1083 replies to this topic

[jrg19]

the grid:

POS DRIVER
1 Sebastian Vettel
2 Lewis Hamilton
3 Pastor Maldonado
4 Romain Grosjean
5 Kimi Raikkonen
6 Nico Rosberg
7 Kamui Kobayashi
8 Nico Hulkenberg
9 Jenson Button
10 Paul di Resta
11 Fernando Alonso
12 Michael Schumacher
13 Felipe Massa
14 Bruno Senna
15 Sergio Perez
16 Heikki Kovalainen
17 Daniel Ricciardo
18 Jean-Eric Vergne
19 Mark Webber
20 Vitaly Petrov
21 Pedro de la Rosa
22 Narain Karthikeyan
23 Charles Pic
DNS Timo Glock

Will we see the 8th race winner of the season or the 1st double winner?

Edited by jrg19, 23 June 2012 - 22:35.

[Dolph]

Both. Hamilton to be the first double winner but gets dq'd. Grosjean then takes his first win.

[weareracing]

AS much as I'd like to see an 8th winner (pick your preferred Lotus), Sebastian does NOT make a habit of losing from pole.
I expect to see "the finger" after 57 laps tomorrow, but Romain or Kimi would be very much appreciated

[travbrad]

AS much as I'd like to see an 8th winner (pick your preferred Lotus), Sebastian does NOT make a habit of losing from pole.

I expect Vettel to win it too, but he did "lose" from pole last race, and he has the same person beside him on the front row of the grid tomorrow.

[Kerch]

I don't think the circuit really suits McLaren, so realistic challengers to Vettel are limited - not to underestimate Maldonado or Lotus. Still hopeful of an interesting race.

As I mentioned in the qualy thread, The DRS zone has been extended by 70m this year, and when I look at it on paper it looks like it would provide plenty of overtaking, but I guess it's too hard to follow closely through turns 8/9/10.

[flyer121]

Hamilton s race to lose....

[BetaVersion]

Hope Pastor wins again

[Kerch]

Hamilton s race to lose....

Come on, you can be subtler than that.

[Kelateboy]

Will we see the 8th race winner of the season or the 1st double winner?

Definitely a 1st double winner this season. Vettel, Lewis, Maldonado and Rosberg could all win this race. IMO, Alonso, Button and Webber don't stand much chance.

But I would not be unhappy if Grosjean or Raikkonen gets his first.

[Kelateboy]

AS much as I'd like to see an 8th winner (pick your preferred Lotus), Sebastian does NOT make a habit of losing from pole.

The stats from last year did not paint a glossy picture - 9 wins from 15 poles or a 60% winning rate from P1.

He didn't win from P1 in Canada, only a fortnight ago.

So, I don't think it is a given that Vettel is going to win this race.

[aray]

alonso to do another magical driving and win....

or gro being 8th new winner....

[Zava]

The stats from last year did not paint a glossy picture - 9 wins from 15 poles or a 60% winning rate from P1.

He didn't win from P1 in Canada, only a fortnight ago.

So, I don't think it is a given that Vettel is going to win this race.

then he must win this one so his stats will edge closer to last year's, 2 out of 3 is 67%, closer to 60% than the current 50%, or the 33% it would be if he lost this one.
but I'd be more than happy if it was just 33% for him, for finishing 2nd behind Kimi (and in front of Nico, please)

[korzeniow]

Hope for major cockup with Hamilton and Maldonado t the start, then both Lotuses will eat Vettel in the race

[HuddersfieldTerrier1986]

My gut feeling is we'll either see Vettel win, or 1 of the 2 Lotus drivers.

[lokiman]

According to Lee McKenzie, Timo Glock will not be racing today, despite being granted dispensation to do so by the stewards.

[Sakae]

Hamilton s race to lose....

Why is that?

[jee]

I just hope Vettel gets passed at the start, don't care who does it

[artista]

According to Lee McKenzie, Timo Glock will not be racing today, despite being granted dispensation to do so by the stewards.

¡Angelico!

He must be feeling really unwell then, these guys go racing even with high fever or being hurt.

[OO7]

Both. Hamilton to be the first double winner but gets dq'd. Grosjean then takes his first win.

[mgs315]

Quite a few twitter sources saying it's gonna be a scorcher today at the track. Plays into the hands of RB and Lotus then.

[Kelateboy]

Hamilton's race to lose...

Why is that?

So when Hamilton actually does win, we can state categorically that "it's the car".

[Kelateboy]

Quite a few twitter sources saying it's gonna be a scorcher today at the track. Plays into the hands of RB and Lotus then.

The track temperature was constant during yesterday's qualifying at 46-47C. If it is hotter than that in today's race, we are talking about low 50s - mid 40s, which is as hot as Bahrain (Malaysia would be hotter if it had not rain on race day). That would kill the tyres pretty quickly and we could be looking at 3 stoppers for the majority of the drivers. A one-stopper should be out of the question.

[korzeniow]

The track temperature was constant during yesterday's qualifying at 46-47C. If it is hotter than that in today's race, we are talking about low 50s - mid 40s, which is as hot as Bahrain (Malaysia would be hotter if it had not rain on race day). That would kill the tyres pretty quickly and we could be looking at 3 stoppers for the majority of the drivers. A one-stopper should be out of the question.

Actually Bahrain race wasn't that hot. Towards the end temperatures dropped below 40 and that why vettel won instead of Kimi

[dweller23]

Red Bulls are faster in straight-line than Lotus cars. In fact, Lotus was the team with the lowest top speed (apart from Marussia of Pic).

[Kelateboy]

Red Bulls are faster in straight-line than Lotus cars. In fact, Lotus was the team with the lowest top speed (apart from Marussia of Pic).

Vettel is only 2kph faster than both Lotuses at the speed trap. Not much of a difference, I'd say.

[DrProzac]

Quite a lot was happening in the GP3 race - I hope F1 will take notice and won't be a bore-fest

[Crafty]

Just watching GP2. Unless Vettel gets a crap start Lewis has no chance of taking him in the first few corners, he should dart across to defend position and follow Vettel. If he stays out on to the left he'll get smoked by Pastor. Will be a difficult start for Grosjean I think.

The only chance of McLaren winning is if they run a better strategy and Lewis drives flat out, as in Canada, but teams will have learnt from Canada and the strategy here is a bit easier to figure.

I wonder if they will try Romain on a 2 stop again ? they may have time to play with due to temperatures.

I think the Williams will fade during the race. Alonso will drive balls to the wall (again) and get a decent points finish. Webber will come through the field hard and fast to do the same.

[undersquare]

Just watching GP2. Unless Vettel gets a crap start Lewis has no chance of taking him in the first few corners, he should dart across to defend position and follow Vettel. If he stays out on to the left he'll get smoked by Pastor. Will be a difficult start for Grosjean I think.

The only chance of McLaren winning is if they run a better strategy and Lewis drives flat out, as in Canada, but teams will have learnt from Canada and the strategy here is a bit easier to figure.

I wonder if they will try Romain on a 2 stop again ? they may have time to play with due to temperatures.

I think the Williams will fade during the race. Alonso will drive balls to the wall (again) and get a decent points finish. Webber will come through the field hard and fast to do the same.

I doubt Lewis will have enough traction to close off Pastor. Though coming out of T2 ahead of him is his only chance probably. Then if Maldo holds up the Loti and Vettel's tyres go off sooner Lewis will be in with a chance. Odds against though .

[Kelateboy]

Just watching GP2. Unless Vettel gets a crap start Lewis has no chance of taking him in the first few corners, he should dart across to defend position and follow Vettel. If he stays out on to the left he'll get smoked by Pastor. Will be a difficult start for Grosjean I think.

The difference between the racing line and the dirty line at the start is huge. If you watch FP1, FP2, FP3 and qualifying, most if not all drivers used the same racing line when starting their laps. This is due to turn 1 not being a true corner and is taken flat out by most drivers. Most will hit some portion of P1 box marking when starting their laps, while others will totally miss the P1 box to the right. There is hardly anybody going on the dirty side occupied by the even number qualifying positions (P2,P4,...). So, I would think the odd number qualifiers (P1,P3...) will have considerable advantages at the start in today's race.

Edited by Kelateboy, 24 June 2012 - 09:08.

[jrg19]

Agreed about the start, i expect Maldonado/Raikkonen to get Lewis on the first lap.

Hopefully Lewis keeps it together to maybe fight for the podium.

[MortenF1]

Possible safety cars are always a big risk here, and can, or almost always will, have an impact on the running order. Looking at likely race-pace only, I think there's a question-mark over McLaren in this heat, 'cause we will get track temperatures in the high 40's. I'm sure McLaren have learnt a lot since Bahrain - and they were great of course in Canada, but the track temp there was still ten degrees lower than they'll be today - but that race is why I don't dare to be cocky on Hamilton's behalf. The there's his grid slot; he's likely to lose a position to Maldonado at the start, and I have my doubts if Maldonado can keep up with Vettel. Best thing would be if Maldonado nicked both Hamilton and Vettel at the start.
Lotus are going to move forward, and even if they may not make two stops to their main competitors three - 'cause I think quite a few will attempt two stops - they should be the fastest two-stoppers I think. Contenders for the win.
Alonso will move forward, and will probably push Button from quite early on.

[korzeniow]

Even Hamilton doesn't belive in win : http://www.autosport...t.php/id/100672

[moorsey]

Possible safety cars are always a big risk here, and can, or almost always will, have an impact on the running order. Looking at likely race-pace only, I think there's a question-mark over McLaren in this heat, 'cause we will get track temperatures in the high 40's. I'm sure McLaren have learnt a lot since Bahrain - and they were great of course in Canada, but the track temp there was still ten degrees lower than they'll be today - but that race is why I don't dare to be cocky on Hamilton's behalf. The there's his grid slot; he's likely to lose a position to Maldonado at the start, and I have my doubts if Maldonado can keep up with Vettel. Best thing would be if Maldonado nicked both Hamilton and Vettel at the start.
Lotus are going to move forward, and even if they may not make two stops to their main competitors three - 'cause I think quite a few will attempt two stops - they should be the fastest two-stoppers I think. Contenders for the win.
Alonso will move forward, and will probably push Button from quite early on.

I agree but it's quite interesting reading Jenson's views about the race where he seems to suggest that McLaren were doing their long run sim's on very heavy fuel loading and the opposition could be on lighter fuel. Let's hope he's reading that data accurately and we all end up surprised.

[Linus27]

Hopefully Kobi can make the Sauber tyres last and get a podium.

[D.M.N.]

Should be an intriguing rather than exciting race. After what happened yesterday in GP2, I hope the Lotus F1 team learn a lesson from the Lotus GP2 if Grosjean happens to be leading at any stage and has not pitted.

I'm guessing a Vettel victory. Will be surprised if we have different winner number eight.

[korzeniow]

Even Hamilton doesn't belive in win : http://www.autosport...t.php/id/100672

Grosjean thinks like winning: http://www.autosport...t.php/id/100675

[Crafty]

Track temp currently 38 degrees according to Brundle...

[F1ultimate]

Even Hamilton doesn't belive in win : http://www.autosport...t.php/id/100672

Very realistic thinking by Lewis. Grosjean has immense potential this weekend and Lewis' goal should be to finish on the podium.

[Jelinski619]

I expect Vettel to get away at the start and Hamilton to have a tough time keeping Maldonado behind him for the first corner. The dirty side is notoriously disadvantaged here. I think 2nd is the best we can expect from Hamilton, although I thought that at Canada when Vettel started on pole by 0.3.

People seem to be assuming Vettel will win because he's on pole and by such a margin but these people don't seem to have watched the Canadian Grand Prix from a couple of weeks ago.

[Anomnader]

Hope for major cockup with Hamilton and Maldonado t the start, then both Lotuses will eat Vettel in the race

Can everyone please be grown up and not hope for crashes. It makes poor reading to see such things.

[Longtimefan]

Expecting Vettel to run and hide, hope I'm wrong though.

[prty]

Hamilton interview about heart rate in the Spanish TV:

- ... and in the pitstops?
- Around 140 bpm
- And this year?
- It drops to 90, as I spend there a lot of time.

[FastestSector]

Come on, Grosjean, you can do it today!

[Raziel]

Just watching beeb and wow Lewis looks great, he is so fit!

p.s. and no, I´m not gay

[Anomnader]

urgh Rosberg :-(

[FastestSector]

Hahaha DC on the BBC. Quality as always.

[korzeniow]

Button drama on BBC, nice directed cuts

[FastestSector]

Gridwalk time! Love it.

[aray]

expecting turn 3-4 drama...

[jj2728]

I expect a Force India to win.