256 replies to this topic

[sopa]

I think Sauber will beat Force India, but McLaren I don't think so. Force India doesn't score any points any more, while McLaren does.

 

Anyway, it looks like despite all the complaints Hulkenberg's decision to switch teams has been vindicated. Even if Force India started out well, Sauber finishes at least as well it seems so.

[FirstWatt]

In the F138 thread I claimed that the return of Sauber to the 2012 exhaust configuration helped them a lot in overall performance, and some did disagree. I'm happy to see that Suzuka is just another great result and confirms my statement. They were able to change the regulation of the car due to more (and more consistent) downforce at the rear.

Hülkenberg was almost as fast as Alonso in the race, the little team clearly outdeveloped the big Ferrari team with the same engine, which should give some food for thought.

 

Sauber is the only team I'm not unhappy when they beat Ferrari ;-)

[Jon83]

I think Sauber will beat Force India, but McLaren I don't think so. Force India doesn't score any points any more, while McLaren does.

 

Anyway, it looks like despite all the complaints Hulkenberg's decision to switch teams has been vindicated. Even if Force India started out well, Sauber finishes at least as well it seems so.

 

Think there is certainly a chance of them overhauling F.I. as at the moment, I can't see where the next point for Di-Resta or Sutil will come from.

 

I think Sauber will need Esteban to score points in a couple of the races at least. Pretty sure Nico will score points in all the races unless bad luck comes his way.

 

It'll be pretty close.

[encircled]

Anyone knows which tire Hulk used when they did a long run simulation on FP2? Was the 19-lap run stint (lap 14-33) he did on the medium tires or soft tires?

 

http://en.mclarenf-1...rg#.UnX1v4XVQm0

Edited by encircled, 03 November 2013 - 07:08.

[jannyg]

I cant help but think that 15+ free practice sessions this year (then a full drive in 2014) for Gutierrez instead of a drive may have been better for himself and Sauber

 

Guitierrez has raw speed but has only managed to put this together twice. (Japan and Korea), was quick at times in Spain.

 

I wonder if he gets a second chance next year

[Anderis]

Gutierrez has finished many races well within 15 seconds of Hulk. It's a shame it was when Sauber's car was a dog, so it was never enough for points. If Sauber had more competitive car in first half of the year, I think Gutierrez' rookie season would've been perceived better.

 

Don't think it would have helped him anyway if he was just a test driver this year. Maybe he would look better if he didn't have Hulk as his team-mate during his rookie year. But would he even get his chance next year? Hulkenberg+Russian driver seems to be more and more likely driver line-up for next year and it would be no different story if Esteban was just a test driver this year.

[f1engineer]

a strong rumour, from a credible friend at sauber, is that next year giampaolo dall'ara will resume his post as chief engineer at sauber