The sector 3 speed trap is at the start finish line whereas the sector 4 speed trap is the peak speed, a bit further down the start finish straight. This gives us an idea of how much the car accelerated between the two points in a direct straight line.
I have only a few speeds available unfortunately but I will give examples from yesterday's qualifying:
Montoyta: fastest at s3 at 253km/h but 11th at s4, 306.7km/h
M Schu: 253km/h at s3, fastest at s4 at 310.4km/h
Raikkonen: 253km/h at s3, 7th at 307.9km/h at sector 4
Heidfeld: 252km/h at s3, 12th at 306.7 at sector 4
Webber: 252km/h at s3, 14th at 305.5 at sector 4
Barichello:
For Williams, would a high sector 3 speed point to a lower fuel load whereas dropping off the chart, sector 4 would signify aero efficiency becoming more important? This would fit with the general 'belief' that Williams is lacking aero efficiency and runs more rear wing.
One would not expect the McLaren to be lacking aero efficiency or engine power given recent results, but perhaps they are in a similar position to the Williams cars.
The Ferraris are most interesting, being fast in both sectors. They are fast in the straight line but not around the lap, so could this point to a lack of mechanical grip but strong engine and aero efficiency?
Some of this interpretation might seem obvious but it's interesting to back up some of the chit chat with actual facts. I'd like to see if someone with more data interpretation knowledge could show us how to read into it further.
Cheers
