574 replies to this topic

[Forma1]

Here we come to the race which is rarely spectacular, although Kimi Raikkönen's exlusion from qualy can shake up a bit the often action-less event in Abu Dhabi.

[sportyskells]

i know turn 6/7 could trigger something as proven in the support races that i seen

[Zava]

Here we come to the race which is rarely spectacular, although Kimi Raikkönen's exlusion from qualy can shake up a bit the often action-less event in Abu Dhabi.

I dunno, 2010 was pretty spectacular. 

 

more things to watch out for. can Webber win it, or Vettel thinks otherwise? will the Hulk be able to put down yet again a stunning performance, maybe even hunt down the mercs? where can Kimi climb back to?

[apoka]

What a thrilling opening post! 

 

Kimi, Button, Alonso further back than usual should provide some action.

[Forma1]

Strategy: Pirelli suggested a one-stopper could be the way to go, it is supposed to be a bit quicker. Altough, those who start on soft will need to pit on lap 12-14, so they will need to nurse pretty smartly their tyres in their second ultra-long stint. A two-stopper could be a safer version, but the last thing you wanna get in is taffic on this circuit. All drivers in the first 9 postion and Kimi will start the race on the softer compound, interestingly Fernando Alonso who has free choice in terms of tyres suggested they might go for the harder compound because it should work better in higer temperatures.

 

DRS zone: We have two DRS zones, on the main straights. Since the first 15 drivers on the speed trap sheet are all separeted only by approxametely 5 kmhs, even the DRS could only give a small boost and overtaking can be pretty tricky.

Edited by Forma1, 03 November 2013 - 08:09.

[DanardiF1]

Hulk hunting a podium today? Mercedes haven't been too progressive in races recently, so there's an opportunity there for Sauber.

[scheivlak]

I dunno, 2010 was pretty spectacular. 

 

And 2012 as well!

[Gorma]

I'm expecting a safety car.

[Kelateboy]

I am expecting a boring processional race.

[HammyHamiltonFan]

Vettel will win easily enough, the rest is just a formality really, might be interesting lower down the order but who knows.

[Forma1]

Just checked Kimi is pretty down on the top speed ranking. Haven't got any info, but I bet Lotus let him start the race from the pit to be able to work a bit on the gearing as RB did it last year.

Edited by Forma1, 03 November 2013 - 09:04.

[DanardiF1]

With Red Bull and Vettel setting the precedent for this kind of situation at this very track last year, Lotus HAVE to do the same if they want big points from Kimi.

 

Then again, with my tin foil hat on, big points for Kimi means more money owed to Kimi...

[DanardiF1]

How long are we expecting Mark's car to last? He's had his pole position and Horner was put out enough by that, so things might not go smoothly for Webber on race day.

[dau]

How long are we expecting Mark's car to last? He's had his pole position and Horner was put out enough by that, so things might not go smoothly for Webber on race day.

Horner was put out enough by that? Oh boy.

[HammyHamiltonFan]

How long are we expecting Mark's car to last? He's had his pole position and Horner was put out enough by that, so things might not go smoothly for Webber on race day.

if he is still ahead of Vettel after 30 laps they will invent a reason for him to pit or retire I expect 

[Kelateboy]

How long are we expecting Mark's car to last? He's had his pole position and Horner was put out enough by that, so things might not go smoothly for Webber on race day.

 

The better bet would be which equipment will fail first on Webber's car - gearbox, engine, alternator, fuel pumps, electrical system, hydraulic system, ECU, etc?

[DanardiF1]

if he is still ahead of Vettel after 30 laps they will invent a reason for him to pit or retire I expect 

 

Vettel will have to manage the same 'problem' but somehow get to the end as well...

[DanardiF1]

The better bet would be which equipment will fail first on Webber's car - gearbox, engine, alternator, fuel pumps, electrical system, hydraulic system, ECU, etc?

 

Well he's had the alternator recently, as well as gearbox, so it needs to be something new or not used for a while... I'll go with hydraulics.

[artista]

With Red Bull and Vettel setting the precedent for this kind of situation at this very track last year, Lotus HAVE to do the same if they want big points from Kimi.

 

Then again, with my tin foil hat on, big points for Kimi means more money owed to Kimi...

But, on the other hand, Lotus desperately need big points from Kimi if they want to fight for the extra 20 millions (couple of millions up or down) 2nd place in the WCC would give them. I mean, those millions would pay what they owe Kimi...

 

Difficult situation, even with tin foil hat on

[Forma1]

I checked the long runs on Friday. RB stand out clearly, Kimi had an incredible run on the soft, then comes Mercedes, then Hülkenberg and Ferraris on pair and then McLaren with FI.

 

So, I would say:

1. RB

2. Lotus

3. Mercedes

4. Sauber, Ferrari, the latter a little bit ahead

5. McLaren, FI.

[krapmeister]

Well he's had the alternator recently, as well as gearbox, so it needs to be something new or not used for a while... I'll go with hydraulics.

 

Probably due another wheel coming off...

[krapmeister]

Horner was put out enough by that? Oh boy.

 

Horner rarely congratulates Webber with the same enthusiasm that he does Seb - whether that means he was 'put out' or not I don't know...

[kimister]

I want 2-3 safety car for this race 

[ConsiderAndGo]

Guys, come on. It's going to be a shocker!! 

[Shiroo]

so Kimi start from grid or pitlane?

[Nonesuch]

Let's hope the guys can keep this race free of the incidents that plagued last year's race, like that scary Rosberg-crash, or those clownish antics by Perez.

 

Questions for today: can someone challenge Vettel? Will Ferrari continue its slide down the WCC table? Can Räikkönen put up a good show without being cursed at by his team? Will it rain halfway through the race?

 

Whatever happens, the amazing purple and pink lightshow that should become visible by about lap 20 is sure to impress many millions of fans around the world. It's always one of the highlights of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

[Antonov]

even if the race is boring, it's nice to see the setting sun. 

[SamH123]

Webber is 4.2km/h faster than Vettel in the speed trap

That won't hurt his chances

[W154]

Has Kimi been sighted at the circuit ?

[krapmeister]

Webber is 4.2km/h faster than Vettel in the speed trap

That won't hurt his chances

 

No but if he is ahead of Vettel not having DRS might...

[dau]

Horner rarely congratulates Webber with the same enthusiasm that he does Seb - whether that means he was 'put out' or not I don't know...

He sounded about twice as enthusiastic as Webber himself.

[krapmeister]

He sounded about twice as enthusiastic as Webber himself.

 

That is a fair point

[TomNokoe]

Hopefully tyres allow them to push hard

[ConsiderAndGo]

Going for VET.......................................................HAM, WEB.

[kimister]

My prediction is :       Web, Vet, Ham, Gro, Ros, Mas........

[Miggeex]

My prediction is: Webber's KERS fails on lap 7 and his gearbox starts to do it's tricks on lap 22. Alternator starts to show signs of failing on lap 30, if he's even made it that far with the messed up gearbox.

 

[Tenmantaylor]

I've put 2 quid on Vettel to be the first lap leader and 3 quid on Hulk for a top 6 finish.

[hello86]

My prediction: 1) Gro 2) Web 3) Ham 

[sheepgobba]

Vettel will retire I reckon! 

[TomNokoe]

One Merc will beat a tardy Vettel off the line. Webber will be fast but not crazy fast. Pit stop phase will favour Rosberg and Vettel. Will be Webber-Rosberg-Vettel-Hamilton after 1st stops, separated by 5 seconds. GAME ON

[Nonesuch]

Horner rarely congratulates Webber with the same enthusiasm that he does Seb - whether that means he was 'put out' or not I don't know...

 

Right, but different strokes for different folks. I'm sure none of us congratulate, greet, or thank everyone we know the exact same way. For a variety of reasons, I think Webber doesn't need or want the same kind of, sometime bordering on farcical, exuberance that that Vettel seemingly craves.

 

Anyway. Eurosport has been showing the Grand Prix 3 and Porsche Supercup around Abu Dhabi this morning. For reasons I cannot explain, I've been watching them navigate the Tilke Turns. So far the racing has been rather dull. Let's hope F1 is able to put up a better show this afternoon!

[mymemoryfails]

My prediction is: Webber's KERS fails on lap 7 and his gearbox starts to do it's tricks on lap 22. Alternator starts to show signs of failing on lap 30, if he's even made it that far with the messed up gearbox.

 

That's the Webber version of the Grand Chelem - it's called the Grand Helmut 'em

 

mymemoryfails

[sv401]

Horner rarely congratulates Webber with the same enthusiasm that he does Seb - whether that means he was 'put out' or not I don't know...

 

Not too surprising given that if Vettel ends up winning the race, no matter how and why (start, strategy, on-track passing, etc.), there will be conspiracy theories flying around, and bad publicity for the team.

[joshb]

Hoping Seb can equal Ascari/Schumacher's record for most F1 events won in a row

 

Hopefully he can get Webber off the start because I doubt he'll be able to do it mid stint

[fisssssi]

Hoping Webber turns the pole in to a grand chelem.

[apoka]

Webber is 4.2km/h faster than Vettel in the speed trap

That won't hurt his chances

 

I think he went more for a laptime optimised setting in Q3 and doesn't have that top speed advantage over Vettel.

 

In any case, a lot depends on the first corner. Webber probably needs a car between him and Vettel to pull it off (or 2 cars if 2-stop is the way to go).

[syolase]

They said on Sky that somebody has a gearbox problem, but i haven caugth who?

[Antonov]

pole jinx will hit Webber. 

[Longtimefan]

I'm expecting another dull and boring Vettel win, I expect him to lead by corner 2 and the 'race' will be over in 2 laps ...again.

and yeah, Mark will probably DNF again.

[DutchQuicksilver]

Hopefully Button can do a Pérez today. With his grid slot and tyres left it should be possible.