngest team was Toro Rosso, with the only two drivers younger than me. Excluding Hispania and Sauber with their extra drivers, the oldest team are Mercedes, where Michael Schumacher's age is combined with a younger Nico Rosberg.
The youngest Team Principal is Christian Horner, who isn't quite 37. The eldest is Frank Williams, who has the same birthday as me and is doing well for 68.
14/11/2010
Formula 1 2010 Season Summary One
In the style of 11 points, here are the eleven things that I feel really defined the 2010 season:
1. Someone other than a Red Bull, Ferrari or McLaren getting a pole. Nico Hulkenberg gets the number one spot for his incredible pole position in Interlagos.
2. The tyres working too well. Kamui Kobayashi's late pit stop in Valencia was exciting, and it's a shame it wasn't really tried by other teams. However, it is a risky strategy as you can end up losing a position you don't really want to at the end of the race. Quite a few managed it in Abu Dhabi, including Button on the super-softs for more than 40 laps!
3. The tyres doing what they ought to. The Canadian Grand Prix was a brilliant demonstration of what unpredictable tyres can do in a race, and was what persuaded the FIA to go with Pirelli tyres next season.
4. Cars under suspicion. Red Bull's front wing looked like it wasn't doing what it ought to, bending closer than permitted to the road. But they maintained their innocence, and were proved right in FIA tests. Then they were proved awesome by winning everything in sight.
5. Innovative speed. McLaren pioneered the F-duct, which they managed to protect for several races. It helped them to victories in Australia and |China, and was soon adopted by most of the other teams.
6. Team orders. Ferrari in Germany had Massa and Alonso swap places. They were massively fined, but people were still talking about it to the end of the season. Their strategy backfired again in Abu Dhabi when it cost Alonso the championship as he got stuck behind Petrov.
7. The return of an old name. Lotus Racing brought the historical name of Lotus back to F1. Then they managed to get the rights to the 'Team Lotus' name, but were challenged by Group Lotus. Next year they probably won't have the name, but they will get the black and gold. They were the best of the three new teams in 2010.
8. The championship challengers. Alonso, Webber, Vettel, Hamilton and Button all with the ability, mathematically, to win the championship with only two races to go, and all but Button still able to do so in the final race – a Formula One first. And then the winner was not only the youngest, but also the only one who hadn't led the championship during the year.
9. A successful new track. The Korean Grand Prix was slightly spoiled by the rain, but practice and qualifying hinted that in dry conditions it could be a fantastic race.
10. Rain, rain, rain. It affected a lot of races, including Canada where it kept washing clean the track, and Japan where qualifying had to be postponed. It even rained in Abu Dhabi!
11. Can't decide on a driver. Hispania chopped and changed their drivers throughout the year. Senna did all-but-one race, with Chandhok starting the season and Sakon Yamamoto doing most of the end. Christian Klien was their fourth driver, who raced as a replacement for Yamamoto in Singapore, Brazil and Abu Dhabi.
1. Someone other than a Red Bull, Ferrari or McLaren getting a pole. Nico Hulkenberg gets the number one spot for his incredible pole position in Interlagos.
2. The tyres working too well. Kamui Kobayashi's late pit stop in Valencia was exciting, and it's a shame it wasn't really tried by other teams. However, it is a risky strategy as you can end up losing a position you don't really want to at the end of the race. Quite a few managed it in Abu Dhabi, including Button on the super-softs for more than 40 laps!
3. The tyres doing what they ought to. The Canadian Grand Prix was a brilliant demonstration of what unpredictable tyres can do in a race, and was what persuaded the FIA to go with Pirelli tyres next season.
4. Cars under suspicion. Red Bull's front wing looked like it wasn't doing what it ought to, bending closer than permitted to the road. But they maintained their innocence, and were proved right in FIA tests. Then they were proved awesome by winning everything in sight.
5. Innovative speed. McLaren pioneered the F-duct, which they managed to protect for several races. It helped them to victories in Australia and |China, and was soon adopted by most of the other teams.
6. Team orders. Ferrari in Germany had Massa and Alonso swap places. They were massively fined, but people were still talking about it to the end of the season. Their strategy backfired again in Abu Dhabi when it cost Alonso the championship as he got stuck behind Petrov.
7. The return of an old name. Lotus Racing brought the historical name of Lotus back to F1. Then they managed to get the rights to the 'Team Lotus' name, but were challenged by Group Lotus. Next year they probably won't have the name, but they will get the black and gold. They were the best of the three new teams in 2010.
8. The championship challengers. Alonso, Webber, Vettel, Hamilton and Button all with the ability, mathematically, to win the championship with only two races to go, and all but Button still able to do so in the final race – a Formula One first. And then the winner was not only the youngest, but also the only one who hadn't led the championship during the year.
9. A successful new track. The Korean Grand Prix was slightly spoiled by the rain, but practice and qualifying hinted that in dry conditions it could be a fantastic race.
10. Rain, rain, rain. It affected a lot of races, including Canada where it kept washing clean the track, and Japan where qualifying had to be postponed. It even rained in Abu Dhabi!
11. Can't decide on a driver. Hispania chopped and changed their drivers throughout the year. Senna did all-but-one race, with Chandhok starting the season and Sakon Yamamoto doing most of the end. Christian Klien was their fourth driver, who raced as a replacement for Yamamoto in Singapore, Brazil and Abu Dhabi.
Formula 1 Race Nineteen: Race
For once, no drivers had penalties. All started in the positions they qualified in, even Lewis Hamilton, who only got a reprimand for his close call against Massa in Q2.
Button and Hamilton: Button jumped Alonso right at the start, and that defined the whole race. When the Ferrari pitted, the three at the top stayed out. It was to their benefit, as they didn't stuck in traffic. Hamilton pitted then came out behind Kubica while Button remained behind Vettel. After the Red Bull pit, Button led for a while. He tried to get ahead enough of Kubica, but it didn't work and he eventually came out behind his team mate. They finished second and third.
Kubica and Petrov: Good races for both of them. After the safety car on the first lap, Petrov pitted. Kubica stayed out. Petrov ended up holding Alonso up from lap thirteen until the end of the race, and Kubica held back Hamilton. It's one of Petrov's best drives of the season, and he finished sixth just behind Kubica.
Alonso, Webber, Alguersuari and Massa: It began well for the Ferraris, though Alonso lost a place to Button. But then Webber pitted, and Ferrari responded mistakenly by following the Red Bull. They got stuck in traffic when they should have kept at least Alonso out. Those who pitted under the safety car kept these three back, with Alguersuari letting his sister car through but holding back Massa. It was equally a good ride for the Toro Rosso, who did some great defending. He gets two points from today's race.
Schumacher and Liuzzi: Schumacher spun right on the first lap, and Liuzzi just couldn't avoid crashing into him and going part way up the car. Both drivers were out. However, it didn't stop Rosberg doing well and finishing fourth for Mercedes.
Vettel: Well, what can you say? Pole to flag he led almost all the way. With Alonso and Webber's bad luck, he easily clinched the championship. Well done to the young German! It's his first championship, and probably not his last. Next year he's in the number one car for Red Bull.
Well, the season is over. Next year there are a few rule changes that will make things interesting. Hopefully we'll see better from Hispania, Lotus and Virgin, too.
Button and Hamilton: Button jumped Alonso right at the start, and that defined the whole race. When the Ferrari pitted, the three at the top stayed out. It was to their benefit, as they didn't stuck in traffic. Hamilton pitted then came out behind Kubica while Button remained behind Vettel. After the Red Bull pit, Button led for a while. He tried to get ahead enough of Kubica, but it didn't work and he eventually came out behind his team mate. They finished second and third.
Kubica and Petrov: Good races for both of them. After the safety car on the first lap, Petrov pitted. Kubica stayed out. Petrov ended up holding Alonso up from lap thirteen until the end of the race, and Kubica held back Hamilton. It's one of Petrov's best drives of the season, and he finished sixth just behind Kubica.
Alonso, Webber, Alguersuari and Massa: It began well for the Ferraris, though Alonso lost a place to Button. But then Webber pitted, and Ferrari responded mistakenly by following the Red Bull. They got stuck in traffic when they should have kept at least Alonso out. Those who pitted under the safety car kept these three back, with Alguersuari letting his sister car through but holding back Massa. It was equally a good ride for the Toro Rosso, who did some great defending. He gets two points from today's race.
Schumacher and Liuzzi: Schumacher spun right on the first lap, and Liuzzi just couldn't avoid crashing into him and going part way up the car. Both drivers were out. However, it didn't stop Rosberg doing well and finishing fourth for Mercedes.
Vettel: Well, what can you say? Pole to flag he led almost all the way. With Alonso and Webber's bad luck, he easily clinched the championship. Well done to the young German! It's his first championship, and probably not his last. Next year he's in the number one car for Red Bull.
Well, the season is over. Next year there are a few rule changes that will make things interesting. Hopefully we'll see better from Hispania, Lotus and Virgin, too.
Formula 1 2010 Season Finish
The season is over. We have a new World Champion: Sebastian Vettel! He is the youngest ever World Champion, at 23 years, 4 months and 11 days, and he stole that title from Fernando Alonso. Seb is also less than a year older than me, which also makes it exciting.
[[ Help, I'm calling him Seb! ]]
Congratulations especially to Christian Horner, the Team Principal of Red Bull, who has led the team fantastically. Well done. I get four cans of Red Bull now! Race summary to come.
For the 2011 season, you'll have to visit F11, my dedicated Formula One blog.
Congratulations especially to Christian Horner, the Team Principal of Red Bull, who has led the team fantastically. Well done. I get four cans of Red Bull now! Race summary to come.
For the 2011 season, you'll have to visit F11, my dedicated Formula One blog.
13/11/2010
Formula 1 Race Nineteen: Qualifying
Q1 – Kubica and Kobayashi, who both had good practice sessions, the last to come out. Alonso, who with his team mate didn't come out at the end of practice 3 to set a final fast lap, was going well. Good news for Alguersuari, as he managed to outqualify Buemi – the Toro Rosso cars are the only old team without an F-duct. It's the fifth race in a row that he's done so. Also, Bruno Senna beat Christian Klien for the first time.
Q2 – Dusk fell in the desert. This is where things really get competitive. Hamilton and Massa had a bad incident that saw Hamilton take out one of the bollards and the camera on it. The incident presumably to be investigated by the stewards. Hamilton struggled to get into the top 10. Meanwhile, Petrov gets into Q3 and beats Kubica for the second time this season. Kubica is out of Q3 for the first time this season. Rosberg and Schumacher both do well.
Q3 – Petrov was the last man out, and Vettel took a while to get out too. In the end, in this critical session, Alonso got ahead of Webber. Vettel was on pole, with Hamilton second – a good place for the challenger who needs a lot of luck. Alonso third and Button fourth, with Webber fifth. This is a vital result for all the challengers. Alonso will win if it finishes like this.
We are still waiting to see what the stewards have to say about the Massa/Hamilton incident.
Q2 – Dusk fell in the desert. This is where things really get competitive. Hamilton and Massa had a bad incident that saw Hamilton take out one of the bollards and the camera on it. The incident presumably to be investigated by the stewards. Hamilton struggled to get into the top 10. Meanwhile, Petrov gets into Q3 and beats Kubica for the second time this season. Kubica is out of Q3 for the first time this season. Rosberg and Schumacher both do well.
Q3 – Petrov was the last man out, and Vettel took a while to get out too. In the end, in this critical session, Alonso got ahead of Webber. Vettel was on pole, with Hamilton second – a good place for the challenger who needs a lot of luck. Alonso third and Button fourth, with Webber fifth. This is a vital result for all the challengers. Alonso will win if it finishes like this.
We are still waiting to see what the stewards have to say about the Massa/Hamilton incident.
12/11/2010
Formula 1 Race Nineteen: Preview
The first session started damp. Apart from installation laps, most drivers didn't get out until the sun had dried up the rain – yes, the rain – from earlier in the day. It looks like Abu Dhabi's four days of rain are coming on Formula One weekend, which is typical of this entire season. Almost every weekend has been affected by rain in some way.
The only excitement in the first session was the McLarens splitting Vettel and Webber, with Vettel six tenths faster than Hamilton. Right at the end, Barrichello stopped as he was heading back to the pits.
In the second session, Karun Chandhok was up in the BBC commentary box. The softer tyres were showing severe graining, and most teams were switching onto the harder tyres by the end. This should improve by race day.
Alguersuari was the first retirement of the session. He spun after contacting with the astroturf and stopped. Then it was Massa, who had fuel problems – not on low fuel, but having trouble getting it to the engine. He coasted to a stop.
Hamilton was the fastest before they changed to heavy fuel loads, then Vettel, Alonso and Webber. Kubica was fifth fastest, with Button down in eighth.
Meanwhile, there was an incident between Senna and Hamilton, as Hamilton went off the track behind the back of Senna, who had slowed down, and came back on the track perhaps not in enough control of the car, as he was very close to the side of the Hispania driver. It was right by the entrance to the pit lane, and Senna had to work hard to stay out of the McLaren's way as Hamilton decided to pit right then. The incident will be looked at after the session.
Although the 107 percent rule will not apply until next season, it is interesting to see how close the back cars - the Hispanias, naturally - come to breaching it. In session one, Christian Klien didn't make it within the time, and nor did Fauzy deputizing for Kovalainen. However, in session two all the drivers were within the required time.
The only excitement in the first session was the McLarens splitting Vettel and Webber, with Vettel six tenths faster than Hamilton. Right at the end, Barrichello stopped as he was heading back to the pits.
In the second session, Karun Chandhok was up in the BBC commentary box. The softer tyres were showing severe graining, and most teams were switching onto the harder tyres by the end. This should improve by race day.
Alguersuari was the first retirement of the session. He spun after contacting with the astroturf and stopped. Then it was Massa, who had fuel problems – not on low fuel, but having trouble getting it to the engine. He coasted to a stop.
Hamilton was the fastest before they changed to heavy fuel loads, then Vettel, Alonso and Webber. Kubica was fifth fastest, with Button down in eighth.
Meanwhile, there was an incident between Senna and Hamilton, as Hamilton went off the track behind the back of Senna, who had slowed down, and came back on the track perhaps not in enough control of the car, as he was very close to the side of the Hispania driver. It was right by the entrance to the pit lane, and Senna had to work hard to stay out of the McLaren's way as Hamilton decided to pit right then. The incident will be looked at after the session.
Although the 107 percent rule will not apply until next season, it is interesting to see how close the back cars - the Hispanias, naturally - come to breaching it. In session one, Christian Klien didn't make it within the time, and nor did Fauzy deputizing for Kovalainen. However, in session two all the drivers were within the required time.
10/11/2010
Formula 1 Championship part three
I wish more teams were like Red Bull. They could manipulate the race by swapping their drivers, if it was Vettel, Webber, Alonso, say and then swapping Webber and Vettel to get first. But neither the owner Dietrich Mateschitz nor the principal Christian Horner (who’s a Warwickshire local, like me) will employ team orders during the race. This will make for a cracking finale to the season. Of course, it puts the onus on Vettel, in this situation, to decide whether he’d rather see Red Bull win the driver’s championship with Webber, or just push himself and the car to the limits, and let Webber fight it out and risk coming second.
Vettel definitely has what it takes to win race. He’s consistently had pole positions throughout the season, and when his car hasn’t had problems – or had his teammate take him out – he’s won. But he is also young. He knows that he has seasons ahead of him to win championships. For Webber, who is older, he doesn’t have many seasons left.
Will Red Bull have such a consistent, unbeatable car in 2011? Another team – Ferrari or McLaren, most likely – could beat them then.
But the constructor’s championship has given Red Bull the confirmation that this young team has got what it takes to compete with the greats. And with solid British ingenuity from Adrian Newey and the rest of the team, I have to say that I support them. It would be amazing to see Alonso win, but having such a close final makes it all the better.
Now, who’s up for Alonso, Vettel and Webber dropping out and Hamilton winning?
Vettel definitely has what it takes to win race. He’s consistently had pole positions throughout the season, and when his car hasn’t had problems – or had his teammate take him out – he’s won. But he is also young. He knows that he has seasons ahead of him to win championships. For Webber, who is older, he doesn’t have many seasons left.
Will Red Bull have such a consistent, unbeatable car in 2011? Another team – Ferrari or McLaren, most likely – could beat them then.
But the constructor’s championship has given Red Bull the confirmation that this young team has got what it takes to compete with the greats. And with solid British ingenuity from Adrian Newey and the rest of the team, I have to say that I support them. It would be amazing to see Alonso win, but having such a close final makes it all the better.
Now, who’s up for Alonso, Vettel and Webber dropping out and Hamilton winning?
08/11/2010
Formula 1 Championship part two
Hamilton must win. Vettel must come first or second. Webber must come fifth or above. Even then, they still depend on other results:
Alonso is guaranteed the championship if he comes first or second. If he comes third or fourth, he will get the championship if Webber does not win. If he comes fifth it gets complicated. A victory for Vettel and a second for Webber here puts them on equal points. Webber will have one less win, but Alonso and Vettel will share the number of first, second and third places. Vettel, with one more fourth place, will win the championship.
However, Red Bull have been consistent in 2010. Vettel first and Webber second in qualifying is almost guaranteed. If they finish the race like this, we could see Vettel get the championship despite never having actually led it during the year. That would be a novelty!
Here, then, is Red Bull's race strategy should they be in first and second: if Alonso is third or fourth, Webber should be first; if Alonso is fifth or below, the two drivers can fight it out. Personally, though, I'd like to see Vettel in front with Alonso fifth.
So Jake Humphrey, that's your figures all done for you. It's also Christian Horner's race strategy all sorted. I'd love to see a situation where Alonso goes from fifth to fourth for whatever reason, and the Red Bulls have to switch places. They've fought all the way to the end of the season, which was great, but if they want that win they'll have to play it as a team.
Interestingly, Alonso will come second in this strategy should he finish third or fourth, or fifth with Vettel winning.
Alonso is guaranteed the championship if he comes first or second. If he comes third or fourth, he will get the championship if Webber does not win. If he comes fifth it gets complicated. A victory for Vettel and a second for Webber here puts them on equal points. Webber will have one less win, but Alonso and Vettel will share the number of first, second and third places. Vettel, with one more fourth place, will win the championship.
However, Red Bull have been consistent in 2010. Vettel first and Webber second in qualifying is almost guaranteed. If they finish the race like this, we could see Vettel get the championship despite never having actually led it during the year. That would be a novelty!
Here, then, is Red Bull's race strategy should they be in first and second: if Alonso is third or fourth, Webber should be first; if Alonso is fifth or below, the two drivers can fight it out. Personally, though, I'd like to see Vettel in front with Alonso fifth.
So Jake Humphrey, that's your figures all done for you. It's also Christian Horner's race strategy all sorted. I'd love to see a situation where Alonso goes from fifth to fourth for whatever reason, and the Red Bulls have to switch places. They've fought all the way to the end of the season, which was great, but if they want that win they'll have to play it as a team.
Interestingly, Alonso will come second in this strategy should he finish third or fourth, or fifth with Vettel winning.
07/11/2010
Formula 1 Race Eighteen: Race
It was hot and sunny in Brazil. Nico Hulkenberg's pole was hoping to set the standards for a typically crazy Interlagos race. But it wasn't to be.
The two Red Bulls quickly passed Hulkenberg, with Alonso overtaking Hamilton for fourth. Button was barely in it. On lap 7, Alonso overtook Hulkenberg. It was an early pit stop for Button on lap 12, switching to the harder tyre, and he came out behind a large pack of cars. Then Massa also pitted, coming out behind Button, and then but was forced to pit again after a mistake by the crew. In the pit stops that followed, Button made it up to fifth behind Hamilton in lap 30, as Hulkenberg fell backwards.
At first, Alonso was slower than the Red Bulls, but he got to their pace around lap 18. But he wasn't able to catch up, and there was a large gap between them. Hamilton was struggling to make his car work for him, and pitted in lap 21 with Schumacher. Meanwhile, Alonso pitted in lap 24 without losing position, and Vettel and Webber temporarily switch places. The two Red Bulls battled it out for first and second, but Webber couldn't quite reach his team mate.
On lap 51, there was the one and only retirement of the race: Liuzzi, going too wide into turn 2, hit the wall. The safety car came out, bunching up the track into three races: the leaders of Vettel, Webber, Alonso, Hamilton, Button, Rosberg and Schumacher; the people a lap behind with Hulkenberg leading them and Barrichello at the back; and the new team drivers.
After the safety car came in, the drivers struggled to overtake the back markers because they were all mixed up, but Alonso didn't lose too much on Vettel and Webber. Unfortunately, he didn't quite make it back on them, and finished third.
The best news was with Hulkenberg, who finished eighth and got four vital points for Williams to overtake Force India. Otherwise, Kobayashi and Sutil were both 'doing Kobayashis' and waiting until late in the race to pit. With Kobayashi's tyres causing him havoc, this wasn't a good thing. Interlagos was wearing on the tyres, and most drivers did multiple pit stops.
Alonso still leads the championship by 8 points on Webber, and 15 on Vettel. Red Bull, however, have the constructor's championship.
In the new teams, Christian Klien came out late and was always at least three laps behind. He didn't lose too much, and by the end of the race he was close enough to be classified. Di Grassi, however, also lost a lot of laps in the pits, and was not classified despite finishing the race.
See you in one week for Abu Dhabi, the last race of the season!
The two Red Bulls quickly passed Hulkenberg, with Alonso overtaking Hamilton for fourth. Button was barely in it. On lap 7, Alonso overtook Hulkenberg. It was an early pit stop for Button on lap 12, switching to the harder tyre, and he came out behind a large pack of cars. Then Massa also pitted, coming out behind Button, and then but was forced to pit again after a mistake by the crew. In the pit stops that followed, Button made it up to fifth behind Hamilton in lap 30, as Hulkenberg fell backwards.
At first, Alonso was slower than the Red Bulls, but he got to their pace around lap 18. But he wasn't able to catch up, and there was a large gap between them. Hamilton was struggling to make his car work for him, and pitted in lap 21 with Schumacher. Meanwhile, Alonso pitted in lap 24 without losing position, and Vettel and Webber temporarily switch places. The two Red Bulls battled it out for first and second, but Webber couldn't quite reach his team mate.
On lap 51, there was the one and only retirement of the race: Liuzzi, going too wide into turn 2, hit the wall. The safety car came out, bunching up the track into three races: the leaders of Vettel, Webber, Alonso, Hamilton, Button, Rosberg and Schumacher; the people a lap behind with Hulkenberg leading them and Barrichello at the back; and the new team drivers.
After the safety car came in, the drivers struggled to overtake the back markers because they were all mixed up, but Alonso didn't lose too much on Vettel and Webber. Unfortunately, he didn't quite make it back on them, and finished third.
The best news was with Hulkenberg, who finished eighth and got four vital points for Williams to overtake Force India. Otherwise, Kobayashi and Sutil were both 'doing Kobayashis' and waiting until late in the race to pit. With Kobayashi's tyres causing him havoc, this wasn't a good thing. Interlagos was wearing on the tyres, and most drivers did multiple pit stops.
Alonso still leads the championship by 8 points on Webber, and 15 on Vettel. Red Bull, however, have the constructor's championship.
In the new teams, Christian Klien came out late and was always at least three laps behind. He didn't lose too much, and by the end of the race he was close enough to be classified. Di Grassi, however, also lost a lot of laps in the pits, and was not classified despite finishing the race.
See you in one week for Abu Dhabi, the last race of the season!
06/11/2010
Formula 1 Race Eighteen: Qualifying
An amazing shock: pole for Williams!
Sutil and Buemi have five-place grid penalties after Korea. It's wet, but cars are in full-dry specs because the weather tomorrow for the race is expected to be good. This is not a good situation for the drivers. With a limited number of intermediate tyres, they had to be especially careful.
With rain expected early, everyone was queuing up at the start of Q1 to get out. Buemi, who was fast in practice three, was at the front. All 24 cars went out, giving a similar feeling to Monaco. Times continually improved as the track dried out. It was Sutil who went out with the usual six, and no rain came until just after the session. Alonso, meanwhile, was the first man under 1:19 seconds, with Button faster than Hamilton. Timo Glock had a good session, outqualifying both Lotus drivers. Poor old last-placed Bruno Senna didn't make it back to the pits, and had to walk. Not good for his first Brazilian Grand Prix.
Q2, and the track was drying. It was close for Button and Massa, but in the end the Ferrari just managed to push the McLaren out with tyres failing. Alguersuari outqualified Buemi for the fourth race in a row, but Liuzzi had a slow one. However, both Renaults, Williams, Ferraris and Red Bulls got through, as well as Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher.
Finally it was Q3. Half-way through the session, it was all in for soft tyres as the intermediates struggled. It was touch and go, with all the drivers struggling for grip especially on the final sector. But it was Nico Hulkenberg who surprised everyone, with his last two laps both good enough for pole position. Williams get their first pole of the season, over a second faster than the field! Even more amazing, Hulkenberg is only a rookie.
Vettel was only second, with Webber, Hamilton, Alonso, Barrichello, Kubica, Schumacher, Massa and Petrov.
Sutil and Buemi have five-place grid penalties after Korea. It's wet, but cars are in full-dry specs because the weather tomorrow for the race is expected to be good. This is not a good situation for the drivers. With a limited number of intermediate tyres, they had to be especially careful.
With rain expected early, everyone was queuing up at the start of Q1 to get out. Buemi, who was fast in practice three, was at the front. All 24 cars went out, giving a similar feeling to Monaco. Times continually improved as the track dried out. It was Sutil who went out with the usual six, and no rain came until just after the session. Alonso, meanwhile, was the first man under 1:19 seconds, with Button faster than Hamilton. Timo Glock had a good session, outqualifying both Lotus drivers. Poor old last-placed Bruno Senna didn't make it back to the pits, and had to walk. Not good for his first Brazilian Grand Prix.
Q2, and the track was drying. It was close for Button and Massa, but in the end the Ferrari just managed to push the McLaren out with tyres failing. Alguersuari outqualified Buemi for the fourth race in a row, but Liuzzi had a slow one. However, both Renaults, Williams, Ferraris and Red Bulls got through, as well as Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher.
Finally it was Q3. Half-way through the session, it was all in for soft tyres as the intermediates struggled. It was touch and go, with all the drivers struggling for grip especially on the final sector. But it was Nico Hulkenberg who surprised everyone, with his last two laps both good enough for pole position. Williams get their first pole of the season, over a second faster than the field! Even more amazing, Hulkenberg is only a rookie.
Vettel was only second, with Webber, Hamilton, Alonso, Barrichello, Kubica, Schumacher, Massa and Petrov.
Formula 1 Championship part one
Alonso is the only one who can win the championship in Brazil. Button is the only one whose hopes hang by a fraying thread.
If Button finishes below second in this race, he is definitely out of the running. If he finishes second and Alonso gets any points at all, or Webber gets a win, he is out. If he wins and Alonso gets more than 7 points in this race then he is out.
Under the old points system, this championship would be closer. Under a 'medals' system, which is effectively what is used when points are equal, Button would already be out.
He might think he's still got a chance, but under the current system and after a bad performance in wet conditions that he is supposed to prefer in Yeongam, I can't see it.
Everyone else should be able to continue to challenge for the title in Abu Dhabi next weekend, so long as Webber doesn't finish too low:
A win for Alonso gets him 256 points. If Webber comes second he will have 238, which is one second place off Alonso's total. If he comes third he will have 235, or fourth would give 232, which means he'd need to win the next race and have Alonso do very badly indeed. A fifth place with Alonso winning puts Webber out of the running, and even if Hamilton comes second he will be too far off Alonso to challenge.
If Alonso comes second, he will have 249 points, and it gets more complicated as Hamilton's result will affect whether he can win the championship as well as Webber's. In this situation, a win for Vettel keeps him in the running.
Realistically, Vettel has a good chance of winning both races. Red Bull lock out the front row in most of them. However, the Red Bulls have been plagued with problems, with five race retirements to Ferrari's two. The only other team with less are Mercedes.
Outside the top five, what else is going on? Williams and Force India are three points apart in the constructors championship, on 65 and 68 respectively, and the only teams who can really challenge each other. Although Force India had a better start to the season, Williams have been catching up. Apart from that, if we have a horrible race for crashing out then the new teams are still fighting for places and that elusive point.
If Button finishes below second in this race, he is definitely out of the running. If he finishes second and Alonso gets any points at all, or Webber gets a win, he is out. If he wins and Alonso gets more than 7 points in this race then he is out.
Under the old points system, this championship would be closer. Under a 'medals' system, which is effectively what is used when points are equal, Button would already be out.
He might think he's still got a chance, but under the current system and after a bad performance in wet conditions that he is supposed to prefer in Yeongam, I can't see it.
Everyone else should be able to continue to challenge for the title in Abu Dhabi next weekend, so long as Webber doesn't finish too low:
A win for Alonso gets him 256 points. If Webber comes second he will have 238, which is one second place off Alonso's total. If he comes third he will have 235, or fourth would give 232, which means he'd need to win the next race and have Alonso do very badly indeed. A fifth place with Alonso winning puts Webber out of the running, and even if Hamilton comes second he will be too far off Alonso to challenge.
If Alonso comes second, he will have 249 points, and it gets more complicated as Hamilton's result will affect whether he can win the championship as well as Webber's. In this situation, a win for Vettel keeps him in the running.
Realistically, Vettel has a good chance of winning both races. Red Bull lock out the front row in most of them. However, the Red Bulls have been plagued with problems, with five race retirements to Ferrari's two. The only other team with less are Mercedes.
Outside the top five, what else is going on? Williams and Force India are three points apart in the constructors championship, on 65 and 68 respectively, and the only teams who can really challenge each other. Although Force India had a better start to the season, Williams have been catching up. Apart from that, if we have a horrible race for crashing out then the new teams are still fighting for places and that elusive point.
05/11/2010
Formula 1 Race Eighteen: Preview
One driver change for Brazil. Christian Klien is in again for Hispania, replacing Sakon Yamamoto. I guess Hispania aren't trying to show off Senna, then, because Klien's experience in Formula One means he will probably qualify higher. Senna has almost always outqualified Yamamoto, although he did less well against Chandhok.
With only two hours difference to the UK with Brazil on summer time, it was good for me watching the race. No middle-of-the-night sessions with the TV! The exit of the pit lane here is long, and follows the Senna S at the start of the track before the lanes merge.
The first practice session went well for the most part. The only real incidents were at the end, with Petrov and Kobayashi, who had a puncture, coming off the track. Alonso's engine ran out of life, and he pulled off the track right at the end.
Mercedes were running a new diffuser – a single channel, rather than the loophole-permitted double design that will be outlawed next year.
In the second session, Alonso had a new engine. The Ferraris have no unused spares from their eight permitted, unlike both Renaults, Barrichello and the Hispanias. Good news there for Cosworth's reliability.
Massa had the only incident, with initial reports from Ferrari suggesting it was a hydraulics problem. Unfortunately, it was just after switching to the softer 'option' tyres. Despite this he still set the fifth-fastest time.
With the shortness of the track, the atmosphere matched Monaco by the end of the session, with all 23 remaining drivers fighting for clear air as they loaded up on fuel to see their race pace. Grip seemed to be going off the tyres much faster here than on most tracks in 2010, although it's still a 'green' circuit, so we could see more pit stops in the race depending on how much it rubbers in.
Vettel was fastest in both sessions from Webber. After a slow first session, Alonso was third-fastest in the second. Both McLarens did reasonably well. Interestingly, Senna beat Klien's time in the second session. Maybe Hispania are going to be able to show Senna's skill after all.
A prediction from the BBC is that Lewis Hamilton will win. His first race at Interlagos, in 2007, he came seventh. In 2008 he came fifth, and in 2009 he came third. Should this coincidental run of finishes continue, Hamilton will win. Then again, where will he come in 2011? -1 is not a viable position!
Post to come later today about the championship competition. Visit F11, my Formula One blog for 2011 and beyond, for news on next season.
With only two hours difference to the UK with Brazil on summer time, it was good for me watching the race. No middle-of-the-night sessions with the TV! The exit of the pit lane here is long, and follows the Senna S at the start of the track before the lanes merge.
The first practice session went well for the most part. The only real incidents were at the end, with Petrov and Kobayashi, who had a puncture, coming off the track. Alonso's engine ran out of life, and he pulled off the track right at the end.
Mercedes were running a new diffuser – a single channel, rather than the loophole-permitted double design that will be outlawed next year.
In the second session, Alonso had a new engine. The Ferraris have no unused spares from their eight permitted, unlike both Renaults, Barrichello and the Hispanias. Good news there for Cosworth's reliability.
Massa had the only incident, with initial reports from Ferrari suggesting it was a hydraulics problem. Unfortunately, it was just after switching to the softer 'option' tyres. Despite this he still set the fifth-fastest time.
With the shortness of the track, the atmosphere matched Monaco by the end of the session, with all 23 remaining drivers fighting for clear air as they loaded up on fuel to see their race pace. Grip seemed to be going off the tyres much faster here than on most tracks in 2010, although it's still a 'green' circuit, so we could see more pit stops in the race depending on how much it rubbers in.
Vettel was fastest in both sessions from Webber. After a slow first session, Alonso was third-fastest in the second. Both McLarens did reasonably well. Interestingly, Senna beat Klien's time in the second session. Maybe Hispania are going to be able to show Senna's skill after all.
A prediction from the BBC is that Lewis Hamilton will win. His first race at Interlagos, in 2007, he came seventh. In 2008 he came fifth, and in 2009 he came third. Should this coincidental run of finishes continue, Hamilton will win. Then again, where will he come in 2011? -1 is not a viable position!
Post to come later today about the championship competition. Visit F11, my Formula One blog for 2011 and beyond, for news on next season.
31/10/2010
Happy Birthday to... 31/10/10
Bernie Ecclestone was 80 this week. But today an F1 driver has his birthday. Toro Rosso's Sebastien Buemi is twenty-two. Welcome to the 22 club, Sebastien.
Out of the two Toro Rosso drivers, Buemi is the eldest. Jaime Alguersuari by comparison is a mere whippersnapper at 20 years old. Buemi started off with a better 2010 season, outqualifying his teammate most of the time (race 4 in China was the only one of the first 10 races where Alguersuari qualified better). Although Alguersuari was first to get points, Buemi has gained more over the season, and is a steady sixteenth in the championship.
Best finish so far: 8th (Canada) [Alguersuari: 9th (Malaysia)]
Worst finish: 24th (Germany) [Alguersuari: 24th (Hungary)]
Retirements: 5 [Alguersuari: 2]
Points: 8 [Alguersuari: 3]
Position: 16th [Alguersuari: 19th]
Unfortunately for the Swiss, his last race didn't go so well. He's got a demotion of five places in Brazil for colliding with Timo Glock, although he did apologise. Buemi will definitely be racing alongside Alguersuari with Toro Rosso next year. Looking forward to it!
Out of the two Toro Rosso drivers, Buemi is the eldest. Jaime Alguersuari by comparison is a mere whippersnapper at 20 years old. Buemi started off with a better 2010 season, outqualifying his teammate most of the time (race 4 in China was the only one of the first 10 races where Alguersuari qualified better). Although Alguersuari was first to get points, Buemi has gained more over the season, and is a steady sixteenth in the championship.
Best finish so far: 8th (Canada) [Alguersuari: 9th (Malaysia)]
Worst finish: 24th (Germany) [Alguersuari: 24th (Hungary)]
Retirements: 5 [Alguersuari: 2]
Points: 8 [Alguersuari: 3]
Position: 16th [Alguersuari: 19th]
Unfortunately for the Swiss, his last race didn't go so well. He's got a demotion of five places in Brazil for colliding with Timo Glock, although he did apologise. Buemi will definitely be racing alongside Alguersuari with Toro Rosso next year. Looking forward to it!
29/10/2010
Euro 2012 Qualification: Italy vs Serbia follow-up
The decision has been made. Italy get a default 3-0 win against Serbia. There were also various fines and punishments against the teams. To summarize:
Italy - Win the game 3-0. They also receive a fine of 100,000 Euros for not keeping the Serbian fans from bringing dangerous items into the stadium. They have a deferred ban on playing one match behind closed doors, which means they have to behave for the next two years or it will come into effect.
Serbia - As well as losing, they receive a 120,000 Euro fine. Their next game, against Northern Ireland, will definitely be played behind closed doors, and the one after that against Estonia probably will. They also have a ban against bringing fans to their remaining away games in the Euro 2012 qualifiers. Finally, they have a deferred one-match ban for the next two years.
Both the Italian and Serbian football associations have three days to lodge an appeal (not six days, as the BBC claim)
Italy - Win the game 3-0. They also receive a fine of 100,000 Euros for not keeping the Serbian fans from bringing dangerous items into the stadium. They have a deferred ban on playing one match behind closed doors, which means they have to behave for the next two years or it will come into effect.
Serbia - As well as losing, they receive a 120,000 Euro fine. Their next game, against Northern Ireland, will definitely be played behind closed doors, and the one after that against Estonia probably will. They also have a ban against bringing fans to their remaining away games in the Euro 2012 qualifiers. Finally, they have a deferred one-match ban for the next two years.
Both the Italian and Serbian football associations have three days to lodge an appeal (not six days, as the BBC claim)
24/10/2010
Formula 1 Race Seventeen: Race
Wow, what a Grand Prix this turned out to be! It started in rain and treacherous conditions, with a few laps under the safety car before red flags appeared to pause the race. The cars must have been sitting on the home straight for about an hour. The commentary team were wondering if we'd even be able to have a full race, or even a seventy-five percent race (to get full points) with sunset at quarter to six local time.
But eventually things got going under the safety car again, and on lap seventeen it went in while the drivers continued on full wets. Then again, it was less than two laps before we had a serious crash demanding a safety car, and it was championship leader Mark Webber who spun out, and took Nico Rosberg with him.
Vettel continued in the lead, with Alonso and Hamilton behind him. The safety car went in on lap twenty-three, and the race returned to normal operations.
Trulli and Senna were the next to collide, with Trulli losing his front wing. Senna continued while Trulli pitted, attempted to continue, then retired. After an investigation by the stewards, no action was taken. Senna eventually finished the race in fourteenth place, which puts him above the two Virgins in the championship (but still behind Karun Chandhok).
Jenson Button had a bad race, thanks to a poorly-timed pit stop. He came out behind a bunch of drivers including Sutil, Kobayashi, Hulkenberg and Alguersuari, and was unable to overtake them. He eventually finished twelfth, putting him out of the running for the championship. Now he will have to support Lewis Hamilton.
The third safety car was for Buemi and Glock, who collided and went out. Buemi has a five-place grid penalty in Brazil for this.
Vettel, Alonso and Hamilton were first, second and third after Webber went out. A poor pit stop for Alonso where the wheel nut went off and they had to replace it delayed him to come out behind Hamilton. Then Hamilton went wide in the first corner after a restart from the third safety car, and Alonso retook second. He held second until Vettel's engine blew up, and then had the lead. He maintained this lead right to the end, with Hamilton second and Massa third. This puts Alonso first in the championship, with Webber second, Hamilton a close third (21 points behind), and Vettel fourth (25 points behind).
Sutil's race was bad too. He was also stuck at the back, unlike his teammate Liuzzi who came in sixth! Sutil collided with Kobayashi, and although the Japanese was able to continue, Sutil has a five-place grid penalty in Brazil, as well as a $10,000 fine for admitting his awareness of brake problems he had during the race.
The race finished in almost darkness, but with every one of the 55 laps complete.
The Red Bulls gained no points from the race, and Alguersuari was the only Toro Rosso to finish. McLaren are now only 27 points from their rivals, and still have a chance at the constructor's championship.
See you in Brazil in two weeks' time!
But eventually things got going under the safety car again, and on lap seventeen it went in while the drivers continued on full wets. Then again, it was less than two laps before we had a serious crash demanding a safety car, and it was championship leader Mark Webber who spun out, and took Nico Rosberg with him.
Vettel continued in the lead, with Alonso and Hamilton behind him. The safety car went in on lap twenty-three, and the race returned to normal operations.
Trulli and Senna were the next to collide, with Trulli losing his front wing. Senna continued while Trulli pitted, attempted to continue, then retired. After an investigation by the stewards, no action was taken. Senna eventually finished the race in fourteenth place, which puts him above the two Virgins in the championship (but still behind Karun Chandhok).
Jenson Button had a bad race, thanks to a poorly-timed pit stop. He came out behind a bunch of drivers including Sutil, Kobayashi, Hulkenberg and Alguersuari, and was unable to overtake them. He eventually finished twelfth, putting him out of the running for the championship. Now he will have to support Lewis Hamilton.
The third safety car was for Buemi and Glock, who collided and went out. Buemi has a five-place grid penalty in Brazil for this.
Vettel, Alonso and Hamilton were first, second and third after Webber went out. A poor pit stop for Alonso where the wheel nut went off and they had to replace it delayed him to come out behind Hamilton. Then Hamilton went wide in the first corner after a restart from the third safety car, and Alonso retook second. He held second until Vettel's engine blew up, and then had the lead. He maintained this lead right to the end, with Hamilton second and Massa third. This puts Alonso first in the championship, with Webber second, Hamilton a close third (21 points behind), and Vettel fourth (25 points behind).
Sutil's race was bad too. He was also stuck at the back, unlike his teammate Liuzzi who came in sixth! Sutil collided with Kobayashi, and although the Japanese was able to continue, Sutil has a five-place grid penalty in Brazil, as well as a $10,000 fine for admitting his awareness of brake problems he had during the race.
The race finished in almost darkness, but with every one of the 55 laps complete.
The Red Bulls gained no points from the race, and Alguersuari was the only Toro Rosso to finish. McLaren are now only 27 points from their rivals, and still have a chance at the constructor's championship.
See you in Brazil in two weeks' time!
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