2013 Malaysian Grand Prix Thread

[steveaki13]

Well with the first Race of the Season out of the way, we now only have a few days to wait until it all starts again for Round 2.

Drivers Championship standings after 1 Round
1. Kimi Raikkonen - 25 pts
2. Fernando Alonso - 18 pts
3. Sebastian Vettel - 15 pts
4. Feipe Massa - 12 pts
5. Lewis Hamilton - 10 pts
6. Mark Webber - 8 pts
7. Adrian Sutil - 6 pts
8. Paul di Resta - 4 pts
9. Jenson Button - 2 pts
10. Romain Grosjean - 1 pt

Constructors Standings ater 1 Round
1. Ferrari - 30 pts
2. Lotus - 26 pts
3. Red Bull - 23 pts
4. Mecedes - 10 pts
5. Force India - 10 pts
6. Mclaren - 2 pts


Malaysian Grand Prix, Sepang Circuit, Kuala Lumpar.

22nd-24th March

56 Laps.

Previous Winners a Sepang.
1999: Eddie Irvine - Ferrari
2000: Michael Schumacher - Ferrari
2001: Michael Schumacher - Ferrari
2002: Ralf Schumacher - Williams
2003: Kimi Raikkonen - Mclaren
2004: Michael Schumacher - Ferrari
2005: Fernando Alonso - Renault
2006: Giancarlo Fisichella - Renault
2007: Fernando Alonso - Mclaren
2008: Kimi Raikkonen - Ferrari
2009: Jenson Button - Brawn
2010: Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull
2011: Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull
2012: Fernando Alonso - Ferrari

Michael Schumacher - 3 wins
Fernando Alonso - 3 wins
Kimi Raikkonen - 2 wins
Sebastian Vettel - 2 wins
Eddie Irvine - 1 win
Ralf Schumacher - 1 win
Giancarlo Fisichella - 1 win
Jenson Button - 1 win

*Alonso could become most successful driver around here if he wins.

Ferrari - 6 wins
Red Bull - 2 wins
Renault - 2 wins
Mclaren - 2 wins
Williams - 1 win
Brawn - 1 win

* Ferrari are the masters around Sepang.

So there we go. Lets hope the Race isn't subject to a monsoon as normal.

[jens]

So let's start with memories again. :D

Eddie Irvine winning the first Malaysian Grand Prix definitely sticks to my memory. Schumacher dominated the qualifying by a full second. On those days I was very nervous before races, but Ferrari played the strategy beautifully to get Eddie in front. And Stewarts were fast, 4th and 5th. And I also instantly liked the Sepang circuit. One of my favourites till now.

2001 - what a mess. First corner crash, then both Ferraris going off, falling to the back, only to emerge at the front. Trulli leading for a few seconds before spinning off too. Spectacular drive by Verstappen, which sadly wasn't rewarded as in drying conditions superior cars passed him and pushed him out of points-paying positions.

2002 - another first corner crash, then Barrichello and McLarens retiring, which left Ralf Schumacher in front alone with a huge advantage. Button came back from a miserable 2001 season to run on a podium position for a long time, only to drop to 4th with a suspension problem in the last few laps.

2003 - Renault stunned in qualifying. I was over the moon, predicting the team would win the World Championship one day (well, in 2005 it happened). Another first corner crash, again involving Schumacher and sadly Trulli as well (I remember I was furious as to why Jarno couldn't ever get lucky).

2004 - Webber front row, Alonso and Sato spinning off. Race wasn't too bad by 2004 standards either. Montoya gave Schumi a run for his money. Button got his first podium. Kimi was running strongly as well before the - inevitable! - engine blow. I remember on Monday morning I re-watched this race on Finnish TV and commentators almost cried that Kimi had no luck.

2005 - I was stunned. I had missed the Australian Grand Prix, but then I saw Renault leading, Toyota was second. McLaren in midfield, Ferraris even behind Red Bulls. What was that?!

2006 - I was just happy Fisichella happened to get one race weekend right once in a while.

2007 - perhaps the most 'silent' Malaysian GP I have witnessed. Still Hamilton entertained us by outracing the Ferraris.

2008 - Kubica taking P2, Trulli running strongly to 4th.

2009 - a true wet weather chaos.

2010 - a qualifying chaos with all McLarens and Ferraris starting from the back of the grid!! How often have you seen that?

2011 - Vettel controlled the race, but behind him there was some interesting action. Heidfeld bouncing back strongly after Oz disaster, Hamilton and Alonso having an entertaining race.

2012 - another wet weather chaos. Alonso and Pérez having their legendary strong races.

So many interesting memories from a circuit I really like.

What is 2013 going to be like? Wet or dry? How much do the cars performance fluctuate across different circuits in 2013? Because in terms of temperatures and track characteristics Sepang is going to be a little bit different. Again Lotus, Ferrari and RBR going to fight for the win? Plus Mercedes in qualifying trim. Can Force India keep it up? Can McLaren and all the midfielders raise their game?

But there could be a twist in the story of the race weekend, like it has often happens in Malaysia.

[rjbetty]

Brilliant posts by both above. I don't have many memories to add to what Jens said! But here's some

1999: I agree. Michael was on scintillating form on his return. Back to his real self after in truth, a disappointing 1999 by his standards, even before the crash. It was a real novelty to see him doing team orders for Irvine!

2000: I just remember this being a nice race for some reason. Maybe it's because Ferrari had finally done it in the previous race - the dream had come true! Eddie Irvine scored a rare point for Jaguar. Johnny Herbert driving strongly in his final race, looking good for that 6th place, 'til a suspension failure put him out and injured him too. :(

2001: Wow how crazy, not really shown in the final result. Both Ferrari's spinning off together. Trulli and Coulthard doing the same at the hairpin. Villeneuve, Bernoldi and one other all going off together at turn 4. But I agree that it was the performance of Jos Verstappen from 18th on the grid that made this race memorable. He overtook both Frentzen and Hakkinen on merit and it even briefly looked like he could win.

2002: One of my favourite races here. Button running 2nd before losing out near the end - a real surprise as he had never gone well here til this point. Fisichella and Jordan were robbed of points by his own team-mate Sato: Out of all the drivers he could have hit! One of the nicest memories was Arrows dong very well; they were looking strong indeed with Frentzen starting 11th. Sadly problems left him well down the field. But the maligned Bernoldi showed well in the race: I remember really enjoying the 3 way fight between him, McNish and Massa for 6th place. Bernoldi looked very strong for that point till mechanical failure. Other memory: The performance of Toyota, with Salo qualifying 10th and McNish should have been around 13th. McNish was brilliant in the race, robbed of a point.

2003: Another brilliant race. Yeah it was sad for Trulli but I think he still came 5th after that! Jenson had another problem at the end dropping him to 7th behind Michael again. Heidfeld scored one of only 3pts finishes in '03 having qualified 6th. But Alonso and Raikkonen stole the show, as did David Coulthard who had a real strop after retiring from 2nd place.

2004: Webber's front row grid slot, wasted by a terrible start (hmmm sounds familiar), Sato and Alonso starting down the back. Yeah Jenson getting his podium and Montoya challenging Michael! Barrichello suffering by choosing the hard tyre while Michael went for soft - normally totally the wrong choice! Yet sure enough it was cooler than usual.

2005: Another great race - Toyota qualifying on the front row in the dry?!! Finishing there was utterly staggering, showing that Trulli's race pace was just fine when he was towards the front. I groaned as Fisi's championship chances went down the pan as something came loose from his car dropping him back to a collision with Webber - who took it badly. There was a memorable scrap which I so enjoyed between the Williams' and Ralf Schumacher. I really enjoyed Heidfeld on the podium and relished the unusual podium of Alonso, Trulli and Heidfeld. Also I was so pleased for Coulthard and Red Bull, performing VERY strongly again, DC having been at an all-time low after 2004. Anthony Davidson got to drive for BAR but only got to lap 3.

2006: Fisi winning! Though in truth he made a meal of it as usual and was fortunate not to be beaten by Alonso! Button was expected to win the race, showing how little people thought of Fisi. 4 or 5 cars got engine grid penalties. Heidfeld "monstered" Montoya for 4th before the engine blew right near the end. Massa beat Michael for 5th and there were no team orders.

2007: Ferrari not looking so dominant after all. Hamilton proving Australia was no fluke. Renault and Fisi doing badly being outqualified in 12th by Heikki, but he came 6th.

2010: Rosberg on the podium. Michael retiring after the start from 8th. Hulkenberg scoring his only point till a long time after.

2012: Not much needs to be said! I remember Michael easily beating Rosberg despite being hit by Grosjean on the first lap. NONE of Perez's podiums were flukey results Paul. Consider that in each of those drives, he was CHASING down the leaders like CRAZY. He was close to winning all three.

[jens]

2002: One of the nicest memories was Arrows dong very well; they were looking strong indeed with Frentzen starting 11th. Sadly problems left him well down the field. But the maligned Bernoldi showed well in the race: I remember really enjoying the 3 way fight between him, McNish and Massa for 6th place. Bernoldi looked very strong for that point till mechanical failure.

Wow, I don't even remember this though I remember Bernoldi re-overtaking M.Schumacher. :D And Toyota indeed had a stronger weekend than in Australia, threatening to hunt for points on merit this time, and showing positive signs of becoming a strong team.

[A FONDO]

Cant wait for it. My favorite track before India and Texas were built. And the TV times are much more normal than Aus. :)

[Langdale Forest]

Why isn't Sutil available as an option on the pickems?

[steveaki13]

2001 was one of my favourite races of all time. Dont know why but I have watched it again over the years a few times. This is one race where I can remember nearly everything.
I remember so much of the drama. Before the Parade Lap Montoya's Williams was left on the line, Frentzen got his Pit lane speed limiter stuck on and was trailing around and looking like starting last, but Fisi then lost his place on the Grid and parked across the track in the middle of the grid. Start was aborted and Frentzen and Montoya could retake their rightfu positions. (All this before the race started).

Then the race was go and Kimi was left on the line and Ralf Schumacher was spun by Barrichello I think and Ralf rejoined last.

Ralf then stormed through the backmarkers when Panis blew his engine, leaving oil at turn 6? The next lap rain came down and both Ferrari's headed off on the mix of oil and water and headed for the barrier.

I remember Brundle saying something like "Thats caused a few Heart Attacks back at Maranello"

Trulli then lead a Lap in the Jordan before the monsoon came. A lap later Trulli & DC 1st & 2nd went spinning off at the last corner. DC recovered and pitted in first. Monotoya spun off, the Heidfeld, Villeneuve & Bernoldi I think all went off at turn 4.

The Ferrari's pitted from about 3rd & 7th and Barrichello was in first, but the team had no wet tyres ready and had to go searching a bit like Europe 1999. Barrichello's stop took about 1 minute 10 seconds. Finally both he & Michael rejoined under the safety car 9th & 10th. Not before Barrichello Spun again.

Saftey pounded round as the track was a river. Then after about 12 Laps came in and Left DC leading, Frentzen, Verstappen, Hakkinen & Ralf Schumacher (something like that).

Straight away the Ferraris were overtaking the midfield around all sides. They had INters on while everyone else was on full wets. Frentzen was passed by Verstappen who closed on DC for the lead in the Arrows. Ralf passed Mika and Frentzen and soon the Ferraris were ready to pass all these cars in the next 5 Laps.

The Ferraris took up 1 & 2 and powered away. Leaving DC a lonely 3rd and Verstappen, Frenzten, Hakkinen and Ralf Schumacher having an epic scrap. Over 20 odd laps Jos da Boss, held off and repassed Frentzen and Hakkinen. While the fast Williams of Ralf stormed into 4th.

By the end Verstappen had to make one extra pit stop for Fuel leaving him on the lead Lap at the end but a heart breaking 7th.

The battle he had with Frentzen and Hakkinen had so much passing and repassing it was magic.



As for the other years.

2002 was notable for Montoya getting the first ever Drive Through Penalty after Schumi drove into him. (Never sure how that worked) and he came steaming through the pack to complete a 1-2. I remember as Jens said, Bernoldi repassing Michael and Jenson running 3rd in his Renault until Suspension issues let Schumacher past in the last couple of laps.

2003. - All what Jens & rjbetty said really. The Renaults 1-2 on the grid. Kimi claiming his first win and great comeback drives from Trulli & M. Schumacher after another first corner collision.

I seem to also recall Yoong actually outperformed Mark Webber for maybe the only time in his home race.

2004- So happy to see Button claim a Podium, and hoped Montoya would challenge Michael for the title, but it was not to be.

2005 - One of my best memories of this race was an epic battle between. Ralf Schumacher, Fisichella, Nick Heidfeld and Mark Webber. It ended with Webber and Fisi colliding and Heidfeld somewhere along the line passing 2 cars in 2 corners.
Also Red Bulls outracing the Ferrari's

2006- Dont recall much apart from Fisi winning.

2007 - Lewis announcing himself by passing both Ferrari's on the first Lap and then holding them off.

2009 - Jenson winning in a half distance crazy race. Also Kimi eating Ice Cream.

Recent races have slipped my mind. Dont know why.


Well I seem to have gone on a bit.

[steveaki13]

Why isn't Sutil available as an option on the pickems?

Not 100% sure, but he only got the drive at short notice. Maybe he hasn't been added yet?

[Natalie.S]

1999 stands out in my memory
Michael Schumacher driving circles around the competition whilst helping Irvine win the race
vintage Schumacher :)

[Dave B]

So let's start with memories again. :D

Eddie Irvine winning the first Malaysian Grand Prix definitely sticks to my memory. Schumacher dominated the qualifying by a full second. On those days I was very nervous before races, but Ferrari played the strategy beautifully to get Eddie in front. And Stewarts were fast, 4th and 5th. And I also instantly liked the Sepang circuit. One of my favourites till now.
Have I ever mentioned that I was there? Ok, maybe I bang on about it every year... :erm:

Anyway, Schumacher's pole lap was something special. Remember he'd been absent while his broken leg healed, yet halfway round his lap the crowd knew he was in a different class. He was inch perfect the whole way round, and I recall the hairs on the back of my neck tingling as he passed my seat. I also remember the debacle in the hotel bar that evening as the Ferrari was disqualified for illegal barge boards (only to be reinstated later). I was caught up in the friendly rivalry of his and Mika Hakkinen's fans and as a neutral observer I felt it my dity to have many many beers with both factions.

[Dave B]

PS: Malaysia 1999 is on Sky F1 right now :D

DÃ*o t?o lái xe ô tô uy tÃ*n, bao d?u. LH: 0937.85.9665

This season is off to a great start. Can't wait to see what Malaysia has in store for us... Alonso is going to be fighting for it.

[rjbetty]

This season is off to a great start. Can't wait to see what Malaysia has in store for us... Alonso is going to be fighting for it.

Don't ban me Jens, this one's talking sense!

[Tazio]

Don't ban me Jens, this one's talking sense!Yes, but I think Naomi may be lost. :p : ;)

[steveaki13]

I know its as useful as a chocolate fireguard but the weather on the Beeb says the usual showers (monsoon) late in the day on Friday and Saturday and Rain most of the day Sunday.

But it nearly always says that but its whether it will miss the race or be like 2001/2009

[steveaki13]

I know its as useful as a chocolate fireguard but the weather on the Beeb says the usual showers (monsoon) late in the day on Friday and Saturday and Rain most of the day Sunday.

But it nearly always says that but its whether it will miss the race or be like 2001/2009

BBC Weather : Kuala Lumpur (http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/1735161)

[henners88]

I know its as useful as a chocolate fireguard but the weather on the Beeb says the usual showers (monsoon) late in the day on Friday and Saturday and Rain most of the day Sunday.

But it nearly always says that but its whether it will miss the race or be like 2001/2009
As long as it doesn't rain as hard as 2009 I think it'll be fine. A bit of rain spices Malaysia up :)

[The Black Knight]

So let's start with memories again. :D

Eddie Irvine winning the first Malaysian Grand Prix definitely sticks to my memory. Schumacher dominated the qualifying by a full second. On those days I was very nervous before races, but Ferrari played the strategy beautifully to get Eddie in front. And Stewarts were fast, 4th and 5th. And I also instantly liked the Sepang circuit. One of my favourites till now.

I still remember that race like it was yesterday. Schumacher drover the slowest race he possibly could and still was leading before leaving Irvine through. He did two stops to Irvine's 3 stop strategy. Schumacher backed Hakkinen up and allowed Irvine to jump Hakkinen in the pit stops. Hakkinen came out after the race saying it was the hardest race he had ever drove because Schumacher's driving was totally erratic in that he didn't know when Schumacher was going to break for a corner and he was breaking at different points every lap which made overtaking him impossible. This was all strategy by Schumacher to keep Hakkinen behind. I remember Ron Dennis coming out after the race saying that he felt the Ferrari's tires looked like slicks. I can't remember if they protested or not but if they did it was thrown out anyway.

Still, as far as I'm concerned, the true winner of that GP weekend has to be Michael Schumacher. Pole by 0.9 of a second, drove the slowest race he could and still could have won. Lets not forget either that it was his first race back after breaking his leg. He was mega. Still simply the greatest driver of all time, in my opinion. In those days he was just a class above everyone else.

[keng]

As long as it doesn't rain as hard as 2009 I think it'll be fine. A bit of rain spices Malaysia up :)

Its pouring here now in KL, the usual tropical thunderstorm at this hour in the evening :)

[Dave B]

I can't understand the move to a later start. It stormed 13 of the 14 days I spent in the country, and you could pretty much set you watch by it. Why anybody is surprised when the heavens open at race time is a mystery.

Now watch: bright sunshine and blue skies for the entire weekend! :p

[Tazio]

I can't understand the move to a later start. It stormed 13 of the 14 days I spent in the country, and you could pretty much set you watch by it. Why anybody is surprised when the heavens open at race time is a mystery.

Now watch: bright sunshine and blue skies for the entire weekend! :p I can, it is about the live broadcast time in Europe, no?!?!

[steveaki13]

I can, it is about the live broadcast time in Europe, no?!?!


Its about keeping Europeans happy while taking away our venues. :rolleyes: :(

[Robinho]

Its all very well, but not if the move means you have nothing to broadcast

Sent from the moon using a shoe

[truefan72]

these extended dead zones in Q1 where nobody comes out on track are really a waste of everyone's times
either provide "friday only" tires or bring back 3rd drivers or something
but these lulls in action are ridiculous.

Teams like Mclaren, and williams should be out there pounding the laps to improve their cars

[Tazio]

Yep, they're wasting my time ;)

[Hawkmoon]

I can't understand the move to a later start. It stormed 13 of the 14 days I spent in the country, and you could pretty much set you watch by it. Why anybody is surprised when the heavens open at race time is a mystery.

Now watch: bright sunshine and blue skies for the entire weekend! :p

It's so that you lot in the top half of the planet can wake up at a nice hour and have a cup of tea and a bacon butty while watching the race. ;)

[truefan72]

stupid live timing is not working yet again

displaying "please wait"

[Tazio]

yep!

[gloomyDAY]

Hey guys! Check out this album: Photo Album - Imgur (http://imgur.com/a/dxUq2#0)

[steveaki13]

You have to say on the whole Bianch looks good again, just 2.9 off the fastest time up until a while ago ahead of a Williams and nearly 2 seconds faster than Max Chilton.

[steveaki13]

insert an "i" in that sentence somewhere

[henners88]

Its about keeping Europeans happy while taking away our venues. :rolleyes: :(
And ironically our TV coverage as well!! lol

[Mia 01]

So far so good Kimi!!

[henners88]

I've got a good feeling about Kimi this year. He's quietly motivated and playing down the fact he has a great car even if the press are trying to sensationalise his comments. I hope Lotus can keep up with development and we'll see a second WDC from Kimi this year. We need a change in the order. :)

[CaptainRaiden]

I've got a good feeling about Kimi this year. He's quietly motivated.

Yep. I feel as though Kimi has come of age and seems the happiest he's ever been driving for Lotus. He's learned to temper his natural driving ability with consistency and smoother driving too, part of the reason why he's excelling in that Lotus and Grosjean isn't, I guess. I for one am overjoyed that one of my favorite drivers is doing so well.

Of course, he could prove us all wrong and beach the Lotus in the gravel on Sunday...

As for the tyres, while I don't like that everything is governed by the tyres now and not the ultimate combination of a fast driver and a fast car, on the other hand I'm also quite satisfied as long as Red Bull are struggling we don't have to see another year with them dominating.

[AndyL]

these extended dead zones in Q1 where nobody comes out on track are really a waste of everyone's times
either provide "friday only" tires or bring back 3rd drivers or something
but these lulls in action are ridiculous.

They already have friday-only tyres, just not enough of them: 2 sets of primes and one of options. Seems like they could really use at least one more set of each specification.

Right now they might as well shorten each Friday session to 45 minutes, and use the time to run some support races instead.

[Mia 01]

I will give a promise. If Kimi wins the WDC this year I will also start cheering Lewis :)

[henners88]

I will give a promise. If Kimi wins the WDC this year I will also start cheering Lewis :)
You should only support or cheer on who you think is worthy Mia. If you don't like Lewis and we know here you don't, you are not obliged to cheer him on. I've always supported Kimi since his first McLaren days, so its nice to see him back at the top after his lesser loved Ferrari stint. :)

[dj_bytedisaster]

They already have friday-only tyres, just not enough of them: 2 sets of primes and one of options. Seems like they could really use at least one more set of each specification.

Right now they might as well shorten each Friday session to 45 minutes, and use the time to run some support races instead.

All we need is a tire supplier, who can build tires that last more than 30 miles...

[wedge]

Yep. I feel as though Kimi has come of age and seems the happiest he's ever been driving for Lotus.

Personally I don't think he has come of age. More like Lotus suits him because of not dealing with the likes Ron The Don and LDM.

[Tazio]

Personally I don't think he has come of age. More like Lotus suits him True, and Kimi is doing a fantastic job. :up:


Romain Grosjean is heading into his second weekend in a row without the benefit of the latest upgrades which Kimi Raikkonen has on his car.

Lotus technical director James Allison said only Kimi Raikkonen had the newest parts for the E21, as was also the case in Melbourne.

Asked about Grosjean’s performance in the opening race Allison said: “He’s not had an easy weekend either here or there because we haven’t got, we haven’t been able to provide, two cars of exactly the same configuration on either occasions.”Grosjean "disadvantaged" by lack of upgrades - F1 Fanatic (http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2013/03/22/grosjean-disadvantaged-lack-upgrades/)

If this was going on at Ferrari there would be all kinds of pissing and moaning going on on this forum. ;)

[Knock-on]

And bloody right too ;)

Seriously though; why? I can understand for one race but two?

[gloomyDAY]

Well, qualifying looks like it's going to be postponed due to rain once again.

[Tazio]

Sepang Afternoon Weather - AccuWeather Forecast for Putrajaya Malaysia (http://www.accuweather.com/en/my/sepang/229918/afternoon-weather-forecast/229918?day=1)

I'm not getting the same reading, what is your source Glue?

[donKey jote]

All we need is a tire supplier, who can build tires that last more than 30 miles...

that should be easy enough, specially without (tyre) competitors... all they'd need is the gnome to say "go"

[DexDexter]

Yep. I feel as though Kimi has come of age and seems the happiest he's ever been driving for Lotus. He's learned to temper his natural driving ability with consistency and smoother driving too, part of the reason why he's excelling in that Lotus and Grosjean isn't, I guess. I for one am overjoyed that one of my favorite drivers is doing so well.

Of course, he could prove us all wrong and beach the Lotus in the gravel on Sunday...

As for the tyres, while I don't like that everything is governed by the tyres now and not the ultimate combination of a fast driver and a fast car, on the other hand I'm also quite satisfied as long as Red Bull are struggling we don't have to see another year with them dominating.

I disagree, Kimi is the same he was from day one. Not more motivated, not less. He's just got a great car and a team that cares about his driving, not his communication skills.

[gloomyDAY]

Sepang Afternoon Weather - AccuWeather Forecast for Putrajaya Malaysia (http://www.accuweather.com/en/my/sepang/229918/afternoon-weather-forecast/229918?day=1)

I'm not getting the same reading, what is your source Glue?I was looking at The Weather Channel. They predicted a 60% chance of heavy showers around 1300, which would be the start of qualifying.

[Tazio]

Quali starts at 16:00 local time, 01:00 PDT. From what I’ve read the predictions are for 5mm of rain. If that is accurate I don't think it is enough to postpone quali, but if there is substantially more it could :bulb:

[steveaki13]

If one drop hits the circuit Quali will be abandoned.
Seriously though it is always an issue at Sepang.

Hope we get a full session.

[gloomyDAY]

Quali starts at 16:00 local time, 01:00 PDT. From what I’ve read the predictions are for 5mm of rain. If that is accurate I don't think it is enough to postpone quali, but if there is substantially more it could :bulb: My bad, you're right. We'll see how thing pans out, but I'll be asleep.

[gloomyDAY]

Pictures from Friday: Photo Album - Imgur (http://imgur.com/a/5tJF0#0)

Enjoy!

[A FONDO]

Great stuff again, Gloomy. Keep posting it :)

[N. Jones]

Wait. Wait. Wait.
I know this might not fit here but...

What is Bob Varsha doing on NBCSports????????????????? He said he wasn't going with the rest of the crew!

[massafan]

He's replacing Diffey for just this race because D is covering the Indy race. I would love for him to be permanent.

[truefan72]

If one drop hits the circuit Quali will be abandoned.
Seriously though it is always an issue at Sepang.

Hope we get a full session.

lol, how true

Charlie whiting will first postpone it for half and hour for fear of imminent rain
then another half an hour, then called off due to diminishing light

so much for those "european start times"

which means everyone this side of the atlantic, north, central and south, all have to watch qualy and he races at 4am onwards

[truefan72]

He's replacing Diffey for just this race because D is covering the Indy race. I would love for him to be permanent.

me too

but glad to see the 3 back together

[call_me_andrew]

What are the slick compounds this weekend? Super-soft and Medium again?

[Tazio]

Medium and Hard

[Tazio]

Ferrari and Redbull are the only teams not to use new engines this race.

[dj_bytedisaster]

Sutil flying in FP3 again - jebus Christ on a pogo stick ...

[steveaki13]

Morning Peeps.

Interesting 3rd practice times, what can we expect for Quali?

I think Felipe has a chance again of out qualifying Fernando again, Kimi & Seb are in the pole mix.

Sutil for a cheeky front 3 row slot. Bianchi to be within 0.5 of the cars ahead.


Lets see

[donKey jote]

morning gurlz :D

[Koz]

Vettel takes pole with 1:35.7.

[steveaki13]

Morning Donkey :wave:

[steveaki13]

Wow Sutil. The Force India looking fast

[steveaki13]

Bianchi +1.6 to fastest. 0.6 to Vettel and 0.3 to Bottas.

That is another great performance.

Chilton 21st about 2.6 off not bad either.

[donKey jote]

rain on the way ...

[donKey jote]

rosberg pips hamilton, massa pips alonso :p

[pino]

Rain arrived now is going to be tricky...

[Dave B]

Here comes the rain again....

It's clearly slippery judging by Di Resta's excursion, but I hope they don't abandon the session this time. :s

[Tazio]

morning persons ;)

[donKey jote]

Ferrari just about made it in time, was close though :eek:

[truefan72]

early donkey of the weekend is DiResta's race engineer for calling him in, instead of banking a lap
:rolleyes:

honorable mention to Grosjeans side of the garage too, who seem to be not only disadvantaged with an inferior car, but with a poor strategist.
Then again this is the former Briattori team and they are used to shafting one side of the garage lol ;)

[donKey jote]

morning Alca-Vajazzle :kiss:

[Dave B]

Grosjean's body language when he got out of the car, P11 and no chance to improve in the damp, spoke volumes.

[Tazio]

:kiss:

[steveaki13]

So what time tomorrow will we meet for Q3. :p : :dozey:

[truefan72]

will charlie delay q3 for 20 minutes?

[donKey jote]

time to get out for a fast lap on inters :s

[donKey jote]

outta tha way vettel :p

[donKey jote]

it's slippy alright :uhoh:

[donKey jote]

Rosy mountain !

[Koz]

This should be interesting.

No one hindered by tyre selection tomorrow. Everyone starting on primes?

[donKey jote]

Alo 1 thousandth quicker than Ham :eek:

[donKey jote]

Kimi pink S1

[donKey jote]

Alo pipped by Massa again :laugh:

[pino]

Massa faster than Alonso !

[donKey jote]

oh dear, it's squeal like a pig time again :s

[steveaki13]

Seb on pole again. Good job (Unless Gary is reading this and then it was a S*** Job)

[truefan72]

damn

anyway, i am encouraged by p4 for Hamilton, plus he saved one set of inters
we will see how the race turns out
Massa doing better than Alonso yet again

[pino]

It's going to be a great start tomorrow :D

[donKey jote]

Massa faster than Alonso !

and in the wet ! :crazy: :up:

[Tazio]

Oh dear :uhoh: :p :

[steveaki13]

I saw Seb talking to Felipe. Probably saying "Take Fred out Felipe, go on son take him out and I will take you on for the Championship.

[truefan72]

my prediction

Massa first into the corner
Alonso also passes Vettel; as they touch slightly
Vettels' car slightly compromised and after a few laps, Hamilton gets by

Massa builds a comfortable 2-3 second lead, and then controversy ensues as Alonso is heard over the radio saying he is "faster" than massa
but this time Massa ignores the messages and goes about his business.
After a "botched" pitstop, Alonso is ahead of Massa, with Hamilton in p2
then it starts to rain...
and its anybody's guess what happens from there

[A FONDO]

Seb on pole again. Good job (Unless Gary is reading this and then it was a S*** Job)

Did you watch the full onboard of his best lap?

[pino]

With a such great car...just an ordinary job for Vettel :p :

[tfp]

Good to see massa outqualifying fred again!

[Knock-on]

I can understand Nico being a second behind Lewis and Checo being a second behind Jenson. Fred being out qualified by Massa again was a surprise but WTF is Webber doing 2.5 seconds back from Seb???

[zako85]

I haven't enjoyed these qualis much. The rain and tire degradation both had a huge effect on being able to judge who really is the fastest driver and car. It's like throwing the darts to see who starts first. Personally, I would have appreciated such unpredictability some time _past_ the mid-year, and only in a few races.

[CaptainRaiden]

Räikkönen hit with three-place grid penalty - GPUpdate.net (http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/292186/raikkonen-hit-with-three-place-grid-penalty/)


Räikkönen hit with three-place grid penalty

Kimi Räikkönen has been hit with a three-place grid penalty for the Malaysian Grand Prix, with the Finn adjudged to have blocked Mercedes's Nico Rosberg in qualifying.

The Lotus driver, who set the seventh fastest time, was deemed to have impeded Rosberg at Turn 14. The 2007 World Champion will now start Sunday afternoon's race from tenth on the grid, promoting Jenson Button, Adrian Sutil and Sergio Pérez.

Rosberg's starting position will remain unchanged, with the German qualifying sixth.

Great. :mad:

This makes it easier for Vettel and the Ferraris. Still Kimi has a pretty good chance at a win though, if he can extract as much pace as he could in Australia on worn tyres. Plus, it's easier to pass here at Sepang.

Lewis could have an outside chance at the podium, if their long run pace is in fact as good as he was saying after practice.

Fingers crossed for Kimi and Lewis.

[zako85]

Fred being out qualified by Massa again was a surprise but WTF is Webber doing 2.5 seconds back from Seb???

If you watched the last few races of 2012, I don't understand how Massa outqualifying Alonso is a surprise. As for Webber losing to Seb, that's not surprise at all. Granted, as I mentioned in my other post, rain and unpredictable tire degradation really took a toll on these qualis. It will take a while to see a real perking order in this championship.

[Dave B]

On which lap will Ferrari allow Alonso past Massa? ;)

[rjbetty]

Q1:
1.Sutil 1:36.809
2.Raikkonen +0.150
3.Rosberg +0.430
4.Alonso +0.505
5.Grosjean +0.554
6.Button +0.678
7.di Resta +0.684
8.Hamilton +0.704
9.Webber +0.810
10.Perez +0.893
11.Gutierrez +0.898
12.Massa +0.903
13.Ricciardo +0.913
14.Maldonado +1.058
15.Vettel +1.091
16.Hulkenberg +1.122
17.Vergne +1.348
18.Bottas +1.398
19.Bianchi +1.625
20.Pic +2.505
21.Chilton +2.863
22.van der Garde+3.123

Just look how close Bianchi was to Q2! Another 0.504sec would have got him in.





Q2:
1.Rosberg 1:36.190
2.Webber +0.259
3.Hamilton +0.327
4.Raikkonen +0.450
5.Sutil +0.644
6.Massa +0.684
7.Alonso +0.687
8.Button +0.927
9.Vettel +1.055
10.Perez +1.152
11.Grosjean +1.446
12.Hulkenberg +1.935
13.Ricciardo +2.632
14.Gutierrez +3.031
15.di Resta +8.319
16.Maldonado No Time


Q3:
1.Vettel 1:49.674
2.Massa +0.913
3.Alonso +1.053
4.Hamilton +2.025
5.Webber +2.570
6.Rosberg +2.845
10.Raikkonen* +3.296
7.Button +3.501
8.Sutil +3.765
9.Perez +4.462


*Grid Penalty

[TheFamousEccles]

With the weather and track conditions being as unpredictable as they are, I think it is too hard to predict. Vettel's Q3 time was nearly 12.4 seconds shy of his Q2. Six other drivers were faster in Q2 - what does that indicate?

I'm so confused.

[wedge]

Räikkönen hit with three-place grid penalty - GPUpdate.net (http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/292186/raikkonen-hit-with-three-place-grid-penalty/)



Great. :mad:

This makes it easier for Vettel and the Ferraris. Still Kimi has a pretty good chance at a win though, if he can extract as much pace as he could in Australia on worn tyres. Plus, it's easier to pass here at Sepang.

Lewis could have an outside chance at the podium, if their long run pace is in fact as good as he was saying after practice.

Fingers crossed for Kimi and Lewis.

Nico caught traffic at the wrong place and wrong time.

Kimi was passing traffic (FI?) into the penultimate corner and still left room on the apex!

What an absolutely daft penalty. Who's the driver rep this weekend? Another fine job by the stewards.

[DexDexter]

Very difficult to predict who is going to be the favourite tomorrow. One thing is pretty evident, if there is rain, Lotus will not feature, they have trouble getting tires to work in damp conditions.

[dj_bytedisaster]

I'm really getting fed up with Pirelli. Half the field can't make these rubber jokes work in the dry, while Kimi can, but in the wet Kimi can't make them work for toffee while suddenly Force India whoop everybody's arse when it's wet. So basically, it's completely irrelevant what sort of car you designed, Pirelli and the wheather will decide where you end up. It's a trucking favesty. *facepalm*

[zako85]

Please bring the tire competition back. I really like to see tires that are designed to win the race, not make a "show".

[AndyL]

Pirelli are in a development race against the teams aren't they. As the teams get better at preserving the tyres, Pirelli have to develop even softer rubber. It seems they've got to the point now where even a brief lock-up can completely wipe off the tread of the tyre. Hamilton and Perez both had some pretty alarming tyre damage after lock-ups today.

[steveaki13]

F1 isn't half the sport it was 10 years ago backwards to 1950.

[A FONDO]

Please bring the tire competition back. I really like to see tires that are designed to win the race, not make a "show".

I really like to see drivers pushing all the time, pitting for a change as many times as needed. Last year was a total disgrace, top guns pushing for a total of 5 laps of the whole race and rest of the time cruising at 70-80%. And guys starting below P10 almost always tried one stop. Shortening tyres' life doesnt't solve the problem, just extends it, but is still something.

[Wasted Talent]

Well I'm happy with the tyres as they are....

Drivers and engineers are having to think about tyre usage during qualy and the races. Yes, things get mixed up a little at times, but this is much better than the bore-fest we used to get with long lasting tyres, no DRS and no KERS.

By mid-season the teams will be on the top of the tyres and by the end we will be back to one stops and the best driver/car combinations will be at the top of the championships - just like last year

WT

[rjbetty]

FORM GUIDE SO FAR

Here are the qualifying positions of all the drivers after 2 races, and their average position too. Now we are getting more of an idea of how things stand:

1.Vettel - 1st, 1st = 1.0
2.Massa - 4th, 2nd = 3.0
3.Webber - 2nd, 5th = 3.5
4.Hamilton - 3rd, 4th = 3.5
5.Alonso - 5th, 3rd = 4.0
6.Rosberg - 6th, 6th = 6.0
7.Raikkonen - 7th, 7th = 7.0
8.Button - 10th, 8th = 9.0
9.Grosjean - 8th, 11th = 9.5
10.Sutil - 12th, 9th = 10.5
11.Hulkenberg - 11th, 12th = 11.5
12.di Resta - 9th, 15th = 12.0
13.Perez - 15th, 10th = 12.5
14.Ricciardo - 14th, 13th = 13.5
15.Vergne - 13th, 17th = 15.0
16.Gutierrez - 18th, 14th = 16.0
17.Maldonado - 17th, 16th = 16.5
18.Bottas - 16th, 18th = 17.0
19.Bianchi - 19th, 19th = 19.0
20.Chilton - 20th, 21st = 20.5
21.Pic - 22nd, 20th = 21.0
22.van der Garde - 21st, 22nd = 21.5

[DexDexter]

I'm really getting fed up with Pirelli. Half the field can't make these rubber jokes work in the dry, while Kimi can, but in the wet Kimi can't make them work for toffee while suddenly Force India whoop everybody's arse when it's wet. So basically, it's completely irrelevant what sort of car you designed, Pirelli and the wheather will decide where you end up. It's a trucking favesty. *facepalm*

Pirelli are doing a great job. If the car is irrelevant, how come we have Red Bulls, Ferraris, Mclarens and Lotus at the front? Pirelli could produce a perfect tire, in which case we would see Red Bull winning most of the races easily and then everybody would complain how boring the races are. I've followed F1 since 1982 and IMO it's better than ever. I've seen way too many races were you know who is going to win even before the start.


I really like to see drivers pushing all the time, pitting for a change as many times as needed. Last year was a total disgrace, top guns pushing for a total of 5 laps of the whole race and rest of the time cruising at 70-80%. And guys starting below P10 almost always tried one stop. Shortening tyres' life doesnt't solve the problem, just extends it, but is still something.


We've had that era in F1 and that resulted in totally predictable races which would in this day and age turn people away from the sport and kill it.


Please bring the tire competition back. I really like to see tires that are designed to win the race, not make a "show".

With tire competition lap times would drop so drastically that the cars would become too quick in no time.

[rjbetty]

Somebody should tell Sauber and Williams that pre-season testing is over now and it's time to stop sandbagging. :(

[gloomyDAY]

I wonder how Ferrari are going wreck Massa's race this time. Like Ted said, Ferrari left Massa out on track "with his worn tires in his hand" at Australia before his second stop.

[steveaki13]

Somebody should tell Sauber and Williams that pre-season testing is over now and it's time to stop sandbagging. :(

I know.

As you said in jest in the FGP thread, Williams have built a real shed and the Sauber that looked so stunning at the launch and it seems the second worst car of the established teams.

Such a shame

[dj_bytedisaster]

I wonder how Ferrari are going wreck Massa's race this time. Like Ted said, Ferrari left Massa out on track "with his worn tires in his hand" at Australia before his second stop.

If nothing else helps they're going to do it as blatantly obvious as Germany 2010 or Austin 2012.

[Mia 01]

If you watched the last few races of 2012, I don't understand how Massa outqualifying Alonso is a surprise. As for Webber losing to Seb, that's not surprise at all. Granted, as I mentioned in my other post, rain and unpredictable tire degradation really took a toll on these qualis. It will take a while to see a real perking order in this championship.

Felipe is, if not hindered, much faster than the samurai.

[dj_bytedisaster]

I wouldn't go that far. Fernando isn't slowpoke Rodriguez, but Massa can beat him if things go right. I think at the moment Ferrari has by far the strogest lineup.

[donKey jote]

Felipe is, if not hindered, much faster than the samurai.

yep, so is Grosjean :p :andrea:

[donKey jote]

I wouldn't go that far. Fernando isn't slowpoke Rodriguez, but Massa can beat him if things go right. I think at the moment Ferrari has by far the strogest lineup.

it's good to see Massa finally hit form again. About time too !

[steveaki13]

Felipe Baby rocks once more after 3-4 years

[Tazio]

Felipe is, if not hindered, much faster than the samurai.

Dream on dude/babe :confused: :p :

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-41fPwfPdxAQ/UQYMrsa7OuI/AAAAAAAABxE/XUgyYzkC3sY/s1600/640FAkatanasword.jpg

F1Design by Mia
Is this your work Mia?

[truefan72]

yep, so is Grosjean :p :andrea:

agreed, I'm not sure what's going on at Lotus, but in equal machinery, I think Grosjean is right there if not a tiny bit quicker on raw pace with Kimi.

[donKey jote]

I'm afraid you may have just incurred the wrath of mia :eek: :vader: :devil: :p
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NtOfqK5o_Ic/Sjk2qBPVoGI/AAAAAAAAAbc/CKYWAQzR8JY/s320/khan-320x240.jpg

[Ranger]

I can understand Nico being a second behind Lewis and Checo being a second behind Jenson. Fred being out qualified by Massa again was a surprise but WTF is Webber doing 2.5 seconds back from Seb???

He mistimed his final out-lap and missed starting his final flying lap.

[call_me_andrew]

A tire war would be great, but I'll take a Pirelli monopoly over a Bridgestone monopoly.

Are people really suggesting F1 not race in the rain anymore?

[kfzmeister]

Vettel's gonna have his mirrors full down to turn one. Those Ferrari's are gonna breathe down his neck. Alonso's gonna lead by turn 4. Kimi doesn't have a chance to win tomorrow, given his 3 spot penalty. Gonna be a great race :D

[Ranger]

Kimi doesn't have a chance to win tomorrow, given his 3 spot penalty. Gonna be a great race :D

Don't be so sure.

[aryan]

I can understand Nico being a second behind Lewis and Checo being a second behind Jenson. Fred being out qualified by Massa again was a surprise but WTF is Webber doing 2.5 seconds back from Seb???

Mark's radio wasn't working, so he didn't get the call to go for a new set of Inters. Seb did, and got fresh rubber, Mark stayed out on old rubber, hence the difference.

They've been team-mates now for long enough that we know that Mark can match Vettel about 45% at least in quali. Last year the quali results were only 11-9 in Seb's favour.

[gloomyDAY]

I can't believe Kimi got a penalty for this: Malaysia 13 Qualifying - Raikkonen Rosberg Blocking Incident - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hi132JOAuqw) !!

Where was Kimi supposed to go with Sutil next to him? I guess Kimi should have used The Matrix to get out of Rosberg's way.

[rjbetty]

I can't believe Kimi got a penalty for this: Malaysia 13 Qualifying - Raikkonen Rosberg Blocking Incident - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hi132JOAuqw) !!

Where was Kimi supposed to go with Sutil next to him? I guess Kimi should have used The Matrix to get out of Rosberg's way.

Wow! Indeed, I have no idea what Kimi could have done that would have been safe! Brings to mind Senna at that Suzuka chicane in 1989.

Thanks for posting that. :)

[Tazio]

Lotus reported that Raikkonen only impeded the Mercedes accidentally because he was suffering from a hydraulics problem.

The team are yet to decide whether to lodge an appeal.

It's clear from the video that Kimi was on the racing line causing NR to lift. That's blocking!

[gloomyDAY]

It's clear from the video that Kimi was on the racing line causing NR to lift. That's blocking!Oh, please! That's merely bad luck, and nothing intentional. What the hell was Kimi supposed to do? Sutil was next to Kimi, and Rosberg closing up on them both at a higher rate of speed.

Edit: Go to bed Taz. It's passed midnight. :p 1am race start? Ha! I'm going to sleep.

[Tazio]

The Stewards found that Rosberg, who qualified 6th, had been unnecessarily hindered between Turns 12 and 15 by Raikkonen.Formula 1® - The Official F1® Website (http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2013/3/14399.html) :dozey:

Edit: Go to bed Taz. It's passed midnight. 1am race start? Ha! I'm going to sleep.

Edit: I'm going to watch the race live thank you, sorry you can't hang. Goodnight sweet prince ;)

[Tazio]

#F1 storm watch #Sepang 14:36 MYT: Large, heavy cell to the NE (approx 15 miles) now slowly enveloping towards the circuit.

http://i.imgur.com/jfDOtEW.jpg


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BGGnlRKCMAApFEn.jpg:large

[Tazio]

It's raining like a son of a gun :eek:

[Dave B]

Chilton, Maldonado, and one of the Toro Rosso's have all spun off on the way to the grid! :eek:

[Tazio]

Bottas damaged the FW :eek:
This is going to play into Vettel's hands methinks.

[donKey jote]

morning gurlz :D

[steveaki13]

Bottas damaged the FW :eek:
This is going to play into Vettel's hands methinks.


What? Bottas damaging his front wing will help Vettel. :eek:

[steveaki13]

Morning everyone.

[steveaki13]

No rain predicted really, but at Sepang that only means it will probably rain

[Dave B]

All the front-runners starting on inters, no great surprise.

Edit: everybody on inters.

[donKey jote]

oops double post :)

[Tazio]

I'm watching a (pirate) Sky TV stream on "BossTV", no kidding :p :


What? Bottas damaging his front wing will help Vettel.
Whoops, I meant the rain :o

[pino]

Here we gooooo !

[steveaki13]

I'm watching a (pirate) Sky TV stream on BossTV, no kidding :p :


Whoops, I meant the rain :o

Ah. Now I understand.

Strange surface in Malaysia. You can really see any dampness around the light coloured surface but it is actually wet.

[rjbetty]

They'd better not stop this race just because there's some H20 around the place!

[steveaki13]

Will anyone pit for drys before the start.

No doesnt look like it. Too wet

[donKey jote]

gogoogogogooooo

[Koz]

Party time!

[rjbetty]

Anyone listening to JA & GA on 5 Live?

[donKey jote]

ooooooooo alonso got hit :(

[steveaki13]

Alonso damage.

Wow

[donKey jote]

arse !

[dj_bytedisaster]

ooooooooo alonso got hit :(

nope, he ran into Vettel's back

[rjbetty]

Oh Alonso broke his front wing?

The race has only just started at 8:05 for me. I guess they're on a 5 min delay. That means you lot are 5 mins ahead of me... :(

[Koz]

Alonso doesn't care!

[donKey jote]

alo idiot of the race

[steveaki13]

Damn Ferrari botching Massa's start for Alonso whos out now?????

[henners88]

Hmmm should have come in Alonso!
Shame.

[rjbetty]

Wonder if Bianchi can grab a point today!

[pino]

Crap !

[donKey jote]

oh well, go Massa, show us what you can do :D

[steveaki13]

Alonso trying to get a push. I assume he didnt?

[henners88]

At least now the Ferrari team will be working for Massa now.

[AndyL]

What an error by Ferrari.

[Tazio]

What a donkey :dozey:

[donKey jote]

nope, he ran into Vettel's back

brake tested :andrea: :p

[Koz]

That move deserves donkey of the season.

[Garry Walker]

That is just amazing how races fall into the hands of a certain RB driver - He sucks on dry, he uses wet setup, it rains. Not to mention his biggest rivals get screwed. Unbelieveable luck.

Great decision by Ferrari and Alonso to stay out, very well thought out.

[Dave B]

Alonso could have pitted and still picked up points. Idiot!

[steveaki13]

Vettel first in

[rjbetty]

Vettel first in

This is news to me, I seem to be 5 minutes behind here. :D

[Koz]

Mark don't pit!

[Dave B]

That is just amazing how races fall into the hands of a certain RB driver - He sucks on dry, he uses wet setup, it rains. Not to mention his biggest rivals get screwed. Unbelieveable luck.

Great decision by Ferrari and Alonso to stay out, very well thought out.
Nurse! He's out of bed again! :p

[Koz]

Force India! OMG!

[Koz]

Hamilton! Ahaha!

[donKey jote]

Ham loses his way :laugh:

[dj_bytedisaster]

LOL, Lewis

[henners88]

Hahahaha Lewis just pulled in to McLaren!!
So funny

[pino]

Hamilton drove into McLaren pit LOL

[steveaki13]

Opps Lewis nearly pulling into Mclaren. No Lewis your a Mercedes driver now

[dj_bytedisaster]

ROFL

[donKey jote]

that's what I call an unsafe release :eek:

[Robinho]

Lewis forgets who is driving for

Sent from the moon using a shoe

[steveaki13]

Toro Rosso unsafe release. Donkeys just wiped out Caterham

[henners88]

I seem to Remember Button doing that to Red Bull in 2010.... He didn't ever drive for them though did he? lol

[donKey jote]

I wasn't watching Massa... how did he lose 20 seconds on the red bulls? :confused:

[pino]

Ferrari fault as usually donkey :rolleyes:

[Tazio]

Lewis forgets who is driving for

Sent from the moon using a shoeHe probably wanted to see if Nicole had snuck over there :p :

[donKey jote]

balls... pitted too late?

[Tazio]

Igornado off-roading again!

[steveaki13]

Pastor Donkey number 4

[gm99]

Maldonado working on his reputation again :)

[donKey jote]

turning into a procession... time for some rain or tyre wear :p

[Koz]

Kimi's Lotus is scary fast! If his tyres hold out long enough a top 5 may still be on the cards.

[steveaki13]

turning into a procession... time for some rain or tyre wear :p

Or a Re Vamp so DRS makes you 60kph faster along a straight.

[donKey jote]

Massa stuck behind Hulk :(

[Koz]

Webber screwed yet again?

[donKey jote]

perfect bull stop for webber

[rjbetty]

I'm keeping my eyes on Kimi and his gap to the front. 28.1sec now.

[donKey jote]

I hope Massa is saving his tyres and not just being slow :dozey:

[donKey jote]

doh

[donKey jote]

Ham gets it right this time :p

[gm99]

Loads of donkeys today - Force India pit crew the next candidate.

[henners88]

Loads of donkeys today - Force India pit crew the next candidate.
Its just a scrappy race for all it seems. Ferrari and Alonso are the only ones who stand out for not pitting with an obviously damaged front wing. That takes a bit of beating so far IMO.

[steveaki13]

did Paul di Resta get going again.

[steveaki13]

Force India WTF.

[donKey jote]

Force India runs out of guns for FL :(

[henners88]

Mechanical issue relating to the wheel spindle it seems.

[donKey jote]

Its just a scrappy race for all it seems. Ferrari and Alonso are the only ones who stand out for not pitting with an obviously damaged front wing. That takes a bit of beating so far IMO.


clearly the donkey award winners... from potential win to 0 !

[Tazio]

Major donkage for FI

[henners88]

rub it in, you donkey ! :p
More Ferrari than Alonso, he probably had no idea his wing was angled like that. It would have been more exciting with him in the mix here and its a shame :)

[steveaki13]

Red Bulls piling up ad Mercedes hunting them down.

[donKey jote]

red bull team orders, anyone? :andrea: :p

[steveaki13]

Red Bull screwing Marks race, by putting the medium tyres on.

[donKey jote]

holdem up Webbo :D :dozey:

[Garry Walker]

Can you imagine how much Helmut Marko and Horner must be hoping for a car failure right now?

[rjbetty]

BACKMARKER UPDATE AFTER LAP 24:

Bianchi already 15th, but 46sec off 10th place (+1.9sec per lap), and 15sec off Bottas

[donKey jote]

vettel doing an alonso :eek:

"get him out the way, he's too slow"

[Koz]

Get him out of the way?

[Garry Walker]

What a failure of a man that scumbag is.

[henners88]

Seb: 'Mark is too slow get him out of the way, he's too slow'

Overtake him then !! :p

[Garry Walker]

Sadly, no special pace from Lotus today. RedBull and Mercedes are clearly faster.

[rjbetty]

Ah, the memories of Fisichella and Alonso... :)

Fisichella had a very convenient car failure at Montreal 2005.

Hey, maybe Vettel will lose his rag and end up crashing out!!

[Tazio]

FI take over in the Donkey race!

[Garry Walker]

Hey, maybe Vettel will lose his rag and end up crashing out!!

Hopefully.

[donKey jote]

mechanical failure is surely Force Majeure for force india though...

[steveaki13]

Overtake him then !! :p


Can only do that with DRS, better tyres or team orders.

[rjbetty]

Last year's almost winner Perez is 10th on lap 27, +31.7sec off the lead and +17.4sec off team-mate Button...

Aww I hear Kimi's car may be a little damaged from going off earlier. :(

[Garry Walker]

Risky call by mercedes and Ham.

[donKey jote]

Vettel almost collected ham, too :p

[donKey jote]

where the heck is Massa in all this :mad:

[henners88]

Can only do that with DRS, better tyres or team orders.
If that's the case Mark is not too slow then. Its racing and you pick your opportunities.

[donKey jote]

no pitpass :D

[Koz]

Come on Barbie!

[henners88]

Come on Rosberg!!

[henners88]

Unsafe release by Ferrari

[donKey jote]

pink for barbie :D

[henners88]

Webber is having a blinder. Nice to see after the criticism lately. :)

[donKey jote]

button donkey :(

[henners88]

McLaren pitstop woes..... It beggars belief!

[donKey jote]

balls

[rjbetty]

Raikkonen seems a little disappointing today...

Button is out?!

[dj_bytedisaster]

Quite a fierce competition for donkey of the race today...