This is the best but toughest F1 race I have ever been involved in (not that I've had many). I had pc issues the night before so I had to format & reload everything during the night. Somewhere, somehow, I'd lost a full second on my laptimes. On Friday & Saturday I was fast on the server (a 1:12,9 with low fuel & 10 boost) but couldn't get close to that on Sunday. Possibly some setting on wheel or FFB I haven't attended to (suggestions welcome) so I thought to just do as well as I could. Car was also loose so I tightened it up just before quali.

During the race countdown I was opening my cooldrink and somehow never entered before the formation lap. WOW, had to start from the pits. Just then I saw that there were problems & a restart was ordered - SomeOne was on my side...

As the race started I experienced the same as Tim, I couldn't get my brakes right. They were locking up all the time. What amplified this was that I had a HOT Heinz & Brandon on my heels. I had several interesting & exciting bouts with these 2 for the 1st 8 laps but I couldn't sustain it so I focused on MY race. I am not a front-runner but had a real tough time with lapping some. In a bid to let me thru I had several close calls. Some stood out in how they handled being lapped - Francesco was the safest at this. He was predictable and let me thru when he saw I was going for it. As the race progressed everyone seemed to cope better and better with this and I know I took too many diving chances (sorry Chris - I'm used to being lapped, not lapping others). Before long I was in 4th & had settled for that when Heinz had a mishap & gave 3rd to me. Last time I got a podium it was also a gift.

watched the replay & though it the most exciting I've seen. some drives need mention - Heinz was exceptionally fast for his 1st F1 race, also safe. Though I could see that Brandon was inexperienced in interacting with others around him I thought his race was also superfast and talented. Tim's race showed his experience when hounded by a faster Heinz he showed to have the reserves & endurance. As tough as David's race was I enjoyed watching his fighting spirit come out. Tristan's win was so convincing it looked easy. Allen & Nelis also did well. There is just so much talent in these F1 races - just finishing a race is not going to give points. I love it...

Tim, I agree that there are certainly negatives to 26 (25) drivers on the grid but it gave a new dimension to the race. The front runners didn't get the open spaces they needed to break away as fast. My race was always dealing with something and not the usual where I only ever interact with a few. Gotta say that for me it was much better than the usual 15 - 17 drivers from S6. Once the drivers learn the basic safety the races will be more competitive - my 2 cents.

S7 changes r king..