You both have the same ISP, which have dynamic IP addresses. You must be trying to sign in on one someone's been banned on. I'll ask to have it unblocked on the mod board. Edit: If it happens again, try switching your modem on and off.
Your points seem far more valid when presented like this, Basil; and for that reason, I think this post justifies a further response. [1] I think people want to get involved because they enjoy the forum and feel that they can express an opinion here. Similarly, I did not sense anyone suggesting you should not be allowed to express yours. As for the validity of beliefs about beliefs, clearly I was unsuccessful in trying to make my point earlier, for which I apologise. [2] Am I right in believing that you think one should not express an opinion without absolute proof? Whilst it might be nice if nothing was ever disputed, surely one of the purposes of a forum is to learn from each other through an exchange of ideas and information, some of which, like yours (I refer you to your valid question, "Why not just let me have my opinions?"), can only ever be an expression of opinion. But surely this does not make your opinion invalid? [3] I found value in GUEST's comment. He/she expressed an opinion I happen to agree with. But although I share his/her expressed opinion, unfortunately I too risk your dismissal, since I can offer no tangible proof for an opinion which has formed over many years. In fact, I cannot even prove that my last sentence is valid! Opinion is, after all, an interpretation of what one believes to be fact, regardless of whether one can express it. [4] Great stuff! This is what makes for good debate isn't it? - Especially when it is done in such a respectful manner. We all have different opinions, both in the way we form them and express them; and the way we form opinions about what makes 'opinion' valid in the first place! I believe this, your fourth point, is very valid indeed; but surely it is only by sharing information that we form any interpretation of what might constitute a 'fact'; since - in the most literal sense - experience rather than instinct is the only way to arrive at any belief of any so-called 'fact'?- - -o0o- - - As a bit of fun: I believe that I am typing in green. This is because I learned through having been told without proof, that this colour is called 'green'; and that subsequent experience has not required me to question my firm but ultimately unprovable belief. I can only trust that you agree about what is green. I believe it is likely that you will, but only because my personal experience tells me that people tend to agree about my opinion that it is green, so long as they understand what is being described by the word I am attempting to communicate it with. - Yet how can I prove that this is not red? Proofs are ultimately a matter of faith which we believe others agree with.
Well, Ernie, I have to disagree on both points. Last year Hamilton was frequently unable to match Button's consistency, tactical intelligence and outright race pace. While Button was taking the fight to Vettel, Hamilton was much further down the road hitting Massa. By the end of the season Hamilton was 43 points behind - he had six podiums, Button had twelve. For me it's quite clear that Hamilton was comfortably outperformed by Button. As for Kovalainen, in 2008 he let Hamilton past in Germany, France and Britain. There's no solid proof that any were team orders, but then we also can't prove there were team orders in Germany 2010. You'd be very naive if you thought Ron Dennis kept things equal between his drivers. Hamilton was given updates before Kovalainen. Kovalainen usually had more fuel than Hamilton in Q3 and the less favourable strategy. The only reason it's equal at McLaren now is because Whitmarsh signed Button.
Interesting. Although I disagree with your terminology "comfortably outperformed", I accept your general assessment of Button's dominance during 2011. It is reasonable and logical. As for Kovalainen, the times when he "let Hamilton past" were because he was already well out of contention for the World Championship. And whilst you agree there was no proof of team orders, we should remember that at the time the rules did allow them; although I agree that there were no tacit instructions in any case, even if his lowly standing in the points may have contributed to feeling somewhat obligated to do so. This is totally unlike the situation with Massa, which was a reminder of some of the darker Schumacher days. For a start, wasn't he almost equal to Alonso's points tally when it happened? Secondly: team-orders were explicitly outlawed in 2010! (And I'm sure you will recall Rob Smedley's radio message without disputing its intent). And finally, I'd like to express the opinion that you have over-simplified your conclusions about the McLaren management. Ron Dennis gave Hamilton and Alonso an equal hand. Indeed, it was Hamilton overtaking Alonso in qualifying that first annoyed Dennis (because he likes to stick to a pre-ordained plan), which led to Alonso deliberately obstructing Hamilton in the pits to prevent him from getting a final qualifying lap in! Thus it was that Hamilton was certainly not being given a team advantage or preference in 2007 and this carried on with Kovalainen's arrival the following year. 2007 was also the year which precipitated Ron Dennis' withdrawal from the team as its Principal and the disproportionately punitive measures taken against McLaren (in my opinion) of the most gigantic fine in the history of world sport during the whole of mankind's existence on this planet (as far as I know!). Thus, things were equal at McLaren well before Button's arrival. They even allowed an FIA 'policeman' to watch their every move because of Alonso's outcry, during the year his was teamed with Hamilton! And, as I'm sure you are aware, nothing was ever found to suggest favouritism of any kind whatsoever, and this is back in 2007! Oh one more thing, Forza; just a little thing really: I ain't Ernie! - But thanks for the compliment. I'm sure it was a simple error on your part, but in case it was deliberate: in the whole history of contributing to F1 fora, I've always retained the same name, and have no intention of ever altering that tradition. Cheers.
Well played, McForza. - cosi, you might want to check the post to which Forza was replying (and call to mind the di Resta thread). Team orders were explicitly outlawed from 2002 until 2011, cosi, and I think "out of contention" is very subjective, unlike "mathematically impossible". McLaren have shown favouritism to one driver over another before (Hakkinen, for example) but there are many examples of equality and managing two enormous talents and egos.
Afterthought which should be here right at the top. Forza Ferrari: if what I now think is indeed true, I congratulate your subtlety, which Genji has kindly steered me at with almost as much subtlety - and confess it went straight over my head! Nice one. Thanks. And my most humble apologies. P.S. I wrote the above at the end of this post, but it really justifies being the first thing you read; hence it's headline. Thanks for your input Genji, but I confess I have no clue … aah hang on a second … did I refer to Forza as 'McFerrari'? I did didn't I ?! (typing my thoughts as they occur here!). Woops. I've not yet looked at the thread which you refer to but obviously I have made an error. I am as impressed as ever at your comprehensive awareness of what goes on here in not606, Genji. This is not a criticism of anyone, but you really ought to be at least a moderator here. In fact, you really ought to be running this whole site! Forza: please accept my apology. McFerrari: please accept my apology. Everyone else: please accept countless apologies for all my other errors which Genji, and untold others, may have been too polite to point out! And yes, I had a senior moment - nay, a total seizure - when referring to team orders! Right. Where was I? Oh yeah, getting me coat (and 'at to 'ide me face beyind)…
Oh yes, that would certainly ensure polite discourse, smooth operation, and a relaxed approach to organisation!
I wonder whether its days like these, that are really the reason why Lewis is delaying? You wouldn't blame him.
Looks like McLaren are back to stage one for signing Lewis. Mercedes is looking more and more appealing I reckon after those catastrophic pit stops.
I agree for 3 seasons now that team have produced podium fighting cars, 2010 was good, 2011 not so much but strong at the start. Enter 2012 and it looks a bloody race winner. The team only needs massive funding from somewhere and they could challenge the WDC+WCC, Lewis could help bring that in. And a Kimi, Lewis lineup, wow!
Least Lewis's car finished. He was the lucky McLaren. Which just goes to show what a shambles that team is. As for who to go to who knows. Lotus looked good today but so have 5 other teams already this year.
Knee jerk reactions anyone? Mclaren had a disappointing race with not having a well balanced car and it did not use the tyres very well at all, but they were also very unlucky this race as well. Not to mention it is only one race, they still have one of the fastest cars on the grid.
I dont think they do have one of the fastest cars any more and I think the drivers in general are flattering the car - alot of people have made reference to Lewis driving within himself, but I honestly believe he and Jenson are driving as fast as they can. Europe will give a better reflection of true and relative pace after the testing and upgrades due by all teams are implemented - I expect them to do well in Canada.
Were they unlucky in China (same pitstop issue) and Malaysia (weather conditions not suiting the car) as well? Considering they had allegedly the fastest car, they have not succeeded at all in taking advantage of that fact in these opening 4 races. Alonso's win in Malaysia will definitely come back to haunt them if Ferrari get their car together, and Vettel's leading the championship. It's been poor from Mclaren these last two races. And they're not giving the car to Button and Hamilton for Mugello either - they must be confident in Paffett and Turvey's feedback because otherwise they're up a creek without an object even resembling a paddle.
Hamilton will re-sign with McLaren, i can't see Mercedes signing a non-german, and if they do, it would be Di Resta, as he already has links to them (DTM)
Jenson and Lewis are making the car look at lot better than it is because its behind Red Bull, Lotus and Mercedes; and only just ahead of Ferrari and Sauber. I also can't believe they are using Gary and Oilver for the ONLY test during a season, they really know how to shoot themselves in the foot like today. Lewis certainlly has a lot of leverage if he wants to sign a new contract.
Still think McLaren have the best car. Red Bull and Lotus had a stronger package this weekend but I suspect it was just the conditions favouring them, nobody makes the step forward they have in less than a week. Using Turvey for the test is bizarre, Paffett does a lot of development and simulator work so I can understand them wanting him to drive.
