Special mention to Maldonado, who out-qualifies Rubens for the third race in a row. Who said he was just a pay driver? Okay, I admit it, I did. He's made a more impressive start to his career than Hulkenberg did though, I think it took until midseason for Hulk to score his first victory over Rubens.
please log in to view this image Interestingly, Vettel is ahead of both Ferraris in the speed trap, and the McLarens are well down the order. McLaren have set the car up with the weather in mind, Christian Horner confirmed that Red Bull have done the same thing and presumably Ferrari have as well. Perhaps Red Bull, with the downforce advantage didn't feel the need to add as much wing as the others and that's why they're so competitive in the straights.
I feel sorry for Timo Glock, I was just watching his interview on the show, and he was saying it was the top speed of the engine that was letting them down. David Croft on five live this morning said he's driving so well, he's forcing his engineer to change his strategy as he's so quick. They predict an average lap time for each stint, and basically he's destroying it. Him and Kovalainen I really feel could do a job in much better machinery. When we get a few retirements in the years to come, I'd like to see Glock at least get a Sauber seat, which could be possible, or maybe go to Torro Rosso?If Buemi replaces Webber when he retires, and then Ricciardo and Glock could drive for Toro Rosso, and I don't think Jaime Alugersuari is currently earning his seat.
I like Timo, can't see him getting a better drive though because it's so competitive at the moment. I think his best bet would be Lotus if I'm honest, I think they'll join the midfield next season after making improvements this year, and I could see Trulli retiring at the end of the year.
Thanks for that AG, very interesting stuff. Also the sector times from qualifying are also fascinating. Adding up Vettel's best 3 sector times, and his lap time would be 1.12.854 - shows just how quick his car is. Applying the same principle to Massa and Alonso and Massa is the quicker driver - his lap would be 1.13.117, better than Alonso
vettel is never as fast during the race as in qualy. i like alonso aswell as vettel so a 1-2 in any order would be a good result tommorow, have nothing against massa but imo he is the worse driver in the big 3 teams and the sooner he is confirmed as the number 2 supporting driver to alonso this season, the better, helps alonso in his title fight
I hadn't realised they were separate laps, I thought it was a breakdown of their best lap. Crucially, Vettel's car advantage is in sector 2, which means it could be hard for the Ferraris (if they don't get him at the start) to get in the DRS zone.
Whether we have a wet race or not, I believe Alonso will win this one. This is not fanboy talk, but a calculated prediction weighing up all options. ALONSO to win, you heard it here first. If it does rain, McLaren will have an advantage over Red Bull and Ferrari (in theory based on speed trap times), but that advantage shouldn't be enough to worry Vettel and Ferrari. Also, as teams have such little running with the wet tyre, it's likely that some teams may struggle with the tyre more than others, and in addition, drivers will have to adapt their style to suit unknown tyres. Now which driver is the best at adapting? Fernando Alonso! Should add that if it stays dry, Fernando Alonso has a very good chance to secure the victory. It rained after qualifying, so dirty side of grid should not be a problem. Ever since Alonso got a new clutch his starts have been excellent, so it's not too optimistic to suggest that Alonso take the lead at the first corner. If he stays 2nd, we know our strength is race pace, and being so close to Red Bull in qualifying means that we should be matching them or maybe even faster than them on heavy fuel. With overtaking a lot easier (and 2 DRS zones), I wouldn't be surprised to see Alonso overtake Vettel on the track. It's refreshing to see Alonso finnally tell the press that a win in 2011 ... is possible! Mark Webber has been poor at the starts in 2011, so I would bet on Hamilton jumping him at the start.
I am praying for a Flonso victory today! Was disappointed to see Vettel romp to pole but that Red Bull is on the bridle till it really counts every time, like I said previously.
I enjoy watching Alonso, but I don't enjoy his personality, lets hope he can get a good start tomorrow.
Lewis having a "too long 7th gear even for qualifying" isn't going to help in the dry with a full tank, let alone in the wet.
