quantumofsport.com

DEAR BERNIE: re Bahrain GP 2010 - conclusions

Counterfeit correspondence from a (parallel) F1 universe...

Dear Bernie,

What have we learned from the first Grand Prix of 2010? Firstly, let’s face it, the racing was processional – so much so in fact that questions are already being raised about the new F1 regulations. Let’s hope this is not a sign of things to come. As to how the field is shaping up, it is, broadly speaking, breaking down into the stragglers, the midfield and a group of four top teams likely to battle it out for the constructors’ title. (A hierarchy that could by the way make qualifying – never a very easy sell at the best of times – bit of a yawn). Of the leading runners, Team Energy Drink have a quick car but, looking at both pace and reliability, it is Team Prancing Horse who have started the season on the gallop. At Team GB there was little evidence on the face of it to back up the theory held by some that Benson Jutton’s smooth driving style might help him vis-à-vis Hewis Lamilton (the absence this year of in-race refuelling making for heavier fuel loads and more onus on the driver to manage tyre wear and brakes etc, maybe favouring a less aggressive style). Meanwhile, I have to tell you that The Great One aka Schumi II did look a tad rusty on his return – but I still fancy him to drive himself and his Team Germany into more challenging form as the season unfolds. But perhaps my main conclusion is that I can see no reason at this stage to change my original prediction (for which I claim no great credit) that Ernando Falonso will be the 2010 Formula 1 world champion.

Wim Still Somewhat Expectant

PS Race result here.

DEAR BERNIE: What’s in a F1 headline? or – 8 into 1 doesn’t go

Counterfeit correspondence from a (parallel) F1 universe...

Dear Bernie,

It is new season’s eve. There has been much pontificating over the winter. Hewis Lamilton or Benson Jutton? And The Great One aka Schumi mark II: can he be as strong as mark I? And all sorts of other discussions about the new regulations, driving styles and what the close-season testing might or might not say about the cars on the grid. But now the talking ends and the action begins. What is fascinating about this season is that, with a host of top contenders potentially looking evenly matched, the driver – his speed but also his temperament, his ability to make the right decisions at key moments – could really make the difference. As it should be. So, how well prepared, psychologically, are the likes of Falonso et al? How are the mind games shaping up? I attach a cursory selection of recent headlines which might (or might not) give you a superficial indication, with some of my own (loose) interpretation. By the way, I list the drivers in the order in which I am predicting them to finish this season – a hazardous business, I must admit, with nobody seeming to be quite where they should be relative to everyone else. 8 into 1 just doesn’t go...

Wim Expectant

Enc.: Those headlines I was talking about...

DEAR BERNIE: re nationalism in F1

Counterfeit correspondence from a (parallel) F1 universe...

Dear Bernie,

Is it my imagination or is there an increasingly nationalistic air about Formula 1 these days? Looking down the 2010 entry list, many of the teams have marked national associations. First up there’s McLaren and Mercedes GP which, with their all-national driver line-ups this season, I am respectively dubbing Team GB and Team Germany. Further down we have Prancing Horse aka Ferrari, which has long been something of a national flag-carrier. Then there’s Force India, whose website proclaims: “With its name and patriotic logo now incorporating the colours of the Indian flag and its chakra, the team has become a sporting representation of the emerging generation of young, success-hungry, fast paced global Indians and the growing strength of India as a nation”. Meanwhile, one of the new F1 outfits recently changed its name to Hispania Racing, which reportedly “highlights the Spanish roots of the team”. On top of that, had they made it to the grid, we would have had a USF1 Team competing this year (a line on their website explaining that “USF1 is attempting to show that American technology is still the best in the world”). Perhaps it is inevitable that, in a tediously globalised world, sport becomes an outlet for national sentiment. Or perhaps it is just that a national identity is an easier commercial sell for sponsorship and brand placement etc. Either way, I am not sure it is an entirely healthy development...

A. Blogsworth

PS If you happen to want “The Force on your blog”, click here for the Force India logo (pictured) and other downloadable badges.

DEAR BERNIE: from Excited of F1 Fandom

Counterfeit correspondence from a (parallel) F1 universe...

Dear Bernie,

So the new season is just around the corner! I really think this is going to be a good one - a Clash of the Titans, no less. As to who will prevail, I have a hunch for Ernando Falonso, The Spaniard of Prancing Horse. Team Horse have developed what could be a real thoroughbred of a car for 2010, and after a few in-between years this is surely a massive season for Falonso. But outclassing plucky team-mate Melipe Fassa – The Brazilian of Prancing Horse – will be no easy task. Nor will living up to the legacy of The Great One – The German formerly of Prancing Horse. Talking of The Great One, perhaps there will be just a little bit too much ‘old’ in the old master for him to claim yet another driver’s title. Still, something tells me that his team-mate over at Team Germany, Rico Nosberg, is going to have his work cut out to keep up. Meanwhile, expect a strong showing from Team GB – especially if Hewis Lamilton and Benson Jutton can avoid focusing too much on each other. Then there’s Vebastian Settel and Wark Mebber of Team Energy Drink – they will be looking for wins too. On top of which there might be a couple of dark horses. Perhaps even comedy back-markers. And, we hope, racing prevailing over strategy. This is going to be a fantastic season. Isn’t it? Anyway, I’ll write again soon.

Excited of F1 Fandom

PS Click for: (real) 2010 runners and riders; 2010 F1 calendar; F1 world champions

Sports calendar: The Big 10 for 2010

Having taken advantage of one or two quieter moments over the festive season to scour the schedules for the year ahead, quantumofsport.com is proud to present its brand new “Sports calendar 2010”. As ever, it will be a busy 12 months in the world of sport, with a range of top events competing for our attention. The calendar represents our (non-exhaustive) selection of what to look out for. We’ve also picked out – here below – ten of the biggest sporting occasions of the year, restricting ourselves to one entry for each sport we cover on a regular basis: it’s The Big 10 for 2010. Let’s hope there’s plenty of drama in store…

Feb 6-Mar 20, Six Nations rugby (for N. hemisphere fans at least!)
Feb 12-28, Winter Olympics, Vancouver, Canada
Apr 17-May 3, snooker World Championship, Crucible Theatre, Sheffield
May 16, Formula 1 Monaco GP (or any other between Mar 14 and Nov 14!)
Jun 11-Jul 11, soccer World Cup, South Africa
Jun 21-Jul 4, Wimbledon tennis
Jul 3-25, Tour de France (starting in Rotterdam and Brussels)
Oct 1-3, Ryder Cup golf, Celtic Manor, Wales
Oct 3-14, Commonwealth Games, New Delhi, India
Nov 25->, Ashes Test cricket series Australia v England

For the full calendar, click here.