The start of the 2009 Formula One season is fast approaching. And so is the first 2009 North American Virtual Grand Prix. In essence, the 2009 North American Virtual Grand Prix is an assemblage of individual F1 viewing parties held all over the US and Canada as one virtual group.

The F1 Rebel Alliance needs your help in getting the word out about the NAVGP to Formula One fanatics and motorsports fans. We are a small operation and need as much help in getting the word out as to as many people as possible.

Who will occupy spots 1-5 at the end of the season?

Note: I re-ask the question due to the unexpected results of the first two races.  See below.

Well, it would be hard to say that the F1 finale in Brazil wasn't exciting. Congrats to Lewis Hamilton (Driver's champ) and McLaren; also to Ferrari (Constructors Champ) and Felipe Massa (who lost the title by one point which has to be frustrating).

But how would you rate the season overall? Is F1 getting more or less interesting?

Hardy Shen reports that Corvette will go to GT2, mid-2009:

http://www.nextautos.com/corvette-racing-transitions-gt2-challenge

Is this a good thing?

This morning, Minneapolis residents celebrated and got a bit of closure when their new I-35W bridge opened after the tragic collapse of its predecessor on August 1, 2007 that killed 13. The new bridge was completed three months ahead of schedule and features a network of 323 sensors that will help track the bridge's condition and stress loads. The $234 million dollar project also features a network of cameras that track traffic flow, speeds, accidents, and other issues. Being in Minneapolis, the bridge has also wisely been fitted with an anti-icing system.

The complete and total financial meltdown in the U.S. and the Hurricane Ike hardship notwithstanding, there was reason to smile this weekend: Sebastian Vettel won his first race (Monza). I was in the car most of Sunday so I didn't see it -- did anyone else? My guess is that his qualifying effort (he won pole) was more impressive than the race itself.

It appears Germany might have a new F1 hero to root for.

Per the Ferrari media site:

Therefore, the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro driver line-up remains unchanged for the next two coming seasons.

Did Kimi take a 'Lewis Hamilton 2007 pill'? Why crash when 2nd would have scored real points?

Is Ferrari in trouble with engine reliability?

Is Lewis' slow-and-steady inevitably going to win him the championship?

You answer could have two forces weighing against it: skill and personality. My vote is for Tony Stewart, as he used to drive open-wheel cars he'd probably get to the middle of the pack rather quickly. As he's somewhat out of shape (to put it mildly), I doubt he'd ever be a race winner. But it would be interesting.