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The speed traps recorded during qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix show more or less the same ranking order as in 2015. While Force India and Williams continue to be among the fastest in a straight line, McLaren are still at the bottom of the charts.
Yes, IIRC Alonso set his best time on his 2nd lap of his first run in FP2 when the just stopped and a little sun showed up.... but as we all know true pace will be shown tomorrow and hopefully MCL can get a car or two in Q3 [-o<namao wrote:Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo was fourth quickest ahead of Toro Rosso's Carlos Sainz and McLaren's Fernando Alonso, whose lap was especially impressive for being set when conditions were wetter than those ahead of him on the timesheets. (Andrew Benson)
FP3 and qualy will also be rainy and or mixed and only the race will be dry and only then we will see at least the true race pace... : (Diesel wrote:Shame about the rain, it's making it very difficult to see any kind of pecking order.
Why the hell happens always the same?FrukostScones wrote:FP3 and qualy will also be rainy and or mixed and only the race will be dry and only then we will see at least the true race pace... : (Diesel wrote:Shame about the rain, it's making it very difficult to see any kind of pecking order.
the wait is too long. Let's hope for a dry Fp3 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.myweather2.com/Motor-Racing/ ... rcuit.aspx
Truth is that with the new Quali format, luck will become a bigger factor. Count in the variables of having traffic, wind speed/direction, track temperatures can dramatically affect lap times and performances of the tires and how the cars behave. For example: imagine Hulkenberg setting a lap time in clear sunny weather and just half a minute later clouds emerge in front of the sun. Track temperatures will drop and I don't think the same performance can be achieved like in clear sunny weather. It's a slight gamble still I think.Phil wrote:True. I am more betting on unpredictable qualifying and weather conditions to upset the 'logical performance order'. The new qualifying is designed to provoke the unpredictable and in combination with unpredictable weather, this will IMO benefit those that have nothing to lose and undertake risks or are simply 'lucky' to benefit in the right time at the right place.WaikeCU wrote:I'm not entirely sure. I have this strange feeling that STR will be on the same level like last season. The Renault PU was weaker than the Ferrari and Mercedes PU. Since they have the old 2015 Ferrari PU now, which no updates are expected for the season, I think the Renault powered cars might overtake STR in performance during the season. STR's main weapon is its chassis imo.Phil wrote:So I am going to humbly predict (just a bit of fun):
- We will have a surprise victor, meaning either Kimi, a Williams or a Redbull, maybe even a Torro-Rosso?
A front-running team like Mercedes, even Ferrari, that is facing more pressure or has more to lose, will go for the safe option - always. Because the safe-option will under normal circumstances yield the highest success probability. Mixed with unpredictable circumstances like weather or the new qualifying, someone taking risks might strike lucky, hence why I think Melbourne, also thanks to being a street circuit, will deliver a surprise victor.
Even if we have a predictable winner like Rosberg or Hamilton on Sunday, I think these uncertainties will cause at least one if not more "upsets" by seeing other favorite(s) out of position because of qualifying or the weather, the tyres or a combination of all of that.