´óÏó´«Ã½

Great preview Murray

Hi murray

i like to ask you if you think jenson button can with the drivers title
and if you lewis hamilton can catch the brawn outfit i have been a big fan of jenson button and i think his time has come his standfast with honda put him back but now look at him nothing stopping him now what a comeback i am a bit worried that the brawn gp will not have the funding come on virgin get your money out i have been a fan for almost 20 years and ech yesr get better
regards chris

If Donnington park can't hold the British GP and Bernie won't let Silverstone have it, where else could it be held?


thanks

Hi Murray,

great video blog.

Just wanted to ask you a question. As we know Bernie tends to go where the money is, in terms of where to stage a race, these days (normally Middle East or Far East) but it is also the case that whoever might be doing well in the championship for a period of time there country gets a second Grand Prix. (For example Michael Schumacher, German, German Grand Prix at Hockonhiem and a second grand prix at the Nurbergring called the European Grand Prix mid-90s-2000s) (Fernando Alonso, Spainsh, Spainsh Grand Prix at Barcelona and a second grand prix at Valencia, now been given the status of the European Grand Prix mid-2000s, 2008-?). The status of being able to hold a second grand prix in one country was awarded on the basis that a driver from that country was doing well in the championship (i.e. big box office) With what Lewis Hamilton has done in the last few years and what Button is doing this year, and hopefully can continue to do, as i'm sure Hamilton will to, and with Donington, possibley, being readied for Grand Prix satus as Silverstone already is could we soon have a second round of the world championship in Britain?

Thanks for your views Murray. We should all know a lot more about the rest of the season after the race on Sunday.

It's a shame that it clashes with the Manchester Derby!!!! That starts at 1330 on Sunday.

Decisions decisions.

Did I seriously read somewhere that Ecclestone hates the name "Brawn GP"? This (British) guy is so unbelievably scared of sounding pro-British that he goes ridiculously in the other direction: Damon Hill, Lewis Hamilton, Ron Dennis, and now, because he has left Ecclestone's beloved Ferrari team, Brawn's new, immensely successful set-up. Where next, British Grand Prix, did I hear you say??

Dear Murray,
You're right.
Lewis Hamilton will be as popular as a Sun reader on Merseyside this weekend.

Let me hope that Renoult get their decisions right this Race and we can see Alonso win in Spain!!! the celebrations will be incredible!!!!

hi murray, i'm looking forward to this race, i think it will be
1st Button
2nd Vettel
3rd Trulli
4th Barrichello
5th Hamilton
6th Glock
7th Raikkonen
8th Alonso

Hi Murray

KERS will be great when fully developed and then hopefully be fitted to our road cars.

Murray

Thanks for the blog, as always, it's a pleasure to hear your insight.

With all due respect, and as a massive fan of yours there is all due respect, bringing up the Alonso-Hamilton feud that is now over seems a little pointless. Yes, there are British/Spanish fans who still hold a grudge, but the majority of us now appreciate the drivers and their skills (although a little humourous goading still remains!!) and not the antics of 2007.

Alonso went to the McLaren garage in Brazil and personally congratulated the team and Lewis on the championship; that's where I think we should leave the whole Alonso v Hamilton thing.........on a high note.

please please please please come back to the mic with martin for the british grand prix...

YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!

im sure the bbc will be glad for you to to do this being the last silverstone race

thank you

steve

Murray
I am a Canadian living in the UK and cannot understand why the Canadian Grand Prix was cancelled. Why does it always have to come down to money? I can understand the lackluster support in the US but Canada has always been a stron supporter of F1. I think this is rubbish. Maybe we should stick to Indy car racing!

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

Great to hear from you Murray. Silversurfers rule OK! It's certainly shaping up to be one of the most open seasons of recent years. It's difficult to believe that the likes of Ferrari, BMW and McLaren will not get back to the front, but with the number of points already on the board for Brawn and Red Bull, it could be anyone's season. And don't underestimate Toyota. Fascinating, and it's good to see the Brit interest up there.

@ post 14.

Please speak only for youself. Who is this royal "we" that you speak of?
I for one would LOVE to hear murray's voice again.

So you do not speak for "we", you speak for YOU.

Secondly, I agree, the Alonso/Hamilton thing should be left where it was. Not only did Alonso congratulate the team in Brazil, he's also said some fairly complimentary things about Hamilton in the press leading up to this GP. That may well have been scripted to make Alonso look good, but even so, I thought it was a nice touch and Alonso gets respect from me for doing that.

REF 12 14 16

Murray is just too good not to have the TV cameras around him.
The Alonso/Hamilton saga was created by Ron Dennis and the team's philosophy of which both fell victim to.
Both are in need of competitive cars to show their true talents to REALLY spice up the championship.Competitive rivalry amongst drivers seems to be a little bit lacking at the mo.
We tend to assume that these guys, who drive around at 200mph
and risk their lives for the pursuit of speed, should act as stepford husbands when they're out of the cockpit (Lewis appears to have been breast-fed by Ron Dennis that bit too much)...
The sport is designed to be ruthless. Drivers should be ruthless to win.There should be tension between drivers - the top drivers.
Senna would not be the Senna we remember without Prost (and Mansell). Without the other they wouldn't have pushed to reach ultimate limits and legendary achievements.
Alonso v Hamilton is a blockbuster we've been starved of for too long.
Raikkonen doesn't care;
Massa isn't able;
Vettel has potential but has to overtake more;
Kubica has gone backwards in a tractor;
Barichello will always be a number 2;
Button is blossoming but might wilt with the pressure;
Webber is badluck;
Nelson Piquet Jnr is bye bye
Kovaleinen should have been bye bye a long time ago and don't get me started on him as he's been shadowing Alonso's drives and guess what?- he is a shadow! what's he done of note? etc etc.
Trulli bottles it when it matters;
Glock is the false prophet cos he changed his tyres once at the right time;
The other drivers aren't in the running.

So yes - more of Alonso versus Hamilton please.The others will have to fight their way up reach equal billing.

I think the competition between Alonso and Hamilton was great. I took a great dislike to Alonso ever since Alonso disrespected Maclaren.
I am however touched by the kind words that Alonso recently said about Hamilton leading up to the Spanish GP and maybe now could see this rivalry in a different light.
Or does Alonso have an ulterior motive??
Alonso himself stated that he misses the competition between them, as it brought out the best in them both.
He also stated that there was someone at Maclaren that he didn't get on with. (Could this be someone who has just left?).
So my main question is ;
Is Alonso hinting that he would like to return to Maclaren, now that there is a change in the team??

Murray, I assume you will be at Silverstone this year.
I will also be there and have a Gold Pass, unlike your 'Access All Areas' privilege pass.
Any chance of letting me come with you to the paddocks? As like you, i like to collect signed memorabilia, although I do not have any as good as your Enzo Ferrari one.
Sorry for the cheeky question but 'You don't ask you don't get'.
P.S.
Looking forward to your next video blog

please mate as I said

YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU!!!!!!!

so please beeb...let our Mr walker do the british Grand Prix for the ´óÏó´«Ã½

thank you

and im a licence payer

Great question and answer session, Murray. Always a pleasure to hear your views - many thanks!

Dear Murray,
Recently I've been a staunch critic of Kovalainen (see Legard's blog).
His qualifying session for Spain was truly disgraceful.
I know certain teams heavily favour one driver over the other (look at Piquet Jnr) and I know team tactics come into it....but Kovalainen has proved inept ever since he's been trying to follow in Alonso's footsteps.
He went to Renault and took a 2-time constructing winning team backwards.
He than went to McLaren and has done nothing but totally cower to the Hamilton Machine - the more I see how the team operates surely the more vindicated Alonso is in terms of his views and in leaving the setup (and he was setup).
They have a more than adequate test driver in Pedro De La Rosa though I do think that McLaren don't want another Spaniard to dent the Hamilton gravy train.
If this continues then Kovalainen, pound for pound, will prove himself to be the biggest underachiever in F1 - beating Ralf little-Schmacher - and that's saying something.

Ole!

PS - when can I come round for Earl Grey and those Kipling Almond Slices?

Murray Why do some tracks have a different start line to a finish line

Just one question.

Do you think there will be a big switch around in drivers at the end of the season? Bourdais, Piquet, and Kovalainen all look unlikely to keep their seats.

Hello Murray,

I was wondering what would you like to see in 2010 regarding the rule changes? I really dont like the idea of a two tier championship with the budget cap. Will the FIA go ahead with it despite fans, drivers and teams disapproval of it?

Lucy Wood

Dear Murray,

Whats your view on the new regulations for next season?
Do you think the budget cap is a good idea or do you think it will create a two tier championship, and how do you think the ban on refuelling will affect the racing next season?

thanks gromcom

Hi there Murray,

In your opinion, after the first five races, are the new overtaking-friendly rules working?

Gianni Fasulo
Peterborough

Why doesn't F1 have a standardised car with no development allowed to see who truly is the best driver? What do you think of this idea?

All the new interpretation of the rules for this have done is create "Brawn". Don't you think it would be better if all the teams had the same car, same engine and then it would be up to the backroom boys and the driver to prove who is the best. At the moment its all very predictable and to be honest,boring. We may as well just watch the last 5 minutes of any race because we know who is going to win. As for overtaking? What overtaking? F1 seems to have forgotten what its there for seems to more about rules and regulations that the actual sport! What do you think Murray?

What is your top ten list of drivers this year?

HI,AS A NEW MEMBER TO THE ´óÏó´«Ã½ SPORTS SITE,I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY THAT THE RACIEST SPANISH FANS NEED TO BE SORTED!ITS THE ONLY RACE WE GET THIS FROM AND IF THIS CARRYS ON THE FIA SHOULD BAN SPAIN OR BAN ALONSO!
PS... COME ON JB WOOP WOOP

Bernie Ecclestone can't carry on doing his job forever. Who's likely to replace him when he leaves? And when is this likely to be?

Hi Murray,

Looking forward to another great Q&A!

My questions are:

What is your take on the ban on refuelling next year? Won't that cause more tyrewear issues?

Should the Spanish GP organisers be liable for the continuing rascist gestures towards Hamilton? Should they have the European GP taken away from them?

In your opinion, were there any team tactics regarding giving Button the victory?

Is Hamilton going to get a win this year do you think?

Sorry, quite a few there!

Thanks!
Tom

Hi Murray

What do you think of Kimi Raikonnens performance this Season??

Hi Murray,
Is there any chance that you could show an analysis of the current Brawn GP team compared to the BAR Honda team of last year?
Presenters are commented to say that Brawn GP is a new outfit and it is all put together from nothing. These comments are surely not true, as the current Brawn car was designed under the BAR Honda team conditions. BAR Honda themselves admitted last year that they had stopped developing their current car at the time, to focus on next year(2009)model, which the now Brawn team have benefited.
So how much of the current Brawn car is/was part of the original BAR Hona car? Bearing in mind that the double diffuser was probably part of last years development(BAR).

Hello Mr Walker.
do you think we will ever see the return of turbos in Formula One?.

Hi Murray.

Regardless of the cars they're in, who do you think is the best driver on the grid?

Murray,

In your opinion what is more important for a team, a designer/engineer like Adrian Newey or Ross Brawn, or the drivers. Jenson has always had talent but it has taken Ross' arrival at Honda to create an opportunity for him.

Love the previews and Q and A sessions. Thanks Murray.

Dave

Hi Murray, you absolute legend.
Do you believe that going beyond the current number of 20 cars on the grid to 26, will make the racing more interesting for the viewers, or will it create a two tier championship, with the new boys at the back, and the already established teams at the front?

"Master James" is deid. But, Murray is still with us, and Martin is magic.
Please have Murray and Martin back in the commentary box for the BGP.

Dear Murray, I love watching the battles of old here on the ´óÏó´«Ã½ website, Mansell vs. Senna, Prost vs. Senna, Schumacher vs. Hill etc. etc...Now Hamilton vs. Alonso, two World Champions! I love the sheer grit and determination, doesnt seem to matter what car they are in.

But hold on a mo, there is another Champion?

Kimi Raikkonen
World championships: 1
Grands Prix entered: 145
Wins: 17
Pole positions: 16
Podiums: 57
Points: 534

Does anyone actually remember this any more?

Please Murray, can you give some insight as to what has happened with Kimi? Do you think he has lost his edge? If Fernando turns up at Ferrari next year, what does the future hold for this seemingly non existent World Champ?

Love

James

Hey Murray

Which of the current tracks do you like the most?

I'm a Suzuka girl so you can imagine my disappointment lol..........

What do you think of the new Abu-Dhabi circuit?
More specifically:
Will it set a whole new benchmark for F1 tracks of the future and present?
Will it become the new 'face' of F1?

Murray, it's 20 years since we had 39 cars trying to make the grid. Do you think the FIA is right to have an entry cap at 26 or should those with sensible ambitions to try and take part be allowed to enter?

Dear Murray
Do you think that the early dominance of the Brawns is similar to the dominance of Schumahcer in Ferrari like some fans are fearing?

What would have happened to the finishing order in the Spanish GP is Massa had ran out of fuel on his last lap? Lapped cars don't get to drive the full distance, so Hamilton down wouldn't have been able to overtake him, so it appears he would have been classified 8th. But that doesn't really seem right...

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
42. At 10:07pm on 10 May 2009, Hawkdude1979 wrote:
Dear Murray, I love watching the battles of old here on the ´óÏó´«Ã½ website, Mansell vs. Senna, Prost vs. Senna, Schumacher vs. Hill etc. etc...Now Hamilton vs. Alonso, two World Champions! I love the sheer grit and determination, doesnt seem to matter what car they are in.

But hold on a mo, there is another Champion?

Kimi Raikkonen
World championships: 1
Grands Prix entered: 145
Wins: 17
Pole positions: 16
Podiums: 57
Points: 534

Does anyone actually remember this any more?

Please Murray, can you give some insight as to what has happened with Kimi? Do you think he has lost his edge? If Fernando turns up at Ferrari next year, what does the future hold for this seemingly non existent World Champ?

Love

James
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%


Question No. 42 is my question as well..

He surely won the WDC in 2007. But is he being replaced by Alonso ? If yes, do you think Team Ferrari gave him the car to fight for his position ?

Surely he likes to enjoy his life and i can see Jealous is what everyone is of his life style. He works, does his best and goes on to celebrate. Isn't that good enough to be called as a normal human being ?

Dear Murray,

Do you think the new budget cap will benefit F1 or will it detract from the spectacle if a two-tier championship is formed? Also do you think that the proposed budget cap is set at the right amount?

Hi Murray
My question is:
Do you think Hamilton will consider changing teams at the end of the season or possibly even at the end of 2010 if McLaren do not improve their performance, possibly even Brawn if Barrichello retires?
Cheers

Hi Murray, I am a great fan of Ross Brawn and I think he deserves his success with Brawn GP. Do you agree with me that one of Ferrari's problems is the lack of Ross Brawn. I too would love to hear you and Martin back together for the British GP. You definately brought the best out in one another and he hasn't had as good a partner since.

Dear Murray. how long do you think Brawn will continue to dominate the championship for? Will Red Bull leap-frog them starting at Monaco with their updates. How about Ferrari?

Raikkonen has already retired (last year)!
Massa was Hamiltons' only competition in his first and second years(from Ferrari).
I like Massa as he shows true passion, on and off the track.
The way Alonso was talking about Hamilton before the Spanish GP, i thought that he was hinting about going back to Maclaren(see the Alonso full story).

If people want a buget cap, and for teams to have the same cars, engines etc.. etc.. then they should go and watch Karts, because that is what will happen to F1 if any more restrictions are in place.

I asked this in the wrong place... ho hum...

86. At 5:40pm on 10 May 2009, The STIG wrote:
Do you think that F1's success masks the other motorsports to the point that worthy drivers and teams do not get the exposure that they deserve? for example, Lots of people have heard of Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, but few have heard of Andy Priaulx, who is after all a multiple world champion in touring cars. Do you think that F1 could help the other two FIA World championships with promotion, along with local motorsports?

Thanks, and see you at Goodwood!

[additional : Roy - how does one get a job filming motorsport for the ´óÏó´«Ã½? I have just completed a TV production course and I'm now attempting the seemingly impossible task of getting into the business. As a Marshal I have a deep interest in the sport, and also know how to work safely around race tracks and cars... do you have any tips on getting in? Thank you in advance]

Dear Murray,
My question:

Why doesn't F1 have any colourful characters any more, like Alesi, Irvine or Montoya?
Will we get some more or are we doomed to keep getting corporate robots?

Hi Murray

My question is do you think there has been some discontent at Ferrari since Michael Schumacher left and will they recover their true potential with Raikonnen and Massa? I know Massa has great talent but Kimi seems to be half hearted from and I feel Ferrari never seems to have recovered its true form since the exit of Schumacher, Brawn and Jean Todt.

Thank you.

Hi Murray,

Sebastian Vettel seemed a bit irritated in his post race interview at being stuck behind Felipe Massa for 63 laps. he suggested that he might have been able to win if he could have got past. my question is; how could he expect to catch, then pass Button, Barrichelo and Webber who were in superior cars to the ferrari if he couldn't find a way past Massa? If i'm honest, i couldn't help feeling a little bit disappointed in the red bull drivers un sportsman like reaction to this situation, firstly by webber with his comments seconds before walking out onto the podium, then the satisfied grin Sebastian seemed to have on hearing that Massa had ran out of fuel. Massa was doing a good job as a racing driver in a lesser car keeping Vettel behind! Vettel should look closer to home for some one to blame. your a racing driver- find a way past!

Please ask this to Murray, its a Q regarding the structure of the safety car period:

With the problems that arise from a safety car period (cold brakes, decreased tire pressures, hydrolic changes etc), there is case for the removable of the safety car. Why can there not be the same system as in club-level racing, whereby (under black/yellow quartered flags) the leader of the race controls the pace and 'acts' as the pace car, leading the field around at a sensible speed in single file?
If this works with comparatively-poor drivers at club level, why can the world's best not be entrusted with the same role?




My question, therefore, is...

Do you think that replacing the safety car with the yellow/black quartered flag system would be effective in F1 and should it be considered by the FIA?




This system would allow the cars to run at a quicker pace to maintain pressures and temperatures, whilst causing less disruption to their strategies. PLEASE PLEASE ask this to Murray as I would like to hear the opinions of an expert in the area and would be interested to see if the question can be passed up the F1 hierarchy. Thanks!

Hi Murray

I'd really like to know have you ever missed a race?
Do you think Brawn used Barrichello to play second fiddle to Jenson?
Could Red Bull pinch the World title from Brawn?

Thanks for answering these, If you can, I love your contribution to F1 this year keep up the good work.

Hi Murray

What's your view on KERS?

Don't you agree that it was Alonzo who caused the first corner pile up? it was he who quiet agressively chopped Rosberg off in the chicane. this caused Rosberg to loose control first, then trulli had to take evasive action and messed it all up! Yet again Alonzo gets away with it. If that would of been Hamilton he'd of been in the pits for a 10 sec penalty!

Hi Murray, what do you think of next years rule changes, i.e Budget cap, no refulling and wins for points?

unless im very much mistaken,i think i have asked this question already.

....i am very much mistaken! (i asked it in the wrong place).

ok,here goes again.....

75. At 4:49pm on 06 May 2009, xFlying-Scotsmanx wrote:

hi murray.

how much to you think the current testing ban will impact upon the young up and coming drivers who would have benefited in the past from a few years of testing before being dropped in at the deep end?
do you think that we will see a distinct drop off in terms of driver ability in future seasons due to the lack of car time the drivers of the future will have had?

Murray, Do you think the KERS systems go against what the FIA intended? It seems they take engine power when the car is braking ie still using fuel. Was the FIA's intention not to recover the energy lost as heat in braking thus offering something which might car over onto road cars in terms of better economy. Will my road car ever get KERS? I doubt it, unless I need a fast get away from the lights.

What new teams do you think will be entering f1 next year, do they have a chance, and who will be driving for them?

will button become dominant like m schmacher was? and will brawn become like ferrari was from 2000-2004??

Hi Murray,

Watching Button's last second quali lap with the on-board camera - what is the leaver he adjust by his left leg? Also - can you shed some light on what all those buttons on the driver's steering wheels? Thanks!

As i general rule Murry i say that Formula 1 is 70-75% Engineering skill and 25-30% driving skill (exceptions: when it rains etc).

This shows that it is Brawn's engineering skill that is making Jensen win races, there are atliest 5 quality drivers on the grid that given a good car can win the championship.

Hamilton still shows his supreme skill by trying to bring a slow car home in good positions. Likewise Alonso.

hello murray another good race in spain! just one question though seeing the safety car out at the start, just how much faster are the f1 cars compared to the safety car?

Hi Murray,

Button is now a proven race winner (and by the way, I thought he drove a superb race on Sunday doing everything that was asked of him). But, is he better than Lewis?

Hi Murry, thanks for all the answers so far this year.

Will Rubens realise he may have to play reargunner for Brawn and Jenson Button this year? if so when?

thanks

ian.

if more teams are looking to enter next year, who could be driving the new 6 cars?

thanks for the help.

will the KERS system become mandatory next year or will it be used by less teams?

surrly to make f1 more exciting, the rules need to be laxed so cars can go down the straits at 400mph on fire. so why slow them down?

out of all the f1 engines, which are the best?

out of all the old f1 tracks, which do you most want to see host another race?

Hi,
Having read the ´óÏó´«Ã½ report on 'UK F1: Losing innovation race' , this is exactly what i was thinking. If the limitations and restrictions carry on, this this is surely going to have a serious knock on effect in industry.
Examples in the past are fuel and tyres. At one time a team could choose tyre makers and fuel supplier for thier races, which enhanced development of these products, these benefits were then forwarded to the consumer in our road cars.

I know we have to make F1 interesting, but to what expense and have these concequences really been thought out?
1)Who is actually benefiting from the new regulations and who is losing out?
2)Have the people who are loing out, had an oportunity to have their say(inclunding sports fans)?
Thanks
Paul

Because of the racism incident at the spanish GP, should Spain loose the Spanish GP and the European GP next year?

Hi Murray,

Is this season in danger of becoming like 1992, where Williams dominated, and the title was effectively over at the half way stage of the season?

Cheers

why is the Force India car so slow?

other than silverstone and donington park, are there any other UK tracks that could host a UK GP?

Hi Murray,

Can you shed any light on why Rosberg is blisteringly quick in practice but is average in the race?

Also do you think people are giving Piquet too much of a hard time, or does he need to be replaced - if so, by whom?

Lastly, do you think Davidson will ever get back in to an F1 Car?

Thanks.

Kimi Raikonen may leave Ferrari at the end of the season. Do you think he will move to Mclaren and partner Lewis Hamilton
Thanks Murray

Thanks for answering my question Roy. Will keep trying [and filming my own stuff] until the breakthrough!