Well IRBR did say they were focused on tyres mostly, so the times won't be glorious at the start which will be the same for everybody come their turn.
An interesting view. I always thought that with less downforce, a car is skating across the track more in corners, so scrubbing up the tyres with understeer and wearing them out quicker? Or does this create the heat that Mercedes had issues with last year and the massive overheating they suffered. Presumabley suspension setups also plays a part in this?
seems to be a steady 31's now on the hards. Interesting though, how light was Lewis when he did his "race sim", no way is the Mercedes 2 seconds a lap faster than the IRBR...
Andrew Benson ‏@andrewbensonf1 For those wondering why Alonso is not doing much running, the exhaust overheated the surrounding bodywork which needs to be changed Ahhhhh still a few reliability problems for the Ferrari which is a shame.
Andrew Benson ‏@andrewbensonf1 Vettel's race run is producing interesting data. His first lap was a 1:29.6, which suggests fastest time this a.m. was flat out low fuel
When I said earlier the difference between full tanks and qualifying should be 7.5 seconds - well Vettel's first lap was a 1:29.611, so his qualifying pace should be a 1:22.111. Earlier today his best was a 1:22.197 - so that means he was actually on fumes! Benson agrees: Vettel's race run is producing interesting data. His first lap was a 1:29.6, which suggests fastest time this a.m. was flat out low fuel That would mean McLaren are at least 3 tenths faster than Red Bull! Red Bull might have the best balance but that doesn't mean they're the quickest. McLaren ended 2012 as the fastest car but I thought the RB8 had the better balance.
Possible but remember Perez set his time in the afternoon while Seb was an hour earlier and slightly cooler, so maybe about equal in qualifying trim, give or take a tenth or 2.
I would be shocked. If that's the case, Red Bull probably haven't put the engine in the car and Seb's currently flintstoning it!
(AMuS)15:23 From the Red Bull Incidentally, we heard nothing. Although Vettel's car is in the garage, still have four of the seven seats are occupied at the helm. Adrian Newey and Christian Horner do not move from the spot. Doesn't look like it's over for that race sim though.
It looks like the RB9 has got the legs on the McLaren with regards to race pace slightly. The 29.6 Seb did probably shot them earlier on, but the RB9 looks to be a better race car than the McLaren and slightly better deg control.
Steffen Vogels ‏@MercedesAMGSpy Another long run for Lewis Hamilton and he is very consistent, 1.28.1-1.28.1-1.28.5-1.28.9-1.29.1-1.29.3
Andrew Benson ‏@andrewbensonf1 Someone who should know says no way Vettel's fastest time this a.m. was on empty tanks. Unless Red Bull are v slow. Which is unlikely, obv
