1183 replies to this topic

[pkonsti]

The offical program covers of the Spanish GP's so far:

Edited by pkonsti, 08 May 2018 - 06:13.

[kosmos]

A McLaren miracle. Coming soon to theaters.

[Jovanotti]

Looks like a sunny and mild weekend ahead atm.

Hope the Pirelli Mercedes Special backfires and Ferrari is even further ahead.

Edited by Jovanotti, 08 May 2018 - 07:35.

[Nonesuch]

Let's see if Mercedes can leverage their tyres-by-request and score a convincing win.

[rootten]

What do you mean? What special tyres for Mercedes? 

[Eff1]

Let's see if Mercedes can leverage their tyres-by-request and score a convincing win.

Can anyone elaborate on this? First I’ve heard of it....

[Zava]

What do you mean? What special tyres for Mercedes? 

 

 

Can anyone elaborate on this? First I’ve heard of it....

http://forums.autosp...-special-tyres/

[f1paul]

 

From myself in the Pirelli 2018 thread

 

 

 

Last year was a 2 stopper with S-M-H tyres available. This year, they've effectively gone 2 steps softer.

 

But, the track has been resurfaced so that should cause less degradation. It's a 66 lap race, so I reckon it'll be a 2 stop race for the front running teams. 

[pitlanepalpatine]

We taking bets on Max and Dan being in Thursdays press conference? and it being an utter snooze fest as they tow the company line.

Edited by pitlanepalpatine, 08 May 2018 - 08:47.

[anyeis]

http://forums.autosp...-special-tyres/

Supersofts however might not be what they need

Edited by anyeis, 08 May 2018 - 08:54.

[JacobRPP]

We taking bets on Max and Dan being in Thursdays press conference? and it being an utter snooze fest as they tow the company line.

 

Odds on a fight?

[Goron3]

Anything around 20 degrees air temperature will lead to some pretty high track temperatures, so it will be fascinating to see how the top three teams get on with the super soft tyre.

[rootten]

you mean top 4, McLaren is bringing 1 sec worth update 

[JeePee]

you mean top 4, McLaren is bringing 1 sec worth update 

Alonso was 2,5 seconds shy of pole last race.

 

So yeah. Top 3.

[BuddyHolly]

I used to enjoy races here but tbh its never been the same since they took away the amazing last corner and added that mickey mouse chicane.

[Marklar]

I dont get this tyre conspiracy ever since it was first announced. But I assume nobody read or want to believe that Pirelli was planning to do this anyway and that Mercedes never requested them in the first place lol. But these are F1 fans for you.

ETA: Not saying that Pirelli changing tyres yet again is a good thing, it clearly isnt. Pinning it on one team though is incredibly weak.

Edited by Marklar, 08 May 2018 - 10:52.

[jstrains]

A McLaren miracle. Coming soon to theaters.

 

or... McLaren theatre. Coming soon to miracles.

[Mosrite]

the odds on max and danny being in the press conference and repeating the exact same thing each of them said in Baku should be so low as to offer no value.  F1 media is now an all too predictable show, no surprises there

[P123]

I dont get this tyre conspiracy ever since it was first announced. But I assume nobody read or want to believe that Pirelli was planning to do this anyway and that Mercedes never requested them in the first place lol. But these are F1 fans for you.

ETA: Not saying that Pirelli changing tyres yet again is a good thing, it clearly isnt. Pinning it on one team though is incredibly weak.

Yeah, but 'outraged on the internet' is a thing. Fans in a flap, but that's from those who pinned their hopes on a test session at 5C being representative, and a view also based on ignorance that only Merc were impacted with graining. They will carry on yapping through this weekend. There are no 'special tyres'. If so then all Pirelli's must be special, unless the flappers are going to tell us that Pirelli never ever make any changes to tyres based on the data they gather. If that were the case, they may have a point. But I think we all know it's not.

[statman]

[Nicktendo86]

The Spanish GP proving again that the official programs from the 1950's - late 70's are the best and the ones from the past decade are pathetic.

[SophieB]

Fritz-Dieter Rencken‏ @RacingLines 3h3 hours ago

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No more to say on 8 May #gillesvilleneuve

 

 

McLaren‏Verified account @McLarenF1 21m21 minutes ago

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Remembering one-time McLaren driver, Gilles Villeneuve, today. Pictured here, he was awarded Driver of the Day on his Grand Prix debut in the McLaren M23. #SalutGilles

 

Scuderia Ferrari‏Verified account @ScuderiaFerrari 3h3 hours ago

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36 years after - Gilles still in our hearts. #GillesVilleneuve

 

 

[AnR]

I dont get this tyre conspiracy ever since it was first announced. But I assume nobody read or want to believe that Pirelli was planning to do this anyway and that Mercedes never requested them in the first place lol. But these are F1 fans for you.

ETA: Not saying that Pirelli changing tyres yet again is a good thing, it clearly isnt. Pinning it on one team though is incredibly weak.

 

https://twitter.com/...343687165296640

 

I believe here it's where it started, the claim is that it's coming from Mercedes...

[Retrofly]

Seems no one read the clarification

 

 

Clarification on the tweet about the special Pirelli tyre spec for Barcelona, Paul Ricard & Silverstone. Mercedes hasn't "requested" a tyre change they just "highlighted" the problem to Pirelli. According to Pirelli the change then was their own initiative proposed to the FIA.

 

This is like when tabloid prints an incorrect front page headline article, then when it retracts it puts in a 5 word apology in the bottom corner of page 18. 

[JoeDede]

So Mercedes point out they have a problem with the tyres and Pirelli then, on their own initiative, decides to make new tyre. Isn't that the same story it has been all the time? It's still only Mercedes who have the problem, right?

[trickle]

Should be a fine weeend for Merc.

[hodgy21]

Should be a fine weeend for Merc.

What makes you think that?

[PayasYouRace]

I used to enjoy races here but tbh its never been the same since they took away the amazing last corner and added that mickey mouse chicane.

I find it hard to believe that at the height of Alonsomania, they couldn’t sort out a way to readjust the track layout to maintain a fast final corner. Something like how Stowe was restored at Silverstone back in 1996, or indeed Copse in 1997. I get that initially they wanted to improve overtaking, but that terrible chicane just spreads cars out further. That it’s awkward and clumsy just makes it worse.

Still, the final sector was ruined in 2004 with the tight hairpin at La Caixa, replacing the more sweeping version.

[Risil]

I find it hard to believe that at the height of Alonsomania, they couldn’t sort out a way to readjust the track layout to maintain a fast final corner. Something like how Stowe was restored at Silverstone back in 1996, or indeed Copse in 1997. I get that initially they wanted to improve overtaking, but that terrible chicane just spreads cars out further. That it’s awkward and clumsy just makes it worse.

Still, the final sector was ruined in 2004 with the tight hairpin at La Caixa, replacing the more sweeping version.

 

The tarmac they added to the runoff was a literal death trap for motorcyclists, too.

[Risil]

Seems no one read the clarification
 
 
This is like when tabloid prints an incorrect front page headline article, then when it retracts it puts in a 5 word apology in the bottom corner of page 18. 

 

Well the crucial question which the clarification doesn't answer is whether in the absence of Mercedes "highlighting" the issue, Pirelli would've done anything at all.

[trickle]

What makes you think that?

The circumstances.They were strong during the tests, but having some issues to get the full potential out of the tyres after Melbourne. I guess they worked hard on their problems and with the upcoming upgrades plus the new tyres, my gut is telling me, that they will be back on top again.

[Blackoutjulian]

The circumstances.They were strong during the tests, but having some issues to get the full potential out of the tyres after Melbourne. I guess they worked hard on their problems and with the upcoming upgrades plus the new tyres, my gut is telling me, that they will be back on top again.

Tests dont matter at all..Why is everyone assuming Mercedes will bring a huge upgrade ? I know they did last year but that was a one off. I personally think neither Ferrari or Mercedes will bring big upgrades. Its more important to understand these tires this year especially for Mercedes. And new upgrades could make the tire problem even worse.

[hodgy21]

The circumstances.They were strong during the tests, but having some issues to get the full potential out of the tyres after Melbourne. I guess they worked hard on their problems and with the upcoming upgrades plus the new tyres, my gut is telling me, that they will be back on top again.

I sort of agree with you. I still think the Ferrari will be top dog, but I hope Mercedes have some sort of solution to increasing the operating window for the tyres with their car. Otherwise I think Ferrari will be steadily pulling away at the front after securing pole with their oil burning shenanigans ;)

I haven't heard of any upgrades for the W09 from the team is this true?

[sopa]

Another preview of how drivers from top 3 teams compare to their situation last year at this exact moment (4 races into the season).

HAM  73  70  (-3)
VET  86  66 (-20)
RAI  49  48  (-1)
BOT  63  40 (-23)
RIC  22  37 (+15)
VER  35  18 (-17)

Mercedes/Hamilton have started both 2017 and 2018 a bit modestly by their standards and scores are quite similar. Do they have an extra gear in reserve that makes them pull away at some point?

 

The last two races have been a painful loss for Vettel/Ferrari. Already well down to last year at that point. Can they keep up the challenge and not stumble like they did last year?

 

Raikkonen is basically level with last year's score, but 2018 has been stronger considering he is up there despite a DNF. In 2017 Kimi scored his first DNF in Spain.

 

For Bottas the puncture in Baku was a huge blow. Without that he would be level with last year and would be actually leading the 2018 championship! But as we know, ifs don't count in F1, so he has some catch-up to do now.

 

Ricciardo has started out better than 2017 despite two DNF's, but last year starting from Spain he had a string of 5 consecutive podiums, so he will face a tough time keeping the edge.

 

Verstappen conversely is some way behind, but on the flipside he suffered lots of car failures in mid-2017, so he has ample opportunity to catch up with his 2017 score if only he could stop crashing.

[RECKLESS]

That points table is a little painful to me. Both Finns with their DNF's due to horrible luck. Hope they catch up!

[Seanspeed]

I dont get this tyre conspiracy ever since it was first announced. But I assume nobody read or want to believe that Pirelli was planning to do this anyway and that Mercedes never requested them in the first place lol. But these are F1 fans for you.

ETA: Not saying that Pirelli changing tyres yet again is a good thing, it clearly isnt. Pinning it on one team though is incredibly weak.

But it *is* on Mercedes.  It's not weak.  Other teams said it wasn't an issue and were clearly not happy about the idea of changing the tires to suit Mercedes better.  Who else had an issue other than Mercedes?

[Jovanotti]

Regarding this "clarification":

- Mercedes has a history of being (too) hard on tyres

- Mercedes has a history of getting special treatment from Pirelli

- Mercedes was the only team shredding their soft tyres during winter testing

- Mercedes was the only team "highlighting" an issue to Pirelli after winter testing

 

-> Result: Pirelli brings a different tyre construction to said track

 

Who right in their mind wouldn't ask questions??

Edited by Jovanotti, 08 May 2018 - 16:28.

[Nonesuch]

So when someone drops by at the office to highlight some issues, I can see people here saying 'well you never asked me to change it!?!?!'.

 

Anyway, it's unlikely to be a big deal - and if the race is a snoozer you can always switch to the ELMS.

[Zava]

Seems no one read the clarification


This is like when tabloid prints an incorrect front page headline article, then when it retracts it puts in a 5 word apology in the bottom corner of page 18.

That is the same as when Ferrari didn't protest Mercedes' suspension, they just wanted some clarification on a very similar kind of suspension. You were defending that action until your last breath as well, am I correct?
Now laugh away.

[johnmhinds]

[Augurk]

How awkward would these videos be if they end up using F1 2018's halo-visibility-impaired cars?

[MasterOfCoin]

That is the same as when Ferrari didn't protest Mercedes' suspension, they just wanted some clarification on a very similar kind of suspension. You were defending that action until your last breath as well, am I correct?
Now laugh away.

Apples to Oranges not comparable.....that's like saying a Opossum is a giant rat.....lol

[Zava]

Apples to Oranges not comparable.....that's like saying a Opossum is a giant rat.....lol

no.

[Dr. Austin]

What do you mean? What special tyres for Mercedes? 

 

Maybe they are running the pretty green ones that match their color scheme so well.

[RacingGreen]

A McLaren miracle. Coming soon to theaters.

 

Never liked horror stories myself. 

[ANF]

CIRCUIT NOTES

► The entire track has been resurfaced.
► A 10m wide section of asphalt has been replaced by gravel around the outside of Turn 1.
► The artificial grass on the exit of Turns 2 and 7 has been removed.
► The guardrail has been re-aligned to the left of the run-off at Turn 4.
► New double kerbs have been installed on the exit of Turns 5 and 16 and the artificial grass removed.
► The run-off areas on the exit of Turn 12 and around the outside of Turn 13 have been increased.

(Old) satellite circuit map:

Spoiler

Edit: According to the race director's event notes, all these changes had been made before the pre-season tests in February.

Edited by ANF, 11 May 2018 - 09:49.

[Clatter]

Tests dont matter at all..Why is everyone assuming Mercedes will bring a huge upgrade ? I know they did last year but that was a one off. I personally think neither Ferrari or Mercedes will bring big upgrades. Its more important to understand these tires this year especially for Mercedes. And new upgrades could make the tire problem even worse.

It's the first European race of the season, and most teams bring updates following the flyaway. Last year was not a one off, and there is more chance they will bring updates than not.

[Clatter]

That is the same as when Ferrari didn't protest Mercedes' suspension, they just wanted some clarification on a very similar kind of suspension. You were defending that action until your last breath as well, am I correct?
Now laugh away.

That's nothing like the same thing.

[P123]

Regarding this "clarification":
- Mercedes has a history of being (too) hard on tyres
- Mercedes has a history of getting special treatment from Pirelli
- Mercedes was the only team shredding their soft tyres during winter testing
- Mercedes was the only team "highlighting" an issue to Pirelli after winter testing
 
-> Result: Pirelli brings a different tyre construction to said track
 
Who right in their mind wouldn't ask questions??

Mercedes had a history of being hard on tyres back in 2013... And if you pay attention to this year alone, the Merc seems able to outlast the longevity of what the Ferrari is capable of, with Bottas closing in the first stints of Bahrain, China and posting very competitive times late on in Baku. As for special treatment, maybe you mean the 'secret' tyre test, which came after an even more secret one for Ferrari. Plus your red mist ignorance is showing, as Merc were not the only team to have issues during winter testing, which incidentally was under track conditions they will never race on.

So your short list of hard hitting bullet points seems to be more deflationary than your average wrongly pressurised Pirelli...

[Zava]

That's nothing like the same thing.

ferrari was not protesting merc's suspension, they just asked for clarification​. same way as mercedes is not asking for special tyres for these weekends, they just highlight the need for them.