Monaco Grand Prix 2011, Monte-Carlo - Race 6/19

Shimmy · 26 May 2011 at 13:55

As I predicted, Alonso is looking absolutely MEGA round here.

Still don't like the guy.

Has my respect though.

Hope the McLarens/Merc do well.

ukpolska · 26 May 2011 at 14:01

Shimmy said:
Is it any better than live timing at Formula1.com?

I just use http://www.formula1.com/live_timing/# on the laptop, or their mobile app on the phone.

Has individual sector times, laps, weather, wind speed, speed traps, commentary etc..

Yes because you can click on a driver and find more details.
Here is my setup:

GravyMonster · 26 May 2011 at 14:09

Thanks for linking to the app.

Never realised how far behind the iPlayer feed actually is.

Shimmy · 26 May 2011 at 14:18

Cheers ukpolska.

Using now.

PinkFloyd · 26 May 2011 at 14:21

EddScott said:
That was mildy rude from Whitmarsh. Hope they (HRT) can afford the fine of a frivilous complaint.

What did Whitmarsh say?

Mr Jack · 26 May 2011 at 14:26

Looks like all the major runners have done a Quali style run, and the Red Bulls haven't come out on top. That bodes well for the race.

Cracking pace from Alonso and Rosberg too.

Emlyn_Dewar · 26 May 2011 at 14:28

I'm liking this pace from Alonso.

The track is an utter state with marbles, will be a disgrace come the end of the race....

Petrov: oops...

CaptainRAVE · 26 May 2011 at 14:30

All those marbles through the tunnel! Would not like to be overtaking off line.

Shimmy · 26 May 2011 at 15:12

All you guys fretting about tyre deg with the 2 softest tyres..

Monaco's going to be the kindest track on tyres it seems, 2 stops being the norm.

Glaucus · 26 May 2011 at 15:14

Didn't someone do 20 laps on the super soft in p2.

It is a short lap and low speed.

Shimmy · 26 May 2011 at 15:24

AcidHell2 said:
Didn't someone do 20 laps on the super soft in p2.

It is a short lap and low speed.

I believe Vettel did aye.

Yup, aero doesn't really get a chance to work here properly. So a much lesser load on tyres than there is at high cornering speed circuits Turkey/Barcelona/Hungary/Silverstone etc..

Probably also why RBR don't look quite as strong in free practice atm and is much closer at the front between Ferrari/McLaren/RBR/Mercedes. Little surprised Renault haven't showed more pace so far though.

GravyMonster · 26 May 2011 at 15:44

Just seen this Tweet from the Renault team:

@OfficialLRGP said:
Vitaly 11th with 1:17.337. Vitaly completed the front wing/Armco interaction evaluation test late in the session. #F1

A sense of humour in the paddock?

Also, in other Twitter related news:

@TeamAnglais said:
just noticed that van der Garde's GP2 pole time at Monaco is three tenths faster than HRT's best lap so far... in fact, the fastest HRT lap so far at Monaco would be fourth on the grid for the GP2 race. surely they'll have pole by tomorrow?

OUCH.

deko · 26 May 2011 at 16:37

Is there a good reason why FP2 is on iplayer but FP1 isn't?

Goksly · 26 May 2011 at 17:09

Shimmy said:
Yup, aero doesn't really get a chance to work here properly. So a much lesser load on tyres than there is at high cornering speed circuits Turkey/Barcelona/Hungary/Silverstone etc..

Less load isn't always better, as you get more sliding and wheel spin.

Alibaba99 · 26 May 2011 at 17:31

Spunkey said:
Just seen this Tweet from the Renault team:

A sense of humour in the paddock?

Renault quoted that last weeks fire in Heidfelds car was 'unplanned'. So they definitely have someone in PR with a sense of humour.

lopkinfop · 26 May 2011 at 17:39

deko said:
Is there a good reason why FP2 is on iplayer but FP1 isn't?

FP1 is on there now, I assume they had some problem with the encoding. I think it happened for one of the sessions last year

sunama · 26 May 2011 at 18:31

Emlyn_Dewar said:
I'm liking this pace from Alonso.

Same here. Last year, he dominated the weekend, until his crash, just before qualifying.

Hopefully, this year, he won't have a crash and can take the fight to the RBR cars.

From what drivers have said in the past, the driver has a greater effect, with regards to lap time, at Monaco, than most tracks, so my guess is that Hamilton and Alonso, should start out as favourites to win this.

After last week's GP, I said that Hamilton is my favourite to win this GP, because Vettel won't be able to use his car advantage to the same extent as he normally does...and I see no reason to change my prediction at this stage.

PS. In case anyone was wondering, Alonso and Hamilton finished as No.1 and No.2, respectively, in 2nd practise.

CaptainRAVE · 26 May 2011 at 19:04

I can see either Hamilton or Alonso making a mistake - they are going to be pushing very hard. Don't blame them though, not much to lose really.

Over the course of the race I think the RB and McLaren will be stronger than the Ferrari.

sunama · 26 May 2011 at 19:11

RBR will certainly have the faster car, but their car advantage will be significantly diminished (compared with previous races this season), due to the nature of the track, but you cannot discount the Alonso factor - he will make up for any deficiency in the car. The question is, just how much deficit can Alonso make up, bearing in mind that Hamilton/Vettel are no slouches themselves?

CaptainRAVE · 26 May 2011 at 19:13

sunama said:
RBR will certainly have the faster car, but their car advantage will be significantly diminished (compared with previous races this season), due to the nature of the track, but you cannot discount the Alonso factor - he will make up for any deficiency in the car. The question is, just how much deficit can Alonso make up, bearing in mind that Hamilton/Vettel are no slouches themselves?

I would be very impressed if Alonso got pole here. Just can't see anyone other than Vettel or Hamilton getting it.

All three are in the best form of their career imo, but the RBR and McLaren cars are just so fast - I realise it doesn't matter *as much* here, but Alonso has a lot to do.