Official 2012 Formula One Discussion Thread
On 3/18 I wrote a post: "but we still have not seen the Sauber do its potential...at the start of the race, both of their cars were damaged (front and rear wings) with associated parts falling off throughout the race...what I am looking for is a race where they survive the bumper car start and then C what they can do..."...to which U responded:
Quote:
Originally Posted by GG06MR
Assuming everything equal, and everyone makes it through the bumper car start, then their potential is 9th.
...I hate it when I'm right!
Later, Ken
Quote:
Originally Posted by GG06MR
Assuming everything equal, and everyone makes it through the bumper car start, then their potential is 9th.
...I hate it when I'm right!
Later, Ken
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From: Rhode Island
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From: 10,000 frozen lakes
So true. There are about 8 drivers that given the best car, could win the world championship. What is incredible about this season is having 5 world champions in addition to several who have come oh so close to winning the championship as well. The cars this year seem to have parity, so it will more or less come down to the best driver. At the moment, I would not bet on anybody because the season is so unpredictable.
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From: 10,000 frozen lakes
^ I don't agree entirely. Yes, tire management is an important factor, especially this year. However, that has always been the case. I can't think of a time when tires haven't been an issue. You might be too young to remember, but there were the tire wars between Goodyear and Firestone in the 60's, Goodyear and Michelin in the 80's and Bridgestone and Michelin in the last decade. Each brand of tire had its own wear and traction issues. I do understand that this year's Pirellis have been designed to degrade faster, thus rewarding a driver like Jenson Button more than Lewis Hamilton.
This year is somewhat unique in that the cars seem to have parity in performance. The variables are the drivers, tires, weather, pit stops and blind luck. It will be interesting to see if the smoother drivers do better than the more aggressive drivers. And, it will be fascinating to see how long Mercedes can hold an advantage over the other teams with their F-duct.
This year is somewhat unique in that the cars seem to have parity in performance. The variables are the drivers, tires, weather, pit stops and blind luck. It will be interesting to see if the smoother drivers do better than the more aggressive drivers. And, it will be fascinating to see how long Mercedes can hold an advantage over the other teams with their F-duct.
And so it begins ... http://www.planetf1.com/driver/3213/...th-organisers-
It may have been very shortsighted of the FIA to green-light the Bahrain GP. IMO all they have accomplished is to send every radical group in the area into overdrive, trying to get something to happen to grab headlines while the spotlight is on the F1 race.
l8r)
It may have been very shortsighted of the FIA to green-light the Bahrain GP. IMO all they have accomplished is to send every radical group in the area into overdrive, trying to get something to happen to grab headlines while the spotlight is on the F1 race.
l8r)
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From: 10,000 frozen lakes
^ Yeah, Jalopnik and Speed both had great articles about why this race is not such a good idea. Already, the Force India team was caught up in the middle of a ruckus. I don't think we have seen the end of this. My concern obviously is for the teams and personnel. As for that lame duck Jean Todt and that ferret Ecclestone, their inept leadership is a shame.
I think Ludikraut is right Ken. Sauber was pretty quick during qualifying, but based on their race pace, it at least appears that they sacrificed race pace and tire longevity for maximum starting position.....which would explain why they're usually slow in qualifying, but can then run longer on their tires than most other teams. Clearly the change in strategies did not pan out.
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From: 10,000 frozen lakes
Mercedes is looking pretty strong in practice. Finally winning a race has undoubtedly improved Nico's confidence. Michael is looking pretty feisty as well. Glad to see that practice was uneventful. Looking forward to qualifying tomorrow.
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^ Yeah, Jalopnik and Speed both had great articles about why this race is not such a good idea. Already, the Force India team was caught up in the middle of a ruckus. I don't think we have seen the end of this. My concern obviously is for the teams and personnel. As for that lame duck Jean Todt and that ferret Ecclestone, their inept leadership is a shame.
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I think Ludikraut is right Ken. Sauber was pretty quick during qualifying, but based on their race pace, it at least appears that they sacrificed race pace and tire longevity for maximum starting position.....which would explain why they're usually slow in qualifying, but can then run longer on their tires than most other teams. Clearly the change in strategies did not pan out.
Later, Ken
Barely, according to Q3 results. That's an eternity over a full race distance. So...the only question is...did they revert back to the old strategy of conservative set-up to maximize tire wear, or are they just that much further back than they were in China? I suspect that it's more likely the latter, especially when you take into consideration RBR's aero improvements, and I'm sure the other bigger budget teams already implementing their improvements as well(aside from Ferrari). In conclusion, the imminent slide back to complete irrelevance is knocking at Sauber's door. 
great race. can't believe McLaren dropping the ball like that. probably one of the best race in Bahrain. was hoping Kimi would take the win, but i'm sure he'll get a win it before the season is over.