2014 Chinese Grand Prix Official Thread

[steveaki13]

So 2 weeks after the amazing Bahrain GP that got everyone talking about F1 in a better light, we now have The Chinese GP.
It appears it should be nothing but a Merc 1-2, and if it is lets hope we get a decent battle between them more like Bahrain than Malaysia.

Drivers Championship after 3 Rounds


1
Nico Rosberg - Mercedes
61


2
Lewis Hamilton - Mercedes
50


3
Nico Hulkenberg - Force India
28


4
Fernando Alonso - Ferrari
26


5
Jenson Button - Mclaren
23


6
Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull
23


7
Kevin Magnussen - Mclaren
20


8
Valteri Bottas - Williams
18


9
Sergio Perez - Force India
16


10
Daniel Ricciardo - Red Bull
12


11
Felipe Massa - Williams
12


12
Kimi Raikkonen - Ferrari
7


13
Jean Eric Vergne - Toro Rosso
4


14
Dani Kyvat - Toro Rosso
3


15
Romain Grosjean - Lotus
0


16
Adrian Sutil - Sauber
0


17
Esteban Gutierrez - Sauber
0


18
Max Chilton - Marussia
0


19
Kamui Kobayashi - Caterham
0


20
Jules Bianchi - Marussia
0


21
Pastor Maldonado - Lotus
0


22
Marcus Ericson - Caterham
0




Constructors Championship after 3 Rounds



1
Mercedes - Mercedes
111


2
Force India - Mercedes
44


3
McLaren - Mercedes
43


4
Red Bull - Renault
35


5
Ferrari -Ferrari
33


6
Williams - Mercedes
30


7
Toro Rosso - Renault
7


8
Lotus - Renault
0


9
Sauber - Ferrari
0


10
Marussia - Ferrari
0


11
Caterham - Renault
0




2014 Chinese Grand Prix, Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai.

18-20th April

Times are Local and (UK times). (Sorry about that :vampire: )
FP1: 18th April -10:00am -11:30am - (3:00am-4:30am)
FP2: 18th April -14:00pm - 15:30pm - (7:00am-8:30am)

FP3: 19th April - 11:00am - 12:00pm - (4:00am-5:00am)
Quali:19th April - 14:00pm- (7:00am)

Race: 20th April - 15:00pm - (8:00am)

56 Laps

Previous Winners
2004: Rubens Barrichello - Ferrari
2005: Fernando Alonso - Renault
2006: Michael Schumacher - Ferrari
2007: Kimi Raikkonen - Ferrari
2008: Lewis Hamilton - Mclaren
2009: Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull
2010: Jenson Button - Mclaren
2011: Lewis Hamilton - Mclaren
2012: Nico Rosberg - Mercedes
2013: Fernando Alonso - Ferrari

Most Wins
Hamilton - 2 wins
Alonso - 2 wins
Barrichello - 1 win
Schumacer - 1 win
Raikkonen - 1 win
Vettel - 1 win
Button - 1 win
Rosberg - 1 win

*So no one has really cracked this track. Only Lewis and Alonso have 2 wins.

Ferrari - 4 wins
Mclaren - 3 wins
Renault - 1 win
Red Bull - 1 win
Mercedes - 1 win


Sorry about the late thread start, but I have been having computer problems. If the race is half as good a Bahrain then it should still be a decent race.

Enjoy

[andyone]

nice introduction bro. i hope hamilton wins this again. even though rosberg seems very confortable in china.. the force indias are another fast team. what a progress. at least Redbulls are now not the team to look at so far. lots of issues with the car.

[steveaki13]

The long straights I would assume would again favour all the Merc powered cars

[easy rider]

nice introduction bro. i hope hamilton wins this again. even though rosberg seems very confortable in china..


Let's not forget that, Lewis seems also to have found a comfort zone in China, by winning the race twice. The first time in 2008, and more recently in 2011.

[Tazio]

Ferrari are dogging Kimi in FP1 Baggie :dork:

[andyone]

maldonado! what a stupid crash.. on FP2

[Koz]

And apparently Kimi has spent 95% of the laps behind Fred this year.

[Storm]

maldonado! what a stupid crash.. on FP2

crashing on the way into the pits, was it? like DC?

BBC Sport says he crashed due to "steering distraction"...? :laugh:

Alonso just 0.14 secs off Hamilton in FP2 after being quickets in FP1 (where LH did not run)
interesting after such a lacklustre Bahrain for Ferrari.

[Tazio]

And apparently Kimi has spent 95% of the laps behind Fred this year.

:stareup: What did you expect Dukie? :dork: :quack: ;) ;)

[steveaki13]

Wow. Maldo-crashdo again.

He had about 3 strange incidents through the sessions.

[Tazio]

Wow. Maldo-crashdo again.

He had about 3 strange incidents through the sessions.Right, the first one was really retarded, he looked at his steering wheel, drove off the track and spun, while he was probably doing about 40 mph, :confused: :retard: :monkee:

[MacFeegle]

No no no. We being too hard on Pastor and he just misunderstood :D

[MacFeegle]

Hope Lewis win again. Best driver this year and unlucky in first race or would have won all races.

[andyone]

Hope Lewis win again. Best driver this year and unlucky in first race or would have won all races.
i hope that too. and yes he would have won all. there is more to come from him.

[Koz]

:stareup: What did you expect Dukie? :dork: :quack: ;) ;)

Not to be failing this hard.


But Grosjean!!! Top 10!

[Tazio]

Kimi man :confused: : sorry: :stareup:

[MacFeegle]

Kimi second off Alonso. Need to do better in front of new boss.

[Koz]

Ha! Vettel can't be happy, he should have kept Webber around. :D

[Tazio]

Felipe Baggie! :stareup: :sailor:
But a great job by The Boss! I told you rj

[Tazio]

Sebastian, Daniel is a like a little faster than you daddy-o. :dog:

[andyone]

Ha! Vettel can't be happy, he should have kept Webber around. :D

lol for sure. he is being beaten by a rookie. now we might see the Alonso/Hamilton Episode. back in mclaren.

[dj_bytedisaster]

lol for sure. he is being beaten by a rookie. now we might see the Alonso/Hamilton Episode. back in mclaren.

Someone with two full seasons is hardly a rookie. But Vettel really seems to have inherited Mark's car. He's the one constantly having probs. They trield to dial in the motormappings and the brake by wire and didn't really get it to the way it works on Danny's car. Nico apparently had brake-by-wire probs, too. In the rain that's pretty much 'game over'.

[pino]

I predict another dark season for Ferrari and his tifosi ;(

[drive]

Some fresh pictures from Saturday Chinese Grand Prix
http://www.thepaddockmagazine.com/articles/gallery/chinese-grand-prix-2014-saturday-photo-gallery-108573

[Mia 01]

I predict another dark season for Ferrari and his tifosi ;(

Have faith! If Fernando and Kimi survive the start my feeling is that they will be able to make up a few places.

[journeyman racer]

Daniel Ricciardo is not a rookie.

[A FONDO]

I predict another dark season for Ferrari and his tifosi ;(

not so hard to predict this :laugh:

[dj_bytedisaster]

not so hard to predict this :laugh:

They could still come back. Nobody was willing to bet a dime on RB after winter testing. If the new guy can whip them in shape, I don't think all is lost yet and ALO usually is superhuman at home.

[Bagwan]

They could still come back. Nobody was willing to bet a dime on RB after winter testing. If the new guy can whip them in shape, I don't think all is lost yet and ALO usually is superhuman at home.

You would have bet that dime , or , at least a nickel .
Did you notice that it was mentioned that RB and TR both had new spec units last race , before all the others , like I stated , and you denied ?

Ferrari are a little discombobulated right now , but , I have faith they will make a lot of trouble for those looking to be right behind the Mercs .

[N4D13]

You would have bet that dime , or , at least a nickel .
Did you notice that it was mentioned that RB and TR both had new spec units last race , before all the others , like I stated , and you denied ?

Ferrari are a little discombobulated right now , but , I have faith they will make a lot of trouble for those looking to be right behind the Mercs .
If you're talking about Red Bull, I fear that they are out of reach for Ferrari! I'd like to be wrong but things don't look very rosy for the red cars. Räikkönen might make up some places but Alonso might even need a bit of luck not to go backwards.

[dj_bytedisaster]

You would have bet that dime , or , at least a nickel .
Did you notice that it was mentioned that RB and TR both had new spec units last race , before all the others , like I stated , and you denied ?


How "new" can the units have been? They've been homologated since Feb 28th? The only thing that could have been significantly different was the software and that was mostly developed by the crack team RB had dispatched to Viry in the first place.

[Zico]

Daniel Ricciardo is not a rookie.

True, the extent of Ricciardos calibre as a driver was relatively unknown until he earned his RB seat though and I think it fair to say that we have all been very impressed with him so far. It is early yet but In current form he actually looks to be the stronger of the two drivers, I certainly wasn't expecting that!

Poor Seb, being seen to be upstaged by the newcomer and suffering from so many technical issues must really be hurting the 4 time WD Champ. I can only imagine how that would affect someone psychologically after such crushing dominance for so long. If he has much strength in character (which I think he has) he will surely bounce back though.


"Daniel Ricciardo beating me fair and square" - Vettel

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/27087057


Taking it squarely on the chin and offering no excuses (even though he probably has a valid right to) has really given me a new found respect for Seb as a man.

[dj_bytedisaster]

Poor Seb, being seen to be upstaged by the newcomer and suffering from so many technical issues must really be hurting the 4 time WD Champ. I can only imagine how that would affect someone psychologically after such crushing dominance for so long. If he has much strength in character (which I think he has) he will surely bounce back though.

I think it's two things that hurt him. First of all he must get rid of the driving style he had to use the last two years. The EBD cars had to be driven counter-intuitively. He was good at that, but getting it out of the systemn again takes time. His lack of running doesn't help with that. RB ran little in winter, but much more of that happened with Danny at the wheel and he was given both of the test days in Bahrain. Vettel has a significant milage deficit which doesn't help if you have to change your driving style.

[Zico]

I think it's two things that hurt him. First of all he must get rid of the driving style he had to use the last two years. The EBD cars had to be driven counter-intuitively. He was good at that, but getting it out of the systemn again takes time. His lack of running doesn't help with that. RB ran little in winter, but much more of that happened with Danny at the wheel and he was given both of the test days in Bahrain. Vettel has a significant milage deficit which doesn't help if you have to change your driving style.


Yes, I think you may be spot on there DJ. When you look at it like that Daniel really couldn't have moved to RB at a better time with the new regs/clean slate. I wonder if Mark is thinking he maybe retired from F1 a season too early. ;)

[Bagwan]

How "new" can the units have been? They've been homologated since Feb 28th? The only thing that could have been significantly different was the software and that was mostly developed by the crack team RB had dispatched to Viry in the first place.

James Allen mentioned a couple of things that were different on the units .
One was the exhaust configuration .
I'm not sure if it's just packaging , or whether the Merc is being emulated yet , but it is better , as Lotus seem to be going stronger , when not in the hands of oily Brazilians .

[Bagwan]

How "new" can the units have been? They've been homologated since Feb 28th? The only thing that could have been significantly different was the software and that was mostly developed by the crack team RB had dispatched to Viry in the first place.

Here's a quote from James Allen's site :

"The latest specification Renault power units cut the power deficit to Mercedes from around 70bhp to around 40bhp, according to those in the know. That’s still a 4/10ths of a second deficit at most F1 venues. The power deficit has so far also compromised the DRS effect as the teams had to reduce the rear wing elements to improve top speed.

This new specification unit has a revised exhaust and is more robust in the turbo and MGU-H connected to it. This means that Renault can get most of the maximum 160hp boost from the Energy Recovery System, which it had not been able to do before."

He mentions specifically that only RB and TR had them last race .

So , no , it is not just the software .

[dj_bytedisaster]

Here's a quote from James Allen's site :

"The latest specification Renault power units cut the power deficit to Mercedes from around 70bhp to around 40bhp, according to those in the know. That’s still a 4/10ths of a second deficit at most F1 venues. The power deficit has so far also compromised the DRS effect as the teams had to reduce the rear wing elements to improve top speed.

This new specification unit has a revised exhaust and is more robust in the turbo and MGU-H connected to it. This means that Renault can get most of the maximum 160hp boost from the Energy Recovery System, which it had not been able to do before."

He mentions specifically that only RB and TR had them last race .

So , no , it is not just the software .

But how can Renault introduce new engines 2 months after the freeze, unless they needed that long to produce them? If they provide changed engines now, they must have started production before Feb. 28th. That would be ridiculous.

[Koz]

But how can Renault introduce new engines 2 months after the freeze, unless they needed that long to produce them? If they provide changed engines now, they must have started production before Feb. 28th. That would be ridiculous.

Why don't you know?

The new engines have nothing to do with performance, Renault is just making them more reliable....

[MacFeegle]

But how can Renault introduce new engines 2 months after the freeze, unless they needed that long to produce them? If they provide changed engines now, they must have started production before Feb. 28th. That would be ridiculous.

I thought you know everything :)

Making renault more powerful help reliability obviously. The more reliability, the faster it goes :laugh:

[donKey jote]

morning gurlz :D

[Koz]

Hello Donkey!

[Tazio]

'Sup dawgs? :dog: ;)

[Tazio]

Kimi for the win :dork:

[steveaki13]

Morning Docs/Donks/Koz's

What sort of anti Red Bull, pro Mercedes winning by a lap can we spout to annoy dj today. :p

[steveaki13]

Kimi for the win :dork:

By 54 seconds as well

[donKey jote]

ready for the snorefest... ;)

[Koz]

Alonso!

[steveaki13]

what a start by Massa and Alonso. Should be fun to see if Rosberg can come back to 2nd.

[steveaki13]

Seb doing a nice job so far too

[Tazio]

Felipe tried taking out fred;)

[steveaki13]

Boy, do they build suspension strong these days. 10 years ago Massa, Bottas and Rosberg would all be retired.

[steveaki13]

Felipe tried taking out fred;)

Well Fred was faster than him. ;)

[donKey jote]

stoopid Pirelli :p

[steveaki13]

wow Sauber are shocking this season.

[steveaki13]

Rosberg gonna be passing some faster cars soon, by the looks of it.

I wondered whether Red Bull might be fast enough in the middle sector to stay clear along the straight.

[dj_bytedisaster]

I wondered whether Red Bull might be fast enough in the middle sector to stay clear along the straight.

Not against the Mercedes. That thing makes the 2013 RB look like a slouch.

[Tazio]

wow Sauber are shocking this season.

Poor Slash :mark:

[steveaki13]

Rosberg actually just sitting or slipping back again now. Maybe waiting for pitstops

[donKey jote]

poor squiggy ...

[steveaki13]

Poor Slash :mark:

Bet no ones having a drink with him after the race considering his current frustration. ;)

[steveaki13]

Felipe Baby cant get no tyres

[donKey jote]

hope alo's nuts are ok :p

[dj_bytedisaster]

Jeez, Massa can't buy a break, can he?

[dj_bytedisaster]

Bet no ones having a drink with him after the race considering his current frustration. ;)

RTL's Kai Ebel survived the interview with him :D

[Koz]

Why is Rosberg so slow?

[donKey jote]

cheers kyvat :D
kyv: vet is faster than you :laugh:

[andyone]

Why is Rosberg so slow?
im wondering maybe he is waiting for something special. riccardo is going to pass vettel.. hehehe

[dj_bytedisaster]

Why is Rosberg so slow?

Bad understeer. Just went over pit-radio

[steveaki13]

late stops really drop the cars back down the field. Rosberg stops a lap later and is 5 or 6 seconds behind Alo & Seb

[steveaki13]

Seems Ricciardo is waiting to long to pit, but it might come back to him later on though.

Oh yer I forgot Kimi was in this race. :p

[N4D13]

Nice overtake by Kimi, à la Kobayashi!

[steveaki13]

Lewis wants to pit, otherwise Alonso will be "undercutting" him.

[donKey jote]

time for tires, hammy :p

[dj_bytedisaster]

I wonder if the Lewis fans will be as vocal in their complaints about the same man winning over and over again as they were last year :D

[steveaki13]

Not if he wins like in Bahrain cause that was exciting, but if its walking off on his own like today. Then absolutely. It will be dull as dull like last season.

[donKey jote]

voice telemetry for nico :p

[dj_bytedisaster]

Oopsy, Rosberg having to do the telemetry, too. Looks like they lost the link to his car.

[steveaki13]

it is actually amazing the "undercut" and running wide Hamilton has lost 10 seconds of his lead.

Amazing effort by Alonso today. Imagine if he could finish second.

[Tazio]

why vet falling back so much?

[steveaki13]

Oopsy, Rosberg having to do the telemetry, too. Looks like they lost the link to his car.

As well as driving, Mercedes wanting Rosberg to start doing some reading at the same time. That's talent.

[steveaki13]

why vet falling back so much?

Tyre saving/fuel saving?

[dj_bytedisaster]

Not if he wins like in Bahrain cause that was exciting, but if its walking off on his own like today. Then absolutely. It will be dull as dull like last season.

Last year we had the Lotus' up there occasionally (German GP for instance). But that Merc is ridiculous. Rosberg was hit at the start, has no telemetry and is still up there.

[dj_bytedisaster]

Tyre saving/fuel saving?

Yeah he asked the pit to take it slow for a while. It's either tyres or fuel greenpeacing.

[steveaki13]

Hamilton having a scruffy race. Only 5 seconds ahead after 22 laps. In Bahrain he was 25 seconds ahead.

Rosberg passes Vettel

[donKey jote]

oooh, a pass !

[Koz]

Seb, Riccardo is faster than you!

[steveaki13]

Vettel put up some great fight against Rosberg. Now he has Ricciardo to play with.

[donKey jote]

go ric ! :andrea:

[dj_bytedisaster]

Vettel drops like a stone. Either he has to greenpeace extremely or something on that car is wonky

[donKey jote]

multi 54 :p

[andyone]

Why is Rosberg so slow?
im wondering maybe he is waiting for something special. riccardo is going to pass vettel.. hehehe

[steveaki13]

Its worth mentioning Alonso.

How is he 2nd ahead of the Red Bulls and 30 seconds ahead of Kimi. Good driving by Alonso

Will Seb let Daniel through though.

[Koz]

Tough luck.

I have a massive smile on my face.

[andyone]

i wish i could see Vettel's face when he was told to let Ricarrdo through

[donKey jote]

tough luck :laugh:

[steveaki13]

Seb says tough luck. :p

That's the Seb ignoring team orders we all know and love.

[donKey jote]

pwaack pak pak pak pwaaack :p

[steveaki13]

Rosberg not really catching Alonso.

I would love Alonso to somehow win this race.

[Tazio]

New appreciation for Seb :)

[truefan72]

Tough luck.

I have a massive smile on my face.

agreed!

good for vettel, if ricciardo wants to get by then pass him. there is no need for team orders whatsoever
its not like ricciardo will catch rosberg

shameful by RBR
no respect for vettel from the RBR pitwall

[steveaki13]

New appreciation for Seb :)

Did you say that last season when Seb ignored team orders and passed Webbo. :devil:

[dj_bytedisaster]

This is RB's way of saying 'We are ok with it if you want to go to another team next year'

[steveaki13]

Serious question.

As actually matter of fact, are Mercedes taking it easy here or are they just not as fast on this track?

I mean in Bahrain they were 30 seconds clear and 2 seconds a lap faster.

Today Red Bull and especially Alonso have given them something more to think about.

Edit: Poor old Grosjean he was doing well this weekend.

[dj_bytedisaster]

As actually matter of fact, are Mercedes taking it easy here or are they just not as fast on this track?


I'm pretty sure Lewis is driving with one finger up his nose. Rosberg is unrepresentative. His car's been crippled since the start.

[steveaki13]

I'm pretty sure Lewis is driving with one finger up his nose. Rosberg is unrepresentative. His car's been crippled since the start.

I suppose Lewis would be going faster if he was racing Rosberg fully able, so if they had run 1-2 they probably would be further up the road.

I just wondered if it gave a hope that Merc might be being caught up. Maybe just wishful thinking.

[donKey jote]

nico pit punked alo :p

[Koz]

LOL @Kobayashi!

[donKey jote]

oh look, Kimi ! :andrea:

[dj_bytedisaster]

LOL @Kobayashi!

RB getting ridiculous here. Vettel said he needs new tyres 2 laps ago and now the socks are so ruined that Koba just blast by...

[steveaki13]

Kobayashi adding to Seb's problems.

I never have a problem with backmarkers unlapping themselves, as long as they either pull away or respect blue flags as soon as they wave again.

Seb pitted though so its academic now.

[steveaki13]

RB getting ridiculous here. Vettel said he needs new tyres 2 laps ago and now the socks are so ruined that Koba just blast by...

I agree

Why didn't they pit Seb earlier? Strange wasting of time.

[donKey jote]

tough luck ;) :p

[steveaki13]

Mercedes should pit Rosberg otherwise Alonso will be too far ahead.

[dj_bytedisaster]

I agree

Why didn't they pit Seb earlier? Strange wasting of time.

They seem to try to convert him to a two-stopper. Or they just want to screw him over, because f*** you.

[donKey jote]

looks like they fibbed about ric being on a 2-stop :p

[donKey jote]

nico 2 secs per lap faster than alo :dozey: :p

[dj_bytedisaster]

LOL ROS@pitradio. Looks like he's tired of being a telemetry device.

[donKey jote]

ric 1 sec faster... no podium for alo! :p

[Koz]

Sitting duck.

[donKey jote]

merc has wings :crazy: :p

[N4D13]

It's going to be quite entertaining at the end. Ricciardo is going to be able to catch Alonso, but will he be able to pass him with his straight-line speed deficit?

[donKey jote]

alo pushing to the finish...

[Garry Walker]

Vettel drops like a stone. Either he has to greenpeace extremely or something on that car is wonky
Or rather, he is just much slower than his teammate.


This is RB's way of saying 'We are ok with it if you want to go to another team next year'
Well, they already have a better driver in their team, they can easily replace vettel.


I agree

Why didn't they pit Seb earlier? Strange wasting of time.

Because they didn't want the last stint to be too long.

[steveaki13]

Come on Fred. We want a podium for Ferrari. well I do.

Alonso my driver of the race so far.

[donKey jote]

for once I agree with Garry :wave: :devil: :p

[dj_bytedisaster]

Or rather, he is just much slower than his teammate.


Let me invite you to my ignore list. I knew you would come back to that. Don't forget to update your other accounts with more hatred.

[steveaki13]

Hi Garry. :wave:

[Garry Walker]

Let me invite you to my ignore list. I knew you would come back to that. Don't forget to update your other accounts with more hatred.

How butthurt are you?

[Garry Walker]

Hi Garry. :wave:

:wave:

[donKey jote]

pass the popcorn :p

[steveaki13]

How butthurt are you?

:rotflmao:

[dj_bytedisaster]

How butthurt are you?

Not much. I'm just sick of you. You fuck off for months, but as soon as you see a reason to post a something that's dripping of hatred, you're back in an instant.

[steveaki13]

pass the popcorn :p

I'll bring the beer's

[donKey jote]

:beer: :p

[Garry Walker]

Not much. I'm just sick of you. You fuck off for months, but as soon as you see a reason to post a something that's dripping of hatred, you're back in an instant.

Are you a little agitated? Tough luck.

I will try to post a bit more now - haven't had much time lately. You hating it almost gives me additional motivation to posting here.

[donKey jote]

well done Merc, Alo and Ric :D

[N4D13]

Guys, I don't know if you've noticed, but there's a race going on and Hamilton is just crossing the finish line in first... :P

[donKey jote]

Podium !!! :D

[Garry Walker]

Excellent race

[N4D13]

Podium !!! :D
I've got to admit, I didn't expect to see Alonso topping the Bulls. If anything, after Bahrain, I wouldn't have been surprised if he had gone backwards. I'm glad that my crystal ball was this dusty... :P

[dj_bytedisaster]

Guys, I don't know if you're noticed, but there's a race going on and Hamilton is just crossing the finish line in first... :P

Nope, I'm not noticed. HAM is, even twice if I saw it correctly :D Did they wave the checquered twice?

[N4D13]

Nope, I'm not noticed. HAM is, even twice if I saw it correctly :D Did they wave the checquered twice?

Dang, I corrected that just a few seconds too late! :(

[Koz]

Hammy and Nico not being very buddy buddy today.

[donKey jote]

merc über alles :p

[truefan72]

lol its priceless watching nico pout

he has nobody to blame but himself

alonso drove a very strong race, but he did move into massa and ruined his race though

I'm not sure what's going on at rBR, but they buffed that one with Vettel.

hulkenberg as always, best of the rest

[truefan72]

Hammy and Nico not being very buddy buddy today.

well that's on Nico.

[steveaki13]

Rosberg seems a bit pissed.

Saying to Lewis "Tough race?, tough race huh. Are you tired?"

Clearly a bit of needle creeping in. To be honest Nico must be feeling a bit frustrated. He won Round 1, but Hamilton retired, since then Lewis is keeping Nico at bay.

Anyway not a great race, but glad to see Alonso on the podium.

Spain next. I wonder if Alonso can do it again in spain.

[steveaki13]

lol its priceless watching nico pout

he has nobody to blame but himself

alonso drove a very strong race, but he did move into massa and ruined his race though

I'm not sure what's going on at rBR, but they buffed that one with Vettel.

hulkenberg as always, best of the rest

Not sure Rosberg is at fault for telemetry problems. He had to take it easy early on so they could work out the fuel.

[truefan72]

Not sure Rosberg is at fault for telemetry problems. He had to take it easy early on so they could work out the fuel.

to be honest. it was already lost yesterday in Qualy, Hamilton had a 2 car buffer between he and rosberg.
That was the difference in the race.

At least he had a running car. When Hamilton had his gremlins he was knocked out of the race and has managed to claw back to within 4 points.
Its still shaping up to be an epic battle all season long

[dj_bytedisaster]

to be honest. it was already lost yesterday in Qualy, Hamilton had a 2 car buffer between he and rosberg.
That was the difference in the race.

Except that this two car buffer was the result of car gremlins, too - in this case brake-by-wire problems for Nico. Let's face it. If a Mercedes at this point doesn't qualify or finish 1st or 2nd, it didn't run properly. That's how ridiculously superior they are.

[Zeakiwi]

It will be interesting to see if the other teams catch up a bit on Mercedes when the 'upgrades' arrive.

[journeyman racer]

LOL! The militant Hamilton fans coming around and getting more and more confident. He was supposed to be the leading driver of this decade. But he, and particularly his fans, have been trodden on by the superiority of the RB aero department.*

It's a looong season. Hehehe.


*Just remember, Hamilton should've won the '10 title, but he choked and fumbled it up like Chelsea and/or Man City have choked/fumbled the EPL.

[steveaki13]

Next round in Barcelona could be important for the season.

It has a long straight but its also quite technical. So coupled with updates for everyone it might close it all up a bit.

[rjbetty]

Rosberg seems a bit pissed.

Saying to Lewis "Tough race?, tough race huh. Are you tired?"

Clearly a bit of needle creeping in. To be honest Nico must be feeling a bit frustrated. He won Round 1, but Hamilton retired, since then Lewis is keeping Nico at bay.

Anyway not a great race, but glad to see Alonso on the podium.

Spain next. I wonder if Alonso can do it again in spain.

Bit of mind games from Nico eh? Nothing like a WDC challenge to show a driver's true colours.

Also, what a horrible little person Vettel is! Not looking so great are we?

Seems that Lewis is more convincing than Seb in a winning car, just as Seb is even far less convincing in a not s good one.

Nothing like poetic justice eh?


Don't worry dj, at least only 2 cars retired. ;p



EDIT: Btw hi Garry! Want some cake? :p

[dj_bytedisaster]

Seems that Lewis is more convincing than Seb in a winning car, just as Seb is even far less convincing in a not s good one.

Nothing like poetic justice eh?


Don't worry dj, at least only 2 cars retired. ;p



EDIT: Btw hi Garry! Want some cake? :p

You have a predilection for posting long pamphlets giving the impression of being knowledgabe or interested in F1. This drivel just destroyed that illusion.

[steveaki13]

You have a predilection for posting long pamphlets giving the impression of being knowledgabe or interested in F1. This drivel just destroyed that illusion.

Whats that saying Hi to Garry :D

[rjbetty]

You have a predilection for posting long pamphlets giving the impression of being knowledgabe or interested in F1. This drivel just destroyed that illusion.

Bit bitter about how the season is turning out are we dj?

I think that's a bit rich what you called me. I've never claimed to be an expert - far from it! I often remind everyone what a mess I made of my 2013 FGP for example.

[dj_bytedisaster]

Bit bitter about how the season is turning out are we dj?

Not bitter. Just fed up with people, who now think it is a good time to ridicule certain drivers, because they were bumhurt the last few years he beat your supported driver. I'm generally fed up with people who think that F1 is about a single driver or team. I would never invite Alonso to dinner, but Vettel I would - I met them both in person. But that doesn't stop me from acknowledging that Fernando did a brilliant job today. That's the difference.

[steveaki13]

Bit bitter about how the season is turning out are we dj?

I think that's a bit rich what you called me. I've never claimed to be an expert - far from it! I often remind everyone what a mess I made of my 2013 FGP for example.

Thumbs up

[steveaki13]

Not bitter. Just fed up with people, who now think it is a good time to ridicule certain drivers, because they were bumhurt the last few years he beat your supported driver. I'm generally fed up with people who think that F1 is about a single driver or team. I would never invite Alonso to dinner, but Vettel I would - I met them both in person. But that doesn't stop me from acknowledging that Fernando did a brilliant job today. That's the difference.

I agree and get what you say.

However you have to acknowledge that for many people it got dull and annoying to see Seb and Red Bull winning so many races from a dominant single car race situation. 4 championships in row and 2 of those 2011 & 2013 were absolute cake walks.

I don't mind Seb winning, but I want him to win beating someone else in a fight. I know it wasn't his fault but its still refreshing to see a different winner.

That said I am intelligent enough to say that we now face boring Mercedes dominance. However the two differences at the moment are that its "new" so people are not necessarily bored of it yet and at least we appear to have two drivers closer battling for a title. Remember for whatever reason Vettel would often win and Webber rather than be second would be 5th or 6th and so the championship was over sooner.


I do agree though that far to much Vettel bashing that goes on. I make no secret of the fact that I am happy to at least see someone new at the front.

But there is a difference between being happy to see someone new at the front and being glad to see Vettel in the pack.

everyone needs to remember that.

[Zico]

I agree and get what you say.

However you have to acknowledge that for many people it got dull and annoying to see Seb and Red Bull winning so many races from a dominant single car race situation. 4 championships in row and 2 of those 2011 & 2013 were absolute cake walks.

I don't mind Seb winning, but I want him to win beating someone else in a fight. I know it wasn't his fault but its still refreshing to see a different winner.

That said I am intelligent enough to say that we now face boring Mercedes dominance. However the two differences at the moment are that its "new" so people are not necessarily bored of it yet and at least we appear to have two drivers closer battling for a title. Remember for whatever reason Vettel would often win and Webber rather than be second would be 5th or 6th and so the championship was over sooner.


I do agree though that far to much Vettel bashing that goes on. I make no secret of the fact that I am happy to at least see someone new at the front.

But there is a difference between being happy to see someone new at the front and being glad to see Vettel in the pack.

everyone needs to remember that.



Me too bro..

As you say, at least it looks like Nico is gonna at least challenge Lewis this year. Something that's been sorely missed in recent years.

[rjbetty]

LOL! The militant Hamilton fans coming around and getting more and more confident. He was supposed to be the leading driver of this decade. But he, and particularly his fans, have been trodden on by the superiority of the RB aero department.*

It's a looong season. Hehehe.


*Just remember, Hamilton should've won the '10 title, but he choked and fumbled it up like Chelsea and/or Man City have choked/fumbled the EPL.

Yeah I do remember 2010. That´s when Hamilton and Alonso almost won the title in ridiculously inferior cars to the Red Bull.

[henners88]

Haven't watched the race yet as been busy with family stuff, but know the result and am happy with it. :)

[dj_bytedisaster]

Yeah I do remember 2010. That´s when Hamilton and Alonso almost won the title in ridiculously inferior cars to the Red Bull.

Erm. That wasn't meant seriously was it? Have you been posing for years to out yourself as a hater lately? Seriously, your latest posts don't square up to the stuff you posted earlier.

[steveaki13]

Erm. That wasn't meant seriously was it? Have you been posing for years to out yourself as a hater lately? Seriously, your latest posts don't square up to the stuff you posted earlier.

Garry hacked his account. :eek:;)

[truefan72]

https://eurosport.yahoo.com/news/chinese-grand-prix-flag-error-shortens-chinese-gp-120841175--f1.html

so let me get this straight, nobody was impacted by the erroneous flag
probably only hamilton saw ii, as he was so far up the road from everyone

but yet in their infinite wisdom they pulled back the race to lap 54, which means, kobayashi's superb pass of bianchi is now meaningless
and if anybody else had caught up and passed another driver, say Ricciardo on Alonso, then that would have been meaningless
If a car retired and the subsequent cars moved into the points then that would have been meaningless too

this is a stupid rule and should only be applied if there is verifiable evidence that cars were impacted by that false flag for a few seconds
oh well, that's F1. A simple statement and an apology would have been all that was needed, instead they cause a bigger problem and turn the race result into a fiasco

[Zico]

https://eurosport.yahoo.com/news/chinese-grand-prix-flag-error-shortens-chinese-gp-120841175--f1.html

so let me get this straight, nobody was impacted by the erroneous flag
probably only hamilton saw ii, as he was so far up the road from everyone

but yet in their infinite wisdom they pulled back the race to lap 54, which means, kobayashi's superb pass of bianchi is now meaningless
and if anybody else had caught up and passed another driver, say Ricciardo on Alonso, then that would have been meaningless
If a car retired and the subsequent cars moved into the points then that would have been meaningless too

this is a stupid rule and should only be applied if there is verifiable evidence that cars were impacted by that false flag for a few seconds
oh well, that's F1. A simple statement and an apology would have been all that was needed, instead they cause a bigger problem and turn the race result into a fiasco


Oh the irony of your sig dude! :D

[truefan72]

Oh the irony of your sig dude! :D

indeed

[The Black Knight]

Reasonable race. Good to see Hammy win 3 in a row. That was long overdue. It's amazing really that he has won 3 out of 4 races and Rosberg still leads him in the championship standings. I'm sorry to say that I hope Rosberg has a DNF because I feel it's unfair the way it is for Hamilton right now. He has clearly been the superior Mercedes driver over the first 4 races.

Amazing that Pastor didn't hit anyone. He still gets donkey of the race just for being a clown in general. Also the guy that put the flag out a lap early.

Ricciardo once again outpacing and beating Vettel. I really enjoyed the team telling him to pull over again. He's taking being beaten well but I think he is being shown up as a man that needs a car to take a championship. Honestly, I can see this continuing a I'm getting the feeling that Ricciardo is a better driver anyway. Time will tell though.

Good drive from Rosberg considering he was driving blind.

Fine race from Alonso too. I said it before and I'll say it again that I think he is going to destroy Kimi this year. I simply don't think Kimi is on his level. There was a time when he was but not anymore. I can see this continuing for the season.

[N. Jones]

https://eurosport.yahoo.com/news/chinese-grand-prix-flag-error-shortens-chinese-gp-120841175--f1.html

so let me get this straight, nobody was impacted by the erroneous flag
probably only hamilton saw ii, as he was so far up the road from everyone

but yet in their infinite wisdom they pulled back the race to lap 54, which means, kobayashi's superb pass of bianchi is now meaningless
and if anybody else had caught up and passed another driver, say Ricciardo on Alonso, then that would have been meaningless
If a car retired and the subsequent cars moved into the points then that would have been meaningless too

this is a stupid rule and should only be applied if there is verifiable evidence that cars were impacted by that false flag for a few seconds
oh well, that's F1. A simple statement and an apology would have been all that was needed, instead they cause a bigger problem and turn the race result into a fiasco

Wait... there was a false flag operation at the Chinese GP??
:eek: :eek:

The New World Order Is Upon Us... RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!!!

[airshifter]

Overall a telling race, but it does seem to me that some of the field is making up at least some ground on the Mercedes powered cars, though they still aren't catching the works team. Right now as it stands the title will come down to Nico and Lewis fighting it out through the season. Considering Nico had no telemetry, just staying in contact was a good effort IMO. I think Lewis will likely get the better of him, but Lewis is often his own worst enemy, so things can change quick with him as well.

Great start by Fred, and he held on hard every lap to make it to the podium. He got away without damage during that contact, which IMO was mostly his fault for not seeing that Felipe had already bolted into that position. It seems like on cold tires nobody can touch Fred, except for maybe Lewis. But it was great seeing him hoist the Ferrari onto the podium. I'm sure if Ricciardo had more laps he might have got a shot at him, but at that point I'd say passing Alonso would be quite tricky if the car didn't have a straight line superiority.

Clearly RB are the best of the rest again, and just as clearly Mr Tough Luck will have nothing to do with team orders again. I can see tears in his future when the situation is reversed. I've personally never liked team orders, but at times they make sense, and in this race it was a lost cause regardless. Rather than making the team happy, he got owned on track which is probably a bigger blow to the ego. Being the distance between Alonso and Ricciardo was next to nothing at the finish, all Seb did was possibly rob the team of a legit first podium of the year.

McLaren really sucking since the season opener. Seeing them fight that far back is sad.

Kobay really got a rise out of Vettel when he passed him, but really if you are faster you are faster. No sense in a quicker lapped car not unlapping themselves and the blue flags are really kind of stupid IMO unless the lead slower car is making life really difficult.

Another solid drive by Hulk, just quietly getting it done most of the race.

A not so solid drive by Kimi, getting it into the points, but considering his abilities that should be a given. He needs to muster something better up to challenge Fred and loft Ferrari up through their team changes.

[easy rider]

The aero superoprity of Red Bull has taken a big hit as a result of the reduction in downforce, and not being able to use and direct exhaust gases into their diffuser, which was a major factor in playing a part in Vettel's dominance, and success.

It's a looong season, but looking promising for Hamilton.

*Also remember due to no fault of his own. In 2012 as a result of pitstop errors and mechanical failures, played a major role in Lewis not securing the WDC.

[easy rider]

MY above respose is to journeyman racer....... post #152

[journeyman racer]

Mathematically, there may be a case to say Hamilton could've been the 12 champ. But really, considering the performances of Alonso and Raikkonen that year, I think it's a bit much to say he definitely would've won it without mechanical trouble or non-driving errors..

[rjbetty]

I think what is often overlooked is that the McLaren of 2012 definitely seemed to consistently not be as quick in race conditions as in qualifying.

@dj Ok the Red Bull 0f 2010 wasn't McLaren '88 dominant but I'm sure it was the clear quickest car, especially in qualifying.

It's just that when people say Alonso isn't so good since he didn't win 2010, but I do not believe his car was in the class of the Red Bull. Same for the McLaren.

[easy rider]

Mathematically, there may be a case to say Hamilton could've been the 12 champ. But really, considering the performances of Alonso and Raikkonen that year, I think it's a bit much to say he definitely would've won it without mechanical trouble or non-driving errors..

I stand to be corrected if I had given the impression that I felt Lewis definitely would have won the 2012 WDC. In all reality Hamilton stood a reasonable chance of winning the WDC, if it wasn't for pitstop errors, and mechanical failures.

[easy rider]

I might add that none of the pitstop errors, or mechanical failures were due to mistakes on Lewis's part.

[journeyman racer]

I won't deny that he was denied some wins, and that his total points wasn't a reflection of his output. I also wouldn't completely dismiss the opinion that he was the best driver in 12 (depending on how the argument was expressed), considering I would put him, along with Alonso and Raikkonnen, ahead of Vettel for output.

At the same time, there are many stories like those in F1 history. As a Mansell fan when I was a kid, I like to think I can make a compelling case that he is the moral 91 champ. Despite finishing the equivalent of 2 and a 1/2 races behind Senna. The 91 Williams, despite looking the 92 car, was a fair bit inferior to it too.

[rjbetty]

I won't deny that he was denied some wins, and that his total points wasn't a reflection of his output. I also wouldn't completely dismiss the opinion that he was the best driver in 12 (depending on how the argument was expressed), considering I would put him, along with Alonso and Raikkonnen, ahead of Vettel for output.

At the same time, there are many stories like those in F1 history. As a Mansell fan when I was a kid, I like to think I can make a compelling case that he is the moral 91 champ. Despite finishing the equivalent of 2 and a 1/2 races behind Senna. The 91 Williams, despite looking the 92 car, was a fair bit inferior to it too.

That's quite an interesting view of Mansell's '91 as I hadn't thought of it that way.

I think Hamilton did a great job in 2012. He didn't put much of a foot wrong all season. His only mistake was maybe Valencia with Maldonado, though I'd say it was only 25% Lewis' fault. But I do think the car was quite a bit slower in race trim compared to qualifying. The quality of Lewis' season is shown by comparing him to Button: Jenson only properly outqualified him once all season iirc, at Spa, and outraced him only a few times I think, like Melbourne, and possibly Brazil. Pretty much everywhere else, it was all Lewis I think.

As for Raikkonen, I don't think his speed was close to the top driver's at all; I'd hazard a guess maybe +0.4sec off on average? (since Grosjean was ahead in this regard for most of the season).

However, Kimi was returning to F1 after 2 years away in a totally different discipline, and though his pace was some way off, the season he put together, and in particular his consistency and racecraft were top drawer I'd say.