10pm tonight is the deadline for predictions for the Australian GP. That means just over 12hrs to make your decisions. Don't forget
6hrs 45mins. We're up to 13 members from not606, which I think is good going. Can we get any more to keep the 13 (unlucky for some) naysayers happy
Alex, It's difficult to say (and unexpected rain could **** up all our predictions), but personally I think the pole time will be within a second of Vettel's, or something in the 1.24's
But with the fragile tyres they could all hold back a little from their ultimate speed and hope they still get pole. Its a tricky one which should become easier as the season progress's
With all due respect Mr.LampShade, it's qualifying - drivers are trying their hardest to set the fastest lap. With heavy fuel at the start, the drop off is likely to be high regardless of whether they push for one lap or hold back.
But they can't afford to start the race with knackered tyres, pitting in the first 5 laps will make pole pointless. They may go for it and be fine, but we simply do not know before ever seeing a quali on these tyres. I'm not disagreeing with you, just putting options out there
But based on race simulation, if teams qualify with the soft tyre, they will have no choice but to pit around lap 10 or maybe earlier. One lap of pushing isn't really going to have such a big effect when the first stint of the race is likely to be short. I understand your point, but I just don't see drivers making a tactical decision to hold back at a part of the race weekend where they are supposed to set the quickest lap time possible. I don't think it will happen in Australia - but we might see that sort of thing in later events after teams have more experience with Pirelli tyres.
Yes, as Jose has said, qualifying is qualifying and i think they will be pushing hard, what will be interesting is who can get through on the least tyres during Quali, so they have the most for the race.
But thats a 1 lap advantage to carry over to the next stint, and the one after that too. Someone may try it. Your mostly likely going to be right of course, but I like to think of the little curve balls teams can throw. I'll be posting my prediction in here after 10 for mocking
Oh dear, I should have used my time more wisely. Guess I missed the chance to fine tune my predictions (This is my excuse if I am not leading the prediction league after Australia)
https://www.zdkf1.com/Player/RacePredictions.aspx can see what your 'friends' picked to summarise Vettel pole 1:25.1 1: Alonso 2: Webber 3: Hamilton
