At the end of FP2 HRT would be outside the 107% rule, they need to pick up a bit. The general consensus is that this is looking like a 2/3 stop race now.
Ermmm, yes. But I'm only saying that as its too late now The last few races They've gained a bit on the practices, but not 4 seconds.
Let's see what FP3 brings... FP2 results: please log in to view this image More KERS glitches for Red Bull, says Andrew Benson.
I think it's a bit scary that Vettel had his DRS open before the final corner - gives you an idea of how much extra downforce his car has relative to the others. It's hard to see anything other than a Red Bull front row, however that's not to say it'll be an easy 1-2 for them in the race. That was a great lap by Hamilton, but he was really pushing that car to match RB. I'm not yet convinced about the success McLaren's updates. I guess they need to analyse the data now. At the moment, it does appear that they have the second fastest car, with Ferrari in 3rd. I don't know if anyone was watching Mercedes with particular interest, but contrary to the rumours, they didn't have an RB flexing front wing or Renault-style exhausts. I wasn't watching too carefully, but I'm sure if it was on the car, other people would have noticed. I don't think they've made a huge step to be honest, and I wouldn't be surprised if Alonso outqualifies Rosberg. Ferrari were running another rear wing in Second Pratice, this one more radical, where the trailing edge of the wing is higher than the endplates. In both new rear wings, they had McLaren style extentions at the bottom. I think if a non-Red Bull driver can get within half a second of P1 in Q3, it's positive signs for the rest of the season. Webber has a good chance of beating Vettel to pole, let's see what happens. Can't wait until tomorrow.
I need them to knock 3.5 seconds off. I think I'll be within a second, but I don't think they'll be as fast as that.
The FIA will decide whether Ferrari's new rear wing is legal or not. Better check now than after the race! (see Sauber @ Australia) EDIT: According to AMuS, Ferrari have found a loophole in the regulations. I hope this is declared legal and finally teams will have to copy a Ferrari innovation. This rear wing looks to be quite effective as well, based on the speed traps from Practice (while RB are almost slowest and McLaren are slow)
vettel's soft tyre run is quite a few lengths infront of Hamilton and Alonso. SEB: 23 1:28.650 24 1:28.263 25 1:28.011 26 1:28.770 27 1:38.198 28 1:28.594 29 1:36.581 30 1:28.751 31 1:41.811 32 1:31.953 33 1:29.074 34 1:29.677 35 1:37.553 36 1:30.341 Lewis: 19 1:29.367 20 1:29.188 21 1:28.320 22 1:34.929 23 1:29.467 24 1:31.954 25 1:29.484 26 1:29.747 Alonso: 29 1:28.757 30 1:29.245 31 1:29.376 32 1:29.941 33 1:29.505
One thing I can say from today is that the Merc really seemed unstable every time they showed an on-board shot.
That illegal rear wing you guys got, makes my **** itch thinking it will get you infront this weekend
Where have Ferrari taken Charlie out for dinner to to have the chat about their rear wing? I bet it'll be a night to remember. YallaF1 is reporting Charlie's final decision: "it might be illegal, but we're not going to tell you."
