The offcial launch of the all new Honda City is just a day away here in Malaysia. Excitement of this model has been phenomenally high - almost as high as when Honda gave us the Civic I'd say. This is particularly suprising in these difficult economic times.
Harsh realities aside, I have had the privilidge of having a look at the actual Malaysian offering of this car in both it's S (presumably for Standard) and E (elegance?) guises. And my initial reactions are postive.
I like the way it looks. The lower roofline makes the car much sleaker than the outgoing model. The front grill and rear views are also real lookers and I'm certain based on this sentiment alone Honda will be the best performing B-segment non-national car in 2009 and for several years to follow.
If you don't already know, I am big on how a car looks and feels on the inside. Since I'll be planting my ass inside the car most of the time, I want it to be as perfect as humanly possible. The City's interior actually looked better live than it did in any of the pictures. The rather cheapish looking silver dash didn't look as cheap and the stereo looked mid-market.
I'm sure you'll hear many more acolades from fan boys and neutrals alike in the coming days, weeks and months. To spin things a little, I'll tell you what I didn't like.
Sticking to the interior, I didn't enjoy the way the plastics felt. They were hard - harder than the outgoing version and they weren't nice to touch. I also noted that the doors are now covered with more bare plastic than ever! There's only a strip of fabric alongside the power window switches and the fabric didn't feel nice to touch again.
The stereo system while looking very good, wasn't particularly practical for CD lovers. In order to pop in your favorite CD, you'll have to flip open the display panel of the stereo to reveal the disc loading area. Cool yes. But I dread to think of what'd happen if my wrist twitched when loading said CD. Bye bye display.
Also, all the speakers are housed on the doors and the rear shelf is left emtpy. That's actually a good thing - except for the fact that the rear shelf is also in bland plastic.
The air conditioning switches didn't suit my fancy either. They look like an after thought and the knobs while tactile didn't spell quality. They reminded me of the Vios' air cond knobs which I think is abysmal.
The orange-ish meter cluster could have also done with some white illumination.
The one thing I could absolutly not stand was the way the dashboard curves outwards at the edge closest to the drivers door. This design cue has been prevalent in the Accord and Civic and I dread to say that it has reappeared in the new City. I seem to knock my knee every now and again when I get into the car. I could change the way I get in but I don't want to. Oh the pain!
Seating room looks and feels adequet. There's more width for the horizontal ones but the lowered roofline given an illusion of less space. I love the fact that Honda got smart and made both variants available in dark colured interior.
I don't have any gripes from the outside. I think this car is a real looker.
Prices are slated to be at just about 85,000 and 90,000 for the S and E variants respectivly. The waiting list is already 3 months long (who said there's a financial crisis?) so those of us hoping for a new car ahead of the Christmas/CNY season better look elsewhere.
As for me, I can't say if I'd get one. I wouldn't judge until I've driven this one. But given that the Vios drives like a dugong, and if I was still in the market for a B-segment auto I'd give the City a long hard look.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
McLaren’s fleet of roadcars
McLaren and Mercedes Benz will part ways as far as road cars are concerned at the end of the McLaren Mercedes SLR lifecycle. It is understood that Mercedes would be partnering with AMG for its next supercar. However, I suspect that this might not be the actual reason for the split.
Although initially unclear, now Ron Dennis may have let the cat out of the bag. Albeit subtly, he hinted that McLaren may soon enter the automobile sector as a proper manufacturer!
“Grand Prix team(s) to diversify…we do intend to try and match the success of Ferrari”, Ron was caught saying. This could well be the start of a new era or McLaren.
The SLR is a work of art. If McLaren chooses to further diversify its roadcar range, I’m certain that we’ll be seeing many more works of art in the not too distant future. Watch this space.
Although initially unclear, now Ron Dennis may have let the cat out of the bag. Albeit subtly, he hinted that McLaren may soon enter the automobile sector as a proper manufacturer!
“Grand Prix team(s) to diversify…we do intend to try and match the success of Ferrari”, Ron was caught saying. This could well be the start of a new era or McLaren.
The SLR is a work of art. If McLaren chooses to further diversify its roadcar range, I’m certain that we’ll be seeing many more works of art in the not too distant future. Watch this space.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Arrogance, please
I like Kimi Raikkonen. I think he’s a fantastic driver with tremendous skill. However he’s incredibly boring. He doesn’t provoke anyone the way a Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso or even an Eddie Irvine would. And that’s no good really.
As well as I can tell, F1 is as much about the talk as it is about the racing. There’s always heightened interest in the sport when there’s some form of obvious rivalry (or scandal) going on. We still talk about how Michael wanted to land fist into DC and when Alonso openly criticized the current world champ. It was fun, exciting and we took notice.
Kimi doesn’t go any of that. He drives; then goes home. Bore.
And sadly, his performance in 2008 might also suggest that he’s doing a little less inspired driving that I’m used to seeing.
News has broken on how much the Finn now wants to try rallying. “"It's something that I would like to try for myself one day."” was his comment when he recently toured Rallye du Valais . Given his relatively short attention span, for all we know he might be looking for a way out of F1 – new contract extension notwithstanding.
I don’t have a problem waving goodbye to Kimi for the 2009 season. But the man I want to see in his shoes is the fiery Spainard. Sure he was a pussy for kicking up all that fuss as McLaren, but the excitement it stirred up is excellent. To top it off, he’s a great driver with the best qualifying record (100%) against his team mate this year.
Will it happen? Probably not. But then again, there’s 2011 ;)
As well as I can tell, F1 is as much about the talk as it is about the racing. There’s always heightened interest in the sport when there’s some form of obvious rivalry (or scandal) going on. We still talk about how Michael wanted to land fist into DC and when Alonso openly criticized the current world champ. It was fun, exciting and we took notice.
Kimi doesn’t go any of that. He drives; then goes home. Bore.
And sadly, his performance in 2008 might also suggest that he’s doing a little less inspired driving that I’m used to seeing.
News has broken on how much the Finn now wants to try rallying. “"It's something that I would like to try for myself one day."” was his comment when he recently toured Rallye du Valais . Given his relatively short attention span, for all we know he might be looking for a way out of F1 – new contract extension notwithstanding.
I don’t have a problem waving goodbye to Kimi for the 2009 season. But the man I want to see in his shoes is the fiery Spainard. Sure he was a pussy for kicking up all that fuss as McLaren, but the excitement it stirred up is excellent. To top it off, he’s a great driver with the best qualifying record (100%) against his team mate this year.
Will it happen? Probably not. But then again, there’s 2011 ;)
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Toyota no more
After jumping up and down like a kangaroo on steroids, uncovering the fact that Timo Glock was just too slow was painful. I had already woken the neighbours in the wee hours of the morning and to see Nicole jumping for joy wasn’t the right reason for it.
I’m distraught now.
To be continued…
I’m distraught now.
To be continued…
Monday, October 27, 2008
Team Antics
If you're in a team sport, it's a given that team priority takes precedence over all else. Be it football, F1 or rugby - it doesn't make a difference. The goal is to pull thru for the team.
Therefore I hope to see Ferrari make this work for them this weekend at Interlagos. It ain't over till the fat lady sings.
And Kimi shouldn't complain.
Life in general is also often a team sport. You've got to stick it up for your team. If someone shoots your guy down at a sales pitch you better have your buddies back. If you're also nitpicking at them in front of the cohort, then you've lost the plot.
Creating a public ruckus is unacceptable. It shows immaturity and a lack of control.
Play the team game.
Therefore I hope to see Ferrari make this work for them this weekend at Interlagos. It ain't over till the fat lady sings.
And Kimi shouldn't complain.
Life in general is also often a team sport. You've got to stick it up for your team. If someone shoots your guy down at a sales pitch you better have your buddies back. If you're also nitpicking at them in front of the cohort, then you've lost the plot.
Creating a public ruckus is unacceptable. It shows immaturity and a lack of control.
Play the team game.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Killing the V8
As I was reading a press release about the FIAs plans to introduce a single engine rule in F1 my thoughts quickly skewed to how single tracked F1 would become. Everyone would be on level packing in terms of power and racing at the pinnacle of motor sport would be reduced to merely aerodynamics, setup and driver skills.
I say merely with some degree of caution. Don’t get me wrong - I rate driver skills as a massively important aspect for F1 however once the novelty of 22 drivers racing on similar terms wears of, F1 will become another A1GP. Cheers for the Country aplenty and not much else.
F1 will become much of the same. If the manufacturers chose to stick around, people will be cheering for manufacturer. Surely some drivers will get accolades but over time morale to drive in F1 will wither and F1 may slowly experience a slow and expensive death.
It’s more likely however to predict that the big name manufacturers will shy away from the sport. As the sport slowly edges towards an being more of a exhibition (much like WWE), technical development will become less of a focus as the FIA continues to look for ways to drive down costs. The big name manufacturers will have fewer technologies to take away from F1 that they can plug into their road cars.
With anything that has to do with money, there are really two ways to understand why you’d want to purchase or spend. First you could set your requirements and look for the product that delivers on those requirements at the best price. Or you could look for the cheapest category-specific item in the market; paying little attention to weather or not it fits your needs.
I fear the FIA is biased towards the later.
Personally, the former should be the rule of the day. Teams should get together with the automobile industry as a whole and begin to understand the aspects of F1 that will make the sport profitable, pragmatic and exciting. Stop trying to save money for the sake of just that. The solution needs to be viable in the long run, not just cheap.
Non-power-sapping traction control systems were unheard of until it was introduced in F1. The trend for sustainable racing and roadworthy technology needs a revival. Here KERS comes in at the right time. Perhaps in future, hybrid F1 cars may be possible too. The possibilities are endless. But don’t stifle competitive development.
Necessity is the mother of invention but in today’s world, value also drives profitability. Bottom line: standardization is not the way to go in competitive motor racing. Standardised engines, if approved, will be the precursor to the demise of Formula 1 as we know it.
I say merely with some degree of caution. Don’t get me wrong - I rate driver skills as a massively important aspect for F1 however once the novelty of 22 drivers racing on similar terms wears of, F1 will become another A1GP. Cheers for the Country aplenty and not much else.
F1 will become much of the same. If the manufacturers chose to stick around, people will be cheering for manufacturer. Surely some drivers will get accolades but over time morale to drive in F1 will wither and F1 may slowly experience a slow and expensive death.
It’s more likely however to predict that the big name manufacturers will shy away from the sport. As the sport slowly edges towards an being more of a exhibition (much like WWE), technical development will become less of a focus as the FIA continues to look for ways to drive down costs. The big name manufacturers will have fewer technologies to take away from F1 that they can plug into their road cars.
With anything that has to do with money, there are really two ways to understand why you’d want to purchase or spend. First you could set your requirements and look for the product that delivers on those requirements at the best price. Or you could look for the cheapest category-specific item in the market; paying little attention to weather or not it fits your needs.
I fear the FIA is biased towards the later.
Personally, the former should be the rule of the day. Teams should get together with the automobile industry as a whole and begin to understand the aspects of F1 that will make the sport profitable, pragmatic and exciting. Stop trying to save money for the sake of just that. The solution needs to be viable in the long run, not just cheap.
Non-power-sapping traction control systems were unheard of until it was introduced in F1. The trend for sustainable racing and roadworthy technology needs a revival. Here KERS comes in at the right time. Perhaps in future, hybrid F1 cars may be possible too. The possibilities are endless. But don’t stifle competitive development.
Necessity is the mother of invention but in today’s world, value also drives profitability. Bottom line: standardization is not the way to go in competitive motor racing. Standardised engines, if approved, will be the precursor to the demise of Formula 1 as we know it.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
McLaren’s dirty boys
Having lost pace off the line and being overtaken by World Champion Kimi Raikkonen Lewis Hamilton executed the dirty tactics mirroring the likes of many world champs before him by driving both himself and Kimi off the road.
Although at first glance you may discount this move as nerves, the replays suggest some form for premeditation in this move. What surprised me just as much was how Hekki Kovalainen also veered into the path of Kimi and Felipe Massa at that very first corner – as though to ensure the Ferrari boys made their way off track.
Sunday afternoon at Fuji also saw some underhanded tactics from championship challenger Felipe Massa as he took Lewis out by running straight over the kerbs.
Perhaps poetic, but both McLaren drivers paid for the opening corners fracas. Lewis took a drive thru penalty while almost at the same time Hekki’s engine went up in smoke. Similarly, Massa also endured a drive thru penalty.
Once the early laps dust had settled, it was straight forward racing from early leader Robert Kubica, Fernando Alonso and eventually Kimi Raikkonen. After the first round of stops, Fernando fueled light and took the lead from Robert. The rest was history as the two-time world champ crossed the finish like to take his second successive victory in 2008 and his 22nd F1 chequered flag.
Robert and Kimi battled it out of the 2nd round of stops but graining on the Ferrari drivers tires didn’t allow him to pass the BMW – a car that hasn’t been updated significantly over the last couple of months. One might even say a lack of commitment from Kimi to get by also contributed to Kimi standing on the bottom step of the podium.
The two championship leaders made up only 1 point between them. Massa managed to salvage a sole point having overtaken Webber in the closing laps of the race. Lewis meanwhile went home scoreless as he took himself home in 11th.
With just two rounds to go, Lewis still leads the drivers championship by 6 points from Massa. As F1 heads to China in a week’s time, the odds are still against Massa. Back to back victories may still be insufficient to see him take the cake.
I’m looking forward to seeing Massa pick up 6 points relative to Lewis in Shanghai. That will take the championship down to the wire in Interlagos.
Although at first glance you may discount this move as nerves, the replays suggest some form for premeditation in this move. What surprised me just as much was how Hekki Kovalainen also veered into the path of Kimi and Felipe Massa at that very first corner – as though to ensure the Ferrari boys made their way off track.
Sunday afternoon at Fuji also saw some underhanded tactics from championship challenger Felipe Massa as he took Lewis out by running straight over the kerbs.
Perhaps poetic, but both McLaren drivers paid for the opening corners fracas. Lewis took a drive thru penalty while almost at the same time Hekki’s engine went up in smoke. Similarly, Massa also endured a drive thru penalty.
Once the early laps dust had settled, it was straight forward racing from early leader Robert Kubica, Fernando Alonso and eventually Kimi Raikkonen. After the first round of stops, Fernando fueled light and took the lead from Robert. The rest was history as the two-time world champ crossed the finish like to take his second successive victory in 2008 and his 22nd F1 chequered flag.
Robert and Kimi battled it out of the 2nd round of stops but graining on the Ferrari drivers tires didn’t allow him to pass the BMW – a car that hasn’t been updated significantly over the last couple of months. One might even say a lack of commitment from Kimi to get by also contributed to Kimi standing on the bottom step of the podium.
The two championship leaders made up only 1 point between them. Massa managed to salvage a sole point having overtaken Webber in the closing laps of the race. Lewis meanwhile went home scoreless as he took himself home in 11th.
With just two rounds to go, Lewis still leads the drivers championship by 6 points from Massa. As F1 heads to China in a week’s time, the odds are still against Massa. Back to back victories may still be insufficient to see him take the cake.
I’m looking forward to seeing Massa pick up 6 points relative to Lewis in Shanghai. That will take the championship down to the wire in Interlagos.
Friday, October 10, 2008
A step backwards
Perodua recently launched what I interpret to be a mid-life facelift of the hugely popular MyVI model. Although the facelift was barely noteworthy, the main aesthetics of the car remained as it was. And that was a good thing.
The makers of the MyVi has now taken it one step further and is now offering a facelited version of its MyVi Special Edition (SE). Special it is - mostly because it now looks like your run off the mill ah beng ride. Note: No racial stereotyping intended.
On a positive note, the MyVi now looks like it comes with Electronic Brakeforece Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist(BA) - two technologies I'd expect as standard on any car sold today. Also the idea to ditch the embedded head unit is a boon to those who'd want to quickly snap out the stock unit in favour of one that plays music (as opposed to noise).
So should you buy the MyVi SE? I probably wouldn't. I'd much rather get myself the non-SE premium variant and snap on my own body kit - assuming I even wanted a body kit.
After all, its a worthy reminder that the MyVi is a passenger car. Not a sportster.
For more info, head on over to http://www.perodua.com.my/index.php?section=ourcars&page=myvi
The makers of the MyVi has now taken it one step further and is now offering a facelited version of its MyVi Special Edition (SE). Special it is - mostly because it now looks like your run off the mill ah beng ride. Note: No racial stereotyping intended.
On a positive note, the MyVi now looks like it comes with Electronic Brakeforece Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist(BA) - two technologies I'd expect as standard on any car sold today. Also the idea to ditch the embedded head unit is a boon to those who'd want to quickly snap out the stock unit in favour of one that plays music (as opposed to noise).
So should you buy the MyVi SE? I probably wouldn't. I'd much rather get myself the non-SE premium variant and snap on my own body kit - assuming I even wanted a body kit.
After all, its a worthy reminder that the MyVi is a passenger car. Not a sportster.
For more info, head on over to http://www.perodua.com.my/index.php?section=ourcars&page=myvi
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
The problem with 10 sen
Today the Malaysian government reduced the price of petrol and diesel at the pump by a further 10 sen a liter. The latest cut will save the average Joe another 3-4 bucks every time he refules his car. This is in addition to the RM 4.5-6 that he saved after the 15 sen cut just under a month ago.
Is Joe happy? No.
News of the price drop broke just hours ago and many Joe's are complaining about how "little" the price slash has been. I need to remind Joe that this isn't the Malaysia on Sale carnival. I'm not complaining as though I like paying high prices for a comodity available in my backyard. Far from it.
What irks me is how we are drawn to the idea of cheap. We're so smitten by getting more for less that we've forgotten about everything else in between. In the case of fuel price, we've become engrossed in pump price that we've completely ignored the need for better fuel subsidy management.
When the price of fuel took that major upshot, many were busy suggesting new ways in which to delivery the subsidy to the people. Fuel cards, quota, rebates and the likes were the talk of the town. The idea was to deliver the rebates to the people who need it the most and to reduce the amount of subsidy given to higher income groups and the bloke who drive the new S-Class.
Better resource management.
Today we're still throwing subsidy into the S-Class' 90L fuel tank. For each full tank the S-Class takes on, about RM 27 worth of subsidy goes with it. On the other hand, for every Kancil's brim fill, it's RM 8. That's a 238% premium. We're losing the plot. We're still spending excessive amounts of public funds to subsidise wasteful spending.
Now I am not suggesting that the higher income group get nothing from the tax buckaroolas that they (are supposed to) pay. They're entitled to their fair share of subsidy too. But let's be realistic, the S-Class is going to guzzle more fuel than the little animal.
I'm sure most will remember who empty KL roads were after the the big hike. 45 minute journeys became 15 minute journeys for one reason and one reason only - people cut wasting. But today everyone's more comfortable to waste again. We've gotten used to the idea of the current price and these price drops further encourage our wasteful habits.
I can't change how the government chooses to spends my money overnight. In the meantime, I'm going to continue to do my part by reducing the amount of travel I do. If I must travel, I'll plan my journey or better yet I'll car pool.
To those who are still complaining about 10 sen, I suggest you do the same.
Is Joe happy? No.
News of the price drop broke just hours ago and many Joe's are complaining about how "little" the price slash has been. I need to remind Joe that this isn't the Malaysia on Sale carnival. I'm not complaining as though I like paying high prices for a comodity available in my backyard. Far from it.
What irks me is how we are drawn to the idea of cheap. We're so smitten by getting more for less that we've forgotten about everything else in between. In the case of fuel price, we've become engrossed in pump price that we've completely ignored the need for better fuel subsidy management.
When the price of fuel took that major upshot, many were busy suggesting new ways in which to delivery the subsidy to the people. Fuel cards, quota, rebates and the likes were the talk of the town. The idea was to deliver the rebates to the people who need it the most and to reduce the amount of subsidy given to higher income groups and the bloke who drive the new S-Class.
Better resource management.
Today we're still throwing subsidy into the S-Class' 90L fuel tank. For each full tank the S-Class takes on, about RM 27 worth of subsidy goes with it. On the other hand, for every Kancil's brim fill, it's RM 8. That's a 238% premium. We're losing the plot. We're still spending excessive amounts of public funds to subsidise wasteful spending.
Now I am not suggesting that the higher income group get nothing from the tax buckaroolas that they (are supposed to) pay. They're entitled to their fair share of subsidy too. But let's be realistic, the S-Class is going to guzzle more fuel than the little animal.
I'm sure most will remember who empty KL roads were after the the big hike. 45 minute journeys became 15 minute journeys for one reason and one reason only - people cut wasting. But today everyone's more comfortable to waste again. We've gotten used to the idea of the current price and these price drops further encourage our wasteful habits.
I can't change how the government chooses to spends my money overnight. In the meantime, I'm going to continue to do my part by reducing the amount of travel I do. If I must travel, I'll plan my journey or better yet I'll car pool.
To those who are still complaining about 10 sen, I suggest you do the same.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
The next big German?
The last time I heard the German and Italian national anthem play one after the other at a Grand Prix, I would have just witnessed Michael Schumacher take the chequered flag after having destroyed the opposition. Today however, the two national anthems played back to back and the field had been well and truly destroyed but the top step of the podium was occupied by one Sebastian Vettel.
After securing pole position on a rain soaked track, Seba started the race behind the safety car for two slow laps. The Mercedes powered safety car pulled into the pits on the 3rd lap and open racing was the order of the day. The pole siting Torro Rosso didn't waste anytime opening a lead over Hekki in 2nd.
Armed with a 2 stop strategy and some serious racing skills, the 21 year old German carved a fine race to take the chequered flag with his head held high. None of the emphatic screaming was heard over the radio but as you'd expect, the now youngest ever winner of an F1 race was speechless.
The race was not without drama further down the field. Both the Ferrari's made decent progress over the first stint of the race managing to make their way past the slower cars in front of them amiss heavy spray in their visors. Kimi Raikkonen starting from a lowly 14th however ended up finishing 9th.
This performance wasn't the spectacle I was expecting from the Finn who had just had his Ferrari contract renewed up to 2010. In contrast, the man starting behind Kimi was really the next big winner of the day. Lewis Hamilton despite starting 15th, made light work of most of his opposition - Kimi included - and finished the race just behind Felipe Massa.
Massa having started 6th finished exactly where he started despite Hamilton who had been 2-seconds a lap faster than him until he was caught. I had initially thought Hamilton was just sizing up his move but he stayed in that 2nd last point scoring position until the end of the race. Massa had shown some pretty good bravado despite some near-catastrophic moments.
Many of the drivers were cautious not to do a Lewis overtaking maneuver in Monza. Many were found giving back track advantage; even if the advantage was well deserved. That being said, Lewis did well to make a new name for himself in Italy. His over aggressive driving - pushing his fellows wide and faking moves - will surely leave a bitter taste in the mouth of several drivers.
All in all, it was a great day of racing. We saw a new winner, records smashed and a 1-point lead at the top of the drivers championship. In 2 weeks, more history will ensue as F1 heads for the streets of Singapore for the 1st ever night race.
I'd love to be in a position to write my next F1 entry after witnessing the race with my own eyes. Complimentary tickets anyone?
After securing pole position on a rain soaked track, Seba started the race behind the safety car for two slow laps. The Mercedes powered safety car pulled into the pits on the 3rd lap and open racing was the order of the day. The pole siting Torro Rosso didn't waste anytime opening a lead over Hekki in 2nd.
Armed with a 2 stop strategy and some serious racing skills, the 21 year old German carved a fine race to take the chequered flag with his head held high. None of the emphatic screaming was heard over the radio but as you'd expect, the now youngest ever winner of an F1 race was speechless.
The race was not without drama further down the field. Both the Ferrari's made decent progress over the first stint of the race managing to make their way past the slower cars in front of them amiss heavy spray in their visors. Kimi Raikkonen starting from a lowly 14th however ended up finishing 9th.
This performance wasn't the spectacle I was expecting from the Finn who had just had his Ferrari contract renewed up to 2010. In contrast, the man starting behind Kimi was really the next big winner of the day. Lewis Hamilton despite starting 15th, made light work of most of his opposition - Kimi included - and finished the race just behind Felipe Massa.
Massa having started 6th finished exactly where he started despite Hamilton who had been 2-seconds a lap faster than him until he was caught. I had initially thought Hamilton was just sizing up his move but he stayed in that 2nd last point scoring position until the end of the race. Massa had shown some pretty good bravado despite some near-catastrophic moments.
Many of the drivers were cautious not to do a Lewis overtaking maneuver in Monza. Many were found giving back track advantage; even if the advantage was well deserved. That being said, Lewis did well to make a new name for himself in Italy. His over aggressive driving - pushing his fellows wide and faking moves - will surely leave a bitter taste in the mouth of several drivers.
All in all, it was a great day of racing. We saw a new winner, records smashed and a 1-point lead at the top of the drivers championship. In 2 weeks, more history will ensue as F1 heads for the streets of Singapore for the 1st ever night race.
I'd love to be in a position to write my next F1 entry after witnessing the race with my own eyes. Complimentary tickets anyone?
Sunday, September 7, 2008
No spa for the Ferrari men at Spa
I am a man with a broken heart.
After watching Kimi Raikkonen lead my and his favorite racetrack for 41 and half of the 44 laps only to let it all blow up in his face on lap 42, I am increasingly confident that the 2008 World Driver's Championship will be heading to the team who has the last pit garage in the pit lane. It wasn't a cranky con rod this time but rather the wrath of mother nature that took its course.
As one Fernando Alonso would agree, Lewis Hamilton has a knack of being lucky.
For those of us who missed the action packed final few laps of this year's Spa thriller, the rain began to fall sporadically and Lewis who had closed up well on Kimi's rear into the Bus Stop chicane. Kimi closed the door forcing Lewis to short cut the chicane and take the lead. Lewis had to back off slightly to allow Kimi to retake the lead.
But here's where I have an argument. As Lewis let Kimi by, he was already faster than he would have been had he taken the Bus Stop chicane the way he did on every other lap. Remember that the Bus Stop is one of the slowest corners on the track. Any momentum gained there would give you more speed into the hairpin at turn one.
And that's where Lewis wrong footed Kimi and took the lead. Kimi tried to fight back but could only tuck in so close as to nudge the rear end of Lewis' McLaren. Lewis leads with Kimi in close pursuit.
Enter lap 42 and all hell broke lose. Lewis lost it, Kimi took the lead. Then Kimi lost it and Lewis retook the lead. Kimi ended up in the wall. The heavens opened up and Lewis tip toed to the finish followed by and even tip toed last lap by Massa. There was no slow and steady lap from 3rd place Nick Heidfeld. He took several places right there on lap 44 to secure a spot on the podium.
In retrospect, the gap between the top two drivers would have been identical if they had finished in the order that they did on lap 40. Lewis still holds a reasonably comfortable 8 point lead over closest rival Massa. With McLaren's stellar reliability this year, Lewis is looking good to take the numero uno on his 2009 racer.
My first post talked about how you've got to be there to be lucky. At the end of today - just like Hekki did the last time a Ferrari feel short at the end - a McLaren was just there being lucky.
Update:
Looks like justice has been served. The chicane cutting, slip-streaming Lewis Hamilton is handed a 25 second penalty for that oh so clever move. Baring any successful appeals from McLaren, it looks like the lead at the top is down to just 2 points.
I can't wait for Monza!
After watching Kimi Raikkonen lead my and his favorite racetrack for 41 and half of the 44 laps only to let it all blow up in his face on lap 42, I am increasingly confident that the 2008 World Driver's Championship will be heading to the team who has the last pit garage in the pit lane. It wasn't a cranky con rod this time but rather the wrath of mother nature that took its course.
As one Fernando Alonso would agree, Lewis Hamilton has a knack of being lucky.
For those of us who missed the action packed final few laps of this year's Spa thriller, the rain began to fall sporadically and Lewis who had closed up well on Kimi's rear into the Bus Stop chicane. Kimi closed the door forcing Lewis to short cut the chicane and take the lead. Lewis had to back off slightly to allow Kimi to retake the lead.
But here's where I have an argument. As Lewis let Kimi by, he was already faster than he would have been had he taken the Bus Stop chicane the way he did on every other lap. Remember that the Bus Stop is one of the slowest corners on the track. Any momentum gained there would give you more speed into the hairpin at turn one.
And that's where Lewis wrong footed Kimi and took the lead. Kimi tried to fight back but could only tuck in so close as to nudge the rear end of Lewis' McLaren. Lewis leads with Kimi in close pursuit.
Enter lap 42 and all hell broke lose. Lewis lost it, Kimi took the lead. Then Kimi lost it and Lewis retook the lead. Kimi ended up in the wall. The heavens opened up and Lewis tip toed to the finish followed by and even tip toed last lap by Massa. There was no slow and steady lap from 3rd place Nick Heidfeld. He took several places right there on lap 44 to secure a spot on the podium.
In retrospect, the gap between the top two drivers would have been identical if they had finished in the order that they did on lap 40. Lewis still holds a reasonably comfortable 8 point lead over closest rival Massa. With McLaren's stellar reliability this year, Lewis is looking good to take the numero uno on his 2009 racer.
My first post talked about how you've got to be there to be lucky. At the end of today - just like Hekki did the last time a Ferrari feel short at the end - a McLaren was just there being lucky.
Update:
Looks like justice has been served. The chicane cutting, slip-streaming Lewis Hamilton is handed a 25 second penalty for that oh so clever move. Baring any successful appeals from McLaren, it looks like the lead at the top is down to just 2 points.
I can't wait for Monza!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Power blackout
The recent announcement by the government on tax breaks for non-luxury hybrid cars is most welcome. With the continuously volatile price of crude in the market and the fact that hydrocarbon fossil fuel will run out one day, taking a forward looking move to encourage the use of energy efficient vehicles couldn't come a day sooner.
The new ruling provides a tax break for a period of time after which is it envisaged that Malaysia may become the hybrid and electric motors de facto tech and manufacturing destination in the region. Good idea, but the jury's still out.
Over the weekend I supported a cause against the building of 12 hydro electric dams in the East of my dear country. I saw two sides of the story. On one hand, we needed more power on the other, we were going to eat away at someones home to get it.
You may be asking what the two stories have to do with each other. Well here's what I'm thinking: we want to have electric cars but we don't have enough juice to power them.
Where's the balance?
What's going to happen when 10% of the population has an electric car. What happens when that's 50%? Or maybe 80%? How much more electricity are we going to need?
I'm no electrical engineer. But putting 2 and 2 together, it doesn't take a genius to know that we're going to yank more kilowatts to power out jetsons-like road vehicles.
Sure this isn't' going to happen anytime soon. But when it does, would we have already shot ourselves in the groin?
The new ruling provides a tax break for a period of time after which is it envisaged that Malaysia may become the hybrid and electric motors de facto tech and manufacturing destination in the region. Good idea, but the jury's still out.
Over the weekend I supported a cause against the building of 12 hydro electric dams in the East of my dear country. I saw two sides of the story. On one hand, we needed more power on the other, we were going to eat away at someones home to get it.
You may be asking what the two stories have to do with each other. Well here's what I'm thinking: we want to have electric cars but we don't have enough juice to power them.
Where's the balance?
What's going to happen when 10% of the population has an electric car. What happens when that's 50%? Or maybe 80%? How much more electricity are we going to need?
I'm no electrical engineer. But putting 2 and 2 together, it doesn't take a genius to know that we're going to yank more kilowatts to power out jetsons-like road vehicles.
Sure this isn't' going to happen anytime soon. But when it does, would we have already shot ourselves in the groin?
Broken rubber band
I had no idea what it was when it first happened several months ago. The wind noise that was protruding into the cabin was too much. Overworked and tired my paranoia was high and I had assumed the worst. Perhaps even beyond. I thought the door got bent and for some reason wasn't closing properly, or the door lining was destroyed by some act of sheer carelessness.
After pulling over to the side of the road and inspecting the problem further on that late weekday night, I found that the rubber surrounding the window had been ripped off. Baffled how such a thing could happen my paranoia continued to play up and many irrational explanations followed.
Fortunately the rubber, or runner as it is actually called wasn't expensive to replace. For less than 20 bucks the problem went away. But an hour at the mechanic wasn't welcome.
I was happy to move on from then until several days ago when the problem surfaced on the passenger side of the car. I didn't have far fetched explanations this time but knowing that it wouldn't cost much to fix reassured me.
I always believed the pioneering local brand to be the market leader in defective products. After all, they successfully manufactured the same car for 20 odd years and managed to degrade it's quality in a steady downward trend over they years. Just ask anyone with a faulty power window motor.
I'm not happy to note that my ride - the one I considered the better of two political parties - was susceptible to similar issues. Although nowhere as drastic, I prefer not to deal with niggles like this.
The problem still isn't fixed but I know I won't break a leg in the interim. I put it down to age and use. I still believe that the brand I've subscribed to is better off than it's nearest competitor.
Fingers crossed, nothing else will break.
After pulling over to the side of the road and inspecting the problem further on that late weekday night, I found that the rubber surrounding the window had been ripped off. Baffled how such a thing could happen my paranoia continued to play up and many irrational explanations followed.
Fortunately the rubber, or runner as it is actually called wasn't expensive to replace. For less than 20 bucks the problem went away. But an hour at the mechanic wasn't welcome.
I was happy to move on from then until several days ago when the problem surfaced on the passenger side of the car. I didn't have far fetched explanations this time but knowing that it wouldn't cost much to fix reassured me.
I always believed the pioneering local brand to be the market leader in defective products. After all, they successfully manufactured the same car for 20 odd years and managed to degrade it's quality in a steady downward trend over they years. Just ask anyone with a faulty power window motor.
I'm not happy to note that my ride - the one I considered the better of two political parties - was susceptible to similar issues. Although nowhere as drastic, I prefer not to deal with niggles like this.
The problem still isn't fixed but I know I won't break a leg in the interim. I put it down to age and use. I still believe that the brand I've subscribed to is better off than it's nearest competitor.
Fingers crossed, nothing else will break.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Hug your mechanic
When someone does a good job you usually congratulate them. When someone does a great job sometimes you reward them. But what do you do when someone who is supposed to do their job but usually doesn’t, suddenly does just what you need him to do?
I liken the situation to a little child. You tell him not to run around the house but he does. After all he’s a kid who wants to have some fun and no amount of rational justification is going to get to him. But to your surprise, one day he’ll not run around the house. And you wont’ know why he doesn’t. So you give him a hug to say what a good boy he is.
My car has been having morning sickness since I had the timing belt and an engine mount replaced. On some cold mornings, the engine likes to squeak for a little bit and it annoys me a great deal. For those of you who know me, I take pride is making sure my car runs well so these little niggles are not welcome. But being a realist I took the rational stand that all moving parts are bound to imperfection so I decided to let this ride for a while before I had it looked at (my busy schedule forced me to think this way).
Soon enough, I had enough of it and took the car back to get this checked out. The timing was just about right for a routine service too so that’s two birds with one stone. There was this young chap who took a look at the problem for me. He was helpful but I had an arduous time explaining to him in the official local lingo what squeaking was like. I finally got thru when I likened it to the sounds of birds chirping in the morning. Not quite the real thing, but almost there. Don’t ask me where that came from.
At the end of Mr. young mechanics time with my car, I was quite happy to note that the birds have now gone away from my engine. I hope not to reencounter them anytime soon – or ever. That wouldn’t be pleasant. I was very happy with the young bloke who took the time and effort to get it fixed. So happy in fact that I even wanted to tip him.
But I didn’t.
Why? Well it’s because I couldn’t help but to flash back to those times the birds were there. Why where they there in the first place? Obviously the first person to work on the timing belt and mounting didn’t do something right. He was supposed to get it right but he didn’t. So now someone else in his capacity had to come correct the problem.
So does he deserve a hug? I don’t know. Why don’t you hug him and tell me what it’s like.
Ps. I know some readers will misconstrue paragraph 2. Have fun with that.
I liken the situation to a little child. You tell him not to run around the house but he does. After all he’s a kid who wants to have some fun and no amount of rational justification is going to get to him. But to your surprise, one day he’ll not run around the house. And you wont’ know why he doesn’t. So you give him a hug to say what a good boy he is.
My car has been having morning sickness since I had the timing belt and an engine mount replaced. On some cold mornings, the engine likes to squeak for a little bit and it annoys me a great deal. For those of you who know me, I take pride is making sure my car runs well so these little niggles are not welcome. But being a realist I took the rational stand that all moving parts are bound to imperfection so I decided to let this ride for a while before I had it looked at (my busy schedule forced me to think this way).
Soon enough, I had enough of it and took the car back to get this checked out. The timing was just about right for a routine service too so that’s two birds with one stone. There was this young chap who took a look at the problem for me. He was helpful but I had an arduous time explaining to him in the official local lingo what squeaking was like. I finally got thru when I likened it to the sounds of birds chirping in the morning. Not quite the real thing, but almost there. Don’t ask me where that came from.
At the end of Mr. young mechanics time with my car, I was quite happy to note that the birds have now gone away from my engine. I hope not to reencounter them anytime soon – or ever. That wouldn’t be pleasant. I was very happy with the young bloke who took the time and effort to get it fixed. So happy in fact that I even wanted to tip him.
But I didn’t.
Why? Well it’s because I couldn’t help but to flash back to those times the birds were there. Why where they there in the first place? Obviously the first person to work on the timing belt and mounting didn’t do something right. He was supposed to get it right but he didn’t. So now someone else in his capacity had to come correct the problem.
So does he deserve a hug? I don’t know. Why don’t you hug him and tell me what it’s like.
Ps. I know some readers will misconstrue paragraph 2. Have fun with that.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
When beng does a good job
It’s expected that your run off the mill beng, mat or macha with their brand new wheels will modify their car to look hideous. They will plug in a loud stereo system or a GT wing that is not only higher than the height of their rear view windscreen but also wider that the width of their car. They might also throw in some neon lights in Technicolor. And let’s not even talk about the muffler that you could lose your shoe in.
But once in a while, beng (I’m just using beng as a representative of the general less-than-tasteful modification junkie) gets it right. Once in a while someone will surprise you that they can actually colour coordinate. They can actually string together the right decals, the right rims and the right neon lights to make the ride look nice.
Now don’t’ get me wrong, I’m not a fan or decals. Neither do I think neon lights are the way to go. But I give credit where it is due.
Such was the case of a particular Myvi (some call it Passo but this guy didn’t) owner today. His car was black with a decent bodykit. He had customised decals covering all the main parts of the car – from the hood to the doors and roof. Being customised, they were decked out in red and white and it went well with the car. Also the rims were black with a red outline. And the car was clean so it all came together well.
I give this guy props for not calling his ride “TRD tuned” because it wasn’t. He didn’t throw in some lights under the floor pan coz the lizards needed guidance down there. Nor did he have a muffler to inform the whole neighbourhood that he’s coming. His execution was well thought out, planed and well put together. Not subtle but he’s achieved his goal.
Perhaps the difference is in the thinking. So to all you random modification junkies out there, this is what I’d advocate. Think. Think long and hard of what you want to do with you car. And try to inject some details into your thoughts and put it down into a plan. Talk to people who’s put good looking cars together. Know what kind of look you wanna go for and how much moolah you wanna spend.
But I’m not going to spice my ride up. I quite like it the way it is.
Hmm… or maybe I should get some new speakers?
But once in a while, beng (I’m just using beng as a representative of the general less-than-tasteful modification junkie) gets it right. Once in a while someone will surprise you that they can actually colour coordinate. They can actually string together the right decals, the right rims and the right neon lights to make the ride look nice.
Now don’t’ get me wrong, I’m not a fan or decals. Neither do I think neon lights are the way to go. But I give credit where it is due.
Such was the case of a particular Myvi (some call it Passo but this guy didn’t) owner today. His car was black with a decent bodykit. He had customised decals covering all the main parts of the car – from the hood to the doors and roof. Being customised, they were decked out in red and white and it went well with the car. Also the rims were black with a red outline. And the car was clean so it all came together well.
I give this guy props for not calling his ride “TRD tuned” because it wasn’t. He didn’t throw in some lights under the floor pan coz the lizards needed guidance down there. Nor did he have a muffler to inform the whole neighbourhood that he’s coming. His execution was well thought out, planed and well put together. Not subtle but he’s achieved his goal.
Perhaps the difference is in the thinking. So to all you random modification junkies out there, this is what I’d advocate. Think. Think long and hard of what you want to do with you car. And try to inject some details into your thoughts and put it down into a plan. Talk to people who’s put good looking cars together. Know what kind of look you wanna go for and how much moolah you wanna spend.
But I’m not going to spice my ride up. I quite like it the way it is.
Hmm… or maybe I should get some new speakers?
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Hungarian Heartbreak
Have you ever felt on top of the world and so close to tasting victory only to see it all go away in a pile of smoke?
If you haven't you can ask Felippe Massa. He's seen it just last weekend as his car stoped on the Hungaroring's start/finish straight just 3 short laps from the chequered flag.
Watching from my living room I could have almost shed a tear. After a superb start from the usually show starter, a dominating performance and what up till that point appeared to be a trouble free afternoon had now just turned on its heals. Great performance, 0 points.
I couldn't help but think this was karma. Earlier in the race I was jubilant at the sight of Lewis Hamilton's deflated tyre. This was just like pay back but with worse results.
Now before you begin to label me as a Lewis-hater or British basher let me tell you that I was impressed by the way the "young" Brit brought the car back into the pits in one piece and took it out again and started to charge. He's a talented driver no doubt. But when you're up against the scarlet cars, I wish you less than well. After all, everything's relative.
Amiss all the drama, I must say I am very impressed with the performance of one Timo Glock. The German rookie has by far been outpaced, outclassed and beaten flat by his Toyota team mate Jarno Trulli thus far but his performance on this tough track was something really special.
What made it special was how he did it. No he did not fuel light during qualifying to get further up the grid. In fact he was heavier than most of the people around him. He didn't benefit from some stroke of luck which saw every other car in front of him fall off the grid either. So he did benefit from Lewis' and Felippe's mishaps, but even if he didn't Timo would have still finished 4th which is a fantastic performance given where Jarno finished and the overall pace of Toyota this year.
He had lots to say over the radio, his race enginner talked some hoof but he kept his cool throughout and a 2nd place is well deserved - although ahead of one Kimi.
Speaking of one Kimi, I must say the bloke is becoming a little boring to watch. I'm not talking about a boring press conference (of which Kimi's have been the worst to watch), but rather the real juice of what makes a GP driver - the fun on the track.
Of the top 3 drivers, he's seen the lest amount of wins so far this year - only 2. Over the last couple of races, there hasn't been a performance out of him either. But what about that fastest lap you might ask. Before you do, let me ask you how many points do you get out of a fastest lap?
At the end of the day, Hekki takes the cake. But not because he was the fastest man on the track nor did he give us something to watch. But because he didn't take any risks and sat still.
I think the bloke on TV said it right, "You've got to be there to get lucky".
If you haven't you can ask Felippe Massa. He's seen it just last weekend as his car stoped on the Hungaroring's start/finish straight just 3 short laps from the chequered flag.
Watching from my living room I could have almost shed a tear. After a superb start from the usually show starter, a dominating performance and what up till that point appeared to be a trouble free afternoon had now just turned on its heals. Great performance, 0 points.
I couldn't help but think this was karma. Earlier in the race I was jubilant at the sight of Lewis Hamilton's deflated tyre. This was just like pay back but with worse results.
Now before you begin to label me as a Lewis-hater or British basher let me tell you that I was impressed by the way the "young" Brit brought the car back into the pits in one piece and took it out again and started to charge. He's a talented driver no doubt. But when you're up against the scarlet cars, I wish you less than well. After all, everything's relative.
Amiss all the drama, I must say I am very impressed with the performance of one Timo Glock. The German rookie has by far been outpaced, outclassed and beaten flat by his Toyota team mate Jarno Trulli thus far but his performance on this tough track was something really special.
What made it special was how he did it. No he did not fuel light during qualifying to get further up the grid. In fact he was heavier than most of the people around him. He didn't benefit from some stroke of luck which saw every other car in front of him fall off the grid either. So he did benefit from Lewis' and Felippe's mishaps, but even if he didn't Timo would have still finished 4th which is a fantastic performance given where Jarno finished and the overall pace of Toyota this year.
He had lots to say over the radio, his race enginner talked some hoof but he kept his cool throughout and a 2nd place is well deserved - although ahead of one Kimi.
Speaking of one Kimi, I must say the bloke is becoming a little boring to watch. I'm not talking about a boring press conference (of which Kimi's have been the worst to watch), but rather the real juice of what makes a GP driver - the fun on the track.
Of the top 3 drivers, he's seen the lest amount of wins so far this year - only 2. Over the last couple of races, there hasn't been a performance out of him either. But what about that fastest lap you might ask. Before you do, let me ask you how many points do you get out of a fastest lap?
At the end of the day, Hekki takes the cake. But not because he was the fastest man on the track nor did he give us something to watch. But because he didn't take any risks and sat still.
I think the bloke on TV said it right, "You've got to be there to get lucky".
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