^ HRT's sound analysis is a mike strapped into the a$$crack of their drivers to see how many time they $hit themselves as they try to pilot the near worthless chassis around the track and try not to get run over by other teams.



... seriously, though - especially Pedro looked completely out of place and was holding up traffic like it was his job in quali.

l8r)

 

Ken,

If I remember correctly, Renault was the first, or at least the first to discuss that they do that, because Flavio was spouting off about how the Ferrari V8 had issues shortly after they switched from the V10's to V8's, and the comment was based on their sound analysis, i.e. they knew the Ferrari engines were going to grenade often.....and they did quite a bit to start that season.

 

Don't recall that but take UR word for it. That said, then I assume Merc has , in fact, detected alteration in number of operating cyclinders in RB...wonder if this is real or bunch of hot air. Speaking of same, it appears that RB and Lotus appeal to Whitting on DRS activated F-duct on Merc cars is still ok (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98248 ). To me, I C this as significant for one part of a race weekend and relatively insignificant for another. Specifically, the increased speed generated during Qualy could move Merc up in grid since they can deploy everywhere. But its advantage becomes significantly reduced on race day...can use it only in DRS zones and the trailing/passing driver already has the ability to pass the car in front from the DRS...so a little bit more speed is really not going to benefit all that much. So I don't think the smaller teams have to copy this feature although it could help them in Qualy.

Later, Ken

 

RB's in 7th and 10th after P2, all the Merc powered cars looking strong.

 

^ yes, but Merc is having trouble with tire degredation...rest R as well but they had same in Melbourne relative to rest of the field...perhaps their added F-duct is creating that additional downforce at high speed resulting in high tire deg?...if so, then it is more of a detriment than an asset.
My guys R hurting...have to pull rabbit out of hat by tomorrow...presently at bottom of mid-field.

Later, Ken

 

^ the duct opens at high speed when DRS is activate. DRS is to reduce down force and drag, so the duct has to do the same thing if it's open at the same time.

 

Not sure what we get out of practice if they aren't running the same programs at the same time. But I do love when Vettel sucks in practice and comes back and dominates. Like playing opossum. But in realty can't they be running different fuel loads and setups in practice to see how they are working which would make us getting anything out of it a mute point. Q is what I live for. Maybe even more than the race itself. That last lap of the last session separates the men from the boys.

 

Yes, but also some of this added air, during DRS activation, is moved to the front wings, I believe, also reducing drag/downforce there... but the rear effect should B much smaller than front effect because the stall from wing opening should B much larger than from this little additional duct.

Later, Ken

 

No the F-Duct reduces downforce at high speed which would result in less tire degradation. Mercs tire degradation issues are due to something when it corners.

 

How about Rossberg leading the qualifying?! He outran Sebastian! Also Schumi placed 8th in front of Hamilton. WTF is going on?!

I'm impressed. This is going to be a good GP.

 

Yes, U R correct... I had it reversed...so Merc may have too much downforce in corners relative to tire wear. Now as it turns out they did very well in Qualy with Schumi's third position and they had the fastest straight line speed so their F-duct+1 under DRS is definitely giving them an edge...That said, bc of tire degredation, their placement at the end of the race will B considerably lower. RB going to Q3 with Medium tires has the advantage relative to the rest which had softs...so expect RB to dominate and win after McLarens have to pit first.

Later, Ken

 

Awesome qualifying sessions. McLaren looks really strong this year and will take the fight all the way to the end with Red Bull. However, what really tickles me is seeing Schumi doing so well. People had pretty much written him off last year, but he looks like the old Michael. Nice to see Mercedes getting close to the podium. And, the Kimster is looking mighty feisty as well. This season is really shaping up to be a battle royal. Who would have thought at the beginning of the year that there would such great competition.

 

too bad kimi is taking a 5 spot grid penalty. hope he makes it up quick during the start. i want to see him fighting in the font.

interesting to see Vettel running on harder compound in Q3 and put down a decent time on those tires. wonder what RB have up their sleeve.

 

before the 5 grid penalty for kimi, 5 of the top 6 were former world champions.... i guess that says something about having a WC as your driver huh

 

^He was the only one too.. Even his team mate was on the option. Vettel looked kinda pissed after quali, not sure what he was expecting.
Great to see Micheal and Kimi doing so well. Tomorrows race should be really exciting.