Spanish F1

yellowperil · 05-10-2013, 04:11 AM

Ferrari 1-2 in first practice, some rain and lots of big names mid-pack, we'll see what 2nd practice brings.

oldE · 05-10-2013, 08:39 AM

Hmm,
Second practice, only about a half second from first to seventh.

I think qualifying will be critical. Kimi stated the other day they needed to qualify higher on the grid if they wanted to win races.

Best
Les

yellowperil · 05-10-2013, 08:41 AM

Looks like Vettel was fastest in 2nd practice. Once again teams playing things close and not showing their hand.

Tires once again being a game changer for those who get it just right and tomorrow's quali should be a good one as lots of cars (10 or 12 ) very close to the top.

tevake · 05-10-2013, 10:13 AM

Just about to watch the practice now. Interested to see how the cars will improve now they are close to home bases, and are being updated.
This ability to develop the cars as the season unfolds is the key to championships, and where the top teams shine.

Cheers Richard

yellowperil · 05-10-2013, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tevake

Just about to watch the practice now. Interested to see how the cars will improve now they are close to home bases, and are being updated.
This ability to develop the cars as the season unfolds is the key to championships, and where the top teams shine.

Cheers Richard

Hope I didn't spoil any of it for you. It's only practice, I guess. More interesting than suspenseful.

Your thought on development is right, it's key these days. And tire management is
crucial but a bit artificial, I think. All fun to watch though.

tevake · 05-10-2013, 11:33 AM

No worries Yellow, I would not have clicked if it was after the race.

I'm stoked that you are keeping F1 in the mix here, thanks

Cheers Richard

BRPORSCHE · 05-10-2013, 12:13 PM

Yellow,

Love these threads. Nice to see some F1 fans here.

911Freak · 09:08 PM

Good stuff here, if you guys don't yet follow Joe's blog you're missing out on one of the best F1 journos in the paddock!
Cool videos...
A new idea from Caterham | joeblogsf1

The Red Baron is back! Haha
The Red Baron is back? | joeblogsf1

Hoping jenson finds the pace for top 5 finish this weekend. Painful to watch such an established organization struggle like they have been. And I'm not a huge McLaren/Jenson fan either. Wife is

yellowperil · 05-10-2013, 06:20 PM

This guy needs to drag his McLaren up to the front on Sunday, before it's too late.

legion · 05-10-2013, 07:29 PM

I don't think Jenson or Cheko have the driving or development skills Lewis has. I also think Whitmarsh needs to go. I don't see McLaren doing well this season.

911Freak · 05-10-2013, 09:16 PM

Quote:

I don't think Jenson or Cheko have the driving or development skills Lewis has. I also think Whitmarsh needs to go. I don't see McLaren doing well this season.

Agree on both statements.
I don't know what it is about Whitmash, milk-toast man? Seems to me once Daddy-O Denis was gone from pit wall race directing etc Lewis went his own way and MW never got a handle on the drivers or the car development/direction/performance.
One might say they (McLaren) haven't been the same since the 100mil fine... Which is exactly is the end result a particular tifosi dreamed of...
Or it could be something totally unknown to outsiders. Who knows.

Seeing Force India finishing well above McLaren, Williams and Sauber in the points race after race is really fun, from where I'm sitting anyway!

matt f · 05-11-2013, 06:37 AM

Great qualifying session.
Rows 2 and 3 should be wild at the start.
Looking forward to the race.

yellowperil · 05-11-2013, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 911Freak

Agree on both statements.
I don't know what it is about Whitmash, milk-toast man? Seems to me once Daddy-O Denis was gone from pit wall race directing etc Lewis went his own way and MW never got a handle on the drivers or the car development/direction/performance.
One might say they (McLaren) haven't been the same since the 100mil fine... Which is exactly is the end result a particular tifosi dreamed of...
Or it could be something totally unknown to outsiders. Who knows.

Seeing Force India finishing well above McLaren, Williams and Sauber in the points race after race is really fun, from where I'm sitting anyway!

I think you're right on the 100 mil fine. It was excess to say the least (some old
hidden personal vendettas there I'd say) between Mosely, Ecclestone and Dennis.

In any case it seemed to gut McLaren, they ever recovered. And I'm pleasantly surprised how well Ham is doing at Merc.

URY914 · URY914's Garage

Nico is one cool dude. I like him. Wish he would finish better.

LH left just in time. JB is way down in 14th.

legion · 05-11-2013, 03:31 PM

I've been a staunch Hamilton supporter since his rookie season. But given the past four seasons, I started to fear that Lewis wasn't the wonder boy he once seemed. I was getting tired of his whining. I thought his move to Mercedes was the single most bone-headed move in the history of motor sports.

Well, old Lewis (to quote Hobbes) proved me wrong. It seems the problem with McLaren really is the car...and the team...because of the manager. I really thought he would land flat on his face at Mercedes.

This season is already probably lost for McLaren. IMO, Ron Dennis should seize active control of the team, fire Whitmarsh, Button, and Perez, and do whatever it takes to get Raikonen and Hamilton in a McLaren next season.

yellowperil · 05-11-2013, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by legion

I've been a staunch Hamilton supporter since his rookie season. But given the past four seasons, I started to fear that Lewis wasn't the wonder boy he once seemed. I was getting tired of his whining. I thought his move to Mercedes was the single most bone-headed move in the history of motor sports.

Well, old Lewis (to quote Hobbes) proved me wrong. It seems the problem with McLaren really is the car...and the team...because of the manager. I really thought he would land flat on his face at Mercedes.

This season is already probably lost for McLaren. IMO, Ron Dennis should seize active control of the team, fire Whitmarsh, Button, and Perez, and do whatever it takes to get Raikonen and Hamilton in a McLaren next season.

I agree, well said, my thoughts exactly. Here's hoping for a great race tomorrow!

DUK · 05-11-2013, 04:16 PM

I'm thinking the front row will be good for a battle into turn one. Then it will be a matter of how long their rears stay under them.

I see Vettel, Kimi, and Fred on the podium again.

tevake · 05-11-2013, 10:45 PM

You may be right DUK, Never seen two guys that took the front row on the grid so nervous about the race! Guess they know there set up is good for only a few laps on the tires. funny in the interview after Qualifying. Especially with the history of the track being that only front runners stand a chance.

Should be a good race.

Glad to see Masa on the pace again, and happy with Ferarri for sticking with him while he recovered!!

What do you guys think about Matchets comments about changing the engine design next year? He was saying that the current formula is proving to br very competitve, shame to stir the pot.

Cheers Richard

URY914 · URY914's Garage

Nico just goes backwards when he changed tires.

Zeke · 05-12-2013, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tevake

What do you guys think about Matchets comments about changing the engine design next year? He was saying that the current formula is proving to br very competitve, shame to stir the pot.

Cheers Richard

I was against it but the turbo 6 Indy cars don't sound all that bad. AFA performance, they should have plenty of power.