196 replies to this topic

[Newbrray]

Interesting facts about this weekend

 

Season Finale 
Double Points - Who Benefits 

WDC Champion crowned  -  Hamilton or Rosberg

3rd place in WCC - Williams or Ferrari

4th Place in WDC  - Vettel-Alonso-Bottas fight that will define 4th in the WDC.

5th Place in WCC - McLaren or Force India

10th Place - Magnussen, Raikkonen or Perez

The return of Caterham - can they pick a point and unseat Marussia and Sauber ?

 

 

Timetable:
Fri 21 November 2014
Practice 1: 13:00 - 14:30 (CET: 10:00)
Practice 2: 17:00 - 18:30 (CET: 14:00)

Sat 22 November 2014
Practice 3: 14:00 - 15:00 (CET: 11:00)
Qualifying: 17:00 (CET: 14:00)

Sun 23 November 2014
Race: 17:00 (CET: 14:00)

 

 

 

 

Pirelli Tyres 

 

Soft Compound

Supersoft compound

 

Circuit Facts 

 

Yas Marina circuit: Three turns in detail

 

Turn 7
Yas Marina is considered a mid-range power track, although the power sensitivity is lessened by the high concentration of low to medium speed bends in the back part of the circuit round the Marina. Turn 7, the hairpin, is the slowest of the circuit and similar to the challenges of the Grand Hairpin in Monaco. The engine braking needs to be particularly effective for rear stability on entrance, but equally the response needs to be completely correct as the hairpin exit leads onto the long back straight. Any hesitation will compromise the entry to the straight and therefore the overall lap time.

 

Back straight (between Turns 7 and 8)
Approximately 55% of the track is spent at full throttle, with average speeds of 190kph, similar to the demands of Montreal circuit. The percentage is heightened by the two long straights, the longest of which is the 1.2km straight between turns 7 and 8. The RS27 will be at full throttle for 14secs here, reaching speeds of over 310kph. Calibration of gear ratios is crucial: seventh gear must be set relatively long to allow a competitive end of straight speed with DRS active. However the right-hand corners in the third sector require the gears to be closely spaced to achieve the required short bursts of acceleration between tight corners, so engine engineers will be forced to compromise somewhere along the line.

 

Turn 21
The third part of the track from turn 11 through to the final turn 21 features mainly right hand corners that are taken in second or third gear. Turn 21 is a good example of a typical corner in this section. The average speed is low; just 160kph so the RS27 will be set up to give good driveability whilst being responsive for the short bursts of power between turns. Rear stability is the key here since tenths of a second can be won if the car is ‘nailed’ to the track in the slow speed turns.

 

Winning Strategies:
Winner 2013 Sebastian Vettel - OPP (Soft 14 laps, Medium 23 laps, Medium 18 laps)
Winner 2012 Kimi Räikkönen - OP (Soft 31 laps, Medium 24 laps)
Winner 2011 Lewis Hamilton - OOP (Soft 16 laps, Soft 24 laps, Medium 15 laps)

 

Pole Position:

2013 - Mark Webber 1:39.957
2012 - Lewis Hamilton 1:40.630
2011 - Sebastian Vettel 1:38.481

 

World Drivers Championship standing (in brackets, the gap to next higher):
1. Lewis Hamilton 334 points 
2. Nico Rosberg 317 points (-17)
3. Daniel Riccardo 214 points (-103)
4. Sebastian Vettel 159 points (-55)
5. Fernando Alonso 157 points (-2)
6. Valteri Bottas 156 points (-1)
7. Jenson Button 106 points (-50)
8. Felipe Massa 98 points (-8)
9. Nico Hulkenberg 80 points (-18)
10. Kevin Magnussen 55 points (-25)
11. Kimi Raikoennen 53 points (-2)
12. Sergio Perez 47 points (-6)
13. Jean-Eric Vergne 22 points (-25)
14. Romain Grosjean 8 points (-14)
15. Daniil Kvyat 8 points (-0)
16. Pastor Maldonado 2 points (-6)
17. Jules Bianchi 2 points (-0)

 

Team Standings:

1. Mercedes 651 points
2. Red Bull Racing-Renault 373 points (-278)
3. Williams-Mercedes 254 points (-129)
4. Ferrari 210 points (-44)
5. McLaren-Mercedes 161 points (-49)
6. Force India-Mercedes 127 points (-34)
7. STR-Renault 30 points (-93)
8. Lotus-Renault 10 points (-20)
9. Marussia-Ferrari 2 points (-8)
10. Sauber-Ferrari 0 points (-2)
11. Caterham-Renault 0 points (-2)

 

Link to Weather forecasts

 

http://www.accuweath...forecast/321626

 

Some contents taken from F1-technical (Courtesy of Phil)

Edited by Newbrray, 17 November 2014 - 11:13.

[turssi]

Apart from the obvious WDC title fight we will be watching the Vettel-Alonso-Bottas fight that will define 4th in the WDC.

Further back we got two fights with Button vs Massa where both want to make a statement and behind them Magnussen will be defending that WDC 10th from Raikkonen as well as from Perez who is in the chase as a joker.

Finally Caterham is a point of interest in the back as they challenge Marussia and Sauber for the last time.

Edited by turssi, 17 November 2014 - 10:49.

[jonpollak]

Did we think after winter testing that RBR drivers would be 3rd and 4th in the WDC?

[F1ultimate]

Did we think after winter testing that RBR drivers would be 3rd and 4th in the WDC?

 

Yes. Top teams employ top drivers that can even score when the car is poor. Mclaren had a disastrous start to 2009 but had towards the end of the season recovered to be competative. 

 

I'm rooting for William's to cling on to 3rd. Smaller teams deserve any success they can get so that they can survive and make the battle for podium positions more exciting. 

[turssi]

Did we think after winter testing that RBR drivers would be 3rd and 4th in the WDC?

No we did not. Red Bull Renault have shown their dedication, resources and talent on the engine front after a disastrous start!

[Newbrray]

Apart from the obvious WDC title fight we will be watching the Vettel-Alonso-Bottas fight that will define 4th in the WDC.

Further back we got two fights with Button vs Massa where both want to make a statement and behind them Magnussen will be defending that WDC 10th from Raikkonen as well as from Perez who is in the chase as a joker.

Finally Caterham is a point of interest in the back as they challenge Marussia and Sauber for the last time.

 

Thanks, updated OP

[Lotus53B]

My excitement at the final race is somewhat overshadowed by double points, especially as without the double points, the last race would be the decider.

Still, it's going to be interesting. As Fred Flintstone would say* "Abu-dhabi-doo".

*I've made this crap joke every year now, and will continue until someone laughs

[turssi]

Lol please stop you're killing me!

[turssi]

Thanks, updated OP

No problem and thank you for a great OP. Now if you say WCC 3rd is up for grabs then should you not say the same for 4th (Ferrari or McLaren) and 5th (McLaren or Force India) as well?

[Newbrray]

No problem and thank you for a great OP. Now if you say WCC 3rd is up for grabs then should you not say the same for 4th (Ferrari or McLaren) and 5th (McLaren or Force India) as well?

 

I thought about it but I was under the impression that the 3rd was a tad more significant and in reality, do we really see FI overhauling McLaren ?

Will put it in there anyway if not for anything at least for completion

[turssi]

Well if by some freak accident FI gets fifth and sixth while both McLarens fail to finish :-)

So to answer your question no we don't expect it to happen. But then again I expect zero changes in the WCC rankings and max one change in the WDC rankings.

[maverick69]

Interesting facts about this weekend

 

Season Finale 
Double Points - Who Benefits 

WDC Champion crowned  -  Hamilton or Rosberg

3rd place in WCC - Williams or Ferrari

4th Place in WDC  - Vettel-Alonso-Bottas fight that will define 4th in the WDC.

5th Place in WCC - McLaren or Force India

10th Place - Magnussen, Raikkonen or Perez

The return of Caterham - can they pick a point and unseat Marussia and Sauber ?

 

 

Three of Fred, Seb, Kimi and Jenson will definitely finish this season without a win...... and there's the very real possibility that all four will.

[jcbc3]

I will root for Magnussen holding onto 10th position. Because in the office pool (I'm Danish), that's where I put him before the season started. I will win the equivalent of GBP 50 if he does! I also had Rosberg as WDC, however someone else did like wise and he has the tiebreaker if Rosberg puls it off. :-(

[TomNokoe]

Gotta wonder how many stops we're going to see. Pirelli revelling in the 'Entertainment > Sport' BS

[Newbrray]

Gotta wonder how many stops we're going to see. Pirelli revelling in the 'Entertainment > Sport' BS

 

Likely to be a 2 stopper although some pulled of a 1 stopper in 2012 (Like the winner Raikkonen)  - I think this had to do with the fact they had 2 safety car periods though

Edited by Newbrray, 17 November 2014 - 11:32.

[SirT]

Gotta wonder how many stops we're going to see. Pirelli revelling in the 'Entertainment > Sport' BS

 

3 stops for most I'd imagine. Start on Super Soft, change to Soft on lap 8/9/10. Another set of softs on lap 24/25 and last set of softs on lap 40.

 

Maybe some will try and stretch the stints on the softs and do the last stint on super softs.

[TomNokoe]

Likely to be a 3 stopper although some pulled of a 2 stopper in 2012 (Liek the winner Raikkonen) - I think this had to do with the fact they had 2 safety car periods though

A minimum of 3 you'd think. Super softs aren't going to be useful for any length of time.

[Newbrray]

3 stops for most I'd imagine. Start on Super Soft, change to Soft on lap 8/9/10. Another set of softs on lap 24/25 and last set of softs on lap 40.

 

Maybe some will try and stretch the stints on the softs and do the last stint on super softs.

 

Considering tyres are more durable this year and they did a 2 stopper last year, seems unlikely there will be a 3 stopper

Edited by Newbrray, 17 November 2014 - 11:39.

[Exb]

A few 'final' races as well.

It looks like it will be goodbye to Sutil, Gutierrez, possibly Vergne (although there is a good chance he will get another chance in the Toro Rosso), probably one of Jenson or Kevin and most probably Caterham and Kobayashi. Also the final race for Fernando with Ferrari (probably) and Seb with Red Bull

[SirT]

Didn't they bring soft/medium last year? I know all the compounds are a bit harder but are the mediums last year exactly equal to the softs this year?

[Newbrray]

Didn't they bring soft/medium last year? I know all the compounds are a bit harder but are the mediums last year exactly equal to the softs this year?

 

I guess that is what most people think (moi  included)  that this year soft = Last Years Medium and that follows for the other compounds as well. I will be honest that I have never heard Pirelli say this although it looks like one of those things that is generally accepted now.

[wj_gibson]

Part of me really does wonder exactly how many of these teams will be at Abu Dhabi this time next year.

[Laura23]

Hamilton will absolutely walk this race. He loves the track, has a dominant car and has the momentum. Rosberg won't stand a chance.

[BullHead]

And so it happens.... The event that kills the last bit of sport left in F1, to finally become all about entertainment.

[Kristian]

I had a dream last night I was watching the race, and Hamilton was chasing Rosberg for the lead but got nerfed off the track by Vettel trying to do a banzai overtake. 

 

so with 10 laps to go, Hamilton was 10s behind Rosberg... then the Safety Car came out due to a huge crash from a Lotus (Grosjean I think). For some reason in my dream they had brought forward the standing starts to this race, so as Hamilton lined up behind Rosberg to restart the tension was building...

 

...then my bloody alarm went off.

 

Also slightly suspect was that the circuit was Montreal and not Abu Dhabi. 

[Newbrray]

Wonder what will happen if in the first lap Rosberg has a DNF, can Hamilton just go straight into the pits and park the car, pop open some fizzy and smile for the cameras.

 

Pretty sure mercedes won't have that

Edited by Newbrray, 17 November 2014 - 12:44.

[Sheepmachine]

My excitement at the final race is somewhat overshadowed by double points, especially as without the double points, the last race would be the decider.

Still, it's going to be interesting. As Fred Flintstone would say* "Abu-dhabi-doo".

*I've made this crap joke every year now, and will continue until someone laughs

I was going to make the exact same joke. You've used my entire comedy material for that event.

[Dolph]

I had a dream last night I was watching the race, and Hamilton was chasing Rosberg for the lead but got nerfed off the track by Vettel trying to do a banzai overtake. 

 

so with 10 laps to go, Hamilton was 10s behind Rosberg... then the Safety Car came out due to a huge crash from a Lotus (Grosjean I think). For some reason in my dream they had brought forward the standing starts to this race, so as Hamilton lined up behind Rosberg to restart the tension was building...

 

...then my bloody alarm went off.

 

Also slightly suspect was that the circuit was Montreal and not Abu Dhabi. 

 

Totally could happen... at least compared to what I just dreamed. The magnetic pole was right in front of my house door and that led to all sorts of idiocies. But I digress.

 

P.S. I hope Grosjean is OK.

[Nigol]

Wonder what will happen if in the first lap Rosberg has a DNF, can Hamilton just go straight into the pits and park the car, pop open some fizzy and smile for the cameras.

 

Pretty sure mercedes won't have that

 

...Why would he do this?

Edited by Nigol, 17 November 2014 - 12:47.

[Newbrray]

...Why would he do this?

title won, no need to stress himself for 54 extra laps, me just saying it for fun factor

[Dolph]

Wonder what will happen if in the first lap Rosberg has a DNF, can Hamilton just go straight into the pits and park the car, pop open some fizzy and smile for the cameras.

 

Pretty sure mercedes won't have that

 

Why would he be allowed to do that in any team? And why would he want to? Surely Lewis would want to collect more bling (silverware).

[string158]

Three of Fred, Seb, Kimi and Jenson will definitely finish this season without a win...... and there's the very real possibility that all four will.

 

Gotta say, that based on recent form, Jenson is best placed to pick up a win if the Mercs take each other out.  More likely than not it will be a winless season for those 4.champs.

[string158]

Wonder what will happen if in the first lap Rosberg has a DNF, can Hamilton just go straight into the pits and park the car, pop open some fizzy and smile for the cameras.

 

Pretty sure mercedes won't have that

 

If Rosberg had a DNF,  I suspect that Lewis, under no pressure, would get in the zone and completely dominate, lapping the field.  Maybe even turn the engine up and show us what it's actually capable of...

[MP422]

Gotta say, that based on recent form, Jenson is best placed to pick up a win if the Mercs take each other out.  More likely than not it will be a winless season for those 4.champs.

 

He'll have to beat Ricciardo, Vettel, Massa, and Bottas first.

[maverick69]

Gotta say, that based on recent form, Jenson is best placed to pick up a win if the Mercs take each other out.  More likely than not it will be a winless season for those 4.champs.

 

I really hope it's JB (obviously want The Hammer to take the WDC). But I think it's unlikely given that a golf-ball produces more downforce than the '29.

[Jamiednm]

If Rosberg had a DNF,  I suspect that Lewis, under no pressure, would get in the zone and completely dominate, lapping the field.  Maybe even turn the engine up and show us what it's actually capable of...

 

I'd absolutely love that!

[string158]

He'll have to beat Ricciardo, Vettel, Massa, and Bottas first.

 

Agreed, although mostly re Ricciardo and Bottas.

[Newbrray]

Agreed, although mostly re Ricciardo and Bottas.

 

Might be a tough ask to beat Vettel

[goingthedistance]

I have a feeling that this is going to be a dull, anti-climax of a race, with an easy 1-2 for Merc. 

[HuddersfieldTerrier1986]

Wonder what will happen if in the first lap Rosberg has a DNF, can Hamilton just go straight into the pits and park the car, pop open some fizzy and smile for the cameras.

 

Pretty sure mercedes won't have that

 

Think he'd rather win the title in style with a win.

[HuddersfieldTerrier1986]

I have a feeling that this is going to be a dull, anti-climax of a race, with an easy 1-2 for Merc. 

 

Don't know about an easy 1-2 for Merc, but I do expect it to be a bit dull. However even if it isn't dull, I expect we'll see FOM focussing on the lights, the hotel, the VIPs etc rather than the racing (but if Rosberg DNF's at any point, then we will just see 'atmospheric' shots for the rest of the race).

[mercedessurearepopularnow]

I have a feeling that this is going to be a dull, anti-climax of a race, with an easy 1-2 for Merc. 

My prediction is Hamilton will let Rosberg take pole just so he can overtake him at some point in the race and make it seem slightly more dramatic/interesting than just leading start to finish.

Edited by mercedessurearepopularnow, 17 November 2014 - 14:11.

[Nonesuch]

Just looking at that map of the track is saddening.  On a brighter note, I wonder what colours the lights on the palace will be this year. Green and silver in honour of Mercedes?

 

Hamilton will in all likelihood walk away with this year's WDC. He doesn't even need to beat Rosberg, and it takes a special kind of bad race for the Mercedes to finish 3rd or lower.

 

I'd would be hilarious for Rosberg to win on double-points, though.

[DaddyCool]

Barring some double DNFs or funky safety car periods I don't really see the WCC table changing due to double points which is a good thing, and I highly doubt that apart from Rosberg and Hami anyone really cares that much about their WDC position.

[maverick69]

Barring some double DNFs or funky safety car periods I don't really see the WCC table changing due to double points which is a good thing, and I highly doubt that apart from Rosberg and Hami anyone really cares that much about their WDC position.

Eh?

[sabjit]

Am I the only one that thinks that cutting 5 and 6 out of the circuit and letting the track run straight to the hairpin will be a great thing for this track to do? It makes it easier to setup an overtake down the back straight and creates another overtaking opportunity in itself.

[Lotus53B]

Probably, but I think it's to encourage mistakes heading to DRS detection points - the 2nd zone has an almost identical configuration - if the lead driver has an issue in the chicane, the 2nd drive will get an advantage.

[ninetyzero]

If Rosberg and Hamilton take each other off at the first corner Senna/Prost style allowing Williams to cruise to a one-two finish then I would be happy.

[sabjit]

Probably, but I think it's to encourage mistakes heading to DRS detection points - the 2nd zone has an almost identical configuration - if the lead driver has an issue in the chicane, the 2nd drive will get an advantage.

 

 

That will happen once or twice in the race and likely for positions that does not involve major points. The rest of the time however it puts the car behind at such a disadvantage with the loss of Aero through a Chicane with a fairly big distance between the apex's that the driver behind is put out of DRS range.

 

If Tilke gave me that explanation to the existence of that chicane I would slap him with a wet fish.

[tmekt]

I think it's safe to say that whatever you think about the double points insanity, it has definitely brought more excitement to the final few races of the season. Otherwise Hamilton would've had the the championship pretty much safely in the bag already after Austin.