F1 starts down under

The talk all week has been the speed of the newly named Brawn GP Racing (formerly Honda). Watching qualifying this morning, however, I was struck more by the lap times, which are stunningly fast considering the FIA has been trying to get the overall speeds down. So much for making the cars more generic by truncating development, eh? Soon the 'Schumacher-esque' speeds will become the norm it seems.

But for now it will be all about Brawn and Williams, at least until the FIA have their say about the 'diffuser row' in Paris in a few weeks. Here's a good bit on Ross Brawn, someone I've always admired.

Logistics

You thought you had problems packing up your kids for a trip to Florida, eh? Then pity the crews of an F1 team like Williams who have to deal with "packing day". I suspect this time of year poses unique problems such as: no race adrenaline, routines not entirely established or executed comfortably, and so much at stake in the testing process. Especially this year as the testing rules have changed so much. I dug up this video from the AutomotiveTV channel on moving an F1 team around the globe. (side note: if you're not subscribed to AutomotiveTV, you should be.)

Yas Marina Circuit

Continuing this week's overly-indulgent car theme, I found new pics of the Yas Marina track in Abu Dhabi . Side note: yes, we're a little obsessed with tracks and stadiums these days but fun design is worth celebrating. Besides, when you're in Abu Dhabi there are virtually no financial restrictions...so the designers get to go a little nuts. See for yourself.

Yas Marina official website
Pics from Formula1.com