2013 Indian GP - Buddh

[Cold Fussion]

I don't understand Ferrari. They keep saying qualifying is what lets them down but in Q2 Alonso did a 1:24.8 - that would have been enough for front row of the grid if he had done the same in Q3

Yup.
Strange. It was the first time since quite a few races they were competitive in Qualifying. (admittedly Vettel was untouchable but compared to the rest they were clearly in the fight).
Maybe they were not prepared for it and had already settled for a strategy starting on the mediums and no one dared to rethink it.
With the strategy chosen Alonso will have a hard time gaining many places at the start. Once the Softs of the others in front of him start to drop off, chances are he will remain stuck behind them until everyone else has pitted. At that point in time we might see Vettel so much ahead that he even will not fall down far in the grid upon his first pit stop, if at all.

The RB9 in the hands of Vettel is indeed an amazing sight. It's incredible how stable and fast it is - Full Marks (and Kudos) to Adrian Newey for tailoring such a perfect car for his diver(s)!
It was even a tiny bit faster than the 2011 monster RB7 with its fully blown diffuser and unlimited DRS.

Perhaps they ran out of fresh option tires for Alonso?

I think this is likely as he ran on the softs in q1. Running softs in Q1 basically forced them into them into either starting on the mediums or only doing the one run in Q2. I think they were caught be surprise by the pace they had.

[iotar__]

What happened to "stay within the limits of the track" ?

Boring session.

It can be switched on and off by FIA as every other "rule" . Apparently India is a special case:
http://au.eurosport.com/formula-1/fia-d ... tory.shtml

"...it was deemed the crossing the track limit lines would be okay in qualifying.' " "In the drivers' briefing, Charlie said it was okay to run as wide as you like on exits, but you are not allowed to cut apexes," he said.

It's interesting because we still haven't heard from FIA about Hamilton/Spa and Rosberg/Singapore.

Edit:
It's academic they agreed and it's fine but. OK, I understand 9th going wide is not an advantage, but here - 12th? How is that not gaining when your line is wide, you don't have to slow down and cut here?

Webber: "On one lap I was on the grass and the next time through I was inside the track, and gained half a tenth" But this is BS, he compares clean lap and compromised lap, proper comparison is the same lap and slowing down to stay on that track.

[f1316]

I think this is likely as he ran on the softs in q1. Running softs in Q1 basically forced them into them into either starting on the mediums or only doing the one run in Q2. I think they were caught be surprise by the pace they had.

No, I don't think so. Only one run in Q1; used the same set on first run in Q2, then another new set for second run; so they have one set left. Why not use it?

As others have said, this strategy hasn't worked so far this season. We'll see, maybe it will, but even if it does, the teams are unsure, so it will be a degree of luck. And it leaves them in the position they're always in (P5 - P10ish) rather than trying something different that would have put them on the front two rows and quite possibly P2.

Ferrari have been far too conservative on virtually every front - but particularly strategy - ever since the Brawn days.

[Hobbs04]

I really don't get Ferrari, maybe they have an explanation but what they expect from Alonso tomorrow?, is like they like to put stones in his path and let the guy fight under the most bizarre circustances.

If Vettels pits 1st stop early and gets held up with traffic could be a decent race. Alonso could be set for a good 1 stop race if Vettels gets some bad luck (bad start). Otherwise Alonso will 2 stop with softs on last stint most likely racing for 3rd place.

Webber should get 2nd as he is not allowed to race Vettel on same strategy.

[siskue2005]

I think this is likely as he ran on the softs in q1. Running softs in Q1 basically forced them into them into either starting on the mediums or only doing the one run in Q2. I think they were caught be surprise by the pace they had.

No, I don't think so. Only one run in Q1; used the same set on first run in Q2, then another new set for second run; so they have one set left. Why not use it?

yes u r right
here is the pic my ipad app

[Hobbs04]

siskue2005,
Can you explain the soft tire icon, some softs are black center and other yellow center. Does the black indicate worn out, such as JEV looks to starting on black soft?

[Juzh]

Don't understand why ham thinks he got blocked here

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCNdnOTwc_M[/youtube]

[siskue2005]

siskue2005,
Can you explain the soft tire icon, some softs are black center and other yellow center. Does the black indicate worn out, such as JEV looks to starting on black soft?

yes, the blackened once or used sets, brand new ones will not have them

like Rosberg and Lewis ran used soft tyres in their first Q3 attempt

this app is amazing guys, all this can be viewed live when the race is going on and also can be downloaded later and replayed again! it is worth every penny

[Shrieker]

Don't understand why ham thinks he got blocked here

Well, you should know if you remember monza 2006 What a farce that was lol.

[Joie de vivre]

this track needs to be banned. it's ok to cut off the track in qualy but it's not ok in race to gain advantage? also --- formula 1. drivers rather choose medium compound to preserve tires instead of racing for the gap.

[SectorOne]

You know the Bull is superior when the "nr2" driver can match the pace of the Mercedes on an inferior compound.
Must be a dream to drive the Red Bull, just razor sharp front end on that car.

"Good" performance by Mercedes, much needed for locking down second in WCC standings.

[SectorOne]

Don't understand why ham thinks he got blocked here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCNdnOTwc_M

More of a distraction i think.

[Unc1e_M0nty]

"Charlie Whiting argues that drivers aren't gaining an advantage during qualifying by leaving the track with all four tyres"

No advantage, really?, then why are they doing it

[boyracer94]

This situation regarding track limits is ridiculous. The lines are there for a reason, if there was grass/gravel/walls there, nobody would even think about running out that wide. I really dislike that about these modern circuits.

[rgkma]

This situation regarding track limits is ridiculous. The lines are there for a reason, if there was grass/gravel/walls there, nobody would even think about running out that wide. I really dislike that about these modern circuits.

I been saying for the few years now. What gets me back up more is in the WEC this year Spa and i think Silverstone drivers/teams were being cautioned for it, i think maybe couple of penalties aswell (cannt remember on that 1)