2013 Chinese Grand Prix Thread

[truefan72]

That's exactly what I was thinking. I can understand Button doing it but yep was also very surprised at Seb, I can only imagine that they didn't think they would get beyond the third row and decided to take a calculated gamble. It could yet turn out to be a master stroke of genius... can't wait to see how it plays out tomorow.

and you also run into the possibility of a first lap incident by running p6 and down, p9 is right in the middle of the dangerzone IMO the top guys will probably get away cleanly while the back end of the top 10 and wild card ricciado will surely make for an interesting first few corners. That being said, Kimi vs Alonso at the start has not ended well in recent races, and Massa seems to be able to make excellent starts these days.

Watch out for the Button/Vettel/Hulkenberg duel too.
Vettel has not shown to be the best guy starting in a pack, or running in a pack

[Tazio]

^^^ agree with all of this and will only ad that this is in addition to having three guys at the front all WDCs that the first stint should be a very interesting look for both Ferraris attacking hopeing (with Kimi's help) to get the boss to have to push and we wii see how well those rears hold out on the Merc package!

[gloomyDAY]

Photos from qualifying: Photo Album - Imgur

[dj_bytedisaster]

and you also run into the possibility of a first lap incident by running p6 and down, p9 is right in the middle of the dangerzone IMO the top guys will probably get away cleanly while the back end of the top 10 and wild card ricciado will surely make for an interesting first few corners. That being said, Kimi vs Alonso at the start has not ended well in recent races, and Massa seems to be able to make excellent starts these days.

Watch out for the Button/Vettel/Hulkenberg duel too.
Vettel has not shown to be the best guy starting in a pack, or running in a pack

It's a bit of a gamble, true. But considering that RB has been of somewhat lackluster form all weekend, it's the best shot they have. A 2nd or 3rd row start on those ridiculousd Maoam tires would have been even worse. With their crazy-arse low top-/high cornering-speed characteristics, the RB's need to get into the lead. Starting ninth with only Ricciardo and Button to wrestle down is the best shot they have to get to the front, especially if 'Nando & Co. do them the favour of losing time in the midfield pack. Button, Ricciardo, Vettel and Hulk will get to the pointy end of the pack by default, when the Maoam-shod cars have to dive in after a handful of laps. Lewis, Nando & Co will have to wrestle past the midfielders after pitting and, as Sutil so aptly proved at Melbourne, actually trying to race with this year's Pirelli's is not the best idea. They are only good for cruising, which Vettel & Co can do if they survive the first lap.

[wmcot]

I hear that RB had to take the 3kg of fuel from Mark's car and put it in Vettel's!

[Tazio]

I predict a 7-12 lap first stint from those starting on options.

[airshifter]

The tires are a gamble regardless. Those in the top cars on the harder tires may fall prey to cars behind them, and have little if any chance of staying up with the cars in front. If they average close to 1 second slower it's going to be really hard not to shuffle back once DRS is activated.

[dj_bytedisaster]

I predict a 7-12 lap first stint from those starting on options.

12 laps is extremely optimistic isn't it? By that time the lap times will be measured in geological units.

[kfzmeister]

Interesting article/ quote from Bernie. He's helping fuel the self destruct fire at RB with his comments. If they really did deliberately underfuel Webo's car, they certainly did not maximize Vettel's gain from it. Poor guy has to start from 9th? Is Grosjean nearby? Lol

Edit: Mark now reported to start from pitlane. They changed gear ratios, gearbox and suspension !

[ShiftingGears]

12 laps is extremely optimistic isn't it? By that time the lap times will be measured in geological units.

I wasn't aware they were even lasting seven laps in practice.