grumpyf1

OK, I think this is definitely the sexiest F1 car of the season. I know some haven't been launched yet, but they'll have to go it some to beat Team Lotus. It's a beaut. Massively more sophisticated than last year's effort, this one actually looks the part. Good on Team Lotus too for sticking to their guns over the naming rights argy-bargy going on with the Renault-Lotus version. The plucky little blighters with Mike Gasgoyne at the helm are a friendly, dedicated bunch, who seem to be going about the business of Formula 1 in a less corporate, buttoned-down way than most of their loftier competitors. Me likey. Their aim for this year is to be bagging regular points and challenging Williams and Renault (or whatever they are now) by season's end. I really do hope they can. Whilst the car is all-news, with no carry-overs from last season, they are without KERS though, which could be a disadvantage. With experienced old-geezer drivers Jarno (pouty) Trulli and Crike...

Crikey Kovaleinen came a cropper at the Race Of Champions in Germany recently, when he clipped a barrier and his throttle stuck open, sending him, his Audi and his Girlfriend (who was along for the ride having no doubt been promised they were just popping out for a pint of milk) into the barriers rather heavily. The cheery blonde one (Heikki, not his girlfriend.... I'm doubting she was particularly cheery afterwards) was out for the count for a while and suffered heavy concussion. His hapless passenger also had a hairline fracture and muscle damage. As any 17 year old kid in a car is warned by his Mum - don't show off in front of girls. (Listening to the Killers album "Day & Age" for the first time tonight. Likin' it!)

Look sort of familiar? Well it should do - the Lotus colour scheme is back in F1 after a 16 year gap. They are officially Lotus too - if they were to miraculously win a race, it would count as another one for the Lotus records book. All this seems a little weird, when you consider that it's mostly owned by a Malaysian Businessman and backed by the Proton car company. They certainly have a big bit of history to live up to, but are wisely only looking toi finish races this year. That might still be a bit optimistic, seeing as Rottweiler Mike Gasgoyne only got the ball rolling 5 months ago. Still, he's worked something near to miracles with the performance of several other teams... usually just before his attitude finally gets too much for them and he was given his P45. Prospects? Scrapping with Virgin at the back, although they have a couple of experience drivers who have both won races... Jarno Trulli is most famous for losing his rag last season and waving his arms around like ...