Spanish Grand Prix Speculation/Build Up

Don't like the circuit one bit, especially since the destruction of the final corner but hopefully it is a good race.

*shocking news* Pirelli build really durable tyre!
http://f1elvis.com/pirelli/

That's going to be interesting to see a lot of running in fp1 on long-life tyres

Edited by SamH123, 06 May 2013 - 12:49.

*schoking news* Pirelli build really durable tyre!
http://f1elvis.com/pirelli/

That's going to be interesting to see a lot of running in fp1 on long-life tyres

Well, perhaps but then again they are still limited to 8 engines and they already had a set of tires they could only use in first free practice.

I don't understand the point of running around on tyres that are not representative of the race tyres. I guess it'll be useful for purely aerodynamic work, such as the DRD. But most new aero developments will be intricately linked to the mechanical aspects of the car, including tyre behavior. Why didn't they just make more race tyres, are these new practice tyres that much cheaper to make? It's a step forward though.

yeah, if the tyres are irrelevant I wonder if the teams will want to run them

There's been a lot of talk about the softer rear tyres deforming differently and making a big difference to the aero of the car. If Mclaren are struggling with things like this they might not care about car performance with low deg tyres

http://www.auto-moto...it-7053431.html

AMuS says Mercedes are the favourites for Barcelona, RB close and Ferrari strong if it should be unexpectedly cold. Lotus not getting mentioned with a single word.

Why do I have a feeling that neither of the Mercedes guys will be on the top step on Sunday afternoon..?

http://www.auto-moto...it-7053431.html

AMuS says Mercedes are the favourites for Barcelona, RB close and Ferrari strong if it should be unexpectedly cold. Lotus not getting mentioned with a single word.

Why do I have a feeling that neither of the Mercedes guys will be on the top step on Sunday afternoon..?

it is AMuS, they are slightly biased towards Mercedes. Thogh I wonder how they "predict" favourties. Because someone was good there during tests or what? Cause so far I saw Mercedes double PP and no win yet, and going P9 after PP isn't best result

If only it is as simple as cooler temperature. Barcelona is at the foremost of tracks that build and maintain tyre temperature by the sheer forces exerted by its types of corners. It is arguably the hardest track in the calendar on tyres. Ambient temperature should not have that much influence on the pecking order.

http://www.auto-moto...it-7053431.html

AMuS says Mercedes are the favourites for Barcelona, RB close and Ferrari strong if it should be unexpectedly cold. Lotus not getting mentioned with a single word.

Why do I have a feeling that neither of the Mercedes guys will be on the top step on Sunday afternoon..?

Going on form the Mercedes boys could be on top on Saturday and with a series of events might luck into the win on sunday, I doubt many will hold their breath though.

it is AMuS, they are slightly biased towards Mercedes. Thogh I wonder how they "predict" favourties. Because someone was good there during tests or what? Cause so far I saw Mercedes double PP and no win yet, and going P9 after PP isn't best result

According to the article, Vettel himself said that he couldn't have done Rosbergs best lap time even with low fuel. That's surprising for me.

Don't say it's going to rain... Weather report.

Don't say it's going to rain... Weather report.

lol. I don't remember rainy Spanish Gp for a long time

Don't say it's going to rain... Weather report.

Official weather forecast for Montmeló by the Spanish State Weather Agency: Link

This one says a few clouds and sun and 21ºC. Anyway, it's way too soon to get a reliable forecast.

Yep...we wait a copla days for a proper weather report.

No weather report this early is reliable, but when was the last time we had a rain affected GP at Catalunya?

No weather report this early is reliable, but when was the last time we had a rain affected GP at Catalunya?

96 & 92 are the only rain affected GPs at that track ;)

After a 3 week break, it feels like offseason. I can't even remember the last race.

In comparison, I've watched 4 games of my NBA team in the last week.

AMuS says Mercedes are the favourites for Barcelona, RB close and Ferrari strong if it should be unexpectedly cold. Lotus not getting mentioned with a single word.

Why do I have a feeling that neither of the Mercedes guys will be on the top step on Sunday afternoon..?

Not happening unless it's unusually cold or raining IMHO. There's no way Merc has gotten on top of their tyre issues in 3 weeks, and keep in mind Catalunya is quite abrasive and usually warm. Doesn't bode well for a car as poor as Merc on heavy fuel. I think they certainly have a shot at P1 in Quali, but if remotely warm & dry I think the podium might be a stretch.

After a 3 week break, it feels like offseason. I can't even remember the last race.

In comparison, I've watched 4 games of my NBA team in the last week.

Three week breaks are fine, just add a testing session in between.

Rain would be nice, IMO.

Edited by Atreiu, 07 May 2013 - 00:15.

You guys are like me.

We will still have 2 more breaks like this one.

Early forecast indications seem to be that Saturday will have some cloud cover with temps just below 20 degrees C. Sunday will be warmer (into the mid 20s) and clear.

On prediction side instinct fails me, because of so much uncertainty creped in, but Vettel hopefully will make a podium on Sunday. I am not sure who really has any realistic overview in terms of progress, and who did what since last race.

96 & 92 are the only rain affected GPs at that track ;)

1991 also.

BREAKING NEWS: Williams have said they expect better pace at the upcoming GP. Just as they did with race 1, race 2, race 3 and race 4 of the 2013 F1 world championship.

there is no way williams are gonna turn the table , all bullshit talks

You guys are like me.

We will still have 2 more breaks like this one.

2 breaks other than summer break or including it ?

Jun, Jul, August - slow months / silly season in progress.

1991 also.

Yes indeed. I didn't notice the "varied" tag

I don't understand the point of running around on tyres that are not representative of the race tyres. I guess it'll be useful for purely aerodynamic work, such as the DRD. But most new aero developments will be intricately linked to the mechanical aspects of the car, including tyre behavior. Why didn't they just make more race tyres, are these new practice tyres that much cheaper to make? It's a step forward though.

Really quite pointless using a tyre that you are not racing on. Just wearing out the engines and transmissions for no reason.
The downfall of limited component numbers. And stupid tyres. Make the race tyres durable, give 3 compounds plus wets and let the teams make the decisions. Even better a tyre war. And no DRS

2 breaks other than summer break or including it ?

Including.

Alan Jones is the guest marshall at Barcelona.

Alan Jones is the guest marshall at Barcelona.

Marshall or Steward?

3 weeks...who the hell thought of this??????

I dont think I have ever felt so disconnected at the start of an F1 season as I do this year

There are several developments to watch in this race; perhaps too many in one race.

Mine are:

- revised tire compounds / impact on the race
- will RB keep momentum set in the past race?
- has Ferrari sorted out their problems? (Alonso is at home).
- Lotus rebound or Lotus on their back, and how it affects drivers (if at all)?
- has McLaren written 2013 off?
- is W04 for real? After reading some Berger's comments, perhaps Rosberg is the one to watch in that team.
- will pecking order of 2013 emerge?

...and a few more, including latest rumor mill. It's has real chance to be a big weekend.

Edited by Sakae, 09 May 2013 - 07:40.

There are several developments to watch in this race; perhaps too many in one race.

Mine are:

- revised tire compounds / impact on the race
- will RB keep momentum set in the past race?
- has Ferrari sorted out their problems? (Alonso is at home).
- Lotus rebound or Lotus on their back, and how it affects drivers (if at all)?
- has McLaren written 2013 off?
- is W04 for real? After reading some Berger's comments, perhaps Rosberg is the one to watch in that team.
- will pecking order of 2013 emerge?

...and a few more, including latest rumor mill. It's has real chance to be a big weekend.

What Berger comments?

What Berger comments?

That NR is on par with LH. That quite obviously means it is NR to keep an eye on, and not both. At least to some,that is.

After 3 weeks of break F1 is back!

--- Statistics ---

Circuit de Catalunya , 66 laps, since 1991 race has been won 17 times from pole position (last driver that started from PP and didn't win a race was Mark Webber ,2011), tyres for this race Hard and Medium.

Winners (Drivers):
2- Kimi Raikkonen
1- Fernando Alonso, Jenson Button, Felipe Massa, Pastor Maldonado, Sebastian Vettel, Mark Webber

Winners (Constructors):
11- Ferrari
8- McLaren
7- Williams
6- Lotus
2- Redbull

Most podiums(drivers):
6- Fernando Alonso

Lap record:
Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari, 2008 -1:21.670 (race)
Rubens Barrichello, Brawn, 2009 -1:19.954(Q)

Most laps( including pre-season tests):
Jenson Button -7500 laps

Longest run to the first corner from all tracks in the calendar : 730 metres, so start will be very important specially since overtaking is very hard there.
Fernando Alonso start 2011


2012 result:

Qualifying: 1.Lewis Hamilton 1:21.707, 2.Pastor Maldonado 1:22.285, 3.Fernando Alonso 1:22.302
Pole Position: Pastor Maldonado 1:22.285
Race: 1.Pastor Maldonado, 2.Fernando Alonso, 3.Kimi Raikkonen
FL: Romain Grosjean 1:26.250


Press Conference schedule (2013) :
Drivers: Fernando Alonso (Ferrari), Valtteri Bottas (Williams), Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber), Sergio Perez (McLaren), Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso), Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull). - Thursday, May 09 ,13:00 GMT
Teams: Mike Coughlan (Williams), Andrew Green (Force India), Dave Greenwood (Marussia), Adrian Newey (Red Bull), Nikolas Tombazis (Ferrari), Mark Smith (Caterham). Friday, May 10, 14.00 GMT

According to Merc:
Overtaking:
82 in 2011
57 in 2012

Pitstops:
65 in 2011
75 in 2012


Friday: Practice 1 - 10.00 - 11.30 (local time)
Practice 2 - 14.00 - 15.30 (local time)
Saturday: Practice 3 - 11.00 - 12.00 (local time)
Qualifying - 14.00 - 15.00 (local time)
Sunday: Race - 14.00 (local time)

Edited by ArkZ, 09 May 2013 - 10:12.

It is reasonable to assume that we know what Hamilton usually does, but, at least Berger think so, the one who might surprise us is Rosberg. How, for that we can watch; it's not too complicated.

Edited by Sakae, 09 May 2013 - 10:00.

After 3 weeks of break F1 is back!

--- Statistics ---

Winners (Drivers):
2- Kimi Raikkonen
1- Fernando Alonso, Jenson Button, Felipe Massa, Pastor Maldonado, Sebastian Vettel, Mark Webber

Winners (Constructors):
11- Ferrari
8- McLaren
7- Williams
6- Lotus
2- Redbull

Most podiums(drivers):
6- Fernando Alonso

Lap record:
Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari, 2008 -1:21.670 (race)
Rubens Barrichello, Brawn, 2009 -1:19.954(Q)

Most laps( including pre-season tests):
Jenson Button -7500 laps

Longest run to the first corner from all tracks in the calendar : 730 metres, so start will be very important specially since overtaking is very hard there.
Fernando Alonso start 2011


2012 result:

Qualifying: 1.Lewis Hamilton 1:21.707, 2.Pastor Maldonado 1:22.285, 3.Fernando Alonso 1:22.302
Pole Position: Pastor Maldonado 1:22.285
Race: 1.Pastor Maldonado, 2.Fernando Alonso, 3.Kimi Raikkonen
FL: Romain Grosjean 1:26.250


Press Conference schedule (2013) :
Drivers: Fernando Alonso (Ferrari), Valtteri Bottas (Williams), Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber), Sergio Perez (McLaren), Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso), Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull). - Thursday, May 09 ,13:00 GMT
Teams: Mike Coughlan (Williams), Andrew Green (Force India), Dave Greenwood (Marussia), Adrian Newey (Red Bull), Nikolas Tombazis (Ferrari), Mark Smith (Caterham). Friday, May 10, 14.00 GMT

According to Merc:
Overtaking:
82 in 2011
57 in 2012

Pitstops:
65 in 2011
75 in 2012


Friday: Practice 1 - 10.00 - 11.30 (local time)
Practice 2 - 14.00 - 15.30 (local time)
Saturday: Practice 3 - 11.00 - 12.00 (local time)
Qualifying - 14.00 - 15.00 (local time)
Sunday: Race - 14.00 (local time)

That was such a crazily good start by Fernando, great driving.

Looks like perfect weather. (18 deg C / dry / warm).

Edited by Sakae, 09 May 2013 - 10:11.

It will be a race for strategist to make sure that their drivers don't get stuck in traffic. The pit straight is virtually the only place to make an easy overtake. Although DRS will be available on the straight from turn 9 to 10 I don't think many drivers will carry enough speed to make a comfortable overtake without out breaking themselves and getting a flat spot.

It will be a race for strategist to make sure that their drivers don't get stuck in traffic. The pit straight is virtually the only place to make an easy overtake. Although DRS will be available on the straight from turn 9 to 10 I don't think many drivers will carry enough speed to make a comfortable overtake without out breaking themselves and getting a flat spot.

Watching the 2011 race, new tyres make enough of a difference to make passing easy. Vettel passed Button, Massa and Rosberg in the space of a few corners on his out lap after his first pit stop.

Watching the 2011 race, new tyres make enough of a difference to make passing easy. Vettel passed Button, Massa and Rosberg in the space of a few corners on his out lap after his first pit stop.

Yeah it shouldn't be too much of a problem if they are on very old tyres. Even with tyres 4-5 laps fresher it should be doable with 2 DRS zones.

Finally. I always look forward to Catalunya, the track itself is great and has a bit of everything.

lol... first time Alonso made me laugh, with the german F1 teams part....

but the questions they ask at the PC today are kinda ... stupid

Edited by Sin, 09 May 2013 - 13:44.

Great PC with Fernando and Sebastian joking around (well as much as F1 drivers can joke around) about Champions League and sports in general

Great PC with Fernando and Sebastian joking around (well as much as F1 drivers can joke around) about Champions League and sports in general

Yes I like Alonso's "I'm happy if the German teams keeping winning in football ".

Both seem confident that their teams will remain at the front.

Is the press conference on youtube yet? Couldn't find it myself.

Is the press conference on youtube yet? Couldn't find it myself.

Only snippets.

Alonso and Vettel on the Champions League
Alonso talking about Spain vs Germany sports relationship

Edit: Full video

Edited by plumtree, 09 May 2013 - 14:54.

Only snippets.

Alonso and Vettel on the Champions League
Alonso talking about Spain vs Germany sports relationship

Edit: Full video

Thank you!