November’s Audio podcast with John Watson (2009)
November 4th, 2009 |
Ed Foster |
82 Comments
Welcome to another Motor Sport audio podcast! This month we’re joined by 1981 British Grand Prix winner John Watson.
Nigel Roebuck may not be doing his usual impressions, but John Watson certainly doesn’t sit on the fence… As always let us know what you think.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Filed under: Audio podcasts, Formula 1, Historic Racing
Ed returned from a stint in Milan, working on the Italian version of Autocar, and joined the team in August 2007. After two years of countless scooter accidents and a constant battle against coffee addiction it was a relief for him to start writing in his mother tongue. As well as managing the website, Ed writes various features and is a regular contributor to CNN, Channel 4, Sky News, the BBC and a number of radio stations. He was also awarded the MSA/Renault Young Motoring Journalist of the Year in January 2009. 
Michael Spitale:
November 4th, 2009 5:18pm
I usually love these, but I thought it was very beneath John Watson to say Kimi would prefer to “get unconsious, drunken in the Canary islands lying in the gutter, spewing his %$$! out” and he added that the biggest disapointment in F1 was Kimi Raikkonen. Kimi had 5 podiums in a junk car and managed a race win in that car. He of course claimed Lewis to be the top driver of the year?! I have no problem with opinions, but to be nasty and so biased is not enjoyable listening.
Gary Dunn:
November 4th, 2009 5:44pm
Brilliant! Straight talking from Wattie. I was a youthful fan of his with posters on the bedroom wall (of the Mclaren…) & recently saw a couple of them at the Donington Museum. Hated Prost for a while when he pinched the drive…
rob widdows:
November 4th, 2009 5:54pm
Interesting reactions, and very different.
I think ‘Wattie’ may have over-reacted on the subject of Raikkonen, but he is a straight talker, not afraid to voice an opinion. And that in itself is refreshing, whether or not you agree with his views.
Also, we want to support and/or defend our chosen’favourite’ drivers, it’s only natural, and I would expect fans of the Finn to come to his defence.
All in all, we thought it was an entertaining hour, if controversial at times. We are not accustomed to drivers, or former drivers, expressing such honest opinions and it can therefore be unsettling when they do.
I try not sit on the fence, but in this instance I am both of a fan of raikkonen as a driver (which Wattie gave him due credit for) and of John as a thoughtful, honest and knowledgeable commentator.
RW
Michael Spitale:
November 4th, 2009 6:10pm
Rob,
I agree with your assesment…. and yes, i am a big Kimi fan. I just thought he really twisted the knife in Kimi which seemed almost personal to me. Kimi did very well in that car this year, and did it in the face of losing his seat…. as for the MotorSport crew… they as always did well
Alastair Warren:
November 4th, 2009 6:27pm
Perhaps I should take some of the rap as I’ve praised the podcasts for their opinions, and wasn’t keen on the idea Motor Sport doing a podcast report for each GP. Such reports are available elsewhere, where as such entertaining, honest and opinionated thoughts aren’t.
When global warming is yet to make the climate of fear a distant memory I think we should be grateful for any source which offers another, more truthful angle on F1.
Perhaps I’ll become one of the offenderatti after I’ve listened to it?
Motor Sport has rated Kimi highly in their race reports and said they hope he gets a drive in 2010.
Michael, I may have got the current magazine before you, but you beat me to the podcast.
Michael Spitale:
November 4th, 2009 6:47pm
I know I moan about this delay a lot, but in the States we still do not have the November issue yet, and I see the December issue has been out for over a week. I just don’t get it. I keep hearing they are printing State-side now, but it just seems to come later and later each month.
Paul Brownsey:
November 4th, 2009 6:47pm
I agree with Michael, I found this edition to be quite bitter. I would also think people would get frustrated about complaining about Kimi because he could care less. He gets the job done in the car that’s all I care about.
Rich:
November 4th, 2009 11:40pm
You guys just keep raising the bar! That was the most engrossing, and entertaining hour of commentary I have heard in some time.
thank you.
Nadia:
November 4th, 2009 11:50pm
Mclaren had their huge revival from the German GP. During that time Lewis scored 40 points, while Kimi managed to score 38 points and both had one mechanical retirement. If you really think about it, it is actually quite remarkable that Kimi even manage to score only two points less then Lewis during that period, considering the car he was driving. Not only that, Ferrari actually kept moving backwards each race as many of the other teams improved their cars. Lewis did some spectacular races during that period, but Kimi was actually a bit more impressive. Or that my opinion at least.
The fact is Kimi did a good job this season whether some people like him or not. Going on and on about a drinking incident that happened a few years back really doesn’t have anything to with Kimi’s driving this season. It is good to have an opinion and to be honest about it. But badmouthing another person doesn’t earn any esteem and anyone can do it. It is somewhat ironic that Kimi himself never says anything bad about other people.
But the rest of the podcast was very good!
Tony Geran:
November 5th, 2009 12:07am
Excellent podcast as usual keep up the good work. Watson’s comments on being street smart apply to all walks of life, not just motor racing. Pity you had to “bleep” out his expletives though. Agree with his sentiments about the Red Bull though, if they had that car in Melbourne… again another example of FIA’s inconsistency in applying the rules.
rob widdows:
November 5th, 2009 3:04pm
Well, at least we’ve got you all joining in with some shots of your own, and that must be good. You can’t please all the people all the time and so I guess the best we can do is tackle something different each month and hope that most of you will be entertained by our ramblings!
For me, Hamilton was the man of the year, despite his behaviour after Melbourne. Stand by for my predictions for the 2010 season…………..
If you keep having hassle getting your magazines in the USA, then you must contact the magazine in London and make your feelings known. We are as keen as you are, if not keener, to get Motor Sport delivered efficiently in this vital market.
RW
Garry:
November 5th, 2009 3:52pm
Brilliant, as ever.
The telling comment for me was when John spoke about Niki not wanting to be a racing driver but rather a world champion. That, i think, is the problem with F1 today. Its less about motor racing and more about being the best.
To hear John speaking about GP racing in the thirties is also warming.
Please do a detailed feature on BCE as a team boss. Also get Motorsport to South Africa quicker (please)!
Excellent, keep ‘em coming
rob widdows:
November 5th, 2009 5:06pm
I probably ought to warn you that Wattie is likely to be reading these comments because he was never shy of engaging with his fans. I do not know that he is, but he might be…………………..
I have asked Mr E if he will talk to me about the past, and the present, and I will ask him again. He is not the easiest man to pin down.
I would deliver the mags to SA myself if I could, having been to Cape Town and Durban for racing and loved the atmosphere.
I’m deep into my season review right now. So much happened, on and off the track.
RW
Alastair Warren:
November 5th, 2009 6:28pm
I don’t have any issues with the content of the podcast.
Jimmy Carr on Radio 5 on Wednesday afternoon discussed the offence his comedy may cause, and the news that Stephen Fry considered leaving Twitter as someone said his tweets were boring, and the reaction that got. Jimmy Carr made the point that tweeting, or twittering is ‘narrow casting’ not broadcasting and if you don’t like it you can unsubscribe. Does that apply to podcasts too?
John Watson also gave his opinions on others, he didn’t single out Kimi for special treatment did he?
Do we think Kimi cares? Or he was doing much the same as when Schumacher got awarded that awarded that trophy or award before the start of the 2006 Brazilian GP?
Can we leave the vanilla in the Ferrari pit garage ice cream cabinet? The Motor Sport podcasts have a distinctive flavour, and if it’s diluted it’ll become just another prosaic podcast rather an eagerly anticipated jewel.
McLaren will be Team Hamilton until another driver arrives that will beat him, rather like when Senna unsettled Prost at McLaren by outpacing him around Monaco? That compares with the way Hamilton took the fight to Alonso when he arrived at McLaren in 2007?
Kimi back at McLaren? I’ll be pleased if it happens, but I am struggling to see why McLaren would want that? What’s in it for McLaren?
The circuit at Abu Dhabi? It’s for racing, or showcasing F1 just like one of those ‘F1 in the City’ type demonstrations?
Dean Stewart:
November 5th, 2009 8:57pm
Another great podcast – it certainly made the train commute into London much more enjoyable this morning ! Whilst I always enjoy listening to the usual suspects, having an ex-driver on the panel makes for wonderful listening. Perhaps you can get Alan Jones if he happens to be in London in the future ? He was always worth listening to – I am sure he might have a lot to say on the subject of his old nemesis, Piquet Senior !
Michael Spitale:
November 5th, 2009 9:26pm
I can’t wait for my November issue to get here…. If it takes much longer I may just swim the Atlantic and come get it myself…. Rob you can use your Motorsport expense account to buy me lunch before I turn around to swim back. HA!
Jim Lynn:
November 5th, 2009 10:08pm
Rob, You advise that we in the usa contact the magazine in London concerning slow MS delivery.We got a letter from Nigel last month indicating MS is being printed in the usa and that’s why we would get issues quicker.It hasn’t happened. I first subscribed in 1953 when delivery was by surface mail so the issues were always a month late just like now. I was happy in 1953 because I got GP race reports a month before Road&Track”s GP reports. Nigel’s letter raised our hopes! Jim Lynn
joe brown:
November 5th, 2009 11:37pm
Pray tell me how many WDC has John won?
Brian Rigney:
November 6th, 2009 5:04am
Great podcast as always. I would love to hear Mario Andretti on one at some time giving his opinion on all forms of racing, past and present. On the matter of magazine deliveries, try living in Australia. We are at least 2 months behind all of the time!
Michael Spitale:
November 6th, 2009 1:21pm
The problem is that is seems to be getting slower and slower… and like Jim said, we were told it was to be printed State side and therefore delivered faster. It sounds like the problem exist for everyone except Europe….
rob widdows:
November 6th, 2009 1:30pm
Anything that entertains while commuting by train is just fine with me, and it does appear that the latest casting of the pod has been well received. This is good news.
For those of you in the colonies – sorry, I mean those of you residing in the USA and Australia – you must contact our publisher by phone or email (see magazine for details) and tell him about your concerns. I know he will do his best to get something done.
I would like to try living in Australia, as it happens, but I guess waiting two months for a magazine would be a tad frustrating……………….!
As for my Motor Sport expense account, let me tell you right now, it does not allow for wining and dining. Even for those who may have swum across the Atlantic Ocean.
Must get down to another blog before the weekend, especially as I am off to watch Tottenham Hotspur tomorrow. Well, we all have to get our kicks.
RW
Incast:
November 7th, 2009 12:08am
It’s fascinating to hear ‘Wattie’ talking about his commentary relationship with Ben Edwards.
More than a few of us veterans of F1 Digital+, and A1GP viewers, got quite excited when we heard they were re-partnering for Abu Dhabi.
What he is saying is absolutely true. The commentary can make all the difference in conveying the excitement of motorsport, and it is something that he and Ben do brilliantly. Collectively they scream enthusiasm, which draws the viewer in.
That said, the racing at Abu Dhabi was far from vintage and concluded a mediocre season. The past three seasons have delivered better racing, albeit assisted by more wet weather.
It’s good to see the panel here taking an objective view on this. It concerns me that simply because we have a British World Champion the fact that the aero rules haven’t worked is being overlooked. Formula 1 is not meant to be equivalent to NASCAR around Talladega, but most would agree that overtaking remains too difficult.
I would love to see Motorsport or the podcast look into this issue more closely. There’s some interesting statistical analysis on the internet on the matter (http://www.cliptheapex.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=51&t=822).
Jon Pollak:
November 7th, 2009 2:57am
This is my favorite internet media about racing.
keep ‘em coming…
Jp
John Read:
November 7th, 2009 6:49am
G’day Brian. If you subscribe, it is cheaper and it arrives here down under in about one week. If you wait for it to appear at the newsagent, you will always have the delay. I think the difference is between air cargo and sea cargo.
Steve Selasky:
November 7th, 2009 12:44pm
Rob, I first started watching F1 in 1976. The interview with John was a delight.
I loved all his stories from the late 70’s to the early 80’s. John, needs to make the point – the “smart” people are more successful that those with the natural abilities but lack the emotional intelligence to make the correct choices applies to everything in life.
I lived in Detroit and attended the 82 race. And I saw him make those passes. It was the stuff of legends.
Dans:
November 7th, 2009 5:28pm
Hi, how do i subscribe if im not using iTunes?
RSS Feed?
Nigel Kirkpatrick:
November 7th, 2009 5:33pm
Loved it! i totally agree that Motorsport is a different read to the mainstream F1 mags, it’s the veteran with the ‘been there done that’ t-shirt as opposed to the screaming teen buying the world at face value.
I love the cynicism almost as much as the 40 a day background wheezing and thought John was great to listen to, i’d love to hear Berger do this at some point.
To Joe Brown, if we’re only going to listen to people with WDC’s then throw out all your favourite mags because the journo’s that write them don’t have a title between them.
Michael Spitale:
November 7th, 2009 7:03pm
I checked at a local bookstore that carries the mag as well today and they have not gotten it yet either…. Perhaps pirates got it on the high seas…. I spoke to someone at HQ in England yesterday and they said they are looking into the hold up for the States.
joe brown:
November 7th, 2009 7:39pm
To Nigel Kirkpatrick/I find Johns waffle towards Kimmi very arrogant when one was a WDC and the other an also ran.
catherine:
November 7th, 2009 8:05pm
loved all johns stories has he written any books on his racing days.
matt richardson:
November 7th, 2009 9:12pm
Great audio, keep up the good work motorsport, adds to my enjoyment of the magazine. And if John Watson reads the comments, thankyou for your honesty and the insight into F1.
Nigel Kirkpatrick:
November 8th, 2009 12:16am
Joe
John may not be in Prosts category but he was a 5 times race winner for a top team who missed a title by a mere 5 points, Kimi won his only title by 1 point.
6 points separate the achievements of both men.
Kimi’s raw speed is undeniable but you have to consider that McLaren denounced him as lazy when he left and Ferrari have sacked him despite winning a title. I think it’s fair to say there is a serious flaw in there somewhere.
R Tanveer:
November 8th, 2009 1:32am
I want to sincerely thank the podcast team for chosing my question about “exploding the Alonso ‘Myth’”. Being Canadian, I first got hooked on Formula 1 as a boy when Gilles Villeneuve was monstering Enzo Ferrari’s Grand Prix cars around the circuits of the world like a possessed demon! I certainly remember Wattie well from that era and witnessed the final four of his five GP wins on tv, including the memorable 1981 British GP and the two victories live in our North American time zones.
It was truly wonderful to hear him recount his times with Niki Lauda at both Brabham and McLaren and to articulate about the likes of Chapman, Andretti, Prost and Senna. The vignettes were from the top drawer.
It’s too bad, however, that Wattie decided to go down the rather nasty route on Raikkonen. Love him or loathe him, the Finn drove virtually flawlessly this season and at times he was mesmeric. He didn’t make a single race-ending error (in terms of Australia, Ferrari say there was a differential problem that helped him into the wall and Kimi said he went into the corner like every other lap before it) and inspite of being put on Extreme Wets on a drying circuit in Malyasia (by Massa’s best friend Schumacher?) and then being compromised in Q1 in Spain where Ferrari brought their first two major upgrades of the year, he continued to give it everything eventhough he had every reason to let his chin drop as Ferrari focused increasingly on Latin “family” member, Felipe’.
Kimi got Ferrari’s first points, first front-row start and first podium of the year all while out-qualifying the fleet Massa 5-4 before the Brazilian’s near-fatal accident. Then Raikkonen drove like an absolute demon during a time when Ferrari had frozen all development and were being leap-frogged by McLaren, BMW, Toyota and even Force India – while never being anywhere near a Red Bull or even a Brawn on the timing tables…and while knowing that Santander were bringing Alonso into his seat – and Euro 50 Million to the Scuderia along with it – a year ahead of schedule.
That Raikkonen finished the year in 6th only 1 point behind Hamilton is quite astonishing given the circumstances.
As per Alonso, well, the Spaniard is now obviously over-rated vis-a-vis the rest of the grid which includes the likes of Vettel, Hamilton, Kubica – drivers who hadnt even driven in a GP while Alonso was carving out his reputation in the middle of 2006. The Spaniard’s fabled “6-10 ths” was no where in evidence. The much ridiculed Grosjean was even able to lap within 3-10 ths in P2, P3 and Q1 at the level playing field in Abu Dhabi in the unfavoured (as per contract) Number 2 Renault with no testing of any kind. Fernando’s development skill seemed wholely absent as Renault went down the grid despite an engine which won 6 races with Red Bull and the same engineering talent as ‘05/’06. And, Fernando made more than a couple of errors once the whispers of PK Snr’s revenge on Briatore’ began making the rounds early at the Spa meeting.
All of it suggested that Alonso didn’t care and Renault F1 were left in tatters. The Regie suffered in the sponsorship department and in the FOM money department as Alonso failed to maximize points at Spa (where he punted into the back of Sutil) and Suzuka (where he went through yellows and got penalised) and then got collected by Sutil at Interlagos (which was not his fault this time) when points were on the table to be had.
With Massa having upped his ‘game’ since Alonso won his last championship and with Ferrari entering their New “Spaghetti Culture” Era and with Ross Brawn now firmly in the enemy camp with Mercedes-Benz, Alonso is going to have a tough time…especially if Adrian Newey designs another gem for Vettel and Webber.
And, if Raikkonen joins Hamilton at McLaren then the highly lucrative FOM money prize for winning the Constructors will more than compensate McLaren Group for what they pay the Finn. The McLaren Group hasn’t won the WCC in 10 years and having a talent like Kimi on board maximizes those chances. Everyone knows that the WCC (and not the Driver’s championship) is where all the FOM money lies. And that is why Whitmarsh and Dennis want him back…and this is why Ferrari will pay him more to stay off the grid for 2010 (and not drive against them).
If I were Ferrari, i’d be shaking in my new all-Italian/Latin boots at the prospect of Kimi re-joining their old enemy.
R Tanveer:
November 8th, 2009 3:27am
And oh yes, I forgot to comment on the part of the podcast where Nigel, via Pat Symmonds, was comparing Fernando to the other Renault drivers.
The problem is…who did they really have? Trulli and Fisichella were as inconsistent then as they’ve proven to be this past season and neither was, as Jenks would say, an “Ace” or a true out-right Number 1. Trulli, truth be told, actually had the measure of Alonso in the first half of 2004…until he fell asleep in the last lap of the French Grand Prix and then immediately fell out with team boss (and Fernando’s manager!) Briatore’. And, as far as the disgraceful Piquet and the maligned Grosjean are concerned, well…it’s hardly a great advertising vehicle for Fernando to compare himself against that duo, is it? Especially when he has all the attention, focus and first bites of all the goodies and upgrades of Renault’s Number 1 car as per contract.
The only proper benchmark we really have from the Ace category for Fernando is a rookie from 2007…and we all know what happened that year, don’t we? Said rookie got under his skin and rattled him, then got the better of him and then finally sent him packing on his way…down the grid. Didn’t he?
Imagine what Lewis would do to him in the same car three years on? He’d dismantle him completely and send him off gift-wrapped in little boxes back to Oviedo!
As for next year, the only way I see Alonso getting the better of a completely recovered Massa is if he gets the chairman of the board of Santander to pull di Montezemolo’s Euro 50 Million strings…something which I wouldn’t put past the Spaniard.
Remember, automotive sales for FIAT have been even worse than those for Toyota, Honda, BMW and even Renault…so di Montezemolo will be very compliant with those funding his F1 effort!
It’s a Money World, after all.
Looking forward to the December podcast with great anticipation!
Kind regards,
Raphael T.
Peter Geran:
November 8th, 2009 7:23am
Great podcast. So good, that I went back to ITUNES and downloaded the first one which I missed, and the Scheckter one that I had listened to and deleted.
These podcasts are so good, that they must be saved, to be passed down to the next generation.
To Brian Rigney, I suggest that you subscribe.
I, too, used to wait for them at local newsagent,and they were months behind. Now, I get them in a week or so of them being published in the UK. With the Aussie $ being so strong now, you also save money.
I agree with Wattie re his comments on Kimi. He has been paid enough money over the years, and really, has been paid far too much. As a world champion, his attitude leaves a lot to be desired.
With regard to the latest glitzy track, I just wonder how people will feel in 5 years after the glitz and glamour has worn off. One can only take so much of the flashy blue / red / purple lights on the hotel. I recall when Shanghai circuit was opened, and everyone raved about the facilities,and the wonderful press office that is seven stories up, and the team headquaters on a lake. Now, no-one wants to go there.
The ABU DHABI circuit design is wrong, with its abundance of 2nd and 3rd gear corners. A slow corner onto the main straight,and a slow corner at the end of the straight , will not promote passing. Look at Zandvoort(old version) and they had a fast corner leading onto the staright, and a slow corner/ hairpin at the end. The fast car can always slipstream the car in front, coming onto the straight, and hopefully pass at the end of the straight under braking.
Bring back John Hugenholtz .
Keep up the good work in the podcasts…Look forward to December
István Simon:
November 8th, 2009 1:06pm
First of all, Rob and Damien: thanks for putting the effort to organising such entertaining F1 forums for us!
After the poor Hungarian commentary in the late 1980s, I started watching F1 with English commentary in the early ’90s on Eurosport. Mr. Watson’s knowledge has impressed me back then, and even more so these days. I still think of him and Ben Edwards as the best F1 commentators ever.
I’m very glad that John shares one very important suspection of mine, namely that had McLaren given its full support to Alonso in 2007, they would have definitely come out of that year as world champions. Just look at the final scores: KR 210, LH 209, Alonso 209. Despite McLaren’s ever more present bias towards their British driver, Hamilton has never beaten the Spaniard in their season together. They’ve fiished eequal on points. Had Fernando got the team’s support, with his experience and quickness, he would have won the title easily.
Maybe there was pressure on Ron Dennis in 2007 (to push Hamilton) or maybe there was even a settlement with the FIA (fter spy-gate) They’ve let the drivers go unpenalised on one condition: no McLaren driver should win the world championship title in 2007. How about this?
John Saviano:
November 8th, 2009 11:33pm
Another excellent podcast. Just about the right length for me to burn to CD (I’m not an iPod guy yet). The insights the entire team presented, especially John Watson, were great. Too hear actual opinions, not watered down for political sake, is fabulous.
I do think Kimi is quite food, I think he needs better direction than he’s been getting. Some people do best when directed. Kimi may be one. The real question is how good Alonso will be in a Ferrari. That’s going to be fun.
Regardless, keep them up. Best audio in F1!
joe brown:
November 8th, 2009 11:50pm
Sorry Nigel its not only 6 points that separate them Its a WDC If John had been a WC then his comments could have been taken seriously,He wasn’t so END OF
Alastair Warren:
November 9th, 2009 1:58am
I’m not sure I get your point. John Watson has been employed as a commentator for many years.
John Watson came 3rd in the 1982 WDC with wins at Spa and Detroit, rather like Kimi came 3rd with two victories in the 2008 WDC. If McLaren hire Kimi again how so they ensure they get the 2005 Kimi and not the 2008 one?
Peter Geran:
November 9th, 2009 2:13am
To Brian Rigney…..The December issue of MOTORSPORT just arrived in my mailbox in Melbourne, Australia today. Take out a subscription, and save $$ as well.
To Joe Brown..Looks like Stirling Moss doesn’t count either..
Paul Clewley:
November 9th, 2009 2:41am
Excellent podcast again.
John Watson was great – very entertaining and great to hear some real opinions, not just PR speak like most drivers.
Keep them coming please.
Brian Rigney:
November 9th, 2009 4:37am
To Peter Geran. Thanks for the advice Peter. I used to subscribe back in the ’70s and ’80s but found some issues never arrived so I gave it away. If I can get it quicker by subscription and cheaper I will sign up again
Michael Spitale:
November 9th, 2009 12:13pm
Yes, the point that Watson took second in the title race is pretty weak. Not only did Kimi win a title, he took 2nd twice…. He is 3rd all time in fast laps, and has over 3 times the wins Watson had. and if Macca had given him any reliability he would have at least 2 if not 3 titles.
However, none of that is the point. Watson does not have to like Kimi, I just thought it was beneath him to keep hammering away at Kimi. He could have made his point and moved on….
rob widdows:
November 9th, 2009 12:55pm
For once I don’t think I have anything useful to add to what is becoming a very lively and revealing blog in response to our podcast.
As you might expect, I am simply delighted that Wattie has kicked the hornets nest. You don’t have to agree with him, or admire him, or name your children after him. You just have to rejoice in the free expression of opinion, rather than spinning everything into what is considered to be correct, or appropriate, or on message, or any of the other ghastly blandness that has been foisted upon us in recent years.
We are working away to find another driver who might be cajoled into joining us for the next one. Just depends on who’s available and who is still in the northern hemisphere as winter approaches.
RW
Nigel Kirkpatrick:
November 9th, 2009 3:32pm
joe
If you chose not to listen to Watsons opinions that’s fine, your choice, but to say his opinions have no value because he never racked up a higher points tally than everyone else in a given year is very arbitrary. That’s all a title really is and to rank peoples analytical ability and opinions based on it is pointless.
On that basis, if Hamilton hadn’t gone into the gravel then Kimi wouldn’t be a champion and so John could pass judgement on him? just because another driver made a mistake Kimi is elevated to the status of ‘a man who should be listened to’ but had he not then the very same Kimi would not be worth listening to? it makes no sense.
Bottom line, who’s opinions carry more weight, those of the multiple race winner and world champion Kimi Raikkonnen or those of the non-race winner Martin Brundle?
Nigel Kirkpatrick:
November 9th, 2009 3:39pm
Rob, My wish list would be…..
Drivers:
Andretti
Berger
Stewart
Herbert
Lauda
Non drivers:
Frank Williams/Patrick Head (tough one i know)
Gordon Murray
Paul Stoddart
Anyone from the Tyrrell era with stories about Ken!
rob widdows:
November 9th, 2009 3:58pm
List noted. Good list too. We are talking to some of them – Andretti, Stewart, and hopefully P.Head for the future. Gordon Murray would be good. I will chase it…………………….
You should try and tune in to ESPN who are showing the Brunswick archive films of the 1970s decade of GP racing. It is absolutely wonderful stuff………..properly shot on film with proper sound and some great eavesdropping on drivers and team managers.
I must do a Tyrrell blog. So many stories.
RW
Nigel Kirkpatrick:
November 9th, 2009 4:19pm
Not a subscriber to ESPN Rob but i’ll look into the brunswick films, ta.
Ian Garden:
November 9th, 2009 5:06pm
Rob,
Agree totally with your comments about Wattie’s willingness to say it as he saw it and to avoid blandness and political correctness.
Great podcast – please keep them coming.
Wish list:-
Sir Stirling Moss
Mario Andretti
Gerhard Berger
and how about John Cleland
Adiamo
Kenny:
November 10th, 2009 11:37am
Michael-
Maybe the guys at the Post Office enjoy Motor Sport, too. Just a thought….
joe brown:
November 10th, 2009 11:39pm
Correct Peter a very arrogant man!IMO
Kenny:
November 11th, 2009 6:44am
joe- Stirling Moss did not win a WDC, so he hasn’t got anything worthwhile to say about motor racing?
One thing is certain- John Watson has forgotten more about motor racing than I (and you, perhaps?) will ever know. So, he may be worth listening to, even if he says something about a driver that we may not like or agree with.
Michael Spitale:
November 11th, 2009 12:02pm
You guys are pretty funny when it comes to Watson.. He is very much of British interest more than worldwide. Kind of like the Graham Bond band, well known in England in the 60’s but never made the rest of the world like your other great exports (Beatles, Stones, etc). Once again I like all the driver podcast regardless of title or not but unless you were a die hard F1 fan back then you would not know him outside of England.
Dave Cubbedge:
November 11th, 2009 1:25pm
sorry, I’m going to listen to this podcast later today, but I had to chime in with Michael, where in the world is my November Motorsport? Mis-sent to Siberia, I think…..this is very, very frustrating. I used to spend the extra dollars to get that other British weekly sent first class…..I hope that is not the answer!
R Tanveer:
November 12th, 2009 1:16am
With respect to the speculation surrounding Raikkonen re-signing for McLaren in the podcast (~ 12:45 min), my understanding is that the Finn remains as motivated as ever provided he can win Grand Prix races and another championship.
Raikkonen loves going fast and winning, whether it’s Formula One or Rallying or snow-mobiling or speed boat racing…but he doesn’t simply just want to go anywhere. Toyota came calling but the Robertsons (Kimi’s managment and co-partners in Double R Racing) either knew that Toyota were finished…or Raikkonen’s insistance that he only wanted McLaren helped put the nail in the coffin for the Japanese manufacturer at the board level.
Look, if you can’t get an out-right Ace signed to win races, then what’s the point of Mr Toyoda keeping that money-burning furnace at Cologne going?
Regardless, the sticking point for Raikkonen has less to do with money and more to do with things like freedom to go Rallying, injury clauses related to Rallying (remember Montoya’s “tennis” (i.e. bike racing) injury when at McLaren?), and especially with respect to Mercedes/Daimler-Benz’s 40% stake in McLaren Group and their desire to buy a majority interest in Brawn GP and re-brand it into ‘Silver Arrows’ sooner rather than later…and the engine supply deal related to that.
As we write, my understanding is that the entire driver market (Raikkonen, Button, Rosberg, Kovalainen, Sutil, Glock, Heidfeld…even Kubica who has already signed for Renault (but who knows about them for 2010)) hinges on discussions taking place now between Ron Dennis, Mansour Ojjeh, Mercedes/Daimler-Benz, the Bahraini investment group (which owns the remaining 30% of McLaren) and even Ross Brawn about quickening the deal where Mercedes buys 75% of Brawn GP and re-naming it even as early as 2010!
In that situation, why would the Robertsons and Raikkonen sign for McLaren when they could easily see Mercedes going another way altogether?
Lastly, Raikkonen is sponsored by Red Bull and Webber’s contract is up at the end of 2010. There were rumours last week that Kimi wanted only a 1 yr deal – another prickly point of negotiation (for which team would only want to do a 1 yr driver deal?). Well, it’s said that Raikkonen already has an option for 2011 with Red Bull (who, conveniently, also sponsor Rally Car) provided Adrian Newey stays there…and that the Finn only wants a 1yr bridge to 2011.
So, a number of things to think about from Raikkonen’s point of view. McLaren obviously want him back as a Hamilton-Raikkonen partnership gives them higher odds of beating Ferrari, Red Bull, Brawn, etc and securing the WCC, which as mentioned, is where all the FOM prize money lies.
McLaren, however, may have bigger fires to put out if Mercedes is indeed insisting on wanting out sooner rather than later with Ross Brawn ready to make his team available as the re-branded Silver Arrows.
Raphael T.
joe brown:
November 12th, 2009 11:53pm
Kenny
With all due respect the only thing Stirling wants to talk about,is himself.
When he mentions Fangio,replace the name with,ME/Take a look at some of his statements.
LH told him to go away Brazil 2007/Nuff said
rob widdows:
November 13th, 2009 12:25pm
Another factor that may be involved in the Raikkonen negotiations is that the team’s sponsors may be a little reluctant to pay the kind of money to which Kimi has become accustomed at Maranello. The pairing of Hamilton and Raikkonen would, I think, come with a very hefty wage bill.
What interests me, however, is the amount of interest, and divided opinion, that surrounds the Finn. I’m sure that many, myself included, find his maverick attitude and balls-out driving, rather refreshing. His disinterest in endless questions from the media is also rather appealing in these days of public relations and correctness.
I hope gets a seat because he will keep Hamilton on his toes with his speed and might even mix it with Alonso, Vettel and Lewis for the title.
RW
Simon Hird:
November 13th, 2009 6:57pm
Excellent – loved the insights into the 1970’s – the era when I got hooked.
My wish list Rob? How about your old chum Derek Bell…
Michael Spitale:
November 14th, 2009 2:59am
Glad to see your post Rob… I being a Kimi fan would love to see him paired with Hamilton. However, most of the British press is pulling for Jenson and giving little creadence to Kimi going to McLaren insisting Button is the apple of McLaren’s eye.
I cna’t make heads or tails about the money piece with Kimi. I think the Robertonson’s are out to be the major power brokers of F1 in Wili Weber’s abbsence, but does Kimi really care that much about the money? especially with his pay out from Ferrari.
Finally I think Button prefers Brawn, but is playing the McLaren card to get Brawn worked up. Equally McLaren know Button’s people visiting Woking will in turn get Kimi’s people worked up as well. Hope it is all settled soon.
R Tanveer:
November 14th, 2009 6:58pm
To Alastair Warren:
With respect to the Raikkonen of 2005 v the Raikkonen of 2008, perhaps we need to go beneath the surface of things. Perhaps one of the esteemed members of the November Podcast team can go into more detail…but allow me to enlighten if possible…
It would appear as if Aldo Costa and Nicholas Tombazis are incapable of designing Ferraris which are at the same time both competitive and “neutral”. They, in fact, may be able to design competitive cars only one way: i.e. cars whose handling characteristics have a tendency towards “understeer”. This likely was a continuation of a design trend started by Rory Byrne for Michael Schumacher, who preferred it (understeer).
Ferraris would have retained understeer characteristics year after year because they construct them from the same basis and even the 2007 car would have had in mind Schumacher as a possible occupant.
Felipe Massa, it is known, can cope with – or prefers – understeer more than oversteer. Massa would want a car with a ‘lazy’ front end because he likes to steer the car hard into a corner and prefers the back end to be ‘heavy’ which makes the car predictable when it turns into and passes mid corner. This style gives the impression of understeer.
Ferrari have been designing and constructing exactly this type of car for three straight years now.
Guess what?
Kimi Raikkonen likes the exact opposite!
Raikkonen prefers a responsive, ‘pointy’ front end which is quick to turn in and which can handle direction changes quickly. The back end must be ‘light’ and all of it would give the impression of “oversteer”. This is a fact, not opinion.
The other fact is that McLaren have been contructing these types of cars with pointy front ends, for years as well. [This suits Hamilton who likes oversteer.]
Whether Massa’s and Raikkonen’s styles were borne and developed from having driven the two differing types of Ferraris and McLarens respectively over the years, I don’t know…but it would be a subject for another article.
Regardless, Alastair, given the above it’s not too difficult to understand why the Raikkonen of 2005 would seem more special to you than the Raikkonen of 2008.
The BIG question is WHY did Ferrari pay Raikkonen a truck-load of money to drive cars which had design characteristics fundamentally opposite to the Finn’s driving style and preferrences?
Di Montezemolo signed off on large cheques to design and construct cars and to hire a supreme talent without taking into account ‘congruency’ in order to extract maximum performance. In the case of Kimi and the 2007-2009 Ferraris, Driver & Car were never alligned…they were never as ‘one’. Who’s fault is that? Who’s fault is it that Kimi was signed on for $45 Million per anum while Massa was on about $8.5 Million? Who’s fault is it that Costa and Tombazis were paid big sums to design three – possibly four – seasons worth of cars which never fully “suited” the more expensive driver?
If you sift through the ambient noise and clutter and the fog of ill-truths and propaganda, Alastair, you’ll plainly see that the fundemental design characteristics of the Ferraris suited Massa to perfection while Raikkonen was left to “adapt” and “drive through the problem” (as he is apt to doing) through set-up changes with his race engineers, (first) Chris Dyer and (then) Andreas Stella. And, inspite of it all, it was the Finn who won Ferrari their only World Drivers Championship since 2004.
It was, in my opinon, a waste of money because di Montezemolo and Ferrari failed to construct a proper car to suit their very expensive theoretical Number 1 who was left to “monster” a car opposite to his liking.
Perhaps Nigel Roebuck or one of the other esteemed members of Motor Sport Magazine can do a more in depth piece of analysis on this subject?
I would be happy to do so, but i’m neither a journalist not a plugged-in member of the motor racing community.
As an aside, what I can say is that – from what i’ve read (becasue i’m not old enough) – Jim Clark is the only true “ambidextrous” driver in F1 over the last 45-plus years because he could drive anything, whether it ‘oversteered’ or ‘understeered’.
Kind regards,
Raphael Tanveer
Michael Spitale:
November 14th, 2009 7:24pm
anyway we cut the for or against Raikkonen thing… I just hope he is around next year and in a solid car. I woudl hate to see his final year being such a bad one wiht a bad car and a team that did not care much for him. Although him leaving without a pin drop would fit his personality to a tee… he came in out of no where and might leave the same way.
joe brown:
November 14th, 2009 11:18pm
Please give your opinion Senna v Schumacher/1993/In my opinion the only year they were in COMPARTIVE machinery Senna creamed him Shumachers ford engine was 2 specs above Sennas /Senna 73 points /Schumacher52.
joe brown:
November 16th, 2009 9:21pm
Sorry that was meant for another board(if you can delete it please do).
R Tanveer:
November 17th, 2009 3:44am
As I mentioned in my Nov 12th comment above, the remainder of the driver market hung on what Mercedes were doing with their 40% stake in McLaren given the German marque’s intention of re-branding Brawn.
Now that’s out of the way, the drivers should fall into place.
One thing that makes no sense is for Mercedes to trump a genius strategist and master tactician like Ross Brawn and run Germans Rosberg and Heidfeld – a pair that have a total of how many Grand Prix wins over the years?
Do I hear a big fat ZERO?!
If anyone one thinks that Ross Brawn is going to run an unproven Rosberg – who’s only benchmarks are Wurz (who was out of F1 racing for 6 years) and Nakajima (who came with free engines) and who threw away William’s only surefire podium of the year in Singapore – and a journeyman Number 2 to take on the likes of Vettel/Webber at Red Bull, Alonso/Massa at Ferrari and Hamilton (with either Raikkonen or Button) at McLaren, then they have got to be out of their mind.
Only someone contemplating settling for a lowly 4th in the lucrative Constructors’ Championship would pair up Rosberg-Heidfeld…and i’m sure Mercedes want to be known as an International brand who field the two top available drivers, regardless of nationality.
Think about it.
Would Ross Brawn run Heidfeld with Rosberg when he can get still get the devil he knows in Button or, possibly, Raikkonen (if he’s willing to budge on his McLaren-only mantra)?
And then…why would Button go into the Lion’s Den which is McLaren given that his driving style is not suited to over-steering cars which is precisely what are designed and produced at the MTC? Hamilton – who loves over-steer – would dismantle him.
Even if Button made friends out of everyone at McLaren, his style and preference for under-steer would automatically leave him disadvantaged right out of the starting gate. And…once you’re on your back foot against Hamilton in the first half of the season, then you’re basically history. Ask Alonso and Kovalainen!
Raikkonen’s style is much closer to Hamilton’s with the difference being that the Finn is kinder on tyres – but they both fundementally would want to drive over-steering cars with responsive front ends and light back ends.
The Raikkonen marriage with Hamilton makes much more sense for McLaren than Button going there, especially if they (VMM) want to beat Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes themselves in the WCC.
As a fan of Grand Prix racing, you always want to see the best drivers in the best cars…and Heidfeld, i’m afraid, is not in Raikkonen’s league…and Ross Brawn would already know that.
It’s time for McLaren to get Raikkonen signed up…
…and, similarly, it’s time for Ross Brawn and Mercedes to ensure they have a champion driver to partner Rosberg. Heidfeld, in my opinion, does NOT fit that bill…not if you’re gunning for Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren and have serious aspirations of retaining your 1st place in the WCC.
R Tanveer:
November 18th, 2009 2:22am
So that’s it…Raikkonen’s GONE!
One less racer who tries to over-take in a formula with little to no over-taking.
Kimi was 3rd all time on the Fastest Laps list from 157 GP starts and, arguably, one of the top 3 drivers in any given year from 2002 to 2009.
Raikkonen’s at times mesmeric driving will be missed…and he only just turned 30 years of age.
What a waste.
Some of us hope he comes back with Red Bull in 2011.
We shall see.
R Tanveer:
November 18th, 2009 8:48pm
Another twist in the off season silly season:
Raikkonen has just signed for Ross Brawn and Mercedes Grand Prix!!!
Wonderful!!!
Alastair Warren:
November 19th, 2009 10:06pm
One of the noteworthy things about the reactions to comments of John Watson is the number of posts defending Kimi, but I am not sure I saw any sticking up for Button? I am unsure what to make of that.
I’m trying to match the comments about Button being uncomplicated with the interview with Jake Humphry on the BBC website. Does Button’s move to McLaren confirm or counter those comments made in the podcast?
Motor Sport was founded in 1924, Watson was born in Ulster some 22 years later. They both predate political correctness.
joe brown:
November 20th, 2009 11:09pm
Nick Fry commenting on Button not being allowed to do anything for McLaren has to be the biggest bit of sour grapes I’ve ever heard
joe brown:
November 20th, 2009 11:49pm
What part of Ulster was that Alastair,Donegal,Monaghan or Cavan
joe brown:
November 23rd, 2009 12:04am
Alistair F1 was born in the same year as John1946.
Yes i thought his remarks about Kimmi very insulting.
Why should a F1driver insult another
He talks about Ayrton Senna as if they were best mates,but they were not.
Ayrton thought he was sneakey(The life of Senna)as printed in Tom Rubython’s great book.
rob widdows:
November 27th, 2009 5:37pm
Nearly time for our next podcast in early December. Then we can hopefully bring the Wattie/Raikkonen debate to a close, good though it has been.
No word on a guest at the moment but we are certainly trying to lure somebody interesting to our next session in London.
Lots to talk about, as ever, and still 106 days or so to go before Bahrain. Not to mention what will happen to the remnants of WRC, what has happened to A1GP and how the sport will fare under the reign of Monsieur Todt.
The date of our next broadcast will be announced imminently.
RW
Alastair Warren:
December 7th, 2009 10:32pm
Joe, thanks for flagging up on the Rubython book.
I don’t have any issues with the comments, and I am quite a fan of Kimi, but I’d agree with the comments that he seems inconsistent. I am sure we all know people that can be outstanding when the mood takes them, but at other times almost seem to disappear into the background.
Wasn’t there a letter in the magazine comparing the motivation and passion of Kimi and Roebuck?
Perhaps I didn’t take any offence as I don’t have any issues with the way Kimi chooses to run his personal life? It’s old news that was in the mainstream and he didn’t do anything that countless others haven’t done.
Would the Motor Sport podcast be worth listening to if they become sanitised and opinion challenged?
There was a discussion on Radio 4 on criticism last week:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00p31l0
joe brown:
December 7th, 2009 11:50pm
Alistair i agree,sorry i may have been OTT with my comments,i sincerely apologise.
Believe it or not i appreciate Johns remarks but i just find a man who put his life on the line,ridiculing another F1 driver very hard to take.
No matter looking forward to your next podcast/Again sincerest apologies
Alastair Warren:
December 8th, 2009 1:44pm
Joe, no worries I’ve not taken offence.
Opinions can become polarised online in a George W Bush ‘You’re either with us, or against us’ fashion, when there are usually several different methods or routes, and more than just two. You’re entitled to your opinion the same as anyone else, including John Watson.
Sadly it would appear that there’s more substance in the F1 rumour mill than the British justification for the invasion of Iraq which was based on gossip from a Baghdad taxi driver. And look at the outrage Ecclestone’s comments about Hitler caused. Hitler is long gone, but Blair’s not in clink yet is he?
Peter G:
December 9th, 2009 11:46am
December Pod Cast…We are all waiting.
Simon Gillet perhaps ?
Alastair Warren:
December 9th, 2009 11:18pm
Peter G,
Given the piece on the Donington debacle in the previous issue of the magazine I think that’s unlikely.
Would Donington Park would still be a motor racing venue if Ecclestone hadn’t dealt with Simon Gillett?
Peter G:
December 10th, 2009 11:18am
Alastair,
I forgot to add the :-)
I agree,that if Bernie E. and Simon Gillett had not got involved, Donington would be a lot better off. They probably would still have MOTOGP,and not a bull dozed and destroyed motor racing circuit. Its scandalous what has happened over that fiasco.
How they could keep on saying,even recently that it was a possible candidate for next years F1 race is astounding.
Alastair Warren:
December 10th, 2009 12:02pm
Peter G, sorry if my response came across as a little spiky. The mutilation of that circuit is deeply saddening, a sentiment that’s not helped by reading the tribute to Tom Wheatcroft in the current issue of the magazine.
Alastair Warren:
December 10th, 2009 3:40pm
Gillett?
I wonder what breaking strain shock leader John Watson would need to cast him into the English Channel?
Bass have big mouths. They like a big bait.
Alastair Warren:
December 13th, 2009 9:58pm
Raphael,
Thank you for your lengthy reply about Kimi’s preference for an oversteering car. I read somewhere that Kimi and Dyer heavily modified that chassis after Monaco 2007. I think the article also stated that the 2007 car had been developed to accommodate Schumacher’s taste and he’d become proficient at maximising the Ferrari traction control system.
Is Schumacher going to return? If he does will the 2010 Brawn Mercedes suit his driving style?
Best wishes for 2010!
Paul Cherrington:
December 16th, 2009 11:06am
What’s with all of Wattie’s sideswipes at Eddie Jordan? Seems to have a real chip on his shoulder about the man who asked him, out of retirement, to take the wheel of the Jordan 911 on it’s public debut at Silverstone in 1990. I was a fan of Wattie, but his cheap shots at EJ just cheapen himself. Sad.
Alastair Warren:
December 22nd, 2009 11:27am
It’s a bit rude, but perhaps Kimi fans should take a peek inside the back cover of the January 2010 issue of CAR Magazine? They’ve a farewell to Kimi. They also mention Nigel Roebuck in their 5th reason why Kimi rocks.