Ferrari started with a dog last year and Alonso nearly won the WDC, leaving the 28 on the sidelines would be a mistake, they'll never develope it without test running it, and the instant gain they make with the 27 will be lost in a few races and they'll be worse off than they are now.
The Ferrari clearly had pace though, all it lacked in the early stages was stability, there was a lot of potential in the car. I remember a few of us commenting in Australia that it looked fast just impossible to drive, I think someone likened driving it to balancing a pencil on its point. The McLaren just looks chronically slow.
For all we know McLaren could have the same issue. We saw last year Button got stuck in a rut with setup for a few races mid season, only getting out of it after going back to basics. I feel its a car issue this time round but for all we know it could be a setup issue which is being increased by a newbie (Perez) being afraid to try something different to Button?
Agreed. At least in the case of McLaren's car, they'll make a bit of gain with the 27, only for the other teams to continue to improve. When that happens they'll be worse of than they're now with 28. It might not be in a great spot now, but they should stick with the 28 and really try to develop it.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/106141 McLaren say the car operating window is too 'peaky' Factor in Button's narrow operating window and you have a car that will either win a race by a country mile, or will be lucky to hang onto the top 10. Bearing in mind this was supposed to be Button's breakout year at McLaren as team leader, the car concept is clearly very poor as they should have made a car that had a wide operating window to counter Button's ability to go fast only when the car is working properly for him. Could be a very very long season for McLaren
With all due respect to Button and Perez I don't think either of them have the ability to do what Alonso did last year, you need relentless consistency and that's something Button has always struggled with particurly when faced with an unpredictable car.
Yeh I agree, its not that Button isnt good enough (although debatable I know) I just dont think he has the consistencey to deliver the type of results that Alonso managed in 2012/2013. The only thing I would say, is that Alonso benefted from rain affected races and also the lack of Red Bull dominance in the early stages. Maybe Button/Perez will get a bit of fortune in Sepang and China (weather wise) which would not leave them too far adrift after the initial fly aways? Wishful thinking I know.
Last season a different winner in each of the early races gave Ferrari the opportunity to remodel their dog and Alonso a real shot at the title. I doubt Mclaren will be afforded that luxury but Kimi won the first and Alonso and vettel could easily make 3 winners in 3 races. So Mclaren may have a month to fix this car but no more I would suggest. Mercedes meanwhile should not get too excited. If Mclaren hadn't screwed up they would be down in usual position. Having said that, Kimi may just make a point this weekend but I think a lot depends on the tyres..again.
I suggest they keep making these mistakes! http://adamcooperf1.com/2013/03/16/...e-mclaren-unrealistically-fast-in-jerez-test/
