As to the question of the Canadian GP - the Magic 8 Ball says it is on "definitely." I'm booking my hotel!

I have my fingers crossed that the magic 8 ball is in deed accurate gridgirl. As for the question you have about the Avatar, I can say that I am having the same problems. I have tried to change mine a couple of times, and it won't change. This has been happening ever since Speed changed the Login proccedures a few weeks back. When they did that there was a box on the main page, where the Nascar add is now, that gave you several options about sending e-mails to the Speed forum people. I did infact have an issue at the beginning, where I was not able to view the all comments sections. So I did send them several e-mails, and the problem was rectified very quickly. But that communications box has now been replaced by an advertising box, and so far I have not found any other reference as to how to communicate with the folks that actually handle the technical matters on this forum, as I would also like to know what the problem with the Avatar is. If anyone reading this may have any answers, do please post them.

I see the Hamilton quotes as just the opposite. Let's jsut say this: Kimi is definately not going to McLaren, so by saying he would be a great teammate it makes them look less scared of competition and more thrilled by it.

I could be wrong too, but that's how I see it. Either way it looks like something is a done deal, and that Heikki is definately out.

I would tend to agree DaFoose, the comments could be seen in two different ways, but you are probably right about Heikki, and that a deal has been done with his replacement.

Kudos to Sir Frank! In this sanitized world of modern racing, he will not allow any step that would help progress by one of his rivals, no matter what. Therefore, his 2009 drivers stay put until magically 2010 appears on the calendar. I am amazed at that kind of nerve by anyone. The McLaren news from Daddy Hamilton is probably smokescreen at best. If Mercedes Benz must dance according to the McLaren piper, Daddy Hamilton has no effect on the draconian decisions by McLaren on driver choices. McLaren will allow (and maybe instigate) this kind of news release from Daddy H. to hide the unbelievable news on how they strong armed MB at the Abu Dhabi negotiating table. If I'm the head of MB, I'm telling the F1 engine group to send McLaren the "special" engines next year. Watch for McLaren reliability to be less than stellar next year, and Force India and Brawn to run just fine. Or look for MB to leave sooner rather than later. Crazy you say? Why would they stay if McLaren dominates MB business strategies, and they have no F1 presence in North America at all. Bernie and Ron Dennis really know how to make a company feel welcome. Honda, BMW, Toyota, Bridgestone and then MB. It doesn't seem so preposterous now, does it? Hide and watch!

DaFoose - 04 November 2009 05:10 PM

I see the Hamilton quotes as just the opposite. Let's jsut say this: Kimi is definately not going to McLaren, so by saying he would be a great teammate it makes them look less scared of competition and more thrilled by it.

I could be wrong too, but that's how I see it. Either way it looks like something is a done deal, and that Heikki is definately out.

I'll go waywayway out on a limb and say Räikkönen will be at Brawn if he will be in F1 at all - if Mercedes is willing to guarantee his terms. The bloom seems to be off the Mercedes/McLaren partnership, and the engine contract is up in 2011. We already know Merc has been bigfooting the driver negotiations at both teams. Meanwhile, they're also said to be contemplating a 75% buyout of Brawn GP. I don't think they want Hamilton and Räikkönen on the wrong end of a messy break-up with McLaren.

For their part, McLaren gets the priceless fan service of a British dream team starring the two most recent WDCs. Which is pretty much what they've asked for anyway.

Sure, I'm probably wrong, but think of the return on that bet if I'm not!

gridgirl - 04 November 2009 03:22 PM

Will do. Hey do any of you guys know how to get my avatar up on there when I post? I've chosen my photo a ton of times and it never gets on!

This forum will be closed in 3 weeks so don't waste your time. Get your picture up in the new forum.

I would have to ask you Watkins74, what the basis is for your comment. As to grid girl's guestion, please see post 22 on this thread, I'am afraid thats the best I could do.

cdnfan - 04 November 2009 11:28 PM

I would have to ask you Watkins74, what the basis is for your comment. As to grid girl's guestion, please see post 22 on this thread, I'am afraid thats the best I could do.

Are you unaware that Speed is beta testing an entirely new forum? This entire forum, all sections included, will be archived as read-only on Nov. 30th and everyone will have to move to the new one. I see no articles discussion section there. You'll have to match wits with the good folks on the F1 forum. ... and you think I'm a jerk.

And as you have asked of me before, where are the facts behind your statement.