Is it a surprise the RBR is not the best ATM? All the rules were created with specific intention slowing them down, much like they did with McLaren and Williams, and after a bit of dilly dallying, Ferrari, when it was those teams that were dominating. I think it's only a matter of time before they regain their competetiveness, same goes for Ferrari, who decided to start from scratch anyway. How quickly they can catch up depends on how quickly they can implement other teams solutions. All that said the RBR wasn't as dominant at China as it was in the other races last year either
I get your point Miggs...but at the end of the day, they all have to build within the same rules. Commercially it makes sense to prevent dominance, but I don't agree with it.
It doesn't happen often but once in a while a team hits a sweet, clever spot and dominates for a season or maybe two. But these things have never lasted long, well not in my lifetime. But it would be a mistake to discount the Red Bull just because it's not special.
They continue to downplay it, but Ferrari have made good progress again. Taking best qualifying laps: Mercedes +0.000 McLaren +0.505 Red Bull +0.579 Sauber +0.663 Lotus +0.777 Ferrari +0.861 This comes on a track that doesn't suit them. Tomorrow they will be strong - the F2012 is more competitive in race conditions than qualifying and Alonso usually performs better in the races. Track temperatures and grip levels are expected to be low, strengthening Ferrari's performance. Given that Alonso close to many teams in qualifying, I am confident he will be able to match most of the guys in front. My biggest fear is the bulldozer starting in 10th taking Alonso out. I can't remember the last time I was this excited about a race! Impossible to predict and so many potential surprises!
The Ferrari has been strong in Alonso's hands in the races so I would expect him to figure, especially in the last quarter after all the pitstops have sorted themselves out. He is earning his $$$$$$'s this year.
For those wanting a close season (or Vettel to not do as well as before), take comfort in reading this:
The only reason those teams stopped being dominant was more because the rules were changed than because everyone else caught up, ride height, tractiuon control, ABS, in the case of Williams they even banned their CVT before they had a chance to use it they were so scared it would wipe the floor with everyone, I expect RBR to catch up again, but it's not guaranteed they'll regain the advantage they've had for almost 3 seasons, they could very well end up back where they were (but I doubt it)
Thats fair enough staying positive by saying the points outlook looks better than previous years. But in thoses years with less points they could of taken comfort that their car was competitive.
Morning Silver Arrow, morning all, managed to drag myself out of bed for the first time this season thanks to the race being shown where it should be, on the Beeb. Fingers crossed it's the great race that we are expecting it to be!
Just missed Horner on Sky due to being absorbed in that drumming/Senna bit on the Beeb. Did Horner say anything interesting about the cars? Pole's on the dirty side.
Schumi just on the Beeb being interviewed by Lee Mckenzie, can't believe how chilled out he is these days, don't know whether that is a good thing or not?!
Are you not sticking around for the race, Nick? Hamilton could easily do that voice again if he took a hit of helium.
