I was going to get up for qualy, then Friday practice happened. Now im going to be a plastic fair-weather fan and wait for the 1pm BBC highlights. (have fun on your own Manny)
Evening fellas- love my F1 but technically I am a bit of a novice, and that is being kind. Have watched some testing this winter and have been trying to form a picture of where each team is. I thought the Mercedes looked a smart car in terms of one lap pace, but I have my doubts in race trim (at least for the very early part of the season) because I think it looks an agressive car and might not be the best manager of tyres, especially given the two driver styles. Red Bull to me looked to have by FAR the best downforce. However, I think they have started so well that I wonder if it is simply a completed version of last years car. Does it have the development potential when the others begin to close? Ferrari looks to have some quick characteristics but a lack of rear grip stopping it going closer over one lap pace. McClaren looked some way off the pace yesterday but doesn't look a disaster. I watched Buttons lap and whilst he complained of understeer, he wasn't having to fight the car which suggests that when they get it right, it ought to be the sort of car to suit his driving style. I think there are just some things they don't understand yet and that there is some pace to be found in due course. Lotus look solid again, but it again looks a car that needs something extra to really threaten a win. What does it look like in terms of 'long run pace' or 'race pace' this weekend? I like to have a bet on the F1 and I'm thinking that Vettel @8/11 for pole looks strong (with a covering bet on Hamilton @7/1), but for race winning purposes I would fancy a bet on Fernando Alonso, especially if he qualifies on the 3rd row, and would be happy to take 6 or 7/1 on race day as I think he might be the master of both the tyres and the strategy this weekend (potential early pit stops to beat the 'cliff' on the soft tyres). I think Red Bull may have issues with the tyre management judged purely on some footage I caught today, and whilst I know all teams are in the same boat, I saw on numerous occasions last year where other cars began to look stronger than RB and Vettel on the harder compounds in the middle of the race. I will wait for a price but I would be interested in FERNANDO ALONSO to win this weekend and hopefully at a tasty price when the RB's and Merc qualify on rows 1 and 2 tomorrow. Where do you think everyone stands at the moment, what can make the difference- if anything- to challenge Red Bull, and is there anything you fancy to happen this weekend?
Nice post and welcome to the board! I like your thoughts and if I were going to have a punt it would be Alosno for the win. I personally wouldnt bet on Quali with the weather!
Don't you fret Manny, I'll be here [video=youtube;nzQWmAwNNCw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzQWmAwNNCw[/video]
I'm going to miss FP1 and qualifying. in the unlikely event something exciting happens I can always find out later.
I'm not sure what the exact times were but I think they were about 1-2 seconds off the pace, but maybe they were heavier on fuel. At least McLaren will be saved from an embarrassing Saturday, as rain is highly likely for qualifying. Massimo Rivola said yesterday after practice that Ferrari are behind in qualifying pace but not by much (in other words, Red Bull aren't dominant). He said he expects both drivers to be on the second row but I guess that won't apply any more because of the rain. As for the race, the target is the podium and he thinks both drivers can fight for podium, and Massa in particular is looking very strong. Does anyone know the chances of rain tomorrow?
At the moment it actually looks fairly sunny, but there is a fair bit of cloud cover. Looks like it'll get overcast a bit later on, but I don't think in time for FP3.
Morning gents, just woke up. went to bed the moment i got home from work, set my alarm for 2 AM, and i have the weekend off. Great stuff. If the chances of rain are decreasing, McLaren are facing the possibility of missing out on Q3. The car is just not good enough.
Rough, what time is the match? 3 or 5:30? I think I'll have a kip after Quali then get back up for the Everton game, which is an early kick off.
