Well that was an eventful race wasn't it?
Spa delivered the kind of weekend we have come to know and love it for with its unique weather system playing its part in proceedings. The rain provided some great action over the weekend. Qualifying was a bit of a mad dash at times as the teams fought to set a lap time before the rain became too heavy.
The race provided the major talking points though. Firstly, lets tackle the Rubens and Alonso incident. In my opinion it was an unfortunate racing incident. I am still not sure how the Ferrari of Alonso kept going after such a heavy impact. It is a testament to the safety of modern Formula 1. It was sad to see Rubens crash out on his 300th race. He really is one of the nicest guys on the grid, in my opinion. However I also feel this is part of the reason he hasn't won a championship...yet. Perhaps I am wrong but I don't think he has it in him to win the WDC despite him being a good F1 driver.
The major talking incident of the race was the Vettel and Button incident. Vettel lost grip when he attempted an overtaking manoeuvre and consequently took Button out of the race. Vettel was able to carry on the race without much damage to his car. Now the big question here is was it a racing incident or did it deserve a penalty? To me the drive-through was a sufficient enough penalty. Yes Vettel should not have tried the overtaking manoeuvre at that point if he felt the grip wasn't there, but it is important to take into account the weather at this race. The track was undoubtedly damp in places and maybe this added to the incident. I know many F1 fans, and particularly on Twitter, were very vocal with their opinion on the incident. A lot of it was a little too harsh but then I feel the F1 chat on Twitter is getting a little too personal anyway. That however is another post completely.
Vettel was then investigated for the incident with Liuzzi. He attempted to overtake Liuzzi and ended up with a sliced rear wheel after contact with Liuzzi's front wing. This raised one question in me: Is Vettel coping being at the sharp end of the grid? I don't doubt he is a good driver but he just seems a little immature at times. He is fighting for the Championship this year with a car more than capable of achieving it. Perhaps he is feeling the pressure of trying to win the Championship. You may point out that the hot-headedness has been there all season but then he has known all season he has the car to win the Championship. I just think he needs to calm down a bit and mature a little but that will only come with time. He is by no means a rookie but he is making the mistakes of rookie at the minute.
On a positive note is was great to see McLaren and Lewis win the race today. It's just a pity that it couldn't be a 1-2. One things for sure, this season is shaping up very nicely.
What are your thoughts on the incident packed race?
Sunday 29 August 2010
Tuesday 10 August 2010
O2 Customer Service and the iPhone4
I have been undecided on whether to get the iPhone4 or not, mainly due to everywhere being sold out of them before I can get to a shop. Why does work have the nasty habit of getting in the way of me getting gadgets? Anyway O2 called me last week stating they had some iPhone4's in stock if I was still wanted one. Now this is where the adventure begins...
During the initial call I decided I would have the phone and I decided on the right contract for me and it had to be an 18 month contract and not a 24 month contract. All the details were confirmed to me over the phone and it was clearly stated that I would be getting the 18 month contract I wanted. On Monday I received an email from O2 stating that I had taken out a new contract along with the details on how much I would pay and the duration of the contract. Now imagine my surprise when I saw they had me down for a 24 month contract?! I duly rang O2 customer services and asked them to rectify their error. I was promptly told that the only way for the contract to be changed was for me to refuse delivery of the phone, ensure that the phone was sent back to O2. Once the phone was returned I would then have to cancel the contract and take out a new contract which would be for 18 months. It is safe to say I was not a happy bunny.
Whilst at work today whiling away the hours before clocking off I received a phone call from the courier asking if I was home so that he could deliver my 2 parcels. I told him I wouldn't be home until after 6.30 - he agreed to call back then. However, he decided to sign for the parcel in the meantime to allow him to complete his round. This meant I was unable to refuse delivery of the phone. Now before someone points out that I should have told him this on the phone I am also waiting on another parcel and I was unsure which parcel this was so I wanted to check before refusing delivery.
Since I was unable to refuse delivery I then called O2 again and asked what I was to do. After being told I had effectively agreed to the contract by signing for the phone, although it is not my signature on the Proof of Delivery. After trying to talk through the various hoops I would have to jump through in order for my contract to be changed to an 18 month contract I was passed through to the Upgrade department. Here I was able to speak to the lovely Liz who informed me that I would not have to return the phone to O2 and nor would I have to cancel the contract. Liz was informed me that she would be able to change my contract over to the correct 18 month contract I had initially asked for.
Now I am free to enjoy the iPhone4 as long as the reception holds out...
During the initial call I decided I would have the phone and I decided on the right contract for me and it had to be an 18 month contract and not a 24 month contract. All the details were confirmed to me over the phone and it was clearly stated that I would be getting the 18 month contract I wanted. On Monday I received an email from O2 stating that I had taken out a new contract along with the details on how much I would pay and the duration of the contract. Now imagine my surprise when I saw they had me down for a 24 month contract?! I duly rang O2 customer services and asked them to rectify their error. I was promptly told that the only way for the contract to be changed was for me to refuse delivery of the phone, ensure that the phone was sent back to O2. Once the phone was returned I would then have to cancel the contract and take out a new contract which would be for 18 months. It is safe to say I was not a happy bunny.
Whilst at work today whiling away the hours before clocking off I received a phone call from the courier asking if I was home so that he could deliver my 2 parcels. I told him I wouldn't be home until after 6.30 - he agreed to call back then. However, he decided to sign for the parcel in the meantime to allow him to complete his round. This meant I was unable to refuse delivery of the phone. Now before someone points out that I should have told him this on the phone I am also waiting on another parcel and I was unsure which parcel this was so I wanted to check before refusing delivery.
Since I was unable to refuse delivery I then called O2 again and asked what I was to do. After being told I had effectively agreed to the contract by signing for the phone, although it is not my signature on the Proof of Delivery. After trying to talk through the various hoops I would have to jump through in order for my contract to be changed to an 18 month contract I was passed through to the Upgrade department. Here I was able to speak to the lovely Liz who informed me that I would not have to return the phone to O2 and nor would I have to cancel the contract. Liz was informed me that she would be able to change my contract over to the correct 18 month contract I had initially asked for.
Now I am free to enjoy the iPhone4 as long as the reception holds out...
Silverstone - British GP 2010
I have been reminded on Twitter that I have not updated this blog since I set it up. So@unkn0wnvariable I duly take the hint.
I have uploaded some pics to Photobucket (link at the bottom of the post) but here are a select few from the weekend.
Let's start with my weekend at Silverstone for the British GP...
A few tips for those attending the British Grand Prix at Silverstone
- Take advantage of the Friday & Saturday Roaming - On both days you are able to wander around and view the cars from any vantage point on the track. It is a great opportunity to get a feel of your surroundings as well as having the added advantage of bumping into some great fans along the way.
- Walk around the track - I have a tradition of walking around the track on a Friday during FP2. You are able to see the cars from every angle and in every corner. If you are wanting to get some photos of the cars then this is the best way of capturing the beautiful machines. A word of advice though - walk the track in an anti clockwise direction i.e. so the cars are coming towards you as opposed to them coming up behind you.
- Driver appearances - Drivers will make an appearance at a couple of the stands so try and find out which drivers will be where and when they will make an appearance. This year the Santander stand played host to the following personalities: Lewis Hamilton, Anthony Davidson, John Allen, David Coulthard and Eddie Jordan (complete with purple trousers) plus more. The Vodafone stand had Jenson and Lewis on the Saturday after qualifying which was definitely worth the hour wait as both drivers were on top form. The Mercedes driving team (Schumacher, Rosberg and Heidfeld) made an appearance at one of the Mercedes merchandise stands.
- Talk to other fans - They are there because they love F1 as well so why not have a chat to some fans that are where you are sitting or as you are walking around.
- Watch the support events - There are many support races during the Silverstone weekend and it is a great way to see some up and coming motorsport stars.
Well those are some of my tips for attending the British GP but if you have any of your own then please feel free to add them to the comments section below.
DC at the Santander stand talking about a bit of everything including whether he and EJ actually get along
A reflection of a Ferrari in the pits (aka me trying to be arty)
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