Hi RI, I noticed you haven't followed the caste system so far I certainly don't intend to follow it either. If I post my opinion on here, I do expect others to see it as just that. I have no problem with anyone giving me facts if they wish to enlighten me or correct me on a point, but unless there are facts then my opinion is just as valid as theirs! Anyway, thanks for the welcome RI
Hi Smoggy. Just back to read since I last posted in this thread. I'd like to offer an apology if you felt I was being sanctimonious. However, in spite of reference to what I do, I'd like you to know that that was certainly not my intent. It was simply an attempt to explain the reasoning behind stating my opinion, which was to follow that first sentence. I have no objection to anyone expressing any 'on-topic' view, regardless of whether it is counter to, or strongly disagrees with mine. Indeed, this is what I would expect in any forum. On the point of "there will come a time when JB will have to sprint for himself and not wait for the others to 'punch themselves out' "; I could not agree more! I was not suggesting that what he did at Monaco is always best; just that in this particular instance I believed it to be the wisest strategy, due to the particular, rather unusual circumstances at the time. And I'm with you that fortune often favours the brave (another aspect which a driver must factor in to any and all decisions). By way of example, that is exactly what Button needed to do in 2008 [edit: I meant 2009 of course!] as he allowed his Championship lead to dwindle; finally taking the bull by the horns with a tremendously spirited drive in Brazil. Until that point, I would agree that he had indeed perhaps been too circumspect. My point above was not meant to be a criticism of your opinion, Smoggy. Please don't take it personally that some of the things may have appeared to be at odds with part of your point of view. My point was just my opinion, just as yours was yours and RI's is his. What is important to me is that a debate remains focussed on the subject matter, as you had. I'm still trying to find an answer to this question: "One more thing Cosi, what is the purpose of a race then? ", since I don't really understand what you're getting at, unless you mean precisely what your words say. So, I'll attempt to give an answer (only my opinion of course) in the hope that it helps: The purpose of a race is to compare performance. More specifically, the purpose of a motor-race is to compare the combination of driver/vehicle performance, and if these are sub-divided into teams, a further purpose is to compare the relative performance between those teams. I hasten to add that the purpose of a motor race has nothing to do with entertainment: from a competitor's point of view, this is entirely a side issue: essentially a by-product of the spectacle and appreciation of seeing other people and machines doing extraordinary things, according to the parameters of the particular competition. And RI: I want to emphasise that I have no problem with someone disagreeing about the topic at hand. There is absolutely no reason you should feel this. By all means disagree strongly if you feel that you want to; it makes for healthy and vigorous debate if it remains focussed on-topic and not personalised, or appearing to be a personalised attack. By all means do it. I'm sure that it will add to the forum. Cheers. P.S. Incidentally, I am not taking what has been said as a personal attack. This is just an attempt to clarify my previous post, lest it be misunderstood.
Something else I'd like to add, since there may be some ill-feeling which I'm sure nobody wants. Everybody's opinion is equally valid. And I mean everybody's. The 'title' under a member's name is entirely irrelevant to opinion and should not be taken to imply the validity of any comment from anyone. As far as I am concerned that also goes for the coloured bars, the badges, post counts, 'points' and levels - which I still do not understand, or have a particular interest in - although others might! Just read your post again Smoggy and want to reassure you that I did not disregard your opinion. I am sorry you felt this. My primary interest in fora is to learn: to learn of other's opinions and occasionally present my own where I feel I can make a valid contribution. I do not mind being disagreed with in the least, since it helps get to the root of things - although of course I will try to explain the reasoning behind my point of view, just as I would hope that any reasonable debater would try to establish the ground for his/her particular point of view.
tk poisition is King at Monaco. If you're concentrated on keeping someone behind you then they will stay behind you. No one knows if Vettels tyres would've finished the race or not, but there's no guarantee that anyone would've passed anyone else regardless of their tyres. I can't stand Monaco simply for this reason, guard your inside and no one will get passed. Smoggy, I think Button has become very aggressive compared to his previous seasons, but at Monaco sitting behid someone and waiting for them to make a mistake is better than attempting a rash overtake and crashing. In fact it's about the only way to overtake there, I personally doubt Hamilton would've taken Monaco in the tunnel if Massa's car hadn't been concertina'd between Hamilton and Webber at the hairpin and been damaged front and back
