Well, Hamilton reckons the Ferrari is the fastest car, with Merc second and RB third. http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/128400/hamilton-ferrari-is-favourite-for-f1-2017
I think that's public fluffing.. Pretty certain most teams haven't turned up their engine modes yet (apart from Honda who haven't even turned them on!) But I have a feeling, that when Merc unleash their full power modes, the others won't be able to live with them. Think there's a bit of rope-a-dope going on.. Saying that, the Ferrari's pace on the slower tyre's looks very very encouraging for us fans!
Seemed lots of reports that that Honda had parted ways with engine consultant Gills Simon! Seems he worked for Ferrari in Schumacher years and PURE!!!!!!! He was also the FIA technical director for powertrain development before the switch to v6. Wikipedia are saying that he joined Honda in 2013 to develop a v6 F1 engine!!! So it seems like they didn't start developing an engine as late as I thought! So it does seem like Honda did have outside help or should that be outside sabotage?
There is a lot in the Japenese culture not wanting shame, which making a bold decision that goes wrong would imply. So are they conservative or have they made a meaty engine that has a single flaw that if resolved will enable a beast to emerge? Oh I wish but I fear it is destined to be a damp squid. When I watch the design and build of a Bugatti I fail to understand why in factory testing doesn't highlight these weaknesses. Managing just a few laps says the in factory testing is bench testing in the literal sense, a sterile environment. Is it a budget issue? Gills Simon might have been a sacrifice to save a life.
Must admit I agree. Only thing I can think about is the G forces and trying to test those on a dyno! Real shame Honda can't give McL a reasonable PU.
F1 Writers were so focused on the rear wing they failed to notice that the Red Bull is being nicked by Andy Cowell from Mercedes. (Second time I've mentioned him in a couple of days. At this rate I'm going to start seeing him in every shop and on every street.)
I read that he'd had enough of his suggestions being ignored by Honda. It doesn't look good for McLaren, it does for Ferrari and Williams (who probably told Massa they needed 2 days worth of mileage), but It isn't Australia yet.
Boullier's statement on Honda's woes : McLaren racing director Eric Boullier explained to Formula1.com why Honda have such big problems in matching the other engine manufacturers. This is what he had to say: "Because they are still three years behind in time to the others: Mercedes, Renault and Ferrari started in 2010 - and all these three started with an existing organisation, as all three were already doing F1 engines. In 2013 Honda decided to come back to Formula One and started from scratch: empty buildings! They had to buy everything - and find the right people. So to be fair you have manufacturers who had seven years and are still struggling - and Honda started four years after the others. "These units are so complicated that you have to be really process driven and go step by step. Unfortunately there is no short cut." Sorry, that is complete rubbish. Mercedes and Ferrari had reliable units from the outset in 2014. Renault had their issues but pretty much had them sorted by the end of 2014. Okay both lacked power compared to the Mercedes, but to say that Honda are 3 years behind and that is the reason for their issues is nonsense. If they can't even design a reliable unit in 3 years, what the hell are they doing!?
He says there are manufacturers that have had 7 years and are still struggling. Who are they? All of them now seem to have decent amounts of power and reliability. Okay, Merc still have the edge, but to suggest the others are struggling, when you look at Honda's issue, shows clear desperation on McLaren-Honda's part to down play their issues as much as possible.
Tyres looking pretty bulletproof this year. Hamilton just did 20 laps on the ultras with 1.5s time loss over the stint. Not all put attack but still a fair slog. Red bull have been impressive today, that power unit issue and still smashing the laps in. Really hoping for a multi way fight this year between Mercedes Ferrari Red Bull.
I'm withholding judgement on everything (except the McLaren, it's ****), the tyres look good, but it's cold and they're not racing, though I can't see a return to '13. Of course it could go the other way and they're so reliable we go back to the bridgestone era. Alonso "The team are all ready to win except Honda". he better watch out for ninja's
