It is here; can you feel the anticipation? That’s right, the start of the 2009 Formula One season. There are many changes for the coming season as Bernie Ecclestone and Max Mosely try to reel in the costs of fielding a ride on the F1 grid. Bernie is his usual cocky self, but Max had a bit of a rough year last year (If you aren’t familiar, do click the link; it is an, interesting story. The hot and kinky video here).
The big news for the 2009 campaign are the new rules on engine and car design intended to equalize competition and reduce costs across the sport. A very cool video is provided and it is narrated by Sebastian Vettel of the Toro Rosso (Red Bull) team. Here is a good written synopsis of the new rules.
Enough of the chit chat, let’s get down to business. The opening race of the year is down under in glorious Australia. The Australian GP is run at Albert Park in Melbourne (circuit diagram here). Here is the grid of teams and drivers for 2009. Toyota and Mercedes looked hot in practice last night. Qualifying is starting tonight soon after I post this; coverage on SpeedTV. The race will be live tomorrow night on SpeedTV at 1:30 am EST and 10:30 pm PST/FDL time.
Same as every year, my heart rides with Ferrari. Always has, always will. There is a reason Ferrari Red is blood red, that is what the heart pumps. Felipe Massa will, I think, again be ahead of Kimi Raikkonen. Both will be trying to reclaim the crown for Ferrari from Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes-McLaren. Keep an eye out for young Robert Kubica though, the guy is an up and coming talent behind the wheel.
Also on tap this weekend is the Elite Eight in NCAA Basketball. My brackets got semtex exploded Thursday with both Duke, and the team I picked to win the Championship, Memphis, getting taken out. I am truly screwed in my group pool. Oh well, what ya gonna do? Good golly did Missouri and Villanova look good though. Louisville absolutely kicked the you know what out of my local Arizona Wildcats. Oklahoma ripped Syracuse. Michigan St. and Carolina round out the Elite Eight. Who ya got? Trash is open!