I don't see why Merc miss an entire test to disguise something. If it's a bolt on part such as a front wing or blown floor they could just run with a 2011 spec equivalent for the first test. If it's something built into the chassis it's homologated anyway so the teams can't copy. I think they're just trying to be smart missing a test, I hope it goes horribly wrong for them.
Alright mate calm down, I meant that as an example that the development of new innovative designs may come to nought.
Why assume I'm not calm? I pointed out a fact in the simplest possible language; and I was perfectly calm at the time, thanks. Whether I am calm or not about your inaccuracy, publicly telling someone to "calm down" is not conducive to a thread discussing pre-season testing. Indeed, in this circumstance, it is more likely to have the opposite effect upon the person you aim such a comment at. Your comparison with McLaren may prove to be correct, but it is entirely your comparison and has nothing whatever to do with me; hence, I'd prefer that you avoid suggesting otherwise.–––o0o––– P.S. EMSC: Please do not assume I was being unfriendly, either previously or now, for that is not the case; and despite your advice, I am still calm. Thanks.
LOL I thought (wrongly) you were getting narked at me quoting you wrong, but yeah there is a similarity to Mclaren's recent developments going wrong and what you said, I am also very calm by the way.. Friends Bando I think the timing of the posts is wrong, because I definitely did not post the other comments at that time :L
I've been watching a few videos of testing and from what I can see, Red Bull are dominant at the moment. Perfect stability everywhere, earliest on throttle on corner exit and they open the DRS earlier than everyone else. McLaren look second best, but a distant second. Lotus also look good. I think some of the reports about Ferrari were over-exaggerated - the F2012 looks much better than some are claiming, and it's got massive potential. There are still some key issues with the car but they have a lot of testing time to solve those problems. Here are some videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEP4YUkd73U http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qr2z2RB9p9M http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJx3Oaoii4c http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUcQj3ddWok http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QKzzuUyDIM I saw another great video, but I can't find the link at the moment.
It would fantastic to see the top teams on par with Lotus turning up to gate crash the party every now and then. The potential for the season to be a cracker is getting me seriously pumped for the season. 6 World Champions all potentially being in decent cars. It's mouth watering!
When you say things like that you just KNOW that Vettel's going to beat Schumacher's record for earliest-secured WDC.
Oh come on look at those vids forza ferrari posted. Are F1 cars really that fast 6x force of gravity fast. Look at his videos You could cycle that speed for crying out loud. Theres a good reason they look like the are doing 30mph on TV isn't there - they really are. Do people who buy tickets have to sign contracts saying they won't reveal how slow the cars really are??
Anyway look how low the McLaren looks, it is visibly lower. And looks like its permananty driving on punctured tyres http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtzeQ9qrqWo&feature=related
It should be closer this season with the ban on exhaust blown diffusers. Hopefully there'll be less than a second between the top five.
They sound great under braking. Mclaren looks a bit twitchy under braking and through some corners but I'm sure that can be ironed out. Red Bull look planted but you could have all the downforce in the world but you still need speed and reliability.
When's the next test? EDIT: Dani Clos has been made HRT test driver. He'll be replacing Karthikeyan come Valencia.
