C'mon Heidfeld/Prost/Jani!

They're in 4th now with 2 hours and 22 minutes to go at Sebring.

Update: The car is kaput.  F.

Nick Heidfeld's 2012 Rebellion Racing Lola B11/60 Toyota

Between the 12 Hours at Sebring and the Australia GP, this is going to be a great weekend.  I also signed up for Joe Saward's GP+ e-zine.

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?

Shaq and Heidfeld

Greatest.  Picture.  Ever.

Which Mercedes CLR to buy?

Ebay France has two versions available.  Please weigh in, especially if you have experience building models.

1. Spark 1/43.  70 euros.  It is already assembled.  The question is whether it comes with stickers/decals.  I really want the car to have #5 on it to denote that it was raced by Heidfeld.  It may not have stickers.  And even if it does, what's to say that it just comes with the #4 set or the #6 set instead?

2. Provence Moulage 1/43.  59 euros.  This is much more challenging, but it comes with #4, #5, and #6 stickers.  I tried building model planes and cars as a kid.  I just didn't have the fine motor skills, patience, or the tools.  If I want to do a half way decent job on this car, do I need a sprayer, X-Acto knife, etc., etc.?

Look what this Japanese chap was able to do!

Heidfeld's 1999 Mercedes CLR

Just got a 1/43 version of Heidfeld's 2010 Lotus Renault in the mail.  Now, it's time to find a 1/43 version of this CLR!

1999 Mercedes CLR Le Mans

After I get the 1/43 Minichamps version of Heidfeld's Lotus Renault, I am going to find this sold out 1/43 Spark model.

The #5 that was co-driven by Heidfeld flipped over.  #6 survived and is shown below.  The side profile is insane.

Source.

Heidfeld's 1999 Mercedes CLR at Le Mans

Even this Heidfeld fan didn't realize that the Merc he co-drove with Dumbreck and Bouchut was the one that flipped spectacularly.  Let's hope he's luckier at this year's race in Le Mans.

Heidfeld has a job!

Rebellion Racing (FIA World Endurance Championship) has hired Heidfeld.  He will race in Sebring, Spa, and Le Mans.

Has anyone here been to Sebring?  How are the track, facilities, and town?

Renault, Petrov, Senna stats post-Heidfeld

Petrov moonlighting as an Aeroflot pilot.

There is no doubt that while Heidfeld drove for Renault, he was gloriously underwhelming.  But Petrov and Senna have not been impressive since The Bearded One's departure.

It should be noted that aside from Singapore, the Renault has been quick enough to make it to Q3.  So the blame must rest more with the drivers rather than the machinery.

Petrov:

Senna: