SILVERSTONE UPDATES FOR 2010

Silverstone is currently undergoing a renovation not just to the facilities around the track but the track layout itself. The new layout is called the Arena layout and was probably designed to cater to the MotoGP and Superbike races but was considered for F1 as well.

It seems that this year F1 might use the new layout, I say might because it has not received approval yet from all parties concerned. The last party to give consent is Bernie (of course). More in-depth story can be found at F1Fanatic where Keith gives the run down on what is happening with pictures and a layout map.

What do I think of the new layout? It looks interesting, not much of a radical change and maintains the high speed nature of Silverstone - which is good. This new layout is probably designed more for the fans than the drivers anyway.

MERCEDES GP THOUGHTS

Mercedes GP has launched their new livery for 2010 and their new car is to be called the Mercedes MGP-W01. This livery was launched on the old Brawn GP BGP001 though because the Mercedes car is actually to be launched next week in Valencia. But that didn't stop Mercedes from wasting money on this sort of pre-launch.

Overall, the livery looks good although I can't make out the actual color from the pictures. Maybe when the car is out in the sun then we'll be able to appreciate the actual colors. It doesn't look very silver to me, the report says that there are 2 different silvers there..hmmm.

On another note, Schumacher was upset that his record has been questioned again. And it was also questioned whether he might repeat the way he won his championships again. He wasn't very happy with that. Personally, I think he will go back to his old ways and cheat. Ross is there and so is Jean Todt, so the chances of him winning again is very high.

Talking about upset, Nico Rosberg is showing a united front. He seems very excited at the prospect of racing with a good car and team together with a multiple world champion but I don't buy it. Everything was looking rosy for him when suddenly Schumacher joined the team. Not only is Schumacher is buddies with Ross Brawn and Jean Todt, he has taken Rosberg's new car number, citing superstition.

It would be interesting to see how Schumi operates in this new setup and whether he can still command a number one status. I hope Rosberg doesn't get the Barichello treatment here, in fact I hope he shows Schumacher the door.

F1 SIMULATORS FOR TESTING

I love simulators especially driving simulators. From the ones that we provide for promotions and entertainment to serious ones for F1 testing, they are a great tool for serious work and fun. Hexatech from Cruden is a really serious simulator and I wouldn't mind having one in my living room.

Keith from F1 Fanatic had the rare opportunity to test one, read his report about it here. To Keith, I need a job with you so I could travel and test this kind of things.

LEWIS SPLITS WITH NICOLE

Well, not exactly how one would start a new year would it? And so soon after a birthday, Lewis' birthday to be exact. Somehow, I'm not surprised. As I have said before on this blog, it was one of my earliest posts here too, I know a secret and I'm not telling.

That secret has something to do with Lewis and relationships. That secret was told to me by Anthony Hamilton himself over lunch in KL. I can't divulge what it is because I don't want to break my word to Anthony. And Lewis is not gay!

It would seem that Nicole is pressed for time. After all, we all are. She needs to settle down as she's pass 30. But it ain't gonna happen with Lewis, that's for sure. Sad for Lewis though. He was so excited about her, he was like a little boy and punching the air while squealing - "My girl is f**king hot!" at the airport last year.

Hmm, sounds familiar this, being a little boy I mean. I'm back to being a little boy again cos my girls is hot!