[Abarth Mike]

I think Renault Sport should be applauded for using trickle down F1 technology in the new Clio E-Tech. I've not been interested in hybrids up until now but the tech in the E-tech has stirred something in me. I can't buy one as not available here but I would if...

Maybe all the tech is available in other hybrids but they all advertise in terms of sickly saving the planet etc. Why can't we simply use the tech to get some extra grunt occasionally whilst as a side effect making Gretta happy.

 

[Abarth Mike]

Red Bull's desire for an engine freeze to which Ferrari don't agree.

At the risk of stating the obvious? Red Bull is a chassis/aero designer. They obviously feel that they would have an advantage if engines were frozen. No team should be specifically placed in a position of having an advantage which is why the answer from Renault and Ferrari is, and should be, no.

 

[Abarth Mike]

It does.

I believe all drivers would wear the red uniform if asked.

 

[Abarth Mike]

It's nothing more than paddock gossip, but it's been suggested that Liberty Media are looking for someone to buy the commercial rights to F1...

Bernie buys it back at 10c on the dollar and then resells it to Toto Wolf?

 

[Abarth Mike]

electric motors are currently upwards of 99% efficient

Yes. However the processes for making electricity are not. Even the manufacture of hydrogen is not "free".

At best electric vehicles in cities move any air pollution outwards to rural areas where the power station are.

 

[Abarth Mike]

Toyota are trialling a number of hydrogen fuel cell cars in London with some success. They are used as minicabs and are wracking up high mileage without any issues.

Which doesn't solve the problem below....

Producing hydrogen is difficult and polluting

 

[Abarth Mike]

Yes indeed, you are spot-on! The emissions would be environmentally friendly water and nitrogen...... Oh yes, and a very nasty smell too! And that is the reason that it is being used for ocean going cargo ships. Plenty of fresh air to disperse the smell!

and aircraft as well, apparently.

Reefer ships using refrigerant for fuel? Cool!

 

[Abarth Mike]

If we were to all switch to electric cars tomorrow, there will simply not be enough electrical energy to go round, but of course politicians do not tell the public this.

Certainly in the USA. But as you say no one wants to hear this.

It is like solar powered Africa another pipe dream. Every hut has a solar panel. This does not provide enough power for any form of African industry.

As you say nobody tells the public this.

I would still buy a Clio E-Tech if they were available here. Hybrid yes but a slick one.

 

[Abarth Mike]

If we are to drop it, may I suggest Tiddly Winks as an alternative competitive sport?

 

[Abarth Mike]

, but it's also been suggested that audiences are increasingly unable to "connect" with F1.

Too many long shots with no impression of speed. Audio coverage lacks technical perspective. Too much emphasis on drivers not teams or cars.

They should look to Aussie Supercars to get the audience engaged?

 

[Abarth Mike]

I've been trying to think of a word to replace this inaccurate 'racist' expression. All humans belong to the same race. Ethnicist just doesn't have the same ring somehow.

A a now deceased mate of mine used to talk about "non-reflectives". A female friend of mine, also deceased, used to call other drivers "maroons"

 

[Abarth Mike]

Laurence, does Uncle have any horses or can you saddle the bull?

Will the regulations say it has to be a Red Bull?

 

[Abarth Mike]

a gravy-proof dinner jacket

These are available? My drycleaner's business may not survive.

 

[Abarth Mike]

There's a pic online of the F1 Alpine's new livery, described by a scribbler as "stunning".

Not a word I'd have chosen.

I'm waiting to buy a team shirt. Renault Mike was my second choice.

 

[Abarth Mike]

I see that Renault/Alpine have sacked team principal Cyril Abiteboul

Red Bull : "We'll buy Renault engines as long as Cyrille is gone"?

 

[Abarth Mike]

^ I don't care the team could and would race without him.

I'm still waiting to buy my team Alpine shirt.

 

[Abarth Mike]

partly because of the disparity in budgets.

I think you will find it is because of the disparity of being cleverer.

 

[Abarth Mike]

^ Have to quarantine on my super yacht for 14 days with less than 5 companions in bikinis?

(Late posting as SWMBO's dog is sick so nobody can sleep.)

 

[Abarth Mike]

There was some amazing technology during the 60's racing motorcycles built by the Japanese manufacturers, particularly Honda and Suzuki. Take a look at this article, 3 cylinder 50cc machine anyone? How about a 5 cylinder 125cc motorcycle then?

https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-views/features/racing/10-most-extreme-6070s-race-bikes

with the engine seeming to run at constant revs. That power band was narrow!

Sorry me agian.

 

[Abarth Mike]

Rumoured that Cyril Abiteboul has signed with BMW. DTM?