2015 Malaysian Grand Prix

[AndyL]

Here are the session times for this weekend:

Friday 27 March
Free practice 1 starts: GMT 2:00 AM, CET 3:00 AM, local 10:00 PM
Free practice 2 starts: GMT 6:00 AM, CET 7:00 AM, local 2:00 PM
Saturday 28 March
Free practice 3 starts: GMT 6:00AM, CET 7:00 AM, local 2:00 PM
Qualifying starts: GMT 9:00 AM, CET 10:00 AM, local 5:00 PM
Sunday 29 March
Race starts: BST 8:00 AM, CEST 9:00 AM, local 3:00 PM

[journeyman racer]

Cricket World Cup final will be on at the same time. You want to watch this???

Ya joking!!!

[Tazio]

Not joking mate, we really don't cotton to Cricket in he USA, except when fishing for Brown Trout with live bait! :angel:

[journeyman racer]

Merican who likes F1, telling me Merica doesn't like cricket? You should watch the semi-final that's on right now.

NOW!

[jens]

I also don't care about cricket. Though I remember, when I was staying in India, it was very popular there and I watched the World Cup (2011 one) a little bit together with others, because it was everywhere on TV screens and it was impossible to avoid it!

But if people on this forum weren't saying, I wouldn't even know a cricket world up is on, so there you go.:)
So F1 race for me all the way.:)

[jens]

Oh, by the way, the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Mercedes wins. Unless it is torrential rain and somebody sneaks ahead in crazy conditions like Ricciardo did last year (thrice).

[journeyman racer]

You do know there's an Estonian Cricket team?

[jens]

You do know there's an Estonian Cricket team?

In the media no-one talks about them. So it is entirely on an amateur and small-scale level.

Regarding team sports - football, basketball, volleyball, handball and ice hockey are the disciplines, which are covered in the news in terms of our domestic leagues and national team activities.

[Doc Austin]

I also don't care about cricket.

I haven't tried, but I hear deep fried is better than BBQed.

[journeyman racer]

All of you will have some access to it. When it's clear Hamilton will win and Rosberg a clear second (after 5 laps), you'll flick over to it.

[COD]

Formula 1 has become boring in the last few years, but its can never be as boring as cricket

[TheFamousEccles]

As an Aussie I have a confession...

Cricket bores me to distraction. There, I said it!

I feel soooo liberated, though I am now in fear of my virtual life :arrowed:

In fact, it's almost as boring as the current Mercedes domination of F1, but I would watch this all day compared to the boring-as-batshit ballgame...

Edit: However, I will not be watching either as 1/ I am not interested in cricket (as you may have guessed from above) and 2/ the F1 is not on FTA TV in my shithole backwater of a country! Thanks Rupert. Though the Murdochracy is kindly showing Noblesse Oblige by allowing us great unwashed to see an hours edited highlights of the V8SC.

It's base, grubby thievery like this (siphoning?) that drives normally law abiding citizens like me into the arms of the Bit Torrent.

Rant over! Enjoy the race everyone else - if you can.

[Doc Austin]

If anything gives hope to the hopeless, it's a wet track, which we will probably have this weekend. If there is going to be an upset, look to Vettel or Ricciardo.

The good news is that the Manors hit the track at last!

and this:



Fernando Alonso returned to the cockpit of his McLaren-Honda for the first time since his Barcelona testing accident, showing he meant business by going straight into a flying lap on his opening run. He had a slight moment at the high-speed Turn 12, and outpaced teammate Jenson Button by 0.3s on his way to 14th fastest time.

[Tazio]

Merican who likes F1, telling me Merica doesn't like cricket? You should watch the semi-final that's on right now.

NOW!Dawg, I'm not Mexican or any other derivative of Spanish, and indigenous American. My ancestors immigrated to the U.S. from Italy over a century go. I am also, as far as my research has been able to discern, I/8 French. Don't get me wrong, I do not think that there is anything ignoble about being Mexican, after all they are a descendants of Spaniards, and Aztecs.

More to the point I am a Southern Californian, if you don't know the distinction between us and the rest of The United States of America, it's OK you kind of had to have lived it as I have for more than 55 years.
What in the flock are you, some kind of Anglo mutt, whose ancestors where shipped to your homeland for being thieves, and whores?

Just kidding mate, I hope you enjoyed the Cricket thingy. I don't know how I managed to miss it ;)

[Tazio]

Sepang: Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel yesteray turned down an offer from rival Mercedes to visit their garage at the Malaysian Grand Prix, dismissing it as a PR stunt.
Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg made the offer after the pair clashed during the winners' press conference following the season's first race in Australia.
But Vettel said the initiative was a thinly veiled public relations exercise. "Now they use it as a PR thing... so the answer is 'no'," he told reporters at Malaysia's Sepang circuit.
"I think I'm pretty busy here, so I'm better off staying here," Vettel added.
http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=398747
OMG the utter embarrassment to everyone in the Ferrari camp, they will never live this down. Where is 'Zemo when you need him. :eek:
Just kidding guys it doesn't mean Sh** to me :p:

[Rollo]

Edit: However, I will not be watching either as 1/ I am not interested in cricket (as you may have guessed from above) and 2/ the F1 is not on FTA TV in my shithole backwater of a country! Thanks Rupert. Though the Murdochracy is kindly showing Noblesse Oblige by allowing us great unwashed to see an hours edited highlights of the V8SC.


I'm confused by your complaint.

http://pbs.twimg.com/media/B-LY3fzCcAAk8yx.jpg

F1 is on in our backwater of a country.
There is no 2015 Malaysian Grand Prix. It does not exist.

[Tazio]

Boss takes early exit in FP1:


I pulled over as you asked me to, but I would have made it back."His engineer replied "we are a bit worried about this because it's a race engine" and the team did not want to risk aggravating the problem.

Looks like a bloody engine change! :eek:

http://www.vipleague.se/motorsports/95559/1/skysports-f1-:-skyf1-live-stream-online.html

Sorrrrrrrrry! :angel:

[Doc Austin]

If you had told me every Renault engine at the circuit had caught on fire I'de be more likely to believe that than Mercedes losing one.

[TheFamousEccles]

I meant the Malaysian GP - I should have consulted your handy guide!

I am still in a mean and seditious mood! I shouldn't be surprised - the third member of the LNP coalition aka: News Corp was always going to get away with this kind of siphoning. Tony our (rather inept) Prime Minister knows which arse to kiss. And Rupert will be proffering one cheek at a time.

Grrrr!!!!!!! :angryfire Very Firetrucking angry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!

[Tazio]

Kimi only .37 slower than Nico, very impressive!

[Tazio]

I meant the Malaysian GP - I should have consulted your handy guide!

I am still in a mean and seditious mood! I shouldn't be surprised - the third member of the LNP coalition aka: News Corp was always going to get away with this kind of siphoning. Tony our (rather inept) Prime Minister knows which arse to kiss. And Rupert will be proffering one cheek at a time.

Grrrr!!!!!!! :angryfire Very Firetrucking angry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!
Sorry mate :(

[longisland]

This maybe the new Sauber livery

[Mia 01]

So far so god. Hope it stays dry.

[Tazio]

:angel: Kim is looking very fast, It could be your (and Kimi's) year sweetie! :)

[Mia 01]

Yeaah, it looks so, but Perez, Maldonado or Grosjean will probably take him out at the start.

[Tazio]

:angel: No Seb!!

[Tazio]

Telemetry took out but understandably!

[kfzmeister]

:angel: No Seb!!

Looking for the first corner squeeze out wide again!

[Tazio]

Don't doubt it for a second!!! '.....Sorrrrrrrrry :angel:

[Tazio]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWb5YQPlAJc

:stareup:

[steveaki13]

Morning Dawgs :dog:

[steveaki13]

Nasr out in Q1 after his great race in Australia. Button out qualifies Alonso but Mclaren are closer to the ultimate pace this race.

Merhi is outside 107% and Stevens having a problem. I guess both will be allowed to race this weekend.

[steveaki13]

Its raining.

[N4D13]

Whoa, I'm gutted for Kimi and Sainz. Does anyone know if Sainz botchered his lap or was simply held up? :(

I'm also curious about whether Nasr had any sort of trouble with the car, if you know this.

[Muchonen]

So whats up with McLaren? Just tuned in and im a little confused. Is the car so shitty overall or some problems they have?

[N4D13]

So whats up with McLaren? Just tuned in and im a little confused. Is the car so shitty overall or some problems they have?
Both! I guess having such a shitty car is quite some problem. :p

Still I'm optimistic that they'll be fighting for points in a couple of races. However, I don't think we'll see them anywhere near a podium unless we get an extremely crazy race.

[N4D13]

Autosport is saying that Q3 is delayed by at least 15 minutes. :(

[steveaki13]

Still I'm optimistic that they'll be fighting for points in a couple of races. However, I don't think we'll see them anywhere near a podium unless we get an extremely crazy race.

In which case, you will get $1000 from Taz ;)

[rjbetty]

Greetings from a poorly rjbetty in bed. :(

Disappointed to see rain stops play. Waiting for the track to dry make me unhappy. :(

So happy to see Manor up and running. Their basic pace is quicker than I thought, given their 2014 is about 1sec down on the latest version(?) :)

[steveaki13]

Morning rj.

Sorry you are not well.

Great performance from Seb. Can he actually race the Mercedes and give them something to think about.

[jens]

Great performance from Seb. Can he actually race the Mercedes and give them something to think about.

In the dry, no. He'll have to work on securing P3 then.

[jens]

By the way, could the young Max V. be a new rainmaster? Very well up there. He carries on, the good work of his predecessor Vergne.

[steveaki13]

In the dry, no. He'll have to work on securing P3 then.

He is not as far away as most cars last year though.

0.4-0.7 behind as opposed to a second last year. I agree though in the dry it should still be a 1-2 for Mercedes.

[jens]

He is not as far away as most cars last year though.

0.4-0.7 behind as opposed to a second last year. I agree though in the dry it should still be a 1-2 for Mercedes.

Yeah it looks like Ferrari could be closer here, but not enough to beat Mercedes in a straight fight. I also suspect Mercedes may not have shown their full cards yet in the dry. They never do, but whenever race comes, they easily sail off into the distance.

[journeyman racer]

Dawg, I'm not Mexican or any other derivative of Spanish, and indigenous American. My ancestors immigrated to the U.S. from Italy over a century go. I am also, as far as my research has been able to discern, I/8 French. Don't get me wrong, I do not think that there is anything ignoble about being Mexican, after all they are a descendants of Spaniards, and Aztecs.

More to the point I am a Southern Californian, if you don't know the distinction between us and the rest of The United States of America, it's OK you kind of had to have lived it as I have for more than 55 years.
What in the flock are you, some kind of Anglo mutt, whose ancestors where shipped to your homeland for being thieves, and whores?
I don't know what was going on. I clearly didn't edit my post. "American" and "America"


Just kidding mate, I hope you enjoyed the Cricket thingy. I don't know how I managed to miss it ;)
Did actually lol.

[pino]

1st row for Ferrari after almost 2 years, that's great !!!

[Mia 01]

It is pino!! But I´m gutted for Kimi.

[pino]

So am I Mia, always so unlucky !!!

[rjbetty]

http://en.f1i.com/news/8116-rosberg-quizzes-hamilton-in-malaysia.html

Well it all seems to kicking off again so soon. :\

[driveace]

"I recon that Lewis could have bettered his time but for his team mates antics ! What the he'll was Rosberg doing in slowing down on the racing line to hold up his team mate? How silly to hold up your team mate so he can't improve on his time,and then lose out yourself by letting Vettel push you down to 3rd

[driveace]

Eddie Jordon has it correct .Rosberg is rattled,just be strong Lewis over your head and let your racing do the talking !

[The Black Knight]

Eddie Jordon has it correct .Rosberg is rattled,just be strong Lewis over your head and let your racing do the talking !

He is rattled and tried to cheat again today. He screwed himself today though. I don't care what Lewis and Nico claim after the press conference - I was on the Sky active with Lewis at the time and he was flat out until Nico blocked him. I guess team orders are to sort these things in the debrief now. Just shows with Nico though, once a cheat, always a cheat. All respect he gained in Abu Dhabi is gone out the window now - cunt!

[Doc Austin]

I hope they let the Manors run.

[Tazio]

I don't know what was going on. I clearly didn't edit my post. "American" and "America"


Did actually lol. Sorry mate, my bad. I apologize I wasn't wearing my reading glasses.....Never mind :o :grenade:

[Tazio]

Interesting that Felipe was .7 faster than VB by in q3. He is not exactly known as a wet track specialist.
Good on Seb, and tough luck for Kimi.
In dry conditions I don't think Ferrari will challenge either Mercedes, they have speed to spare.

[airshifter]

Strange qualification session, but not unusual for Malaysia I guess. You just never know what's going to happen with the weather there. But the field is all over the place, which should make for some good racing going on regardless of the weather tomorrow. In a way I appreciate Malaysia for the change, but often it comes down to who go the setup right for the race conditions.

Part of Q2 looked like race action with all those cars trying to get position. I think we we see a lot of positions trading in the race all the way up to maybe positions 4-5.


This does bring up a good question though. Who is the current wet weather master? Lately the wet races have been more changing conditions, but in the pure wet we have a lot of drivers currently in the field that are really good. An all out wet race might be a good change of pace.

[N4D13]

It's really difficult to say who's boss on a wet circuit right now. I remember Vettel putting in a few massive performances in the beginning of his career, most notably that Italian GP as well as overtaking a certain Lewis Hamilton in the 2008 Brazilian GP. However, lately he hasn't done anything I'd consider that special.

Then there's also Alonso, who seems to do or die when the track is wet (I remember his back-to-back poles in 2013 and a few great performances, but also a couple of spins and accidents).

And then Lewis is usually considered one of the regenmeisters, although I honestly consider that he doesn't have a *great* wet race like Vettel (Italy '08) and Alonso (Hungary '06) do. (Yeah, I do remember UK '08 but I don't think it belongs with the first two ones). Anyway, there's no doubt that the guy is as mightily fast on a wet surface as he is in the dry.

[Doc Austin]

This does bring up a good question though. Who is the current wet weather master?

I remember Alonso (in a Renault) absolutely spanking Schumacher in the wet at Hungaroring a few years back, and no one adapts to changing conditions as quickly as Button. I think this time their cars are going to be the limiting factor though.

In a straight fight in the rain I think it will come down to Hamilton and Vettel.


An all out wet race might be a good change of pace.

Wet races are always good fun.

[steveaki13]

Both Manor's have been cleared to race. Good news :)

[Doc Austin]

Maybe we could see it coming that Manor would miss at least a race, but how about this: Would anyone have believed we could get to Maylasia before Alonso, Botas and Kvat (not to even mention Magnussen) would start a race, or that either of the Lotus turned a complete race lap?

I mean, we are certainly off to a bizarre start.

[DannyQ]

The Mercedes cars will literally drive away with the race providing they make it through the 1st corner in 1 piece. if they do i hope its like Bahrain last year either way Lewis should win the race hes much better under pressure than Nico although Seb could upset the order. The weather will play a big part in the race though just like it did 2day

[driveace]

Hello Danny and a good first post too .
If reliability and rain don't interfere I can see it being Merc,Merc,Ferrari ,but could be more interesting as Merc,Ferrari,Merc

[A FONDO]

http://i59.tinypic.com/34nh79u.jpg

[DannyQ]

Thanks driveace could be even more interesting if either of the Red Bulls allbeit unlikely could have a say in the matter.

[steveaki13]

Thanks driveace could be even more interesting if either of the Red Bulls allbeit unlikely could have a say in the matter.

Hi Danny and Welcome :wave:

[jens]

I remember Alonso (in a Renault) absolutely spanking Schumacher in the wet at Hungaroring a few years back, and no one adapts to changing conditions as quickly as Button.


I think you mean the race, where Bridgestone rain tyres were absolutely rubbish and Schumacher, like all B-runners, were dropping like stones backwards?

[journeyman racer]

My last post for today, as I will be attending the Cricket World Cup Final. So to the rest of you, you enjoy the minor event of an MB exhibition in Malaysia today. If you do flick over to the cricket. I'll be sitting in the first row of the Southern stand, about where 3rd Man, Long On is for a right hand bat. You foreigners will figure out what that means.

Have a good one!


He is rattled and tried to cheat again today. He screwed himself today though. I don't care what Lewis and Nico claim after the press conference - I was on the Sky active with Lewis at the time and he was flat out until Nico blocked him. I guess team orders are to sort these things in the debrief now. Just shows with Nico though, once a cheat, always a cheat. All respect he gained in Abu Dhabi is gone out the window now - cunt!
Don't worry about it. We knew you weren't serious about respecting him in the first place anyway.

[Doc Austin]

I think you mean the race, where Bridgestone rain tyres were absolutely rubbish and Schumacher, like all B-runners, were dropping like stones backwards?

I don't remember much about the tires. I just remember Alonso was blitzing everyone until something broke on the car. When he came to pass the Ferrari, Schumacher was doing his usual multiple repeated chopping, blocking and swerving trying to hold Alonso off and the Spaniard simply drove around him.

[Tazio]

I don't remember much about the tires. I just remember Alonso was blitzing everyone until something broke on the car. When he came to pass the Ferrari, Schumacher was doing his usual multiple repeated chopping, blocking and swerving trying to hold Alonso off and the Spaniard simply drove around him.
Yeah babe!! :champion:

[Storm]

we need rain today!

[steveaki13]

Maybe Storm, but if it rains here then we have no race. :p

[jens]

Morning Dawgs.:dog:

[jens]

Malaysian Grand Prix is among my top 6 or top 8 on the calendar, also when I recall memories of past seasons, the moments of this race also come up among with others. It is still pretty fresh into the season, so I always enjoy the new pecking order at Sepang - on a normal circuit as opposed to Melbourne. If there were any doubts after Australia, then Malaysia tells you - yep, that's how it is this year. And I like the flow of the circuit in general as well.:) Not to mention it can often throw a surprise in terms of weather.

Later into the season it is easy to get bored, when everything is already clear, but not yet.:p:

[steveaki13]

Morning Gurlz and Jens ;)

I like Malaysia for the threat of rain, but it often leads to an abandoned race these days

[jens]

4 Red Bull (past/present) protegés in the top 6 on the grid. They must be doing a hell of a job in grooming drivers.:)

[jens]

Roberto Merhi is going to be a hell of a snail. Reminiscent of Fortis and Pacifics all these years ago. And not far off Mastercard Lola!

[jens]

Customary great start by Massa. And Hülkenberg well up there!

[steveaki13]

Kimi

[pino]

Kimi, I can't believe it !!! :mad:

[jens]

oh, Räikkönen has had a horrible start into the season. De ja vu 2014.

[steveaki13]

Vettel hanging on brilliantly, Kimi as unlucky as can be :(

[jens]

Rookie Verstappen dropping back in the dry. But Vettel is keeping up with the Mercedes surprisingly well. At least for the time being.

[pino]

Safety Car in !

[jens]

So it looks like curtains for Sauber points in this race. Pity about Ericsson.

SC will help Kimi big time, so he can still get points.:)

[N4D13]

Safety car deployed. Kimi does have a friend or two after all... :p

Edit: LOL, that was nice timing!

[jens]

Oh what is this. They already want to get rid of these tyres after 5 laps.:p:

[steveaki13]

Blimey Ericcson was way off his braking there. :confused: After his good drive in Oz that was poor.

Thats my first driver in FGP Kimi at the back and Marcus out. :mad:

[jens]

Roberto Merhi is 10th. Enjoy the moment.:D

[steveaki13]

Lots of erratic pace going on people

[steveaki13]

Roberto Merhi is 10th. Enjoy the moment.:D

People appeared to pass him under SC. Cause he was 15th at restart. :confused:

[jens]

Wow, now that's a race. Great.:)

[steveaki13]

Great battling in midfield.

Vettel is matching the Mercedes pace. Once out front Vettel finds more pace than when he is mid pack.

[N4D13]

Alonso overtook Perez! I wish I could see the replay. :D

[pino]

Vettel is catching Rosberg !!!

[jens]

McLaren may have a bit of a rubbish car, but I guess a great driver line-up helps. They are not letting the group of midfield cars easily away from them.

[steveaki13]

Looks like Vettel has more pace to win this race to me. Mercedes on this track at least have been caught.

[steveaki13]

Rosberg just letting Seb through. Can't see Hamilton making it that easy. What is Nico playing at.

[N4D13]

Well, that was a heartbreak. I really wanted Alonso to score points! :(

[jens]

Merhi has NOT been lapped yet.:eek: :p:

[jens]

Looks like Vettel has more pace to win this race to me. Mercedes on this track at least have been caught.

I am still struggling to believe this is going to be the norm for the year. I guess the very high temperatures help Ferrari. Allison's Lotuses used to be stunningly fast in hot conditions.

[pino]

Vettel is flying!!!

[jens]

Toro Rosso is going to beat Red Bull today? Oh, and Verstappen is making a greater and greater impression on me with every race weekend.:)

[jens]

Vettel P1! Race on!

Can Hamilton make these tyres last till the end now or will he stop again?

[steveaki13]

Whatever the situation, Mercedes have been in front too long. They have been completely mugged by Ferrari who are just plain fast.

[N4D13]

Vettel P1! Race on!

Can Hamilton make these tyres last till the end now or will he stop again?
He couldn't make hards last for longer than 20 laps. I don't see how the option would last 32.

[steveaki13]

Both will stop one more time. Its whether Hamilton can catch Vettel on hard tyres at the end.

[jens]

Yeah and it really is so. Vettel for the win! Unless something goes wrong. Incredible!

[pino]

This is getting interesting !!! :D

[steveaki13]

Awww Button dropping out.

Mercedes nothing left to give. Its all down to Hamilton himself. He wont do it though:) Seb should win this one.

[rjbetty]

Wow just tuned in now. What an upset!

[pino]

Ferrari is finally back on top !!!!!!

[rjbetty]

Bravo! Incredible from Ferrari and Seb today! Kimi too?

[jens]

:bounce: :hot:

Excuse me, I feel myself like a little fanboy.:D The most incredible turnaround!

[Koz]

Vettel my new hero! How did this happen?!!!!

[steveaki13]

Absolutely brilliant. Ferrari are back, and we might just have a battle for this world title overall. Other than just a Mercedes private party.

[pino]

And now the amazing German/Italian anthems !!! :D

[N4D13]

I don't want to rain on anyone's parade, but let's not forget that this is just one race and a very particular one. We don't know whether the Mercs went for a mixed setup instead of a full dry one, nor whether their tyre issues were only related to the very high temperatures in Malaysia. I must admit I would be very surprised if Ferrari could keep this level of performance up, especially considering their result in Australia.

[rjbetty]

I don't want to rain on anyone's parade, but let's not forget that this is just one race and a very particular one. We don't know whether the Mercs went for a mixed setup instead of a full dry one, nor whether their tyre issues were only related to the very high temperatures in Malaysia. I must admit I would be very surprised if Ferrari could keep this level of performance up, especially considering their result in Australia.

Yes I think this might be right. It was a very hot day apparently, and they won't all be like this.

I had been meaning to say for a while that Mercedes increased gap this year might not be certain even after Melbourne. It brought to mind 1997, when Jacques Villeneuve qualified -1.75sec faster than Frentzen and over 2sec quicker than anyone else. But then from the next race it was much closer from then on.

[steveaki13]

And now the amazing German/Italian anthems !!! :D

Takes you back doesn't it. :)

[jens]

I don't want to rain on anyone's parade, but let's not forget that this is just one race and a very particular one. We don't know whether the Mercs went for a mixed setup instead of a full dry one, nor whether their tyre issues were only related to the very high temperatures in Malaysia. I must admit I would be very surprised if Ferrari could keep this level of performance up, especially considering their result in Australia.

I am fully aware of the overall situation, and that Mercedes will likely win the titles.

But that's what we watch F1 for - the moments.:) And we just witnessed one special moment on the journey. For the first time in the new regulations era Mercedes was beaten on merit. A milestone!

[pino]

Takes you back doesn't it. :)

Back to sweet memories ;)

[jens]

But Ferrari's chief designer James Allison certainly knows, how to make tyres work in hot conditions. He did that in Lotus as well!

Though good news is that Ferrari is going well in the wet as well. Certainly did in yesterday's qualifying. While Lotuses used to struggle in the wet.

[janneppi]

Takes you back doesn't it. :)
I walked away from the tv when it began... :D

[Mia 01]

I´very glad for Ferrari and Sebastian, you did it on merit! Kimi, what an incredible race, if only you had started further up.

[pino]

Mia, where have you been, you have been missed ! ;)

[airshifter]

Mind

Officially

Blown


Ferrari had real pace today. Without that cut tire in the picture, Kimi was easily at least fighting for the podium as well. Vettel really didn't even have to push that hard IMO, as he had control of the race fairly early. I think the safety car helped Lewis and Nico quite a bit, though it obviously helped Kimi as well.

This is what we need for a good season. It not only helps Ferrari and the fans watching the front, it shows the "best of the rest" that it's possible to overcome what was considered complete domination by Mercedes. And if at least two teams are dicing at the front, it often slows them down and lessens the gap to the rest of the field. With pressure teams make more mistakes, and strategy calls often have a larger chance to turn hero into zero, or the inverse. It's seeming as if Ferrari is better with their tires, and that can be a huge advantage when it comes to strategy. I hope this keeps up, as I'm tired of watching a two person race for the WDC, even after just a season.



My last post for today, as I will be attending the Cricket World Cup Final. So to the rest of you, you enjoy the minor event of an MB exhibition in Malaysia today. If you do flick over to the cricket. I'll be sitting in the first row of the Southern stand, about where 3rd Man, Long On is for a right hand bat. You foreigners will figure out what that means.

Have a good one!


Don't worry about it. We knew you weren't serious about respecting him in the first place anyway.

I hope you enjoyed your cricket match, because you picked a day that made you miss a really good race. And I couldn't agree with your last statement any more than 100%. The transparency is amazing with the haters and fanboi's.

[Ultima]

Surely Alonso must be feeling gutted, now that Ferrari have improved so much after he left. He seems to have a history of moving teams at the wrong time. Is Alonso being advised by a poor manager or was the decision to leave Ferrari made by himself?

[N4D13]

Surely Alonso must be feeling gutted, now that Ferrari have improved so much after he left. He seems to have a history of moving to teams at the wrong time. Is Alonso being advised by a poor manager or was the decision to leave Ferrari made by himself?
From what I've heard, which is basically hearsay, I think it was more like he made demands to Ferrari that Mattiacci (or the team as a whole) wasn't willing to accept. I've also heard that failing to keep Alonso was one of the reasons why Mattiacci got axed, but I don't know whether to believe that.

Anyway, it looks like Mercedes has the best car with Ferrari a close second, so if McLaren is still nowhere by the end of the season, you can expect Zo to rue what might have been had he stayed with the Italians. Assuming that he isn't ruing his decision already, of course.

[Doc Austin]

Given the thumping they handed out in Australia, Mercedes probably thought they might have a chance to sweep the board this year.

Watching Australia, the Mercedes really did make it look way too easy. How did that kind of advantage disappear in two weeks? If Ferrari can maintain this kind of form we are going to have a great championship.

[N. Jones]

Good race, lots of battles on track.

I wonder if, while Alonso is the best driver in the field (I think my opinion is held by the majority), his off track decision making is not as great. Seeing Ferrari win the season after he leaves, when his McLaren bit the dust must have made his weekend a very frustrating one.

[andyone]

People are soo exited about ferrari. I think the sfetycar made a huge difderence. And favor for ferari to win. Luck and they have a good pace but wont outrun the silver arrows that easily

[zako85]

I think too that the safety car helped Vettel. The Mercedes cars pitted after only 5-6 laps out, while Seb stayed out, gaining a considerable position advantage. Having said that, considering how Mercedes cars struggled with tires at the end of stints, I think Vettel would have given them a headache as is even without safety car.


Overall, great race. Oh how the mighty have fallen. Seeing Red Bulls lapped by Vettel was priceless. And when was the last time when both Red Bulls finish behind Toro Rossos?

[Hawkmoon]

If I had to bet I'd place money on Mercedes resuming command in China. The problem is that Ferrari were less than a tenth off pole in the wet and then won the race in the heat. Two very different sets of conditions. I haven't seen Mercedes allude to it but did they compromise their race setup in order to cover potential wet weather? That would explain why the Ferrari, possibly setup for the dry, was so competitive in the race. But wouldn't that have compromised their qualifying pace?

I think it's probably safest to say that a combination of Vettel really liking Sepang, the F15T being gentle on it's tyres and Mercedes getting their strategy wrong led to the Scuderia pinching a win. As happy as that makes me I'll take it as a bonus in what looked like it could have been another win-less season.

[The Black Knight]

If I had to bet I'd place money on Mercedes resuming command in China. The problem is that Ferrari were less than a tenth off pole in the wet and then won the race in the heat. Two very different sets of conditions. I haven't seen Mercedes allude to it but did they compromise their race setup in order to cover potential wet weather? That would explain why the Ferrari, possibly setup for the dry, was so competitive in the race. But wouldn't that have compromised their qualifying pace?

I think it's probably safest to say that a combination of Vettel really liking Sepang, the F15T being gentle on it's tyres and Mercedes getting their strategy wrong led to the Scuderia pinching a win. As happy as that makes me I'll take it as a bonus in what looked like it could have been another win-less season.

I think you're underestimating the leap forward that Ferrari have taken here over the winter. Even if you look at the times they were doing in Australia after they cleared the Williams, they were very comparable to Mercedes. Ferrari themselves said that they would have been 15-20 seconds up the road from where they were had they not been stuck behind the Williams. There isn't much difference between wet and dry set up nowadays anyway.

As for qualifying, Vettel's laptime was set on a much dryer track than Hamilton's lap. Hamilton's lap really was something else for the time it was on. He would easily have improved on that had Nico not blocked him on his second attempt. He didn't pull it together then for his final run

A clearer picture probably won't present itself for another couple of races but I am not too convinced that Mercedes have a huge advantage. They may have an advantage in qualifying but certainly not as much in race trim.

[journeyman racer]

Needless to say. When I found out Vettel had won, I was surprised. So obviously, something must've happened. It's knid of weird though. That's Vettel's first win since 13. So he's gone a whole season without a win. But it doesn't feel like he's gone through a drought. It's reminded me of when Raikkonen won the 07 AGP, his first win for two seasons. It didn't feel like a drought had been broken as well. It was just normal. Funny how that happens with some?


I hope you enjoyed your cricket match,
Well, it was alright. But considering that I'd have preferred to see NZ win and they didn't, it was a little hollow.


because you picked a day that made you miss a really good race.
Mate. There'll be a race in a couple of weeks. There'll be a MGP next year (Or maybe not, the way it's going?) Cricket WC is once every four years, and it was the first time in Melbourne/Australia for 23 years, and the first time I could go. For those reasons alone, I would've missed the AGP for it.


And I couldn't agree with your last statement any more than 100%. The transparency is amazing with the haters and fanboi's.
Well. You let 'em go as long as they keep up their façade. But once they turn, you get the artillery ready!

[jens]

I think you're underestimating the leap forward that Ferrari have taken here over the winter. Even if you look at the times they were doing in Australia after they cleared the Williams, they were very comparable to Mercedes. Ferrari themselves said that they would have been 15-20 seconds up the road from where they were had they not been stuck behind the Williams. There isn't much difference between wet and dry set up nowadays anyway.

As for qualifying, Vettel's laptime was set on a much dryer track than Hamilton's lap. Hamilton's lap really was something else for the time it was on. He would easily have improved on that had Nico not blocked him on his second attempt. He didn't pull it together then for his final run

A clearer picture probably won't present itself for another couple of races but I am not too convinced that Mercedes have a huge advantage. They may have an advantage in qualifying but certainly not as much in race trim.

Sounds like a sensible analysis though I do think "circumstances" came together for Ferrari to win this race. And that hot conditions naturally suit them better. Ferrari may not be miles behind on other circuits, but Mercedes is still the favourite to rack up the majority of wins this season.

[kfzmeister]

Ferrari did a nice step forward and VET was definitely a surprise win. Mercedes , especially HAM, struggled to get the car set up optimally (ROS claimed that he had better pace).

The extreme heat really did a number on the Mercs tires, conversely Ferrari who struggle still a bit to get their tires into the optimum operating window, benefited from the extreme weather.

It will be interesting to see how the rest of the season unfolds.

[Tazio]

The team have added an additional vortex generator (marked in green) to the outer shoulder of the sidepods upper surface. The vortices generated by these devices help to keep the airflow attached to the sidepods surface where it then feeds the rear of the car and diffuser.
Changes have also been made to the airflow conditioner that sits alongside the sidepod (blue) with its base moved further forward on the floor, aligning it closer to the bargeboard ahead. Owing to this the airflow conditioner shape has changed to accommodate it, with a large curve allowing a now straighter upper section to occupy a similar position.
These changes are aimed at not only increasing the performance of the airflow moving around the sidepods undercut but also protecting this flow from the front wheels tyre wake.
The additional space now available on the outside of the floor has led the team to mount a detached floor scroll (yellow) astride the normal scroll on the floors edge. This will assist in both energizing the flow travelling around the sidepod and blocking that flow from the front tyres wake.
http://www.grandprixtimes.com/news/display/10082
Ya''awl boys are going to be owing me a lot of USDs before this season is over.
Probably by Monaco. :vampire:

[steveaki13]

Ya''awl boys are going to be owing me a lot of USDs before this season is over.
Probably by Monaco. :vampire:

This boy never bet you a thing :cool: You just promised to give me wads of cash if Mclaren fail to podium dawg. :angel:

[Tazio]

I don't think you understand how the F.A.M. operates! :smokin: