The F1 Thread

[Nando]

He'll be 11th after the first corner then.

 

[Carrotdude]

That's another stroll to victory for Rosberg confirmed already then

 

[Kenny]

That's another stroll to victory for Rosberg confirmed already then

Depends on Vettel.

He out performed the Mercs in this race last season.

 

[Kenny]

He'll be 11th after the first corner then.

At least we will get a few laps of overtaking.

His only hope of a win will be down to a safety car now. His interview when he arrived at the track yesterday is the first time he has looked pissed off in a long time. Although that was mainly due to the team making the decision and announcement to the media before they told him.

 

[FrankMunro-371]

Alonso cleared to take part in practice. He will then be assessed to confirm he can start the race in China.

 

[The Bear]

Fernando all clear to race.

The two Ferraris top FP2 ahead of the Mercs. Though the Mercs were ahead in FP1.

Rain expected during Quali on Sat, but dry for the race.

 

[Kenny]

Watching FP2, Hamilton spent a lot of time on the Medium tyres. Obviously testing to see how long they can go. Chance he may try a 2 stop strategy compared to the expected 3. However the tyres seemed to drop off for him but not for the Ferrari's when the track temp dropped

 

[Freddeno]

More exciting race than for some time..

 

[Kenny]

Well Lewis might as well give up. His car is fooked and can't set a time and is out in Q1 and will start from the very back of the grid.

 

[FrankMunro-371]

When things go wrong, they tend to go very wrong...

 

[Kenny]

Vettel messes up his flying lap!!

Ferrari looked good all weekend but only get 3rd and 4th. Ricciardo 2nd and Nico pole.

 

[FrankMunro-371]

Rosberg just needs a good start, and that could be race over.

 

[Freddeno]

a bit boring, wish it was more even..

 

[Kenny]

a bit boring, wish it was more even..

Start could be interesting. Mercs gambled in Q2 and put Nico on the Soft tyres to get the lap where his starting tyres would be decided. Everyone else went Supersoft.

So, the cars behind Nico will have the quicker tyre........only downside is they will have to pit after about 5 laps

 

[Kenny]

Nico is enjoying a crazy run of luck.

On the start Vettel takes out Kimi which sends his team mate to the back and puts himself down to 10th. Ricciardo got in the lead and then got a puncture. Lewis got hit in the confusion caused by the Kimi accident.

Safety car brings everyone back together but all the threats to Nico seem to be miles away.

 

[Tredman]

Lewis is just brilliant at overtaking. Some great moves today. Now 5th from last.

 

[Kenny]

Down the 7th. Tyres going and he is struggling with grip a little

 

[Tredman]

Another exciting finish ruined by tyres.

 

[FrankMunro-371]

Rosberg looking in a class of his own so far this season, but it is early days. And he is having that little bit of fortune that all drivers require, in that he has avoided any problems at the start.

 

[Kenny]

Rosberg looking in a class of his own so far this season, but it is early days. And he is having that little bit of fortune that all drivers require, in that he has avoided any problems at the start.

Its annoying this season as the Ferari's are good enough to challenge but in the last 2 races they have messed up that challenge. in Bahrain. Vettel is unlucky his engine goes and then Kimi does a Lewis and has an awful start. This weekend, both mess up their final lap in Quali and then Seb takes out his team mate. He avoids doing that and Nico has 2 red cars behind him whilst the Red Bull slows him down.

Nico was obviously having a nap near the end as he went really wide on a simple corner.

It is Nico's title to throw away already but if the saying in Sport that the luck evens out over the season he is going to have a nightmare spell at some point.