In a matter of weeks, the drivers’ market has upended itself.  The world champion has left his team and joined the 2008 world champion.  The 2007 world champion is out of racing, his spot taken by the 2005-2006 world champion.  A seven-time world champion is thinking of returning to the grid. 

Got it? 

No one was surprised when two-time world champion Fernando Alonso was announced at Ferrari.  Then, with Kimi Raikkonen seemingly ousted from the scuderia and Toyota announcing its withdrawal from the sport, Jenson Button landed at McLaren.  This earth-shattering news came just weeks after Button won the 2009 title for Brawn. 

My head is beginning to hurt.

At first blush, Button’s move seems hard to explain.  Brawn had thrown him a lifeline after Honda pulled the plug on its adventure in team ownership.  Brawn cleverly exploited the regulations in creating a double-diffuser that placed its car at the sharp end, landing Button his first world championship and a second consecutive British champion.

Button predictably increased his salary demands.  Brawn should have seen this coming, and to not have recognized Button’s increased worth was a mistake.  Perhaps Brawn thought Button would stay out of loyalty.  A quick glance at some of Button’s career moves suggests that he is less than reliable when it comes to cashing in on a promise.

My theory is that Button sensed a resurgent McLaren at the end of the year, once the other teams had caught up to Brawn and Red Bull’s “unfair advantage”.  We saw the title contenders close in on Button at the end of the year.  Possibly, Button calculated that Brawn would never meet his salary demands, whereas McLaren was happy to shell out for two British champions .  Button’s move is characteristic of his career trajectory, similar to his on-again, off-again move to Williams several years ago. 

Raikonnen’s disappearance from the grid next season is hard to explain, although rumors are floating that he will replace Button at the newly rebranded Mercedes F1 team, the three-pointed star having bought Brawn (and presumably thinking Button as well), being shocked to find out that longtime “partner” Ron Dennis had just bought Button for McLaren.  I saw that as a nice “f– you” to Norbert Haug for buying Honda, and a middle finger firmly directed at Ross Brawn for sorting out the double diffuser first.

Now Eddie Jordan, of all people, is saying that Mercedes is in negotiations to sign Michael Schumacher.  The Schumacher-Raikonnen pairing was a near-miss when Michael retired, but it’s obvious from his aborted comeback of earlier this year that the fire burns.   Remember that his comeback was stopped cold by a neck injury.  This could be a pairing for the ages, or a disaster for either driver.

I questioned this story but wondered why Eddie Jordan would put it out without having some sense of the facts.  Eddie’s been known to stretch the truth (in fact, one might argue that’s what got him in to F1), but this is a big chunk of gossip to throw out there without a firm belief in its truth.  Eddie still likes his credibility.

It has all the makings for an incredible 2010.  Alonso in a Ferrari is mouth-watering.  With a decent car, Alonso could easily win his third title and bring the championship home to Maranello next season.  Notice I don’t mention Felipe; I’m sorry but his injuries are too severe for him to be the same driver who nearly won the title in 2008.  Michael in a Mercedes, alongside Raikonnen, is the matchup we all waited for when Kimi went to Maranello.  And two world champions in silver cars, rising above it all.

Briga equilibradíssima em 2010

Bom dia, fufeiros. Aqui em London está chovendo, infelizmente, mas as perspectivas para uma tarde ensolarada são boas, então fico na torcida.

Como hoje não há muito o que falar, pensei em fazer uma rápida enquete para vocês me ajudarem em uma questão que não consigo resolver desde ontem: quem tem a dupla mais forte para 2010, Ferrari ou McLaren?

Alonso, bicampeão mundial, melhor piloto do grid. Felipe Massa, o cara que mais evoluiu de 2006 para cá e também o cara que dominou Kimi-Matias pela primeira vez na carreira do finlandês. Dois pilotos de muito talento, sem sombra de dúvida.

Mas do outro lado temos Lewis Hamilton, campeão de 2008, e Jenson Button, atual campeão. Button, muitos irão argumentar, é o mais fraco da turma, mas não concordo. Ele tem consistência em corrida e é extramente regular (e veloz) nestas condições. Pode até estar ligeiramente abaixo, mas é diferença tão sutil que não me atrevo a cravar sua inferioridade. Ele tem um estilo próprio, e que se provou eficiente em 2009. Em 2010, com carros lotados de gasolina, sua tocada tranqüila poderá ser uma carta na manga.

E sobre Luisinho World Champion, nem preciso falar. É um tremendo piloto, velocíssimo e dos mais agressivos do grid.

A parada está difícil, e peço a ajuda de todos vocês. Quem tem a dupla mais forte para 2010? Ferrada ou McLata?

Um ótimo domingão para todos nós! Beijundas.

PS: Não incluí a dupla da Red Bull por algumas razões. Primeiro que nenhum dos pilotos têm título mundial – contra fatos não há argumentos. E segundo que Mark Webber me parece um claro motivo para descarte imediato. Alguém discorda?

A FIPE liberou uma pesquisa dos carros mais caros do Brasil, mas apenas os vendidos normalmente, pois a um tempo atrás, desembarcaram por aqui, 4 Paganis Zonda, e cada um deles custava mais de 4 milhões, e, por incrível que pareça, TINHA MAIS DE 4 DISPUTANDO POR ELES!
Enquanto o mais barato do Brasil é o Fiat Uno, custando R$ 23.638, o mais caro é uma Ferrari F599 GTB Fiorano (foto), que pode ser sua pela “bagatela” de R$ 2.420.246. Em 2º, 3º, 4º, 5º e 6º lugar, estão mais algums Ferraris. Já em 7º lugar, mas não menos caro, vem uma Maserati Gran Turismo S, por “apenas” R$ 844.174.
Pouco mais abaixo, em 11º lugar, está o recém lançado Porsche Panamera Turbo, que sai por R$ 737.765.
No último lugar dessa lista, está a Mercedes S600 L, mais baratinha, sai por R$ 642.586.
É tudo louco, não é ? E você, comprava uma Ferrari de mais de 2.4 milhões de reais ?

commento inviato il 21-07-2009 alle 06:58 da Gianni Marangon una grande occasione persa Mi dispiace che molti al fattaccio diano connotazioni strumentalmente politiche ,anzi ogni qualvolta la politica entra nello sport gli effetti sono devastanti e non fanno altro che allontanare l’attenzione dai veri problemi; in questo caso non sono altro che l’incapacità dei dirigenti veneti a tutti i livelli di portare avanti un discorso unitario in prospettiva Celtic league, basterebbe leggere, informarsi sulla genesi dell’evento, l’ha fatto il sottoscritto che vive in

Sicilia,per rimanere allibiti .Ho sempre saputo che il rugby veneto vive di grandi rivalità ma davanti alla prospettiva di far rivivere i Dogi non più per incontri occasionali ma per delle vere e proprie sfide in competizioni internazionali sui campi di tutta europa , rappresentando l’intera regione e

dando un’ulteriore stimolo allo sviluppo di tutto il movimento veneto, avrebbe

convinto tutti ad uno sforzo comune, per raggiungere questo grande obiettivo,

così come ci insegna il nostro gioco.Invece abbiamo letto e sentito di tutto dai

vari Rosolen ,Vecchi, Lorigiola,Pipitone, il duo Zatta-Munari,che tracotanza

questi due, in un festival d’indifferenza,diffidenza,arroganza,pronti a cogliere

ognuno il suo piccolo vantaggio,che delusione!Anche se Treviso fosse stata

scelta per le modalità con cui si sono svolti i fatti,non ci sarebbe da andarne orgogliosi.Pensate come mettervi d’accordo, forse siete ancora in tempo, ma

soprattutto non permettete ai parolai della politica d’intrufolarsi.

Ma una parte di responsabilita’ di quanto accaduto, e’ da addebitare al Treviso che a mio avviso non doveva presentare la solo canditatura,peccando di presunzione,ma coivolgere altre realta’ territoriali,dimostrando alla FIR che vi e’ un movimento veneto ricco di storia,tradizioni e competenza.Ma la cosa Grava e Clamorosa,e’ che escludendo il Treviso non si e’ considerato il movimento Veneto la dove vi sono un quarto dei tesserati.Che la Firr abbia dimostrato incapacita’ nella gestione del movimento nazionle lo si e’ visto cedendo a SKAI i diritti delle sei Nazioni.A discapito di tanti tifosi che certamente non faranno l’abbonamento a SKAI.

E quindi visto che chi semina vento raccoglie tempesta,alla prima occasione utile lo hanno bastonato commento inviato il 20-07-2009 alle 17:17 da angelo è bene rifletterci sopra non è tanto scandalosa la scelta delle compagini per la Celtic League rugbystica, quanto il tentativo – finora riuscito – di accentrare tutto lo sport nella capitale, vedi il centro Tirrenia dove confluiscono tutti i migliori atleti delle varie discipline e vengono affidati a tecnici del luogo, tralasciando o meglio estromettendo i veri “maestri” che hanno forgiato i campioncini.

Che la Benetton Rugby abbia (forse) peccato di immodestia non è materia di discussione od illazioni, quel che conta è analizzare il comportamento della FIR nell’ottica complessiva del panorama sportivo italiano, e cioè che si è adeguata alle altre federazioni sportive integrandosi nella corte dei plenipotenziarii, che sicuramente dello sport e della sportività ora ricordano solo il nome e non più i principii, quest’ultimi molto sentiti e seguiti nel mondo del rugby.

Fonte: www.gazzettino.it

Elérkeztünk a Száguldó Cirkusz azon szakaszába, amelyik bombahírektől és bombapletykáktól hangos: bár a pályán semmi sem történik, most alakul ki a 2010-es felállás, és a pilótapiac „felszabadulásával” egyre erőteljesebben pusztítják a csapatok a kérdőjeleket. Ettől függetlenül van belőlük bőven, és még hosszú ideig találkozhatunk megválaszolatlan kérdésekkel.

Jövőre 13 csapat indul, minden istálló két pilótát vonultat fel. A teljes mezőnyből mindössze négy csapat ismertette mindkét versenyzőjének a kilétét:

Red Bull: Sebastan Vettel (német) és Mark Webber (ausztrál) – tehát a 2009-es felállás.
McLaren Mercedes: Lewis Hamilton (brit) és Jenson Button (brit) – az utóbbi évek legerősebb felállásának tekinthetjük abból a szempontból, hogy két világbajnokot vonultat fel a csapat. Utoljára 1989-ben volt példa arra, hogy két, már világbajnok pilóa ugyanazon csapatban versenyezzen: a francia Alain Prost és a brazil Ayrton Senna éppen a McLaren színeiben rótta a köröket, és csúnya marakodástt eredményezett a „bajnokok harca”.
Ferrari: Felipe Massa (brazil) és Fernando Alonso (spanyol) – a maranellóiak fizettek Räikkönennek, hogy 2010-re még érvényes szerződése ellenére hagyja el a csapatot.
Williams: Nico Hülkenberg (német) és Rubens Barrichello (brazil) – Hülkenberget az a Wili Weber menedzseli, aki korábban a Schumacher-testvéreket is „beszervezte” a Forma–1-be.

További négy csapat már hivatalosan bejelentette a szerződését az egyik pilótájával:

Renault: Robert Kubica (lengyel). A francia gyártó lehetőségei között elsősorban a már idén kipróbált francia Romain Grosjean szerepel, de korántsem biztos, hogy ő kapja a másik autót.
Toro Rosso: Sebastien Buemi (svájci).
Manor: Timo Glock (német).
Campos: Bruno Senna (brazil) – a fiatal dél-amerikai tehetség a néhai Ayrton Senna unokaöccse.

A Brawn GP utódja, a Mercedes GP egyik pilótája a német Nico Rosberg – annak ellenére, hogy a szerződést hivatalosan még nem közölték. A világbajnok csapat másik 2010-es versenyzője több mint valószínű, hogy a szintén német Nick Heidfeld. Kavarog a hír Michael Schumacher szerződtetéséről – aki egyébként elérte, hogy a Ferrarihoz kapcsoló tanácsadói szerződését bármikor felbonthassa –, de a szerződés életképességéről eléggé megosztott a vélemény.

Szinte biztos, hogy a Force Indiánál megmarad Adrian Sutil. Bár az idén kiválóan versenyző németet korábban a McLarennel is összefüggésbe hozták, jelenleg egyetlen lehetősége az átigazoláshoz a BMW utódcsapata, a Sauber-Qadhok. Az indiai csapat tehát az egyes számú pilótájában sem lehet biztos, a második számú pedig ennél is nagyobb rejtély.

Az említett Sauber csapat mellett a visszatérő Lotus és az újonc amerikai US F1 berkeiben még nincs konkrétan megnevezett pilóta. Eléggé nagy a valószínűsége, hogy az amerikai csapat színeiben visszatér 1997 kanadai világbajnoka, Jacques Villeneuve, viszont egyre több pletykát hallani a tengerentúliak felkészületlenségéről. Számos szakértő kétségbe vonja a US F1 2010-es indulását.

A bejegyzés végére pedig érdekességnek: Ross Brawn jelképes összegért, 1 fontért vásárolta fel a Forma–1-es bukás után a Honda-csapatot. A Brawn által felpofozott csapat megnyerte a konstruktőri vb-t, és az egyéni világbajnokot is – Buttont – ő adta. Ma a csapat értéke mintegy 245 millió dollár – derült ki, miután a Mercedest birtokló Daimler és részvényese, az Abar 184,2 milliót fizetett a 75,1 százalékos többségi tulajdonért.

Kovács Hont-Imre

Schumi Going Green?

And no… I do not mean environmentally friendly. After initial reports tipped Nick Heidfeld and Nico Rosberg for the drives at Mercedes GP (formerly Brawn GP), rumours have surfaced about another German bumping Heidfeld from the running. Former F1 team owner, and established race analyst Eddie Jordan, has stated his belief that retired, 7 time world champion Michael Schumacher, will now prospectively be the number one at Mercedes, which will place even more certainty on the impending departure of Kimi Raikkonen from F1, for the next year at least. Of course, this is still all up in the air. Michael faces a fair bit of red tape including gaining medical clearance, being released from his current contract at Ferrari… not to mention the physical wear and tear on that F1 will put on his body… how much more he can take has he suits up at the ripe age of 40? While it would be amazing to see the greatest driver of our generation take to the world’s circuits once more, we should remember that all of these talks could be surrounding a consultative move, comparable to his role with Ferrarri currently.

Jordan did comment that the contract would likely only last a year as the general thought is that Mercedes ultimately want Sebastian Vettel as soon as he becomes available… which could be as early as next year depending on any extensions and or/options that are extended in his contract at Red Bull Racing. This also pushes Heidfeld into drivers no-mans land, which is somewhat disappointing because many feel that while he has not always had the most flattering results in the series, that he is a bona fide competitor and that he could without a doubt be a solid contributor to any team in search of winning the constructor’s title. Stay tuned to cheddarbomb.wordpress.com for an upcoming breakdown of Teams and their driver selection to date.

Mercedes Loves Germans

Heartless from my previous post is back!

Heartless : *pops head out* Hello guys, check out my new ride.

(I love this picture a lot). ↑

Heartless : *closing door* , this is my Ferrari 348 ts. ↑

Heartless : How you like my new ride? >=P
(actually Ferrari 348 ts is a very old model)

Author : Took these while making FIS Video Presentation. I will be away (or rarely online) for revision. By the way, Chloe Screening is this 28th Nov 09, hope that the event turns out good. =] More photos is coming.

Sigh, Heartless is now one legged. (lost its leg).

Eccoci finalmente, dopo due giorni torniamo ad aggiornare il blog.

Ci eravamo lasciati fuori dalla Monument Valley. Bene, la mattina siamo andati a visitare il parco: all’interno del Navajo Park si estende un percorso di 27 km che ti fa girare in auto in una strada sterrata.

Uno spettacolo meraviglioso, unico. Queste immense rocce regalano degli scenari mozzafiato.

Dopo pranzo, abbiamo preso la statale 191 direzione Holbrook: un paese a 275 km a sud della monument valley. Holbrook è una piccola cittadina che veniva percorsa dalla vecchia strada madre, la Route 66 che si estendeva da Chicago a San Francisco.

In questa piccola città si possono ancora trovare motel e distributori con il simbolo Route 66.

A 35 km ad est di Holbrook siamo andati a visitare il  Petrified Forest National Monument: un parco che conserva una foresta di alberi pietrificati.  Milioni di anni fa un affluente del fiume colorado ha trasportato a valle centinaia di tronchi, che con l’esposizione al sole del deserto e a contatto con delle polveri sono diventati fossili. Questi tronchi regalano dei giochi di luci meravigliosi.

Holbrook era anche il nostro giro di boa: dopo 1590 km e  4 stati abbiamo ripreso la stada per Los Angeles. Visto e considerato i km che ci separavano dalla città degli angeli abbiamo deciso di fare una piccola pausa di una notte a Las Vegas, all’ Excalibur Hotel.

Per arrivare a Las Vegas da Holbrook abbiamo percorso l’autostrada I-40 che in parte sostituisce la vecchia route 66. Prima di arrivare a Sin City ci siamo fermati in un piccolo paesino di villeggiatura che è Flagstaff. Abbiamo pranzato in un ristorantino tailandese davvero fantastico.

Questa è una macchina abbandonata lungo la vecchia Route 66.

Ora siamo appena arrivati a Redondo Beach, circa 5 km a sud dal molo di Santa Monica a Los Angeles.  Ci restano ancora tre giorni qua a LA, e dobbiamo vedere ancora molte cose e sopratutto, tanta tanta festa.

Pictured above are drawings from a patent recently filed by Ferrari for a new door opening. Ferrari claims it is both radical and practical. What makes it unique is that the door includes part of the front fender. According to Autoblog, it also “hinges upward like the butterfly door from a LeMans racer.” I can’t understand the patent drawings even slightly though.

The opening is designed so that “occupants can place their foot directly behind the front wheel.” It works just as well with front-engined cars as it does with mid and rear-engined cars. The design is reportedly “easy and cost-effective to make.”

Autoblog noticed an issue with the A-pillar and windscreen, and I think I see what they mean, but I still can’t make much sense of the patent drawings. Anyone mind helping out?

Source: Autoblog

Michael Schumacher, holder of an insane amount of Formula 1 records, including the most drivers championships won, may be returning to Formula 1 to race with Mercedes-Benz GP, previously known as Brawn GP, but now taken over by Mercedes, hence the new name.

Mercedes has done a lot for Schumacher. He begun his career racing sportscars there, and they helped him get into Formula 1. Now, Mercedes is giving him a chance to return the sport. They want him as their lead driver. Currently, Schumacher is under a contract with Ferrari, but BCC F1 pundit Eddie Jordan says “…I understand he was due to meet Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo with a view to him being released – and that it will be approved because it is in the interests of F1.” Strangely enough, I saw another article which seems to contradict Autocar’s, saying that he has been sacked from the Formula 1 team as advisor. Mind you, it also mentions that he’s still working with them in the road car department, so perhaps that’s the contract they are talking about.

Jordan told the BBC “I also believe Ross and Michael have spoken in recent times and that Michael likes the idea of driving a Mercedes run by Ross. It’s a mouth-watering idea,” and “Schumacher was bitterly disappointed he didn’t get to come back to replace Massa – he’s keen to race again. And this is a dream for both parties.” That, along with his past relationship with Mercedes, may mean that he’ll end up racing for them. I’d really like to see that. Alex had his doubts about Mercedes-Benz GP doing well next season, but if they get Schumacher on, perhaps that disadvantage will be evened out to create some close competition.

Source: Autocar and Mibz

With the Lamborghini Murcielago now dead, Lamborghini is working on a successor, known as the Jota. Rumours indicate that they’re also working on a range topping model known as the Urus.

The Urus will be built to compete with Ferrari’s upcoming Enzo successor, called the FX70. It will use a modified version of the Jota’s chassis, which is made of carbon-fibre. The body will be made completely out of carbon fibre and will have active aerodynamics. The engine will be the same one to be used in the Jota, a 6.0L V12, but while the Jota’s will have around 700hp, the Urus’ will be pumped up to an impressive 800hp. These kind of specs mean that the Urus may be able to finish the 0-100kph sprint in under 3 seconds. That’s a figure very few cars out there are capable of.

These specs probably mean an enormous price tag as well. Carbon fibre body, carbon fibre chassis and an enormous 800hp engine aren’t exactly cheap parts. The Jota is expected to debut some time next year, which the Urus should make its debut the year after, and go on sale in 2012.

Source: WorldCarFans

It seems there are some news stories flying around the Formula One paddock that may or may not be true. One thing that we do know at this point is that Kimi Raikkonen has decided to take a sabbatical from F1 for 2010 and go to the WRC. His decision is based on the fact that he was pushed out by Ferrari, was too expensive for every other team and couldn’t come to contract terms with McLaren before Jenson arrived on the scene. He has stated that he could return in 2011, but only if he is driving for a team that has a shot at winning a title. This logic also runs through his WRC hopes and he, I assume anyway, will sign with Citroen if he wants the best car. I am on the fence about him going. I was never a true fan of his, but he did bring a really mellow, laid-back, Finnish attitude to the pits that was really refreshing… plus, he could wear a hat like no other. His Kimi-cap fashion was something to see in every press conference. As far as rumor is concerned, there is some speculation going around that Michael Schumacher will actually return for the 2010 season. But the shocker is that it won’t be in a red car with a prancing horse at the front. If he does come back though, he could be pared with Ross Brawn again at Mercedes (formerly Brawn). Eddie Jordan, the outspoken former team owner and BBC pundit, has made it known that he believes Schumi will be back on the grid, but that it will be in a Silver Arrows with Mercedes Grand Prix. Personally, I would hate to see this happen, but it isn’t like Michael can drive for the prancing horse because both seats are filled. If Luca di Montezemolo had his way and gotten the third car he wanted, this would not be an issue, but because that won’t be an option, Schumacher to Mercedes looks like a possibility that cannot be denied. Also, it has come about that, although Schumi renewed his contract with Ferrari, it has nothing to do with the F1 team anymore and is solely focused on the road car division. This leaves his racing wide open and he could be the person to fill one of the two seats that is now open at Mercedes GP because of the departures of both Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello. Do I think Schumi will do it? I think he will certainly give it a shot, I mean, he desperately wanted to come back this year and was unable, but his neck injury meant that he had to return to the sidelines. But that will be healed soon, so he will probably give it a good run. Now, do I want Schumi to return in anything that isn’t red and comes from Maranello? Of course not. But that’s the way things work these days. The coming weeks will really tell the whole story, but it is an interesting development and could be one of the biggest stories of the off season if it comes to fruition. Just imagine what Schumacher and Brawn can do with a car that came away with both the driver’s and constructor’s championships last year. It could be a hell of a season if that’s the case. Stay tuned.

On the day Brawn GP’s intention to tempt seven-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher out of retirement was revealed, the wisdom of great sportsmen to reach out and dust off those old gloves, those boots or, indeed, that helmet which accompanied such adulation and success in their prime, must surely be questioned.

Earlier this year the media frenzy surrounding Schumacher’s near-return for Ferrari, in place of the injured Felipe Massa after the latter’s career-threatening crash at the Hungarian Grand Prix, generated such hype and fervour that few could argue against the marketability of the racing legend. A back injury sustained in a prior motorcycle accident put paid to the return, however the status of one of sports true modern greats was apparently reaffirmed and duly noted by German motoring giant Mercedes and Schumacher’s long-time collaborator at Benetton and Ferrari, Ross Brawn. Jenson Button’s departure to create a back-to-back world championship dream team with Lewis Hamilton at McLaren has left a void which Schumacher appears ready to fill. The question this poses is not, however, Schumacher’s driving ability or appeal. Even at the ripe old age of 40, Schumacher’s skill and nous behind the wheel would be more than the equal of many a younger driver. Instead, it is one of legacy, sporting mythology and bowing out through choice, not necessity.

Muhammed Ali is possibly the best known and relevant example of a sporting great continuing a career past such a time where the stratospheric standards set by a total dominance of their given medium, simply cannot be achieved. In his final fights, Ali lost to such fighters as Larry Holmes and Trevor Berbick, pugilists of some talent yet not of the same calibre as a Liston, a Frazier, a Foreman – all of whom simply could not live with the ‘Greatest of All Time’. We now see a man ravaged by Parkinsons Disease, by general consensus the result of not heeding medical advice and retiring before it was too late. Within boxing a trend appears to form whereby men who have spent their lives in the gym and in the ring, seem reluctant, if not afraid, to admit their time is up.

A notable exception to this rule comes in the form of Joe Calzaghe. Retiring after defeating all comers in a career spanning 46 fights, producing 46 wins with 32 by way of knock-out, Calzaghe bowed out a true champion making no noises (thus far) of any possible return between the ropes. Calzaghe, for me, is one of boxing’s great champions, one to rival such middleweight idols as Hagler, Leonard and Hearns. My view of him is enhanced by not seeing him, aged and failing to live up to his younger self, climbing into a ring to kickstart the career of a younger fighter such as Carl Froch. A contemporary of Calzaghe’s, Ricky Hatton, appears not to be aware of making the same mistakes as many a brawler before him, this week declaring (whilst looking incredibly bloated and unwell) his desire and “hunger” to return. We can only hope his decision does not return to haunt him in years to come.

Footballers have often resisted the temptation to continue past their peak with such luminaries of the game as Michel Platini, Eric Cantona and George Best retiring from the game, somewhat unexpectedly, in what many perceived to be the midst of the most productive and impressive years of their careers. Best, of course, made an ill-fated return with Fulham in 1976 after retiring from Manchester United in ‘74 and, having lost the pace for which he was once revered, lasted barely a year before shipping off to the money in the newly formed North American Soccer League. These players, Cantona especially having featured heavily in my football-watching lifetime, with early retirement seem to adopt an almost impenetrable aura which inflates the sense of champion they acquired as players. I’m reminded of the goals he scored, the sheer audacity of his nonchalant control and effortless lobs from outside of the box, with even his notorious kung-fu kick on a neanderthol at Crystal Palace seemingly adding to the mystique of the man. I do not remember him, being substituted at half time in a make-or-break match for being off the pace, old, or out of shape.

The common factor between Cantona and Calzaghe is that when they had achieved all they desired in their given sport, they were strong enough and honourable enough to walk away, leaving nothing but reputation and memories to be eulogised ad infinitum. These men will never be vilified in the press because ‘his legs have gone’.

Michael Schumacher, up until now, has found this status amongst sporting gods. His ruthless duels with Damon Hill, his infamous fight with Nigel Mansell, the seven world titles in a peerless reign of dominance, all part of a narrative to draw alongside and overtake the ghosts of racing past: Moss, Stewart, Senna, Lauder, Prost. If he returns to a team less competitive than the Ferraris he became accustomed to and who could only get this years world champion on the podium once in the second half of a title-winning season, how will he fare? For all the ability and skill he may or may not still possess, if the car ain’t fast, the car ain’t fast. Worse than that however, is if he makes a return to a potential podium challenging vehicle and can’t cut it. What if the few years spent as a guest on Ferrari’s pit wall, testing F1 prototypes and spending time with his young family have dulled the reactions, reduced the insatiable will to win at all costs, or simply reduced the willingness to take the risks involved when accelerating to 150mph directly towards a tyre wall? In either of these scenarios, the aura will be cracked. The myth a little less believable. The memories updated with pictures of a frustrated man, replacing those of the omnipotent deity.

Instinct tells me that there is no smoke without fire. I fully expect to witness one of the most heralded returns in the history of all sport and maybe this is what makes him a true sporting great; the willingness to take the risks others wouldn’t and the passion to succeed others can only dream of.

However the doubt remains that, above all else, Michael Schumacher is gambling with nothing but his own legacy.

So there has been a fair bit of gossip this week. The news that has been standing out most with no surprise would be the rumor of a Ferrari 599 GTO Limited Edition!

Now don’t take us on our word for this because they are merely rumors at this point but word on the track is that the GTO will be reduced in by 100-143 pounds in weight and will boast 680-700bhp. I’m personally hoping this happens because I love the 599 and a sexy upgrade won’t hurt it!

Coming to the numbers; the 599 GTO should see a 20-25% increase in price from the standard and may just have a release date as early as October of 2010. If the price isn’t a problem, it’s availability might be so get ready to fight for her. If you power on through those anxious buyers you may be a proud owner of a 500 unit limited edition beast!

A Ferrari registrou um novo sistema de abertura das portas. O sentido é semelhante ao do utilizado pelos modelos da Koenigsegg e da Lamborghini, por exemplo. No entanto, o registro da fabricante de Maranello adiciona ainda os para-lamas dianteiros. O resultado é um estilo bastante controverso e distante da elegância característica dos veículos.

Nos documentos de registro, a solução da Ferrari é mais econômica e simples de implementar do que as dos tipo asa-de-gaivota. A construção do SLS AMG, por exemplo, é mais complexa. A italiana ainda justifica que o acesso ao veículo é facilitado.

Teríamos a novidade no próximo esportivo da Ferrari?

GALERIA

Fonte:  TOP List Aziende 2.0 – Social Media Marketing

These days Ferrari logos seem to appear everywhere: On leather jackets, pens,sneakers, and even cars that aren’t Ferraris. The latest, sanctioned non-automotive item to bear the famed “Prancing Horse” is The Blackbird Rider Carbon Fiber Travel Guitar.

Donning a sticker price of $1,500 and multiple Ferrari accents including a “Ferrari-red” A-string and Scuderia shield, the axe is made out of carbon fiber and serves Blackbird’s commitment to making small, lightweight traveled-sized guitars.

However, if you want one, you’ll have to search eBay as the all of the produced units sold shortly after being put on sale. Below is a video of Blackbird’s founder talking about the guitar and the collaboration.

Via and via

Francês tem sua carreira administrada por Nicolas Todt, empresário de Massa

Jules Bianchi, campeão europeu de F-3, revelou que a oportunidade de pilotar um carro da Ferrari nos testes de inverno que serão realizados em Jerez de La Frontera, na Espanha, no início de dezembro, é “fantástica“.

O francês, que tem sua carreira administrada por Nicolas Todt _filho de Jean Todt, presidente da FIA, e empresário de Felipe Massa_ espera fazer “passo a passo” todo o programa preparado pela escuderia italiana.

“Estou muito feliz”, disse. “Para mim, é algo muito bom pilotar um carro de F-1 e, especialmente, uma Ferrari, pois para mim é o melhor time do mundo.”

“Vou fazer o meu melhor e apenas aprender, porque a coisa mais importante é aprender.”

“É claro que é uma oportunidade muito boa. Pilotar pela primeira vez um carro de F-1 e ser logo uma Ferrari é simplesmente fantástico. Não há outra palavra para expressar isso.”

“Serei capaz de ir passo a passo e aprender muito, porque será muito importante fazer várias voltas sem erros. Significa que se eu puder dar um passo de cada vez até o último dia, poderei pressionar muito.”

Por fim, Bianchi agradeceu seu empresário Nicolas Todt: “Nicolas fez tudo por mim. Se farei este teste é por causa dele, porque ele fez um trabalho muito bom. Desde minha estreia nos monopostos, ele me ajudou a fazer tudo e me colocou sempre nas melhores equipes. Ele me ajudou muito”, concluiu.

Os testes em Jerez de La Frontera serão realizados entre os dias 1º e 3 de dezembro.

[Fonte: tazio.uol.com.br]

More Ferrari news on the blog today, apparently the Maranello manufacturer is planning to turbocharge some of its future models. With the 458 now launched we can only guess that this could appear in their road cars as soon as the next model. Or maybe even in the next limited edition one. Ferrari engine developer Jean-Jacques stated: “Turbocharging will come eventually, but we need to solve the issue of turbo lag.” I have a question for Mr. Jean-Jacques: do you remember the F40? That had 2 turbos and far from no lag. It’s been 22 years since the last turbocharged road-legal Ferrari (I may not be right) and I would like to say a turbocharged one is more than welcome. Just imagine the power. Their engines turn out already more than 100bhp/litre of displacement, just imagine what turbos will do. The Frenchman also said that they won’t be using the Fiat turbo technology anytime soon but they did bolt some turbos to a F430. It’s also said that they won’t use turbos anytime soon.

Source: Autocar