Official 2011 Santander Gran Premio de España Chat

I think he corrected himself. They were due a new gearbox this weekend.

 

They seem to banning innovations that are heading in a direction they don't want to go. The commentary explained that the FIA decision on engine mappings is based not on the basic concept but on the application of it - the engine mappings were becoming too aggressive. They compared it to the mass dampers, which developed into a moveable aero device. With the wing, although the concept might have been legal its effect was at odds with the intentions of the wing dimensions regulations. They didn't want other teams to start growing their wings bigger than Ferrari.

 

Oh yes. Its four races for a gearbox then for the next race a gearbox change.

Sorry sometimes forget these rules.

 

Right off to the TV see you guys later with a Hamilton pole to talk about.

 

It looks like Renault have not heard about it, their blown exhausts appear to be a flaming success judging by Heidfelds enthusiastic exit from the car.

 

Marc Gene said that the FIA declared the wing legal last Thursday. It was only when a complaint was made that Charlie says it's illegal. That's like saying: "We haven't had a complaint about off-throttle EBD's, but when HRT complain, everyone get's DSQ'd and HRT win their home GP.

 

Yeah I think it's a rotten system. As long as an innovation passes the current FIA tests then it's legal until, as you say, someone protests.

Remember "Diniz in the Oven" following the 1996 Argentine GP? What might the tabloid headlines be tomorrow? "Friedfeld Escapes"? "The Flame in Spain"? "Scorchio"?

Current situation:

 

Tactical error by Ferrari and Mercedes, going out on options?

107% time = 1:28.767 - all in except Heidfeld but stewards will let him race.

Result for Kovalainen. Dismay for Barrichello.

 

Kovalainen is through!!

 

Mistakes by Mercedes and Ferrari. Second time Ferrari have done that mistake as well, they sent Massa out on options in Q1 in Turkey when he was already through.

 

Well Heidfeld did not run and Barrichello had a problem so its not that amazing.

 

I understand Lotus have just extended his contract to 2017.

 

Kovalainen makes Q2! Well done Team Lotus.

 

Yeah it wasn't on merit, hopefully they'll bridge the gap sooner rather than later.

 

They could redeem themselves by going out on the same soft tyre for Q2. That could save them a set for the race.

It was quite a stupid decision because it was clear that Heidfeld wasn't going to set a lap time. Maybe it would have been worth risking softs for Massa + Schumacher, but not Rosberg and Alonso.

Congratulations to Heikki Kovalainen!

Serves Williams right for complaining!

 

You're right. Brundle confirmed that Kovalainen was faster than Massa's prime time.

 

Was Trulli?

 

Even if Kovalainen had gone faster than Massa, he still would of qualified, although it would of been tight and probably not worth the risk.

 

No

did Vettel take T9 flat?

(My screen conveniently froze just before the turn)

 

So Massa would have made it. Would have been scary for him though.