Jackie Stewart wants the Bahrain GP to go forward

With the GP just 12 days away, I'd say there's a 70% chance that the race will be canceled.  Matt Hardigree wrote an excellent piece on the subject yesterday.  I need to get off my duff, synthesize the information a kind researcher at Human Rights Watch gave me, and write a post about why we should boycott the race.

McLaren dealership mega-gallery

I visited the McLaren dealership in Palo Alto today.  It was pretty neat.  Surprisingly, only one of the vehicles in the showroom is for sale.  The white one, which is used, can be purchased.  Everything else is off limits.  A thorough write-up will be posted on Hooniverse.  The original F1, as you can see, is gorgeous.

Will the Bahrain GP happen?

I'm working on a post on the boycott and just emailed a contact at Human Rights Watch. 

A big day for Mexican car lovers

Popemobile in Mexico.

Sergio Perez finishes second behind Alonso in Malaysia.

Schumacher on F1 start

Kimi Raikkonen Top Gear preview

2012 F1 season, things to look for

Can't believe the season is finally upon us.  These are not necessarily predictions, but observations.

• Kimi, Kimi, Kimi.  His monotonous, mumbling interviews and his ice cream breaks mid-race are just as entertaining as his driving.  Welcome back!
• A win for Nico?  Will the W03 deliver Rosberg's maiden win?
• Too little, too late for Massa?  It doesn't look like Ferrari is capable of competing for wins, at least in Australia.  So even if Massa performs just as well as Alonso this season, will it be enough to keep his job?
• Points finish for Caterham.  If Heikki and Caterham keep the momentum going from last season, they should be able to score a point or two this season.  Petrov will be assuming the role of the man he replaced, Jarno Trulli-- useless No. 2.
• End of Lewis/Jenson bromance?  If McLaren is a serious contender for the Constructors' Championship, will there be tension between its two drivers?
• Heidfeld's return?  If a current driver seriously underperforms or, gods forbid, gets hurt, will Heidfeld fill in?  He is only contracted to drive the first three races in the FIA WEC season (Sebring in March, Spa in May, Le Mans in June).  Is that because Rebellion wouldn't give him a longer contract, or because he wanted to keep his options open?
• The abyss that Williams is in.  With two mediocre pay drivers-- Senna and Maldonado-- how low will it go?

What are you looking for this season?

Rubens Barrichello Indycar test drive at Infineon (video)

Rubens Barrichello Indycar test drive at Infineon (photos)

Had a great time.  Got to about within five feet of Rubens.  He was short (as expected) but wide (unexpected).  He was very friendly, grateful, and funny at the press conference.  Look for a full write-up on Hooniverse.

Now, I gotta figure out how to string my video clips together on iMovie and upload it onto YouTube...

Seeing Rubens Barrichello at Infineon tomorrow (Feb. 25)

This is about as close as it gets for California to get Formula One.  Rubens, who was forced into retirement at Williams, is test driving an Indycar tomorrow.  This will be my first time visiting Infineon and I don't know anything about Indycars.  So if you can share any of your wisdom, I'd appreciate it.  Specifically,:

• Where are the best places to watch?
• What is access to the paddock area like?
• What color is Rubens helmet?
• Is there anything about the 2012 car I should be looking for?

I'll be posting pictures of my visit here and doing a full write-up or two on Hooniverse.  

More info here.