question 1
Martin Whitmarsh has elected to not stand for re-election as the Chairman of FOTA. With Ferrari, Red Bull and Sauber already opting out of the group what do you think Whitmarsh's decision means for the future of the group?
@cbesudha : FOTA has been seriously weakened by the withdrawals of the big teams. FOTA has a crucial role to play as it represents the interests of the F1 teams when dealing with the sport's governing body the FIA and F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone. Whitmarsh as Team Principal of McLaren is an important figure in F1 and brought immense clout to his role. FOTA has to find a person of equal standing to maintain the relevance of the group
@RachThukral : FOTA has played an important role in giving teams more money(and other benefits) in a sport where Bernie and FOM takes considerable share of the revenue. Well, we need a strong person from one of the teams to head FOTA otherwise it won't be able to play a big role as it is playing now. I hope Vijay Mallya joins in as new Chairman of FOTA.
@cbesudha : FOTA has been seriously weakened by the withdrawals of the big teams. FOTA has a crucial role to play as it represents the interests of the F1 teams when dealing with the sport's governing body the FIA and F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone. Whitmarsh as Team Principal of McLaren is an important figure in F1 and brought immense clout to his role. FOTA has to find a person of equal standing to maintain the relevance of the group
@RachThukral : FOTA has played an important role in giving teams more money(and other benefits) in a sport where Bernie and FOM takes considerable share of the revenue. Well, we need a strong person from one of the teams to head FOTA otherwise it won't be able to play a big role as it is playing now. I hope Vijay Mallya joins in as new Chairman of FOTA.
question 2
Ferrari have been reported to be unsure as to who they want to partner Alonso for the next season. If you were Stefano Domenicali / Luca Di Montezemolo who would you choose and why?
@DarshanChokhani : This one is the most interesting question which is on everyone's mind. Would love to get everyone's response to this. My say, if Ferrari doesn't want to gamble then they will retain Massa and if they out to take in a new guy then I think Sutil, Heikki should be the guys they should look at. Perez is still young and a bit erratic as well, he might have got an outside chance. And just for fun and Pablo from Autosport, I would put Nick Heidfeld name here as well.
@joshbohnf1 : Kamui Kobayashi! Got 1 season and 2 races more experience in f1 than Perez and while not as fast in my opinion, worth a shot in a top car. And if it doesn't work, put Perez in the following season! I don't think Perez deserves a number 2 seat .
@RobLMyers : I've always said that I thought it would be Perez, but now I'm not so sure. I think the best option now would be Kovalainen. He's been at a top team (McLaren) and is a proven race winner. What's more is that he was happy to play the supporting act to Hamilton at McLaren and there's no reason to think that he wouldn't be willing to do the same with Alonso at Ferrari, especially after a few seasons in an uncompetitive car at Caterham. Ferrari are looking for a good number two - Heikki seems they're best bet.
@DarshanChokhani : This one is the most interesting question which is on everyone's mind. Would love to get everyone's response to this. My say, if Ferrari doesn't want to gamble then they will retain Massa and if they out to take in a new guy then I think Sutil, Heikki should be the guys they should look at. Perez is still young and a bit erratic as well, he might have got an outside chance. And just for fun and Pablo from Autosport, I would put Nick Heidfeld name here as well.
@joshbohnf1 : Kamui Kobayashi! Got 1 season and 2 races more experience in f1 than Perez and while not as fast in my opinion, worth a shot in a top car. And if it doesn't work, put Perez in the following season! I don't think Perez deserves a number 2 seat .
@RobLMyers : I've always said that I thought it would be Perez, but now I'm not so sure. I think the best option now would be Kovalainen. He's been at a top team (McLaren) and is a proven race winner. What's more is that he was happy to play the supporting act to Hamilton at McLaren and there's no reason to think that he wouldn't be willing to do the same with Alonso at Ferrari, especially after a few seasons in an uncompetitive car at Caterham. Ferrari are looking for a good number two - Heikki seems they're best bet.
question 3
Monisha Kaltenborn has stated that the Sauber team are aiming to steal the P5 position from Mercedes by the end of the championship. (The Sauber team are currently 26 points behind) Do you think Sauber can make it or will Mercedes be able to defend their position?
@MarussiaF1Will : If Sauber can get another couple of podiums they've got every chance but I think Mercedes will have a stronger second half of the season and defend their position.
@hedgeryhoops : Based on current form I don't see why Sauber couldn't catch Mercedes. Although both teams had awful weekends in Hungary, Mercedes have seen quite a dip in performance since Monaco, and have now been pegged back to the midfield. Sauber have gradually been picking up good points here and there, and to be honest I've been quite surprised that they have been able to stay so competitive this far into the season.
@MarussiaF1Will : If Sauber can get another couple of podiums they've got every chance but I think Mercedes will have a stronger second half of the season and defend their position.
@hedgeryhoops : Based on current form I don't see why Sauber couldn't catch Mercedes. Although both teams had awful weekends in Hungary, Mercedes have seen quite a dip in performance since Monaco, and have now been pegged back to the midfield. Sauber have gradually been picking up good points here and there, and to be honest I've been quite surprised that they have been able to stay so competitive this far into the season.
bonus question
With nearly half of the F1 summer break gone what F1 related things have you been getting involved in and would recommend to others to fill the void?
@F1_Fans_Updates : I have been running my #F1POTD on twitter to help fill the F1 void. If people dont know #F1POTD is a daily poll where I ask the #F1Family a variety of F1 related questions and give the results out at the end of the day. Another thing I have been working on is my F1 radio show @pitstopradio which will be going live again soon, old shows can be found => http://www.spreaker.com/page#!/show/pit_stop_radio
Also I have been taking part in #F1Chat and #fanformula which are GREAT fun to take part in.
@F1_Fans_Updates : I have been running my #F1POTD on twitter to help fill the F1 void. If people dont know #F1POTD is a daily poll where I ask the #F1Family a variety of F1 related questions and give the results out at the end of the day. Another thing I have been working on is my F1 radio show @pitstopradio which will be going live again soon, old shows can be found => http://www.spreaker.com/page#!/show/pit_stop_radio
Also I have been taking part in #F1Chat and #fanformula which are GREAT fun to take part in.