**Official Chinese Grand Prix Thread 2008**

[gloomyDAY]

I wonder how McLaren are going to dump the title this time around. :dozey:

[christophulus]

Another over-confident move from Hamilton that results in a penalty or a spin, I'm sure of it :S.

Depends on the weather again I suppose, but no reason why Alonso shouldn't get another victory or podium to mess up Massa & Hamilton's plans

[gloomyDAY]

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c123/killincommies/hamilton.jpg

[christophulus]

^^ Wonder if they've tarmac-ed that run off area this year? :p

[jens]

Huh, I still can't believe Hamilton lost last year's title in such manner... just only a few meters away from an escape to his pitstop. :( This makes this year's ending even more exciting to wait for. Points-wise the advantage is smaller than last year too (5, not 12).

[gloomyDAY]

Huh, I still can't believe Hamilton lost last year's title in such manner... just only a few meters away from an escape to his pitstop. :( This makes this year's ending even more exciting to wait for. Points-wise the advantage is smaller than last year too (5, not 12).I really hope Lewis can pull it together and finish on top. He's been putting a really great case for everyone to see him as a choker, but that's not the reputation this talented driver deserves. Lewis should show the world that he's a champion once again.

[yodasarmpit]

As much as I would like to see him win, there's something in my head saying he'll cock it up again.

[ShiftingGears]

I like the Chinese grand prix circuit. It may be built on a flat swamp, and have tarmac runoff to substitute for reckless driving, but it's a nice track. I wouldn't rule out rain either. So maybe that will throw a spanner in the works of the top two teams, and allow a Renault/Toro Rosso/BMW victory.


I really hope that the stewards are rational, and not overzealous and impulsive like they have been this year. It's frankly ruining everyone's enjoyment of F1, because it overshadows what has unquestionably been a year of great racing.

Peter Windsor said that there was a noticable change in Alonso's attitude since Valencia, can anyone shed any light on that?

In any case, I am glad Alonso has won twice this year. It puts him in that rare group of drivers who can pull off victories in cars that are not the best. He also showed anyone who had forgotten, just why he has two world championships.

[ArrowsFA1]

Peter Windsor said that there was a noticable change in Alonso's attitude since Valencia, can anyone shed any light on that?
I suspect, as I've said elsewhere, that it has something to do with him having a car capable of winning races. At the start of the year that was not the case, but Renault have clearly made big improvements. For a driver, knowing you have a car capable of winning races is very different from knowing you're racing for the minor places.

It could also be because he knows what his future holds. Nothing's been announced yet, but Alonso probably knows who he'll be racing for in 2009 and beyond and that may have been settled around Valencia.

[Dave B]

I suspect, as I've said elsewhere, that it has something to do with him having a car capable of winning races. At the start of the year that was not the case, but Renault have clearly made big improvements. For a driver, knowing you have a car capable of winning races is very different from knowing you're racing for the minor places.
I agree, an explanation which also explains a lot about Jenson Button.

[ShiftingGears]

I suspect, as I've said elsewhere, that it has something to do with him having a car capable of winning races. At the start of the year that was not the case, but Renault have clearly made big improvements. For a driver, knowing you have a car capable of winning races is very different from knowing you're racing for the minor places.

The Renault wasn't capable of winning in Spa, Monza or Valencia.

[ioan]

Points-wise the advantage is smaller than last year too (5, not 12).

You mean 5, not 17!

[jens]

You mean 5, not 17!

12 was the advantage over his closest rival (Alonso) 1 year ago. In the same way we could say his advantage at the moment is 12 points (over Kubica).

So it's either 5-12 (ahead of next driver)
Or 12-17 (ahead of 3rd driver)

[F1boat]

As much as I would like to see him win, there's something in my head saying he'll cock it up again.

I would not like to see him champion and i fear that he will win it, but still I have the feeling that he won't.
We have to wait and see.

[ioan]

12 was the advantage over his closest rival (Alonso) 1 year ago. In the same way we could say his advantage at the moment is 12 points (over Kubica).

So it's either 5-12 (ahead of next driver)
Or 12-17 (ahead of 3rd driver)

I was saying that because he lost a 17 points advantage to the driver, Kimi, who beat him in the end, not only the 12 compared to Alonso.

[Ranger]

Friday looks dry. Saturday looks dry. Sunday looks wet. :devil:

from weather.com. As ever, don't believe it 'til you see it.

[ShiftingGears]

A bit like Mosely saying he'll retire, really.

[N. Jones]

I wonder how McLaren are going to dump the title this time around. :dozey:

:laugh:

This has been a crazy race the last two years:

In 2006 Alonso changed tires and lost the race lead to Chewbacca, after Fisi changed his and could hold Chewy back. It brought the very close together in points that year.

We all remember what happened last year. I must say that I have never seen a tire that degraded before...

[555-04Q2]

Kimi wins from Massa with Hamilton a close third.

[ioan]

Kimi wins from Massa with Hamilton a close third.

Think again, how could Kimi win from Felipe at this point of the season?

[555-04Q2]

Think again, how could Kimi win from Felipe at this point of the season?

Easy. Being blond (or whats left of it) I got Kimi and Massa mixed around :s hock:

Should have been - Massa wins from Kimi with Hamilton a close third :)

[zilly]

Think again, how could Kimi win from Felipe at this point of the season?

'Hint' **Official Chinese Grand Prix Thread 2008**

[Ranger]

Kimi wins from Massa with Hamilton a close third.

They all crash, probably in the pitlane.
Kubica wins.
Chaos ensues.
:p :

[Tazio]

I know that both Ferrari engines are on race two for China. HK will be on a first race since his engine expired at Fuji. What cycle is LH in?
I was told on another thread that you can't play your joker engine in the last cycle. If LH is on his first race in China, and FM holds his ground or gains a point or two.
It will look awfully good for the Ferraris racing at high altitude in Brazil with race one engines if the Mac's aren't.
Now could somebody tell me why what I just posted doesn't make any sense! :p :

[gloomyDAY]

1 Lewis Hamilton (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/828.html) McLaren-Mercedes (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2930.html) 1:35.630
2 Felipe Massa (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/18.html) Ferrari (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2920.html) 1:36.020 0.390 24
3 Kimi Räikkönen (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/12.html) Ferrari (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2920.html) 1:36.052 0.422 23
4 Heikki Kovalainen (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/813.html) McLaren-Mercedes (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2930.html) 1:36.103 0.473 21
5 Robert Kubica (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/815.html) BMW Sauber (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2921.html) 1:36.507 0.877 25
6 Fernando Alonso (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/30.html) Renault (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2922.html) 1:36.661 1.031 25
7 Nick Heidfeld (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/16.html) BMW Sauber (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2921.html) 1:37.040 1.410 23
8 Sebastien Bourdais (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/834.html) STR-Ferrari (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2926.html) 1:37.070 1.440 32
9 Nelsinho Piquet (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/823.html) Renault (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2922.html) 1:37.180 1.550 30
10 Sebastian Vettel (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/822.html) STR-Ferrari (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2926.html) 1:37.278 1.648 25
11 Mark Webber (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/21.html) Red Bull-Renault (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2924.html) 1:37.491 1.861 26
12 Jenson Button (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/6.html) Honda (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2927.html) 1:37.619 1.989 25
13 Kazuki Nakajima (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/827.html) Williams-Toyota (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2923.html) 1:37.630 2.000 23
14 David Coulthard (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/11.html) Red Bull-Renault (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2924.html) 1:37.638 2.008 22
15 Nico Rosberg (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/809.html) Williams-Toyota (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2923.html) 1:37.638 2.008 26
16 Timo Glock (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/791.html) Toyota (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2925.html) 1:37.664 2.034 29
17 Rubens Barrichello (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/8.html) Honda (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2927.html) 1:37.827 2.197 28
18 Jarno Trulli (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/14.html) Toyota (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2925.html) 1:38.219 2.589 24
19 Adrian Sutil (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/818.html) Force India-Ferrari (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2929.html) 1:38.285 2.655 25
20 Giancarlo Fisichella (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/17.html) Force India-Ferrari (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2929.html) 1:38.479 2.849 26

[ShiftingGears]

Hopefully BMW and Renault claw back that +0.8 of a second to give McLaren and Ferrari a run for their money.

[Big Ben]

I got to the point where I wouldn't be that surprised if any of the title contenders didn't win any of the races left.
You rarely get such poor results from a WDC and
I don't recall two drivers fighting for the title doing such bad races at this point of the season.
BMW are more focused on next year's car than on this season and Kubica only got a lucky win in Canada, drove some solid races but nothing spectacular. I don't think he's going to win but the fact that he is still there, fighting for it says a lot.
I wanted some variety in F1, more drivers and teams winning races but this looks like chaos right now. It's like the future wdc is going to be the one that's not that stupid.
I think China would be a great place for both LH and FM to prove that they are wdc material and not two idiots in the best cars.

[F1boat]

1 Lewis Hamilton (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/828.html) McLaren-Mercedes (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2930.html) 1:35.630
2 Felipe Massa (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/18.html) Ferrari (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2920.html) 1:36.020 0.390 24
3 Kimi Räikkönen (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/12.html) Ferrari (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2920.html) 1:36.052 0.422 23
4 Heikki Kovalainen (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/813.html) McLaren-Mercedes (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2930.html) 1:36.103 0.473 21
5 Robert Kubica (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/815.html) BMW Sauber (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2921.html) 1:36.507 0.877 25
6 Fernando Alonso (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/30.html) Renault (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2922.html) 1:36.661 1.031 25
7 Nick Heidfeld (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/16.html) BMW Sauber (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2921.html) 1:37.040 1.410 23
8 Sebastien Bourdais (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/834.html) STR-Ferrari (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2926.html) 1:37.070 1.440 32
9 Nelsinho Piquet (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/823.html) Renault (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2922.html) 1:37.180 1.550 30
10 Sebastian Vettel (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/822.html) STR-Ferrari (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2926.html) 1:37.278 1.648 25
11 Mark Webber (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/21.html) Red Bull-Renault (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2924.html) 1:37.491 1.861 26
12 Jenson Button (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/6.html) Honda (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2927.html) 1:37.619 1.989 25
13 Kazuki Nakajima (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/827.html) Williams-Toyota (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2923.html) 1:37.630 2.000 23
14 David Coulthard (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/11.html) Red Bull-Renault (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2924.html) 1:37.638 2.008 22
15 Nico Rosberg (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/809.html) Williams-Toyota (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2923.html) 1:37.638 2.008 26
16 Timo Glock (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/791.html) Toyota (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2925.html) 1:37.664 2.034 29
17 Rubens Barrichello (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/8.html) Honda (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2927.html) 1:37.827 2.197 28
18 Jarno Trulli (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/14.html) Toyota (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2925.html) 1:38.219 2.589 24
19 Adrian Sutil (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/818.html) Force India-Ferrari (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2929.html) 1:38.285 2.655 25
20 Giancarlo Fisichella (http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2008/17.html) Force India-Ferrari (http://www.formula1.com/results/team/2008/2929.html) 1:38.479 2.849 26


Pacewise Lewis proved that he has an advantage, now he must stay cool during the race and focus on Massa and Kubica and not on Alonso or Kimi, for example.

[Valve Bounce]

I agree, an explanation which also explains a lot about Jenson Button.

I really don't know how to respond to this. I just felt that it needed a response from me. :D

[555-04Q2]

They all crash, probably in the pitlane.
Kubica wins.
Chaos ensues.
:p :

That would make for a brilliant final race :up:

[CaptainRaiden]

They all crash, probably in the pitlane.
Kubica wins.
Chaos ensues.
:p :

How about Hamilton has a DNF, Kubica wins and Massa finishes 5th??? :crazy:

The points tally would then stand:

1. Lewis Hamilton - 84
2. Felipe Massa - 82
3. Robert Kubica - 82

Going into the final race of the season!! :bounce:

[ioan]

How about Hamilton has a DNF, Kubica wins and Massa finishes 5th??? :crazy:

The points tally would then stand:

1. Lewis Hamilton - 84
2. Felipe Massa - 82
3. Robert Kubica - 82

Going into the final race of the season!! :bounce:

Fine by me as long as Massa wins in Brazil! :D

[gloomyDAY]

1. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:35.750 33
2. Alonso Renault (B) 1:36.024 + 0.274 36
3. Piquet Renault (B) 1:36.094 + 0.344 38
4. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:36.159 + 0.409 32
5. Webber Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:36.375 + 0.625 38
6. Massa Ferrari (B) 1:36.480 + 0.730 31
7. Bourdais Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:36.529 + 0.779 32
8. Raikkonen Ferrari (B) 1:36.542 + 0.792 34
9. Heidfeld BMW Sauber (B) 1:36.553 + 0.803 38
10. Rosberg Williams-Toyota (B) 1:36.556 + 0.806 33
11. Glock Toyota (B) 1:36.615 + 0.865 33
12. Kubica BMW Sauber (B) 1:36.775 + 1.025 37
13. Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:36.797 + 1.047 33
14. Coulthard Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:36.808 + 1.058 36
15. Vettel Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:36.925 + 1.175 38
16. Nakajima Williams-Toyota (B) 1:36.975 + 1.225 31
17. Fisichella Force India-Ferrari (B) 1:37.473 + 1.723 38
18. Sutil Force India-Ferrari (B) 1:37.617 + 1.867 33
19. Button Honda (B) 1:37.800 + 2.050 37
20. Barrichello Honda (B) 1:37.904 + 2.154 36

My pickem's have been going down the drain as of late.
Just win Hamilton! Prove your naysayers wrong. :(

[jens]

Toyota seems competitive too. The temperatures (in the mid-20's by Celsius) should be suitable for them, also the track configuration. Only rain may hinder them now. :p :

[ArrowsFA1]

Pressure? What pressure? Hamilton on pole :up:

[Dave B]

Pressure? What pressure? Hamilton on pole :up:

I remember saying exactly that this time last week. :s

Massa desperate to gain points, Raikkonen said he will do everything to help him, and even Alonso has stated that he will be happy to help Massa secure the title. With their placings on the grid it's going to be a bumpy ride for Hamilton into the first corner and beyond.

[Tazio]

If Kimi jumps LH at the start Ferrari will have a ham sandwich with Fred for desert :crazy:

[CaptainRaiden]

Fine by me as long as Massa wins in Brazil! :D

Well, in that case, let's hope Massa finishes 6th in that scenario. ;)

[Dave B]

Kubica's outside chances of the championship have taken a massive setback. He's probably doing a rain dance in the paddock right now - unless there's some massive quirk of fate he's unlikely to beat Massa and Hamilton in a dry race.

[Valve Bounce]

I know that both Ferrari engines are on race two for China. HK will be on a first race since his engine expired at Fuji. What cycle is LH in?
I was told on another thread that you can't play your joker engine in the last cycle. If LH is on his first race in China, and FM holds his ground or gains a point or two.
It will look awfully good for the Ferraris racing at high altitude in Brazil with race one engines if the Mac's aren't.
Now could somebody tell me why what I just posted doesn't make any sense! :p :

It makes perfect sense. I just don't understand it, that's all. :confused:

[christophulus]

Qualifying

1. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:35.566 1:34.947 1:36.303
2. Raikkonen Ferrari (B) 1:35.983 1:35.355 1:36.645
3. Massa Ferrari (B) 1:35.971 1:35.135 1:36.889
4. Alonso Renault (B) 1:35.769 1:35.461 1:36.927
5. Kovalainen McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:35.623 1:35.216 1:36.930
6. Webber Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:36.238 1:35.686 1:37.083
7. Heidfeld BMW Sauber (B) 1:36.224 1:35.403 1:37.201
8. Vettel Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:35.752 1:35.386 1:37.685
9. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:36.104 1:35.715 1:37.934
10. Bourdais Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:36.239 1:35.478 1:38.885
11. Piquet Renault (B) 1:36.029 1:35.722
12. Kubica BMW Sauber (B) 1:36.503 1:35.814
13. Glock Toyota (B) 1:36.210 1:35.937
14. Barrichello Honda (B) 1:36.640 1:36.079
15. Rosberg Williams-Toyota (B) 1:36.434 1:36.210
16. Coulthard Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:36.731
17. Nakajima Williams-Toyota (B) 1:36.863
18. Button Honda (B) 1:37.053
19. Sutil Force India-Ferrari (B) 1:37.730
20. Fisichella Force India-Ferrari (B) 1:37.739

Obviously Webber starts 16th due to the engine penalty. Nice lap from Hamilton for pole, another controversial first corner I think...

[ShiftingGears]

I wouldn't rule out Bonzo for a victory. Disappointing for Kubica, unless it rains or there's another miracle, he is out of this WDC fight.

[F1boat]

Lewis against showed his advantage. Now he must think about the WDC and take a conservative approach. His focus should be to stay ahead of FM.

[ArrowsFA1]

I remember saying exactly that this time last week. :s
True :dozey: But tomorrow's a new day :s mokin:

[Dave B]

I know, Arrows, but you'll understand if I watch tomorrow's race from behind my sofa! :)

[ArrowsFA1]

:laugh:

[Valve Bounce]

I wouldn't rule out Bonzo for a victory. Disappointing for Kubica, unless it rains or there's another miracle, he is out of this WDC fight.

You mean Fonzo, don't you? :p : :D
or Fonz for short.

[Dave B]

3-place grid penalty for Heidfeld, after blocking Coulthard in Q1
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/71548

[ASCAR24/7/365.5]

wow im shocked....mainly cos this penalty wasnt handed out after the race to bump massa up another place! ;-)

[VkmSpouge]

Good qualifying for Lewis Hamilton but I'm hoping he'll be more cautious into turn 1. Kovalainen will need to have a good start to bring himself into play. The Ferraris are looking good, I guess if Raikkonen fails to overtake Hamilton at the start we'll see him and Massa swap positions at the first round of pitstops.
Robert Kubica needs to be doing a rain dance right now in order to keep his title hopes going.

[gravity]

Looked to me like Massa was fueled lighter than Kimi? Massa was rather upset about his 3rd place. If this was the case, then here is a possible scenario:

Massa is on the (cleaner) racing side of the grid, and if fueled lighter, might get a jump on Kimi. Lewis hasn't had the greatest starts of late, and Kimi should be close to or alongside Lewis into T1 (and maybe Massa inside of him)?

On a more predictable note:
With such a wide entry into T1 to line up for T2, anyone taking a defensive line into T1 will prob get jumped going into T3. Going wide into T1 to keep yr line thru T2 might leave u hung out and being put on the back foot to T3.

Massa, being 5 points behind Lewis, is going to have the most work to do. He cannot afford to let Lewis finish ahead of him, and he cannot get involved in any incidents. Lewis, although he wants to win the championship, it looks like he gets the red mist when the lights go out... and so contact between Kimi and Lewis on lap 1 is very likely.

Alonso, having stated that he wants Massa to win, has made himself imune to any contact issue between himself and Massa. If he happens to run into Massa, he's pretty safe from severe penalties as he can claim to have tried to help but lost control. On the other hand; any contact between himself and Lewis would be seen as pre-meditated and he could be looking into a substantial fine/race ban penalty.

[CaptainRaiden]

If Massa has to jump Kimi, it HAS to be at the start. After the first corner, if Kimi is unable to jump Lewis, and Massa is behind Kimi, then Ferrari would be running the risk of letting Lewis go into the distance with Massa unable to do something about it.

If they order Kimi to let Massa by on the track, Ferrari would be risking a penalty for using team orders. So, this is going to be interesting now. I am sure Kimi is going to lift off a little and let Massa through at the start.

[truefan72]

3-place grid penalty for Heidfeld, after blocking Coulthard in Q1
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/71548

I am surprised about this penalty. It is absurd. Heidfeld has no obligation to stay behind a slow RBR especially when DC decided to slow down himself which could be interpreted as blocking Heidfeld. GHe overtook him cleanly and went ahaed and did his lap, going into the penuultimate turn where the alleged blocking took place, Heidfeld still managed to psot his solid time on the lap. So this decision is just stupid.

What irks me more is DC's sense of entitlement without accomplishment. He botched his last lap, he couldn't come to grips with his car, and instead of acknowledging that and preparing for the race, he decided to cry like a baby about a phantom incident that allegedly ruined his already useless Q1. And his statements to Windsor on speed tv were equally as dumb.

Great so now heidfeld gets a 3 place grid penalty and Coulthard still starts 16th and probably will hit somebody before the first 10 laps of the race and continue to end his career in dishonor.


Good qualifying for Lewis Hamilton but I'm hoping he'll be more cautious into turn 1. Kovalainen will need to have a good start to bring himself into play. The Ferraris are looking good, I guess if Raikkonen fails to overtake Hamilton at the start we'll see him and Massa swap positions at the first round of pitstops.
Robert Kubica needs to be doing a rain dance right now in order to keep his title hopes going.

Kovaleienen just continues to dissapoint me. When the team needs him most he dicuides to be a shrinking violet. This should have been a Mclaren 1-2 at the start, instead he leaves Hamilton to fight against 3 guys (the 2 ferraris' and Alonso who's vowed to help massa). He better have a dynamite start to make up for his Q3 disappearing act.

[truefan72]

oh , and one quick point of annoyance.

How come Hamilton was singled out to report to the weight station during Q1 and Q2. I thought there are 20 cars in the field

[Dave B]

Really? :eek: So three meetings in a row where he's been "randomly" weighed in Q2 :rolleyes:

[truefan72]

Really? :eek: So three meetings in a row where he's been "randomly" weighed in Q2 :rolleyes:

yeah, it sure is random LOL

[pettersolberg29]

Praying for rain now!

Really add to the excitement if the BMWs could get involved in the title deciders with Alonso.

Also want Heidfeld to get a podium and shove it up the steward's backside after that penalty - his second stupid one after the Singapore fiasco.

[F1boat]

If it rains, Petter, Lewis wins this championship :)

[pettersolberg29]

Just watched the DC interview on ITV-F1.com and have to say I'm disgusted.

I freely admit I'm a Heidfeld fan, but saying that his move overtaking him 'sums him up as a person' and that he is 'unsportsmanlike' is a disgrace. What is Nick meant to do? I could have overtaken DC he was that slow. DC should have used his experience and let this lie.

If anything, DC has lost respect on this one, not Nick IMO. Slating a driver as a person as well as a driver is too personal and also wrong. I've met Nick and must say he is a far nicer man than DC. What do you think - was DC out of order?

[Valve Bounce]

Kovaleienen just continues to dissapoint me. When the team needs him most he dicuides to be a shrinking violet. This should have been a Mclaren 1-2 at the start, instead he leaves Hamilton to fight against 3 guys (the 2 ferraris' and Alonso who's vowed to help massa). He better have a dynamite start to make up for his Q3 disappearing act.

Maybe, just maybe, Kovi is not as fast or as good a driver as you think.

[truefan72]

Maybe, just maybe, Kovi is not as fast or as good a driver as you think.

yeah I know, BUT...

given his Q1 & Q2 performance as well as his first flying lap in Q3, I fully expected him to end up 2nd or 3rd. He had the optimum strategy and as Q3 was progressing, looked like he was primed to get pole. Out of the top 4 he was the last to pit and had the ideal track position. He had the advantyage of knowing the other 3 times ahead of him and how much to push. His first Q3 lap indicated that his fuel levels were right on par with the others and his time showed it. So I was fully expecting him to deliver something better than p5 when it mattered the most. Not just to help LH but for the team itself fighting for the WCC.
That last lap left me scratching my head and probably the team's as well.

[truefan72]

Just watched the DC interview on ITV-F1.com and have to say I'm disgusted.

I freely admit I'm a Heidfeld fan, but saying that his move overtaking him 'sums him up as a person' and that he is 'unsportsmanlike' is a disgrace. What is Nick meant to do? I could have overtaken DC he was that slow. DC should have used his experience and let this lie.

If anything, DC has lost respect on this one, not Nick IMO. Slating a driver as a person as well as a driver is too personal and also wrong. I've met Nick and must say he is a far nicer man than DC. What do you think - was DC out of order?

way out of order. As I said he continues to end his career on a low note. Losing respect with each utterance ( not to mention shabby driving).

He could easily have been called for break checking Heidfeld who was quickly approaching behind him, and it is DC who decided to slow down before a critical corner. I absolutely don't blame Heidfeld for overtaking him at that position and going about the business of his lap. What in fact DC did was poor sportsmanship on the track and a blatant disregard for drivers around him and exceedingly poor sportsmanship off the track for crying to the stewards and then proceeding to speak such rubbish about Heidfeld to the press. classless behavior from the supposed leader of the driver's union.

[ozrevhead]

Qualifying
Obviously Webber starts 16th due to the engine penalty.


Baring disaster (or rain), Hammy will wrap it up here I would think

We have a saying in Aussie Rules called the 'Second Year Blues' where someone is great in their first year of AFL and non exisitant in the second year because he get paid closer attention - I wonder if thats the same as Hekki atmo

[Valve Bounce]

yeah I know, BUT...

given his Q1 & Q2 performance as well as his first flying lap in Q3, I fully expected him to end up 2nd or 3rd. He had the optimum strategy and as Q3 was progressing, looked like he was primed to get pole. Out of the top 4 he was the last to pit and had the ideal track position. He had the advantyage of knowing the other 3 times ahead of him and how much to push. His first Q3 lap indicated that his fuel levels were right on par with the others and his time showed it. So I was fully expecting him to deliver something better than p5 when it mattered the most. Not just to help LH but for the team itself fighting for the WCC.
That last lap left me scratching my head and probably the team's as well.

The only explanation I can offer is that maybe Lewis, Kimi, Massa, and Fonzo are better drivers. :(

[ShiftingGears]

Well, if it doesn't rain, Kubica can still haul the other drivers in by having Heidfeld play a "Nelson Piquet Jr at Singapore" move.

[call_me_andrew]

I'm looking at the weather, it's about 84F (29C), 48% humidity, and the atmospheric pressure is 30.03 inHg (I don't remember how to convert that to millibars) and stable. I doubt it will rain.


http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c123/killincommies/hamilton.jpg

I think it was more like this.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2366/2241551982_c6612272e1.jpg?v=0

[Tazio]

It appears that the weather in Shanghai is quite a bit different than what was predicted yesterday.
84 F and no rain predicted
http://weather.yahoo.com/Shanghai-China/CHXX0116/forecast.html
May be a difference maker!

[ArrowsFA1]

Baring disaster (or rain), Hammy will wrap it up here I would think.
It would be rather appropriate if he did. Mike Hawthorn won his World Championship in Morocco 50yrs ago today.

[ArrowsFA1]

No title yet, but a perfect weekend for Hamilton. Fastest on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and 10 points in the bag. Great drive.

[ioan]

Excellent job by McLaren and Hamilton.
Poor job Ferrari! They never recovered after the Singapore blunder. :down:
Where are those 3 1-2 finishes :?:

[christophulus]

Great job by Hamilton & McLaren and no penalties to argue over!

Still not all wrapped up though, the pessimist in me is worrying about an engine failure or something in Brazil..

[yodasarmpit]

Not the most exciting race, but job well done for Hamilton.

[ShiftingGears]

Kimi could've threatened Hamilton towards the end if he didn't have to yield. Hamilton and Alonso impressed. Alonso is now ahead of Kovalainen in the drivers standings.

[F1boat]

Well done for Lewis, amazing victory, maybe the best in his career, Ferrari also did a good job scoring 14 points.
Still we must wait and see what happens in Brazil.

[janneppi]

yeah I know, BUT...

given his Q1 & Q2 performance as well as his first flying lap in Q3, I fully expected him to end up 2nd or 3rd. He had the optimum strategy and as Q3 was progressing, looked like he was primed to get pole. Out of the top 4 he was the last to pit and had the ideal track position. He had the advantyage of knowing the other 3 times ahead of him and how much to push. His first Q3 lap indicated that his fuel levels were right on par with the others and his time showed it.
And Again, Kovalainen had more fuel than the others, 3 three laps worth compared to Hamilton, four to Massa and Alonso.
This season, he's had less fuel in Q3 than Hamilton I think only once in normal conditions, and at that time Kovalainen got pole.

Qualifying isn't his problem, his strategies has bees quite poor, but same can be said about his performance in races.

[I am evil Homer]

Not the most exciting race, but job well done for Hamilton.

Indeed but i'm relieved...okay this forum will have less posts than last week!! but this time the fastest driver in the fastest car won with no controversy.

[truefan72]

everything sets up for a nailbiter in Brazil.
They retired Kovy to give him a new engine in brazil with the mission being clear.
good race for LH, Ferrari did what they had to do and I don't begrudge them.
Hopefully McLaren won't have to do the same in Brazil, but if they do I hope the stewards see it in the exact same way as they saw today's race.

Kubica redeemed himself slightly.

did Trulli simply drive inot Bourdais at the start?
what happened to Vettel? Ithought he might be good for something this race

Alonso and Renault continue to shine.
Clearly the the 3rd best team out there now. I hope Alonso stays there now. Piquet had a solid result today. But I still think he might loose his seat.
Good day Fro Barrichello/Honda
Good race for Glock
Nakajima did well to finish 12th, beat his teammate today.

That;s it for now, It'sl like 5:30am over here

[Triumph]

Well done Lewis. Let's hope it's a fair race for the final round.

:)

[ASCAR24/7/365.5]

its interesting though isnt it. massa handed riakonnen the victory last year in brazil so he coule beat hamilton to the title, and then riakonnen hands massa a place to keep massa in the title hunt...seems to me like ferrari cant win it fair and square....oh what a suprise!...other interestin point is without the extra point gained after the bordais incident and without kimi letting massa past hamilton would now be 10 points ahead.....did the fia stewards have a crystal ball in japan!?

[Triumph]

The on-track arrangements between drivers is all part of the game. What I object to is the thinly-veiled cheating by the authorities in order to favour one manufacturer.

This year it has gone well beyond a joke.

[Knock-on]

The on-track arrangements between drivers is all part of the game. What I object to is the thinly-veiled cheating by the authorities in order to favour one manufacturer.

This year it has gone well beyond a joke.

Totally agree. I see nothing at all wrong with what Kimi did as he's out of the hunt and taking one up the arse for his team mate.

Just feel sorry for him.

[jens]

Both Trulli and Bourdais should have been penalized, because according to the Fuji precedent no miscalculations are allowed in Turn1. No? :p :

Oh, maybe Hamilton isn't a winner yet, we'll have to wait for a 25-s penalty for something. ;)

P.S. Coulthard almost turned into Bourdais! :p :

[harsha]

Good Drive by Hamilton,Raikkonen and Alonso....Kubica redeemed himself a bit...

they said Heikki had breaking problems ...missed the last part of the race due to a power cut :(

[Triumph]

I see nothing at all wrong with what Kimi did as he's out of the hunt and taking one up the arse for his team mate.



Well put!

I'm not a Kimi Raikkonen fan, but I'm still quite glad that he actually won a world championship because he had quite a bit of bad luck through the years and until last year the history books didn't really reflect his ability.

It's a shame Jenson Button has been wasting away his career in uncompetitive cars. I really hope he gets a chance to fulfil his potential too.

[Valve Bounce]

Well put!


It's a shame Jenson Button has been wasting away his career in uncompetitive cars. I really hope he gets a chance to fulfil his potential too.

He could have been racing a Williams - he could have been a contender!! Toughski Shyteski!!

[VkmSpouge]

Top performance by Hamilton, he never was put under any pressure and was the class of the field today.
Ferrari maybe a little worried why they couldn't live with Hamilton's pace, though maybe Interlagos will flip things again.
Down to the last race now.

[ArrowsFA1]

Ferrari maybe a little worried why they couldn't live with Hamilton's pace...
Indeed they are, although Stefano Domenicali (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/71612) seems to have already found the answer:

"They (McLaren) were simply much faster than us...Lewis was in another league, he was driving perfectly, fast, consistent and we couldn't even think of attacking him."

[truefan72]

He could have been racing a Williams - he could have been a contender!! Toughski Shyteski!!

yep

button Rosberg would have made a strong team

[ShiftingGears]

I really hope he gets a chance to fulfil his potential too.

Yeah, this weekend definitely highlighted that he'd go so well in a top team.

[Valve Bounce]

yep

button Rosberg would have made a strong team

Well, he reneged on Frank
Now he drives a Tank!!

[F1boat]

yep

button Rosberg would have made a strong team

Who do you think is a better driver between these two?

[Triumph]

He could have been racing a Williams - he could have been a contender!! Toughski Shyteski!!

Haha, yes, very true! There is an element of luck involved with jumping teams though. Sometimes they get it right and sometimes not.

I thought Alonso would be out of the picture for a while, but as it turns out the Renault has become competitive very quickly.

[Triumph]

Yeah, this weekend definitely highlighted that he'd go so well in a top team.

He's got the potential, but not the car. I expect anyone in the Honda would put on an equally impressive show!

[ShiftingGears]

He's got the potential, but not the car. I expect anyone in the Honda would put on an equally impressive show!

Impressive isn't the word I'd use after Barrichello totally destroyed him this weekend. If he had the potential, he'd be flogging him. He is not.

[Triumph]

Impressive isn't the word I'd use after Barrichello totally destroyed him this weekend. If he had the potential, he'd be flogging him. He is not.

Regarding potential you only have to think back to 2004. It's the car that's the problem, not the driver.

[ShiftingGears]

Regarding potential you only have to think back to 2004. It's the car that's the problem, not the driver.

Right. He hasn't destroyed Barrichello like many Button fans had hoped, and no team is interested in him. After results like this weekend, why would they be?

In 2004 he had many podiums. You don't know whether he fulfilled the potential of the car or not.

[Triumph]

No, that's true, but I do know that he had (and hopefully still has) the ability to finish at least third in the world championship.

We may never know because he may not get a suitable car before his time runs out.

[jens]

Button's career will end at Honda. You may talk about lack of motivation, but if he had any will to get into a better team, he should be trying as hard as hell and beat Barrichello. This is far from happening. He is even struggling to match Barrichello. With such performances he is not showing any justification, why should a better team hire him. You know, driver is as good as his last season(s). No-one cares about 2004 any more... or takes into account, when considering future driver pairings.

[Tazio]

Triumph,
Nothing personal Old Bean, but you should be satisfied that you have
Lewis representing for the Union Jack! I'm indifferent to Button.
He had a few good dices with Mike, and Fred back in the day :dozey:
The guy has talent, and class, but his best days are behind him.

[woody2goody]

Right. He hasn't destroyed Barrichello like many Button fans had hoped, and no team is interested in him. After results like this weekend, why would they be?

In 2004 he had many podiums. You don't know whether he fulfilled the potential of the car or not.

Ah, but look how he comprehensively destroyed Sato, and look how good he is.

[ShiftingGears]

Ah, but look how he comprehensively destroyed Sato, and look how good he is.

Not very?

[Valve Bounce]

No, that's true, but I do know that he had (and hopefully still has) the ability to finish at least third in the world championship.



Let me get this straight: you believe bunsen still has the ability to finish at least third in the world championship?
You really want to lay off Markabilly's Kool Aid - it is just reconstituted Red Bull!

[gravity]

Having watched the Heiki issue again, it looked like he had a sticking brake. Even when his tire was flat, instead of it rolling along down the straight, it was holding still. Could that be because the driver was holding just enough brake to stop the wheel from rolling/causing damage or because the brake was sticking?

Another question which I'm suprised hasn't been asked more often here (except if there is an obvious answer which I am missing) is who decides what tires are required for a race? Ferrari obviously struggle against the McLarens when they bring the hardest two compound tires to the race weekend. Wouldn't they feel 'cheated' every time the hardest tires are brought to a race? If there was any conspiracy theory here (other than the stewards decisions for some) it would be that the hardest tires were brought in for the last GP when the WDC was so delicately poised. I doubt the Ferrari's would have been so far behind on pace if they had the softest compounds at the track. Does anyone have the stats on which compounds have been brought to all the venues so far this year, and, what are the tires that will be brought to Brazil? If they choose the hardest two compounds for the last race then I don't think Ferrari have much chance again.

[Garry Walker]

gravity - For the last race at Brazil, the tyres will be soft and medium. Last year it was SuperSoft and soft. So they have gone for the harder tyres this year. Not good for Ferrari, but F2008, if the track is hot enough, should easily dominate that one.

[Garry Walker]

Ah, but look how he comprehensively destroyed Sato, and look how good he is.Sato is a joke. Button is not much better either.

[gloomyDAY]

Sato is a joke. Button is not much better either.Precisely.

What is the obsession with these two obsolete drivers and this forum?

[truefan72]

Who do you think is a better driver between these two?

to be honest, given equal machinery, a slight edge to button in consistency, a slight edge to Rosberg in Pace. It would be awfully close.

[janneppi]

Having watched the Heiki issue again, it looked like he had a sticking brake. Even when his tire was flat, instead of it rolling along down the straight, it was holding still. Could that be because the driver was holding just enough brake to stop the wheel from rolling/causing damage or because the brake was sticking?

.
Apparently according to the latest explanation, team had put the fronts on the wrong sides in his first stint, left to right, and right to left. This caused so much understeer that the team corrected it by adjusting the front win large amount in the first pit stop.
In the second stint the front tyres were on the right sides, but now too much front wing stressed the tyre too much.

:)

[gloomyDAY]

Apparently according to the latest explanation, team had put the fronts on the wrong sides in his first stint, left to right, and right to left. This caused so much understeer that the team corrected it by adjusting the front win large amount in the first pit stop.
In the second stint the front tyres were on the right sides, but now too much front wing stressed the tyre too much.

:) What?!

Beastie Boys - Sabotage

[truefan72]

Apparently according to the latest explanation, team had put the fronts on the wrong sides in his first stint, left to right, and right to left. This caused so much understeer that the team corrected it by adjusting the front win large amount in the first pit stop.
In the second stint the front tyres were on the right sides, but now too much front wing stressed the tyre too much.

:)

lol that is terrible if really true, although I haven't seen statements regarding that around. but if true then very amateurish workmanship by the Mclaren pit staff and really inexcusable. They needed the points and kovy to keep the Ferrari's honest, neither of which were accomplished in a very crucial race.

That being said, he was already not doing a good job before the first pitstop.