F1 this weekend

[Craig T]

Originally Posted by Henry Schmidt

On a sour note : can you say fuel strategy? Last year we had races determined by tyres, so this year's surprise finishes will be based on fuel strategy? This is a recipe for boredom.

I agree...And nothing would be more disappointing than to have the leader who ran an aggressive fast race run out of fuel with two laps to go....And it's going to happen ...But, strategy has always been a large part of F1 racing, whether its tyres, fuel, or pit stops.

There are other lead-upsetting factors. The KERS ("ERS" in 2014) is capturing so much energy to the rear of the car under braking that they need to bias the front brakes dramatically. If the ERS goes out, the cars will have virtually no rear braking. KERS has not been super reliable. I'm guessing we're going to see a lot of cars blowing through corners or spinning at turn-in.

[yellowperil]

Originally Posted by Henry Schmidt

Beyond the horrible sound, I have two observations.

I love that Martini is back on livery.

On a sour note : can you say fuel strategy? Last year we had races determined by tyres, so this year's surprise finishes will be based on fuel strategy? This is a recipe for boredom.

It wont be boring for me if it's Seb V, running out on last lap.

But I know what you're saying.

[Captain Ahab Jr]

RBR are quick but still have a lot of question marks with regards to reliability, fastest on the long runs in FP1 and 2

Many teams will chose not to run in FP3 as if they have a problem the car won't be fixed in time for qualifying as the new generation of F1 car is so complicated to work one, a small problem such as a sensor failure can create a huge time problem when fixing it

Mercedes will probably come out on top

There will be a lot of DNF's, as in even as many as half of the grid

Watch out on the last 10 laps when those that have enough fuel will turn up the power and really go for it but I think it won't happen so much on this race due to the many safety car periods while all the broken down cars are moved for safety

[Hayabusa]

I Weep For The Future - YouTube

[yellowperil]

Looks like the Lotus' of Maldonado and Grosjean are nowhere to be seen. Kimi got out just in time. However Kimi does not look happy in the Ferrari either.

Toro Rosso look good for a change. This guy Kvyat looks like the real deal. Might be a very good year, we've sorta got used to the noses, but the sound is still a bummer, IMO.

[Henry Schmidt]

I think the term was "Red Bull is on their back foot"?

So Red Bull went from: "Can't go a race distance and zero pace" to 2nd on the grid.

Not a good sign for those RB haters.

Remember folks, historically, Vettel finishes the late seasons races better than any other contemporary driver. And then there's that "double points" silliness.

[RennSport911rsa]

Originally Posted by Craig T

Yes, the new "yak flatulence" sound is a huge disappointment. I will miss the high pitched scream. In the grandstands the sound was actually painful, but it hurt sooo good.

Regardless, I'll gladly trade the sound for a competitive field, interesting races, and maybe a few surprise finishes. The Red Bull pole-to-pole races of the last two years had me losing interest.

the new ones can be felt in person too, no worries there

[Hayabusa]

Originally Posted by Henry Schmidt

I think the term was "Red Bull is on their back foot"?

So Red Bull went from: "Can't go a race distance and zero pace" to 2nd on the grid.

Not a good sign for those RB haters.

Remember folks, historically, Vettel finishes the late seasons races better than any other contemporary driver. And then there's that "double points" silliness.

Not a RB hater by any means, but this new system is a game changer and is upsetting all trends. Sure I would love to see Sebastian chase after and pass Schmuey's (Godspeed, lad!) GP record .. and who knows, maybe Adrian Newey can sort out in a few races time and get SV back on top. They are going to have to have a pretty strong pull with the likes of Mercedes and McLaren's MP4-29. And don't discount Ferrari, although they really do have their work cut out to catch ... Williams running Mercedes engines instead of Renault. There is a lot of replenished appetite out there.

If it weren't for Red Bull Racing (not speculating on unknown details) in refusing (allegedly) to heed the FIA's initial warning during the race about his excessive fuel flow, Daniel Ricciardo's place at second place win would have stuck and he wouldn't have been disqualified from race results in Australia (RB Appeal pending).

Too high a fuel flow rate - breach of Article 5.1.4 of the 2014 technical regulations, which limits teams to a maximum fuel flow rate of 100kg per hour.

Mainly: Red Bull announced their intention to appeal immediately after Sunday’s race in Albert Park, saying: “Inconsistencies with the FIA fuel flow meter have been prevalent all weekend up and down the pit lane. The Team and Renault are confident the fuel supplied to the engine is in full compliance with the regulations.”

It makes one wonder just how far this way or that they actually were outside of the regs to have them knock them clean from the race. If there were noted discrepancies, surely other teams would want the same come to God clarification so this doesn't happen again. Differences between 18 pts. and zero is quite significant early in the game or not.

On a side (exhaust) note; I feel Bernie will realize after a while that this muffled sound might not be what he bargained for and in short time will allow for revision. .02c

Five days to Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA

[Hayabusa]

This was my favourite F1 sound. Funny Flash - Formula One Car Sounds
Man .. just what have we done?!

[Hayabusa]

And what they should sound like! ... fergawdsakes