Getting closer to the fastest ever lap now only .3 down. Ferrari looking like they actually have made the step, maybe it's time for the bags to come off the Merc.
I'm still waiting for Merc to turn up the wick and destroy everyone and their dreams. Can they genuinely be off the pace?
Or maybe the white flags to signify a slow moving vehicle on the course will have to be on permanent display around the circuits?
Wow, just seen Kimi's time. Will Mercedes try and respond or have Ferrari actually got it right this year?
I thought the Ferrari looked like it could be quick when it was launched, they're up there (or they will be at the start of the season until they implode), Mercedes are going to be there too, but I wonder about the reliability of the Merc PU if it's pushed.
Ferrari seem to be on rails as noted by Karun Chandok who has been track side the last few days. That time from Kimi is a prelude of whats to come I expect times to tumble further, I think Mercedes will be with them though. I will be surprised if Ferrari have completely overhauled the silver arrows.
the issue is thats SUPERsofts not ultras as well. 1:18.339 during 2008 F1 testing is absolute record. kimi did 1:18:634 thats 3 tenths which is what ultra would bring
Kimi done for the day. Suggestion is gearbox broke. If they have used the same one for the last 4 days (maybe more) then maybe it had just reached its expiry period, or was run to destruction as it was already the last day, which can often be part of testing.
Meanwhile, Pirelli have been holding a media briefing in the paddock. There were some interesting nuggets served up, including their confidence that the level of degradation is "quite low" on this year's tyres, the drivers are experiencing less overheating of the tyres, and the biggest gap in tyre performance this week has been between the soft and the medium at around 1.5 seconds. Between the soft and supersoft and between the supersoft and ultrasoft, and this is the important detail to consider when analysing the end-of-test-times, the gap is between "0.3 and 0.5 seconds". Based on the below Softs: Kimi Raikkonen, Day Eight, 1:19.267 That would put Ferrari on a potential 1:18.300 which would be similar to Vettels corrected time yesterday after the lift in S3. Kimi did a flyer, slow down, flyer, slow down and pit in which is a minimum of 7 laps but even if it was a proper quali run there would likely to be at least and additional 3 laps of fuel. That means they are likely to be on a 17:800.
Be interesting to see what tyres are available for the actual Barcelona gp. I assume the ultras have no chance, maybe supers? By the time we get to return I'd say 1.16s are possible in quali, assuming teams are allowed the super softs.
I will just staggered reading this. They are apparantly surprised that other people made progress. How ****ing silly can you get? That's because they live in this insular environment where they refuse to take help from any outside influence. Had they have done that, they'd be a bit more aware of themselves. They have to get a consultant or something from Mercedes at this point. Surely they should get the base absolutely right first and then if they can do anything intricate afterwards with their own ideas then fine. Another season over before it has started and Honda for me now are finished. What a waste of talent in terms of Alonso, Vandoorne, and the aero package of Prodromou. All of it completely sabotaged by Hondas inept efforts. Embarrassing for Honda now and not McLaren.