I understand that, but we are already down by a lot (5 odd seconds per lap) and we add another 3+ seconds a lap that doesn't constitute maintains speed - the modern tracks are far safer as wells!
I was just looking in general - Monza fastest race lap is a 1:20 ish and the fastest race lap this year was Lewis on a mid 1:25.
Interlagos lap record is 1:09.8 (quali I think) and as you say the fastest race lap is a 1:11.4
I appreciate that they now carry fuel but these are fastest lap like for like which consistutes lowish fuel. I dont dispute that the cars can go faster on low fuel but if we look at the Mclarens pole in 2012 which was in the dry was a mid 1;12 which is 3 seconds slower than the 2004 time.
So that's why Marussia haven't announced Bianchi's teammate. I thought something was up after Brazil, because in the past Marussia have named their line-up just after the final race of the season.
It would be nice to see Marussia sign a decent second driver, like Gutierrez or di Resta. If they finish 10th next year they'll get a huge increase in prize money, so it would make sense to sign a talented driver over a pay driver.
He did finish EVERY race, so is at least a reliable driver. Bianchi appears to be a very quick driver, so how woudl anyone stack up against him? If suddenly di Resta or Gutierrez signs and match Bianchi, surely that then asks questions about Bianchi's actual pace?
Chilton has shown himself to be a solid and safe pair of hands (hardly any accident damage to dent their budget). For a small team, that's probably the perfect balance with someone like Bianchi alongside him.
Besides, could you imagine the moaning that would come from di Resta after every Q1 about the car not being quick enough!?
As much as I think he's a total joke as a competitive F1 driver, he did finish every race, and with the new regulations and engines there's a good chance the slowest driver could score points due to reliability issues, a consistant finisher could be exactly what a team at the back need.
I doubt his dads business will sponsor F1, reinsurance doesn't need exposure, as it's not something anyone who isn't in the insurance business at a high level would ever need