The Official Formula One Thread

[AintNoSin]

I think it might be time to un-sticky last year's thread and start on this year.

On Wind Tunnel last night, they were discussing the impact of Bahrain's unrest on the first race of the season.

The season opener in Bahrain isn't going to happen in three weeks. It could possibly be rescheduled to the end of the season. The Grand Prix was pretty much the brainchild of the royal family, so if the current government falls, probably no more F1 races in that country ever.

Also, the Bahrain royal family have a major financial stake in the McClaren F1 team.

[steve1971]

Thsi year will see Schumacher take the title.

[Hatter]

Originally Posted by steve1971

Thsi year will see Schumacher take the title.

I'm with you on that one

- Schumi fan since 1993

[Trace17]

I should have just posted here.

P1 is done, RBR at the top of the timesheets.

Predictions for the first race? I say Vettel wins (unless he screws the pooch like last year. and the year before that. and the year before that.)

I also predict that HRT won't last 10 laps. Will they even qualify?

Edit: HRT didn't get a timed lap in, and Virgin was outside of the 107% rule.

[Trace17]

Halfway through P2, HRT have yet to roll out. And I've even read, though rumor, that they only have enough parts for one car (right now). Hrm...

Schumi is fastest in P2 for now....Neither RBR has set a decent lap.

Edit: P2 over now. It's a miracle! HRT made a lap! Rolled out with 2:27 to go, came in with 10 seconds left. Baby steps.

McLaren top of the time sheets this time. Can't wait for qualifying. A LOT of runoffs so far this weekend. First lap will be really interesting.

[PrivatePixel]

Originally Posted by Trace17

McLaren top of the time sheets this time. Can't wait for qualifying. A LOT of runoffs so far this weekend. First lap will be really interesting.

Nice to see the McLaren boys atop the P2 time sheet (Practice 3 will commence in about 7 1/2 hours). Time to reprogram my HD-DVR for all of this season's races. Looking forward to the first qualifier of the 2011 season.

[Trace17]

Seb is just blindingly fast. He was a second faster than 3rd in P3. Though to be fair, there are a ton of variables that go into play (especially fuel load).

By my calculations, with the 107% rule only 20 cars would start the race with Seb's time. We'll see for sure in a few hours though.

And HRT got a few laps in. Only 17 seconds back.

I will be so shocked if they start the race.

[The Spanierd]

If Ferrari puts together a decent car and they don't screw him again like last year the title will go to a man who should have 4 titles already but got screwed by his team.... Fernando Alonso

[Trace17]

Originally Posted by The Spanierd

If Ferrari puts together a decent car and they don't screw him again like last year the title will go to a man who should have 4 titles already but got screwed by his team.... Fernando Alonso

It was a big whiff by his team, but it is what it is man.

McLaren are showing good improvements. Looks like their last-minute changes paid off.

[Trace17]

And Vettel on pole. He is just so freaking fast, it's astounding. Over a second up on fourth. Looks like everyone will be playing catch-up to the RBRs, for now anyways. Long year ahead.

Oh and Vettel's last lap was .07 slower than his pole lap...but he didn't use any KERS.

[J6P]

Is it bad to admit I'm feeling glad to have lived to see F1 in HD? I am a nerd.

[Trace17]

Originally Posted by J6P

Is it bad to admit I'm feeling glad to have lived to see F1 in HD? I am a nerd.

You're not alone. I just want to take it all in. Looks so pretty.

Anyway, stewards denied HRT race entry after failing to qualify within 107%. So 22 car field tomorrow/tonight. Of course, that number will be even smaller when somebody crashes on the first lap/turn, somebody runs off, and whenever Pastor (I call him amateur hour) decides the gravel looks more fun to drive in.

[Hatter]

Schumacher in his usual spot being outqualified again by his teammate. Damnit. Hopefully it won't be last year all over again.

What's with all the fake propaganda that Mclaren would struggle this year? Nothing but lies so far.

[Trace17]

Originally Posted by Hatter

Schumacher in his usual spot being outqualified again by his teammate. Damnit. Hopefully it won't be last year all over again.

What's with all the fake propaganda that Mclaren would struggle this year? Nothing but lies so far.

Don't know what was up with Schumi. He seemed to show potential through the practice sessions but then just edged off. I didn't catch the end of his last lap to try and make Q2 but a friend of mine said it looked like he short-shifted a bit and that could have been the difference. Oh well.

As to McLaren, they were struggling all through winter testing. Then they brought an improved floor and updated exhaust to this race, untested, to take a risk to improve handling. And lucky for them, it paid off pretty well.

[J6P]

Originally Posted by Trace17

Don't know what was up with Schumi. He seemed to show potential through the practice sessions but then just edged off. I didn't catch the end of his last lap to try and make Q2 but a friend of mine said it looked like he short-shifted a bit and that could have been the difference. Oh well.

When he jumped out of the car he told the team his tires were gone after the second lap.

Hopefully that's reflected in a better pace during the race. I'd like to see him get some of the old spark back.

[Trace17]

Originally Posted by J6P

When he jumped out of the car he told the team his tires were gone after the second lap.

Hopefully that's reflected in a better pace during the race. I'd like to see him get some of the old spark back.

So would I.

Tires are definitely going to be a big thing, since we saw several instances of locking brakes (I think turn 3 being the biggest culprit) and if you flatspot the tire it's gone.

A couple other interesting things about Red Bull - many are saying they are running a different KERS system, which essentially is only used at the start of the race. It's lighter than other teams though and shaves weight off. But sacrifices any use of KERS during the rest of the race. So it will be interesting to see how teams catch-up and what (if any) difference it gives. Also, looks like their flexi-wings are back too.

[Trace17]

Props to Petrov for a podium finish. Nobody even came close to Vettel though, completely dominated the entire weekend, really.

RBR never used KERS in the race. That little development will be interesting in the coming weeks.

Also, Perez top 10 finish! Shocking. Shame Williams & Mercedes had full retirements.

[Hatter]

The finger reigns supreme!

With Petrov managing to score a podium, I wonder what could have been if Kubica was behind the wheel of that Renault.

I wonder if Rubens thought Rosberg was Schumacher when he plowed right into him?

I'm surprised that Hamilton's car will end up passing inspection.

[PrivatePixel]

Originally Posted by Trace17

Also, Perez top 10 finish! Shocking. Shame Williams & Mercedes had full retirements.

It appears that the stewards had the same response.

Saubers disqualified over technical infringement

Sauber's Sergio Perez and Kamui Kobayashi have lost their seventh and eighth places in Sunday's Australian Grand Prix after both were disqualified for technical infringements on their cars.

Following post-race checks, the Melbourne stewards decided that both Sauber C30s were in breach of technical rules 3.10.1 and 3.10.2, in relation to their rear wings. The team plan to appeal the decision.

[Hatter]

Originally Posted by PrivatePixel

It appears that the stewards had the same response.

Saubers disqualified over technical infringement

That's a ridiculous judgment. If the cars passed post qualifying inspection which they did, then they shouldn't be allowed to disqualify. The rear wing was untouched between then and the end of the race. Meanwhile, plank related damage which has led to disqualifications in the such as on Hamilton's car gets completely ignored. Let me be clear though that I personally think that sort of damage on Hamilton's car shouldn't result in a disqualification because as it's not intentional. Just saying about the double standard.