A technical crash course into Formula One

Formula 1 is an exhilarating sport to watch, even if you are not a sports fan, or a car lover. This season has been very unique, mainly because, it is difficult, in this particular situation to point out exactly which driver will end up taking the spoils of the Driver's Championship, and which team will take the Constructors Championship. 

Today is the Canadian Grand Prix and judging by the qualifying session, it looks like it's going to be an enthralling race. This season has broken many records. The 2012 Championship will have 20 races, the most number of races in a championship year. There are 6 former and current World Champions on the grid (Sebastian Vettel, Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen). However, the most surprising statistic/fact of them all comes in the form of the race winners. This is the first time, EVER, in the history of Formula 1, that there have been SIX different winners to the first six races of the season. 

There have also been many changes in the rules and regulations surrounding the sport of Formula 1. Here is a summarized version of these rules -

•  Cars may no longer take part in pre-season testing without having passed all crash tests.
•  There will now be a maximum race time of four hours to ensure that a lengthy suspension of a race does not result in a race that could run up to eight hours if left unregulated.
• Before the safety car returns to the pits all lapped cars will be allowed to unlap themselves and then join the back of the pack, ensuring a clean re-start without slower cars impeding those racing for the leading positions.
• Cars which were in the pit lane when a race is suspended will now be allowed to re-join the cars on the grid in the position they were in when the race was suspended.
• Drivers may no longer leave the track without a justifiable reason, i.e. cutting a chicane on reconnaissance laps or ‘in’ laps to save time and fuel.
• Drivers may no longer move back onto the racing line having moved off it to defend a position.
• One three-day test will be carried out during the season, formerly there were none.
• All stewards’ decisions which are not subject to appeal are now in one place instead of being in various places within the regulations.
• All tyres allocated to a driver may now be used on the first day of practice; formerly only three sets were permitted.

A clear solution to the ban on blown diffusers can be seen here -- http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2012/02/28/2012-exhaust-innovations-mclaren/

Feel free to ask any questions through comments!

The mind of an agnostic

Now, let me make this clear at the start of this article. I am not agnostic. I just question the proof of God's existence. I also question how the minds of agnostic people work. How are agnostic people, agnostic? Along the same lines, how are atheists, atheists?

For those of you who wonder who an agnostic person is, here it is,
"a person who holds the view that any ultimate reality (as God) is unknown and probably unknowable; broadly : one who is not committed to believing in either the existence or the nonexistence of God or a god" -- as defined by Merriam - Webster.


But, I digress. How does the mind of an agnostic person work? Is it that they don't want to believe God exists, because he does not prove his existence? Do they pray only before exams, and on the day of exam results, hoping God may solve their issues? Do they believe in luck? 


For example, in a South Indian community, everything is told to you, and merely followed. The pure basis for the belief of God is faith. Nobody questions why we pray to God, or why we need to do poojas, or how Gods, are classified as Gods? People are dumbfounded when you ask such questions. They all go on faith. There are scriptures, they say, which prove God's existence. But how can you believe in such things, when you haven't seen them? 

Again, how can you believe in God, if he doesn't prove himself to you. How can rely on word of mouth? It could all be a rumour, started by some fellow. He could have said to one of his friends, "Hey, you know what, I saw a superman, who could make you okay, sooth your minds, pacify you and solve all problems" and it could have spread from there.


Someone told me that most Gods were just people, who existed in the Aryan time. They just were the first people to do what they did, or were the best at it.  So, does that mean Neil Armstrong, being the first man to land on the moon is a God? 


Faith can be a funny thing. It's the only thing that connects mankind to Gods. Faith is the only thing that makes us hope, and believe that there may be such a spirit. 

The other side of Manchester

Manchester, England : The red half of Manchester is better known for it's footballing history. Manchester United, under Sir Alex Ferguson, have won 12 English Premier League Titles,10 Charity/community Shields, 5 English F.A. Cups,4 English League Cups, 2 European Cups, 1 European Super Cup, 1 Intercontinental cup and 1 FIFA Club World Cup. Many believed, that this season, 2011-2012, would produce a 13th Premier League title, to add to the 19 won overall by the club. However, others said that the squad was too inexperienced and lacked the quality to win any titles.

The blue half of Manchester, resurgent after the addition of star players such as Sergio Aguero and Samir Nasri to their side, had instilled the belief in their supporters, that this season, they would witness Manchester City winning their first Premier League title in 44 years. Some football pundits agreed. Manchester City's squad looked the best assembled by a proverbial mile, and after all, they had won the F.A. Community Shield last year.

This season has been a season full of ups and downs. It has not been a fairytale season for any club. Supporters must be exhausted after following the title race for so long. After 23rd October, the Manchester derby, where United lost 1-6 at home, many believed that City would walk away with top honours. United supporters were hit with more bad news. Around the same point in time, below par performances in the UEFA Champions League, the F.A. Community Shield, had seen exits from both these competitions in early stages. Further blows were dealt when United crashed out of Europe once and for all, in the Europa League. The only salvation was the performance in the Premier League, consisting of an 8-2 drubbing of Arsenal, and many other splendid results.

Manchester City too, have had their share of disappointments like their red counterparts. Exits from Europe, and a dismal defence of their F.A. Community Shield title brought harsh criticism from their followers. Their campaign in the Premier League however, told another story. At the top of the table since November, the title was in their hands. In the backdrop, Arsenal supporters witnessed an astonishing comeback which saw their club move from 17th place to a respectable 3rd.

The last few weeks, in contrast, have been full of twists in the table. United went clear 8 points after City drew and lost a few matches, and then squandered this comfortable lead. A 4-4 draw at Everton, followed by another loss at the hand of City, saw the two clubs level on points, but City ahead on goal difference. It was the first time since 2010, that the title was to be decided on the last day.

United were playing away at Sunderland, while City had to face Queen's Park Rangers at home. If both clubs won, City would win the title, keeping the promise to their supporters.

United took an early lead through Wayne Rooney's strike, and held on to it, to win the game. Good news poured in throughout the match from the Etihad stadium, as City squandered an early lead by conceding 2 soft goals to the QPR striker. As it stood at that point of time, United would have won the title. Lady luck however, smiled on the other side. In the 2nd minute of stoppage time, City equalized, through Edin Dzeko. Still looking bright for United. However, in the 4th minute, City took a late lead. With time on their side, Manchester City held on for 1 minute, to ensure one of the most dramatic climax's to this season.

Although Manchester City were not clear cut winners throughout the season, they showed the true grit of champions, and pressed on, for a stunning victory. This is why football is such an interesting game to follow. Good on you, City!