German Car Zone

Ferrari set to go back to lollipop man

The lollipop man is to make a reappearance in the Ferrari pits at this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix.

Ferrari have been using a pit stop lighting system, but it caused them great embarrassment in Singapore and dealt a major blow to Felipe Massa's hopes of winning the World Championship.

A mechanic prematurely gave Massa the green light to leave the pits, but the fuel hose was still attached to the Brazilian's car and he knocked over a member of the pit crew as he attempted to head back out on to the circuit.

Formula One surpremo Bernie Ecclestone is one of those who questioned Ferrari's decision to use the pit lane traffic lights system.

"If I wanted to be a smart-arse, I'd have devised a system so that the light goes green to release the driver at the same time as the coupling hose comes off the car," Ecclestone told The Mail on Sunday.

"If it's a matter of turning a switch, which I am led to believe is how it works, then why not stick with the "lollipop" man of old? Why do you want to have some other piece of technology that can go wrong? It's over the top."

It now appears the Scuderia will stop using the system for the remainder of the 2008 season.

The Times reveals: "In an acknowledgement that all is not quite as it should be just now, the team has decided to go back to the lollipop for the three remaining races of this season.

However, they will again switch back to automated system when the 2009 season gets underway in Australia, and they also claim several other teams could follow their example.

"Ferrari are keeping their pit lane traffic lights system despite the dramas they have experienced recently. Several of their rivals are now researching their own version of the lights. They also say that they have heard nothing from the FIA on the subject and there has been no move to have the system banned on safety grounds."

planetf1.com

I can't believe he has the nerve to say something like that.

we don't really know if he actually did say that. could be the press. however, he already made some stupid statements in the past, saying things like he's the actual Iceman, and that he's cooler than Kimi, and that he's as good as Michael Schumacher and he's not a No2 driver to Schumacher.

so, i won't be surprised if he did indeed say something stupid again.

I am not defending Lewis, but if you want to be the best, you have to believe you are the best, and have absolute faith in yourself, regardless what other people say. If F1 drivers don't believe they are the best on the grid then I don't think they should be in the sport. I bet all the drivers think they are better than everyone else, but then they keep it inside their head, and not say it out loud. So Lewis, keep it quiet.

I agree.

The quote is out of context and I doubt that Hamilton would said something blant as that. There's a chance that he might have been misquoted.

[quote=Centurion;335491]
An ugly guy will be used this year to hold the sign with the drivers name to avoid lack of concentration with the drivers

When there will be rain it will be an exciting race once again, but this also means that Hamilton has the advantage over massa cause he simply is better when it rains. The higher risk of crashing on the other hand will make the season's ending even more exciting! Who will have th guts to take risks and will they jeopardise the changes of those that are not so willing to take big risks rather than securing the championship lead. It will be exciting, and I am looking forward to the weekend!

McLaren Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen both appeared at a press conference in Tokyo today to give their support for Bridgestone and the FIA’s 'make cars green' initiative.

The programme encourages drivers to ‘think green’ by promoting eco-friendly and fuel-efficient motoring. The campaign communicates ten simple points for greener motoring – such as regularly checking tyre pressures, reducing engine idling and using air-conditioning only when necessary – and has been supported by both drivers.

Lewis Hamilton
“I genuinely try and reduce the amount of driving I do away from the racetrack. I always use GPS to plan my route and save fuel. And I’m often away for so long that it’s always useful to check my car’s tyre pressures before I head out on a long journey – for safety as well as economy’s sake. At home, I like to use public transport so I don’t get stuck in traffic jams.
I also do a lot of cycling, so it certainly feels like I’m playing my part in helping conserve the environment.”

Heikki Kovalainen
“For any driver, there are many things you can do to help the environment. For example, in a cold country like Finland, a lot of people leave their cars running to warm them up – and that’s not good sense. I like to use a couple of electric heaters to warm the car up before driving, and I also try not to leave it idling for too long. This is a great way of showing people how to protect the environment and make things easier on their wallets.”

f1live.com

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Somehow I find it hard to believe that Hamilton rides public transportation. But then again it's possible since it's been told he can walk around in Switzerland like a normal dude.

haha great picture! Obviously Hammi is doing the bigger of the burnouts

And yeah Hammi drives a ML320cdi

Everyone thinks that they are a better driver than they really are