Lotus still running with the blocked up PDRS: please log in to view this image and Ferrari are taking desperate measures in an attempt to spy on Red Bull: please log in to view this image
Well, finally I find myself with time at a computer – and, at last, at the same time that I have a moment to read the thread and give a small contribution! I've only read this thread (most, but not all comments), and not had chance to look at others; but already it has been an entertaining read! It's good to see that some have reasonable expectations of testing, whilst others, perhaps bubbling with enthusiasm seem, (ahem), a little less tolerant… Some quick statements without time to give real explanations; and therefore focussing on what I expect to be the early front end of the grid (Top 10). (Please, just indulge me for the moment!). Red Bull have a superb car. Newey's concept may once again have stolen a march on his competitors. The front of the car is typically 'holistic Newey'; primarily concerned with keeping air low and well sculpted for the rear to feed upon. This is a 'hungry car' and it is being very well fed! It is therefore very well balanced – probably the best in this respect, at least as things stand. McLaren appear to have a similarly great car but with a very different concept to Red Bull's: therefore this battle will be a very interesting one to watch play out. No matter where one looks, their challenger is easily summed up in one word: quality. I cannot remember such a superbly crafted F1 machine. In particular, it is clear that real attention has been given to the beautifully sculpted side-pods and rear end. I believe it is generating loads of rear downforce (perhaps marginally more than Red Bull's contender!); so much in fact, that they will probably (for the time being) be focussing on tuning the front end to overcome the natural understeer incumbent with such a well-planted rear. Unfortunately for them, with such an abrasive surface, the Jerez circuit is not helping their logistics, especially as Pirelli's new tyres are being evaluated at the same time. Ferrari have another 'all rounder', apparently solid in most important aspects. Alonso will love it although I will (as always) still expect him to complain to make it even better; but I still expect (messy?) Massa to find it awkward, especially when he tries to match his team-mate. Lotus should be smiling. Currently ticking all the boxes, they appear to have a real, well balanced and slippery contender. Keep it on the track and this car could be going places… Hmm: I said 'top 10' didn't I?… Well, given the contributions to the thread thus far, I suppose I should pay some respects to Mercedes. Then again, I should add that this is causing me more than a little effort because I've been reasonably impressed with Force India and Williams. In my opinion, the Mercedes aero concept is not amongst the best: I personally believe it is creating too much drag whilst at the same time not giving enough pay back in terms of downforce. Therefore, I see it as a bit of a mess if it was ever conceived as a serious title challenger. Apologies to Hammy fans but I believe it will be difficult to drive at or near the limit, consistently – and that its limit is reached sooner than others. I also expect it to be tyre hungry for those who try. That said, Hamilton learned an awful lot from being teamed with Button; but by comparison [to] the only guy who's ever beaten him over a season at any level, his challenge this year is enormous… Force India should not be discounted from top 10: their car may well prove to be better than the Silver Arrows. And Williams, Toro Rosso et al? – Who knows, it's only testing!- - -o0o- - - Oh, one other thing: if there were a competition for 'ugliest car', despite a lovely colour scheme, Caterham win hands down! The old adage of "if it looks good, it goes good" will be something they will probably prefer to ignore (and I hope they can prove me wrong)… Cheers all!
Day 4, will be back at about 9am, going to the gym firstly. Utterly weird dream last night (I had been drinking beforehand), Monza GP . Alonso takes out Maldonado by accident, Maldonado gets out and attacks Alonso who is still in his cockpit. Marshalls' come across and KO Pastor, I have no priorities moreover any other driver, so where the hell did that come from?
Anyone thinking Ferrari were using the same engine to see how long they could run it for before it goes bang? Am sure they have already learnt a lot with Massa over three days so if they ended up losing today it won;t be much of a loss. Then again, if its an engine change, no reason why they can't have him back out for the afternoon if they were desperate to get some more mileage in.
As always cosicave great time to see you post again. You chucks a few things in the air only a few of us armchair experts won't see in great detail Personal question for me since you have probably have some experience in this situation more than me, but when you lock your rear brakes does the rear step out or will you carry on straight, what is the more likely outcome? It's just ever since Lewis having that incident opinion has been slightly divided that the brakes were or were not working, what do you see and think from the video evidence Cosicave as I would love to know what you think?
Bong! Ferrari has reliability problems. please log in to view this image Considering how bulletproof it was last year this is just as rare as a full eclipse in the UK!
If the brakes lock then generally the back will step out of line because of the transfer of the weight going forward acting as a destabilising effect. When the rear brakes lock the grip at the rear is lost so the back will slide out at the hint of any turning force (or adhesion is lost on a slippery white line etc) A rear brake failure would simply mean there is not enough braking force so no traction at the back would be lost as the tyres contiue to rotate and this do not lose grip. It just means the back of the car pushes at the front which causes the fronts to lock under more load and the car goes seeringly on in a straight line into the first barrier it reaches
