Spanish Grand Prix 2013, Barcelona - Race 5/19
- Thread starter Duke
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I think its been the focus of the team to try top improve tire deg over the last 3 weeks as opposed to absolute pace. Given this focus they were probably surprised to find how far ahead they still are in qualifying.
Nice to see Nico & Lewis on the front row but the Merc race pace so far this season hasn't been great.
Very disappointed by McLaren.
Going by his previous starts it's what I'm expecting.
Not surprised.
Very disappointed by McLaren.
Expecting Alonso to be in 2nd/3rd after the first corner or have a much better race than his poor 1 laps showing today
Going by his previous starts it's what I'm expecting.
Not surprised.
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1. Hamilton
2. Vettel
3. Rikkonen/Alonso
Well that's my opinion on the race tomorrow
2. Vettel
3. Rikkonen/Alonso
Well that's my opinion on the race tomorrow
Caporegime
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Merc's race pace isn't great, but its improved from last year and clearly all the focus on the car is pushing that way.
One big advantage that they haven't had before(unless Rosberg was 2nd behind Hamilton?), is locking out the grid, they aren't starting awfully, but they aren't great. If they can block the track between them and get into the first corner, and have a buffer to keep at least one Merc ahead hopefully by the end of the first lap then tyre wear would be improved simply by being out infront of the traffic, something they've basically not had at any stage. They'll still have worse tyre wear, but that is a big advantage, and maybe it could be just enough.
IE if they can do what they did last race, but everyone behind takes a while to get past one Merc, and the other is left to create a gap, who knows.
I still get the feeling Rosberg is always more tuned for quali and is almost always inferior to his team mate in the race, which has been the case in all races this year, and most of the races with Schumi in the past 2 years, the first year back was a bit different but thats not surprising.
Rosberg got beaten pretty easily by Hamilton last week despite the massive disadvantages Hamilton had, because ultimately he had the better race car(and is a better driver).
I've said that for 2 years, and I said I expected the same this year, and we've seen Rosberg closer to or ahead of Hamilton in quali and noticeably behind in races and in points. I think they'll fight over who wins qualifying all year but by and large Hamilton will be the better race driver all year.
Good to see them upfront, and yet another week anyone who said Hamilton did the right thing in leaving Mclaren(and hates Button) can laugh and feel very very smug....... 2nd vs 14th.
If Perez after a few races getting to grip with the team/car/confidence and beats Button for the rest of the season, aside from me loving it, Mclaren seriously have to think about ditching Button for a top driver to have any chance next year. I'm not a massive fan of Webber but thats a possibility give him a year contract and see how well he does, maybe Massa needs another shot, I would say Kimi but I can't see him moving to a team that is so media involved and busy workload... but he'd be fantastic for them(or any team), however I like him and Lotus so want to see him stay there tbh.
One big advantage that they haven't had before(unless Rosberg was 2nd behind Hamilton?), is locking out the grid, they aren't starting awfully, but they aren't great. If they can block the track between them and get into the first corner, and have a buffer to keep at least one Merc ahead hopefully by the end of the first lap then tyre wear would be improved simply by being out infront of the traffic, something they've basically not had at any stage. They'll still have worse tyre wear, but that is a big advantage, and maybe it could be just enough.
IE if they can do what they did last race, but everyone behind takes a while to get past one Merc, and the other is left to create a gap, who knows.
I still get the feeling Rosberg is always more tuned for quali and is almost always inferior to his team mate in the race, which has been the case in all races this year, and most of the races with Schumi in the past 2 years, the first year back was a bit different but thats not surprising.
Rosberg got beaten pretty easily by Hamilton last week despite the massive disadvantages Hamilton had, because ultimately he had the better race car(and is a better driver).
I've said that for 2 years, and I said I expected the same this year, and we've seen Rosberg closer to or ahead of Hamilton in quali and noticeably behind in races and in points. I think they'll fight over who wins qualifying all year but by and large Hamilton will be the better race driver all year.
Good to see them upfront, and yet another week anyone who said Hamilton did the right thing in leaving Mclaren(and hates Button) can laugh and feel very very smug....... 2nd vs 14th.
If Perez after a few races getting to grip with the team/car/confidence and beats Button for the rest of the season, aside from me loving it, Mclaren seriously have to think about ditching Button for a top driver to have any chance next year. I'm not a massive fan of Webber but thats a possibility give him a year contract and see how well he does, maybe Massa needs another shot, I would say Kimi but I can't see him moving to a team that is so media involved and busy workload... but he'd be fantastic for them(or any team), however I like him and Lotus so want to see him stay there tbh.
bla bla bla, Merc will fall backwards, I'll eat my Mclaren shirt if they both finish in the top two.
To be honest DM, when a Merc has been on pole it's state there going into the first corner, and even for the first couple of laps but gets ruined as soon as DRS is enabled because they can't do what Vettel is so good at and creat a good gap.
It would be good if one Merc created a buffer for the other but I have a feeling we will just see both Mercs getting owned at the first DRS opportuinty.
Their tyre wear has always been high and much as it has improved from last season, they still have a huge way to go to match Ferrari, RBR and Lotus.
I can see good points for both of them, maybe even a podium for one of them but I'll be surprised if either of them are on the top step.
It would be good if one Merc created a buffer for the other but I have a feeling we will just see both Mercs getting owned at the first DRS opportuinty.
Their tyre wear has always been high and much as it has improved from last season, they still have a huge way to go to match Ferrari, RBR and Lotus.
I can see good points for both of them, maybe even a podium for one of them but I'll be surprised if either of them are on the top step.
it will be ok.
And having two decent drivers.
Hey MSc, was "OK".
Certainly not as good as Hamilton, but decent.
Merc are hiring staff left, right and centre, so clearly funds are available, but they have more pressure, as a result. Its possible that this pressure and the increased resources are helping accelerate development.
Having a top-tier driver in the team definitely helps (as currently being seen at McLaren - they have lost their top-tier driver). My only surprise is that the German giants havent yet attempted to recruit S.Vettel.
I know that McLaren fans are getting disheartened by their lack of performance so far this year....but do not fret. They WILL move forward. Their huge resources will ensure this. Also, expect Button to be considerably stronger in the race. Last year, he was weaker than Hamilton in qualifying, but was as just as good, during the race.
Certainly not as good as Hamilton, but decent.
Merc are hiring staff left, right and centre, so clearly funds are available, but they have more pressure, as a result. Its possible that this pressure and the increased resources are helping accelerate development.
Having a top-tier driver in the team definitely helps (as currently being seen at McLaren - they have lost their top-tier driver). My only surprise is that the German giants havent yet attempted to recruit S.Vettel.
I know that McLaren fans are getting disheartened by their lack of performance so far this year....but do not fret. They WILL move forward. Their huge resources will ensure this. Also, expect Button to be considerably stronger in the race. Last year, he was weaker than Hamilton in qualifying, but was as just as good, during the race.
Lewis started from the back and still beat Jenson last year.
