Das Ponyforum » their expectations in getting off to a fresh start

SPA, Belgium - As Mercedes tries to get to grips with the latest dispute between its two bickering drivers in their tussle for the Formula One title, Red Bull is quietly enjoying an encouraging return to form. Brandin Cooks Jersey . It has been a difficult season for Red Bull, which had won the past four drivers and constructors championships thanks to the previous dominance of its car and the consistency of four-time defending champion Sebastian Vettel. The roles have been reversed, with Mercedes rolling over everyone for most of the campaign and Vettel struggling. Red Bull has won the past two races, however, with Daniel Ricciardo following his success at the Hungarian Grand Prix with another win at Sundays Belgian GP. In those races, Mercedes finished third and second, conceding some ground in the constructors championship. Down in sixth place overall, Vettel is showing signs that he can be more competitive. The German driver has qualified in the top three positions three times in the past four races; compared to three times in the first eight. Although Mercedes still has a huge constructors lead with 411 points to Red Bulls 254, Ricciardo is optimistic he can add to this three GP wins so far. "I see good things ahead," the Australian driver said. "If we can collect maximum points (in Spa) it gives us a bit more hope for the races that are coming up later in the season, Singapore, Suzuka (Japan). Well see how it goes in Monza (Italian GP)." Picking up maximum points on Belgiums vast Spa track was unexpected — due to the superior straight-line speed of Mercedes — even if Ricciardos win was somewhat helped by the clash between Mercedes drivers Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton. Ricciardo is 35 points behind Hamilton, but with double points on offer in the season-ending race in Abu Dhabi in November, he remains hopeful of catching the 2008 champion. "If were within 50 points heading into Abu Dhabi, (then) while its still mathematically possible, well keep fighting," Ricciardo said. "Stealing some points on a circuit (Spa) where we werent supposed to is nice." Team principal Christian Horner expected Spa to be a "damage limitation" race. Instead, he saw signs that Red Bulls speed is improving. "We have managed to find a balance and Daniel has managed to find a confidence in the car," Horner said. "Ultimately we benefited from the Mercedes little get together but in like-for-like pace we were not far off them." With Monza only two weeks away, Mercedes must act fast to stop the Hamilton-Rosberg feud from escalating. Hamilton was leading when he sustained a puncture to his left rear tire on the second lap, caused by Rosberg when he tried to overtake and hit his car. It was a risky move by Rosberg, and Hamilton later claimed that the German driver had acknowledged in a team meeting that he had done it "on purpose" to "prove a point." At the Hungarian GP last month, Hamilton refused team orders to let Rosberg go past, fueling the growing tensions between the childhood friends. Mercedes has allowed them to race freely against each other providing there was no contact, but Sundays incident has prompted a rethink. "We are at that point and it needs to be managed going forward," Mercedes executive director Toto Wolff said. "We will decide what to do when everybody is in a cooler, calmer frame of mind." Although the incident was not investigated by the stewards, allowing Rosberg to open a 29-point lead on Hamilton overall, governing body FIA still has the option of reviewing the matter. Brandon Allen Rams Jersey . It was the most lopsided loss in Lakers history. Darren Collison had a team-high 24 points while starting at shooting guard for the injured Jamal Crawford. Chris Paul added 13 points and 11 assists for the Clippers, who apparently are trying to make up for decades of humiliation at the hands of the Lakers all in one season; theyve won the last two meetings by a combined 84 points. John Kelly Rams Jersey . According to USA Today the Finns have tapped forwards Jarkko Immonen and Sakari Salminen to replace injured forwards Mikko Koivu and Valtteri Filppula at the Sochi Games. http://www.ramsrookiestore.com/Rams-Brandon-Allen-Jersey/ . He managed to save par, and went on to put together his best opening round of the year. Calcavecchia and Wes Short Jr. ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The Bills quarterback competition -- and their expectations in getting off to a fresh start -- are suddenly on indefinite hold with rookie quarterback EJ Manuel to miss the rest of the preseason after hurting his left knee. In a statement released by the team Saturday, coach Doug Marrone said the first-round draft pick would have a "minor knee procedure." The announcement came during the teams day off, and following a 20-16 victory over Minnesota. Its unclear when or how Manuel was hurt. And there had been no indication the rookie first-round draft pick had been bothered by an injury following the game. He took over to start the second half and opened with a 14-play, 80-yard drive capped by a 4-yard touchdown pass to Brad Smith. He finished 10 of 12 for 92 yards in three series. "EJ Manuel had some swelling in his left knee this morning and was examined by our medical staff," Marrone said. "An MRI revealed that he will need to have a minor knee procedure and that has been scheduled. He will miss the remainder of the preseason and then be re-evaluated at that time." The injury is a potentially significant setback for a player regarded the future of the franchise, and the only quarterback selected in the first round in April. He was chosen 16th overall out of Florida State. Manuel is regarded the centre-piece of an off-season offensive overhaul under Marrone. The rookie heaad coach has been in the process of introducing an up-tempo offence with an emphasis on speed. Joseph Noteboom Jersey. At 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, Manuel is a strong-armed quarterback, who has also has mobility. The injury comes just as Manuel appeared to have taken the edge in an off-season-long quarterback competition with free-agent veteran addition Kevin Kolb. Through two preseason games , Manuel completed 26 of 33 passes for 199 yards and two touchdowns, and ran four times for 29 yards. Kolb had just returned to practice last week after missing eight days with a twisted left knee, he hurt while slipping on a wet rubber mat during practice on Aug. 3. In starting against Minnesota on Friday, Kolb got off to a slow start. He finished 13 of 21 for 111 yards passing and an interception. Washington State rookie Jeff Tuel is the third-string quarterback. Kolb will now start against Washington on next Saturday. Kolb signed with the Bills in the off-season after starting 21 of 32 career games played in a six-year career with Philadelphia and Arizona. Hes thrown for 28 touchdowns and 25 interceptions while being sacked 77 times in a career that started as a 2nd round draft pick of the Eagles in 2007. Marrone also says backup receiver Kevin Elliott will miss the season after tearing a ligament in his left knee. The Bills return to practice Sunday morning at their training camp facility in suburban Rochester on Sunday. 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