Lauda Watch: On the F1 show. He reckons Lewis and Nico are a better pairing than Webber and Vettel – thoughts TJ13 viewers?. Also according to Niki, Ross has changed his name from Brawn to Brown???
SKY: Good to see Anthony Davidson back on the screen. He really is quite excellent and Natalie Pinkerton appears to be getting the balance between seriousness and joviality about right for me. She really is a rising star – McLaren launch MC, Hall of fame awards and SKY anchor for the F1 show in Ted’s absence.
Sky viewers are not going to get 3D when the season begins. This is a taster for Mr. E, as they pitch to take over from FOM. The reason FOM cannot deliver 3D is they only broadcast for a limited time. SKY have a number of such broadcasts so already have the uber expensive technology.
For thos of who saying SKY don’t care about UK viewers, if this is true it is because their fee’s are small fry in the bigger F1 picture.
Here’s the day so far in pictures. Today will be interesting, track temperatures were up to 18 degrees by 11am CET, so for the first time since Jerez – where the track was too abrasive, we will see some out and out pace laps this afternoon.
There’s some interesting technical pics along with the Kimi bad news story below… Click on the first picture and you’ll get the bigger version and can then scorll through the rest..
Apparently Williams do something on twitter today, only done before by Hamitlon – even I’m intrigued. Please enlighten us John….
… haha Fernando thinks he’s found a way to avoid the press…
…and just around the corner…
A few people finishing up breakfast
The last technical meeting of the test… never seen the inside like this before!
Just let me sleep for a bit longer please!!
…Lets crack on guys…..
Williams tell us over 500 different pieces of info coming from car sensors
..Dicke Stanford – team manager – don’t text me… I’m behind you
Zzzzz ZZzzzzz
.. Williams insist when not driving, the driver sticks around garage – Mmm, Lotus could lern something
Watch your back Valtteri. She may be a Wolff in sheeps clothing
…final checks done….ready to go Pastor?
… Hulk ready for the off … hopes he’s got boots that fit
Sauber diffuser detail….
….interesting front wing…
….compare this…
…with this….
Mr Mechanic, better be careful with that rubber bubble nose…
Some gardening going on with that rake?
…Quickly…..
Made it … Why the secrecy… its a..
Red Bull livery 2013 – they are trying for car that impersonates a rainbow closest award
…Jules Verne Sci Fi – Bianchi Chrome Dome Helmet
…marussia much longer wheel base this year… but not quite the longest … who has that?
Good view of Marussia front wing…
Marussia say this is a pic of their pitstop practice. Mmm.
… nope he’s still out there lads…
Up there is mostly press and corporate guests…
…Somebody naked whilst getting dresses?
Unprecidented secretive behaviour this year at testing
…. maybe a roof next…..
See how exhaust is blown onto the floor, and the fence keeps air away from the tyres
The floor of the Ferrari is painted white today
Nice detail of the foils on the F138 front wing
…who turned left there?
..Grosjean sends us this – Kimi’s ‘food’ poisoning is over …
Half way through morning – Kimi done 1 lap
…very unusual to see the doors completely shut – Lotus got big problems?
Nico has just ;gone about’ he is now on a port tack. Sail working well
… jib set and we’re off….with a fair wind…
….And on softs sets the fastest lap of the Winter…
…that towael soaks up heat when the car returns to the garage…
Lane through paddock much busier when cars are running
Pic. Why has no one ask#d him how Caterham 2013 compares with the Marussia 2012.
..Exhaust outlets more conventional now
…Looks better than it is I’m afraid….
…steely eyed Jock….
Paul’s off now too….
Quicl quiz – guess the team
Stadium section before the chicane, a few people now in…
8 mins to lunch in Kimi’s ready…is the car?
Gear box problem … going to run without exhaust cover to squeeze a few pre lunch laps in
…..and its a swift exit….
….Kimi finally gets under way…
….Michael jackson style – where’s the other glove?
…and back for lunch….
…And lunch it is….
The Judge, a nom de plume of an experienced F1 journalist and site founder with long-standing sources across the paddock. With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
Fantastic montage! Think Mr Lauder is talking shit though….
Thank you. Not spoken before. Keep popping by they’re a friendly bunch here.
Looks like Benson and Anderson have just anointed Mercedes as constructors WC’s. The only question is which one of the Mercedes drivers will win the drivers WC.
Could understand Benson saying this, surprised at Gary. Maybe Benson overstated what he said.
I predict more changes at Mercedes soon… they will appoint one Surrey man known as R.D to turn up occasionally at races and one known as M.W
The second driver N.R will be replaced by briton Jenson B from Frome and while not later change the green trimming into Rocket Red colour and make a more silvery paint … 🙂 All this in order to make them a WDC winning team
PMSL. Can you write?
Was just that Dicke Stanford tweeted an image of the technical team briefing, apparently first time that was done. Social media working to bring the fans closer to the sport… not as close as Lewis though 😀