F1 2010: Testing sessions thread

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28th February 2010, 00:08
Saint Devote

I dont think we know much at all about what has gone on during the tests other than a general idea of divisions. And even then - remember those likely to get to Q3 have an entirely different approach to those not.

And I think teams like Williams or Sauber have a more complicated job because they are not likely to get out of Q2.

And the long runs - what if say Mclaren were running with enough fuel for 50 laps but instead just tried to gauge what Ferrari or Red Bull were doing and stopped at 40 laps with competitive times.

So nobody has a clue exactly what is going on and maybe Sauber will arrive in Sakhir and is one second behind or Ferrari discovers that they are no quicker than Mercedes.

I'll stick with Lewis and accept that only at Sakhir will the true order be known - and then of course just because one is quick in practice and maybe qualifying, there is no indication where any team will be at one third distance or halfway and so on. And MAYBE with ten laps left to run the smoothe drivers will now have an advantage over those who have a tendency to destroy their rear tyres.

See? We have no real idea.
28th February 2010, 06:04
F1boat

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saint Devote

I dont think we know much at all about what has gone on during the tests other than a general idea of divisions. And even then - remember those likely to get to Q3 have an entirely different approach to those not.

And I think teams like Williams or Sauber have a more complicated job because they are not likely to get out of Q2.

And the long runs - what if say Mclaren were running with enough fuel for 50 laps but instead just tried to gauge what Ferrari or Red Bull were doing and stopped at 40 laps with competitive times.

So nobody has a clue exactly what is going on and maybe Sauber will arrive in Sakhir and is one second behind or Ferrari discovers that they are no quicker than Mercedes.

I'll stick with Lewis and accept that only at Sakhir will the true order be known - and then of course just because one is quick in practice and maybe qualifying, there is no indication where any team will be at one third distance or halfway and so on. And MAYBE with ten laps left to run the smoothe drivers will now have an advantage over those who have a tendency to destroy their rear tyres.

See? We have no real idea.

And maybe not even in Sakhir, mate. If the season is as close as it seems it may look like the old seasons in CART, with many different winners and contenders on different weekends, like Merc vs McMerc in Bahrain and Ferrari vs Red Bull in Melbourne...
28th February 2010, 08:24
UltimateDanGTR

Quote:

Originally Posted by F1boat

And maybe not even in Sakhir, mate. If the season is as close as it seems it may look like the old seasons in CART, with many different winners and contenders on different weekends, like Merc vs McMerc in Bahrain and Ferrari vs Red Bull in Melbourne...

id expect exactly that. much like last year, one weekend brawn were superior, then red bull, force india and ferrari, mclaren at one point.

This year id expect much the same, but maybe on a more exciting level....
28th February 2010, 12:30
Dave B

On the final day, these are the standings at the lunch break:

Code:

1. Lewis Hamilton McLaren 1m20.472s 53 2. Felipe Massa Ferrari 1m20.539s + 0.067s 55 3. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull 1m20.667s + 0.195s 76 4. Michael Schumacher Mercedes 1m20.745s + 0.273s 55 5. Rubens Barrichello Williams 1m20.925s + 0.453s 40 6. Sebastien Buemi Toro Rosso 1m22.135s + 1.663s 46 7. Kamui Kobayashi Sauber 1m22.713s + 2.241s 32 8. Adrian Sutil Force India 1m23.079s + 2.607s 60 9. Robert Kubica Renault 1m24.293s + 3.821s 35 10. Heikki Kovalainen Lotus 1m25.251s + 4.779s 58 11. Lucas di Grassi Virgin 1m26.790s + 6.318s 35
28th February 2010, 12:41
DazzlaF1

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Brockman

On the final day, these are the standings at the lunch break:

Code:

1. Lewis Hamilton McLaren 1m20.472s 53 2. Felipe Massa Ferrari 1m20.539s + 0.067s 55 3. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull 1m20.667s + 0.195s 76 4. Michael Schumacher Mercedes 1m20.745s + 0.273s 55 5. Rubens Barrichello Williams 1m20.925s + 0.453s 40 6. Sebastien Buemi Toro Rosso 1m22.135s + 1.663s 46 7. Kamui Kobayashi Sauber 1m22.713s + 2.241s 32 8. Adrian Sutil Force India 1m23.079s + 2.607s 60 9. Robert Kubica Renault 1m24.293s + 3.821s 35 10. Heikki Kovalainen Lotus 1m25.251s + 4.779s 58 11. Lucas di Grassi Virgin 1m26.790s + 6.318s 35

Here's hoping that Bahrain upgrade for Virgin helps them, looks like they're clearly struggling.

Another good session so far for Lotus.

And its clear I think about what the 5 fastest cars are now.
28th February 2010, 13:10
F1boat

I am quite excited from these results. :) Seems that there are 5 very competitive cars. Imagine the shock if after the 1st qualy first is MS and 2nd Barrichello :-)
28th February 2010, 13:41
truefan72

Quote:

Originally Posted by DazzlaF1

Here's hoping that Bahrain upgrade for Virgin helps them, looks like they're clearly struggling.

Another good session so far for Lotus.

And its clear I think about what the 5 fastest cars are now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by F1boat

I am quite excited from these results. :) Seems that there are 5 very competitive cars. Imagine the shock if after the 1st qualy first is MS and 2nd Barrichello :-)

Force India and renault were not doing qualy runs this morning so difficult to judge their pace. Sauber were a bit of a mixed bag but kobayashi stopped on track hampering their morning efforts. I expect the late afternoon glory runs to tell us a bit more...until a red flag comes in with minutes to go.
28th February 2010, 15:02
truefan72

Hamilton on a long long run, A race sim and his times compared to others on the race sims is about .300sec quicker. Impressive regardless. I think they are dialing that Mclaren in real nice.

Meanwhile Schumi is also on a long run albeit a tad bit slower per lap. Funny line from autosport live:
14:43 After five laps stuck under Schumacher's rear wing, Hamilton is past and into clear air.
14:39 Hamilton's times have slowed as he has got stuck behind Schumacher.

Ferrari also on a longish stint
28th February 2010, 15:17
Saint Devote

Quote:

Originally Posted by F1boat

And maybe not even in Sakhir, mate. If the season is as close as it seems it may look like the old seasons in CART, with many different winners and contenders on different weekends, like Merc vs McMerc in Bahrain and Ferrari vs Red Bull in Melbourne...

Absolutely :D

And then there is the "four grands prix in four weeks" with everyone having to make do with what they have far away from their home bases until Catalunya comes up.

I think it will be superb once again [and they do not happen too often] to have a season for a change where by the time of Interlagos there would be three or four drivers from different teams ALL within several points of each other.

Only one of the best drivers in a good car will be missing when he ought to be on the grid - Kimi.
28th February 2010, 15:18
Robinho

long runs looking pretty equal overall for the big boys, ultimate pace really close, 8 drivers (7 cars) within half a second in top pace - will be interested to see what Renault do for a fast lap this afternoon too.
28th February 2010, 15:40
Saint Devote

From Motorsport.com news:
Mad Max's own reaction [to Demented di Montezemolo's comments] was predictable, telling a select few British press men last week that Ferrari is like "a frumpy old woman at a dance who sees a couple of pretty young girls come in and they resent it".

:-]
Of course Ferrari's CEO will be resentful - exactly how will he go about explaining to the FIAT board the amounts of money the Scuderia "requires" to go racing, if the object of his affection, Virgin-Cosworth [what a great name - so F1] as well as Lotus-Cosworth goes well in 2010?

The clock is ticking Luca - better read up on Guy Edwards' little book of excuses!
28th February 2010, 15:55
Dave B

A red flag with 14 minutes to go! Who'll provide the now-traditional red flag in the dying moments of the final session?!
28th February 2010, 16:04
DazzlaF1

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Brockman

A red flag with 14 minutes to go! Who'll provide the now-traditional red flag in the dying moments of the final session?!

Kovalainen stopped out on circuit
28th February 2010, 16:08
truefan72

...and predictably, the sessions has been stopped with 2 minutes to go
28th February 2010, 16:09
Dave B

That was the earlier one - now there's been yet another with just seconds to go and predictably the session's been ended!

That's it for 2010 testing.

1 Hamilton McLaren 1m20.472s
2 Webber Red Bull 1m20.496s +0.024
3 Massa Ferrari 1m20.539s +0.067
4 Sutil Force India 1m20.611s +0.139
5 Vettel Red Bull 1m20.667s +0.195
6 Schumacher Mercedes 1m20.745s +0.273
7 Barrichello Williams 1m20.870s +0.398
8 Kobayashi Sauber 1m20.911s +0.439
9 Buemi Toro Rosso 1m22.135s +1.663
10 Kubica Renault 1m23.175s +2.703
11 Kovalainen Lotus 1m25.251s +4.779
12 Di Grassi Virgin 1m26.160s +5.688
28th February 2010, 16:12
truefan72

Its going to be a close first race.

13 days to go!
28th February 2010, 17:11
Saint Devote

I am sure Vitaly Petrov IS pleased with how the Catalunya testing went - he was quicker than Robert Kubica.

Mclaren drivers - Button at Jerez and Hamilton at Catlunya - were quickest overall.

Vettel and Webber - essentially equal. Same for Rosberg and Schumacher, Massa and Alonso.
28th February 2010, 17:59
52Paddy

It's hard to tell who is going to be cream of the crop when the season starts. There are so many possibilities from Ferrari, McLaren, Sauber, Red Bull and Mercedes with possible surprises from Williams, Force India and Toro Rosso. On the other hand, I do expect Lotus and Virgin to be at the back of the pack for the initial few races at least and Renault just ahead of them.

I have a hunch that this will be one epic season - I just hope we're not disappointed in Bahrain. *crosses fingers*
28th February 2010, 18:51
truefan72

Quote:

Originally Posted by 52Paddy

It's hard to tell who is going to be cream of the crop when the season starts. There are so many possibilities from Ferrari, McLaren, Sauber, Red Bull and Mercedes with possible surprises from Williams, Force India and Toro Rosso. On the other hand, I do expect Lotus and Virgin to be at the back of the pack for the initial few races at least and Renault just ahead of them.

I have a hunch that this will be one epic season - I just hope we're not disappointed in Bahrain. *crosses fingers*

me too.

i can't recall a time in all my years of F1 watching that I was this unsure of how the first races let alone the season is going to unfold. It is less about surprises than about, everyone genuinely being really good, drivers cars etc. I got this weird feeling of pure uncertainty, nervous anticipation and giddiness. It's like going backstage to the dressing rooms at the miss universe contest, yeah there are one of two women that you really like but the bevy of beauties provides a sensory overload. That's how I feel about F1 2010. So many stories, so many subplots, so many good drivers and so many good cars.
28th February 2010, 18:56
K-Pu

I don´t know if I have said this before here, but this is the best pre-season I´ve ever seen, and 2010 will be a great one!
28th February 2010, 19:24
Sonic

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Brockman

That was the earlier one - now there's been yet another with just seconds to go and predictably the session's been ended!

That's it for 2010 testing.

1 Hamilton McLaren 1m20.472s
2 Webber Red Bull 1m20.496s +0.024
3 Massa Ferrari 1m20.539s +0.067
4 Sutil Force India 1m20.611s +0.139
5 Vettel Red Bull 1m20.667s +0.195
6 Schumacher Mercedes 1m20.745s +0.273
7 Barrichello Williams 1m20.870s +0.398
8 Kobayashi Sauber 1m20.911s +0.439
9 Buemi Toro Rosso 1m22.135s +1.663
10 Kubica Renault 1m23.175s +2.703
11 Kovalainen Lotus 1m25.251s +4.779
12 Di Grassi Virgin 1m26.160s +5.688

Wow, just WOW! This is going to be an epic legendary season of justice! Good times!
28th February 2010, 20:00
F1boat

Quote:

Originally Posted by truefan72

me too.

i can't recall a time in all my years of F1 watching that I was this unsure of how the first races let alone the season is going to unfold. It is less about surprises than about, everyone genuinely being really good, drivers cars etc. I got this weird feeling of pure uncertainty, nervous anticipation and giddiness. It's like going backstage to the dressing rooms at the miss universe contest, yeah there are one of two women that you really like but the bevy of beauties provides a sensory overload. That's how I feel about F1 2010. So many stories, so many subplots, so many good drivers and so many good cars.

Very cool post, truefan!
28th February 2010, 20:10
Sonic

Sidebar; it seems that Brawn is (so far) keeping his promise and treating both drivers as equals. Their best laps (which we must assume are low fuel quali simulations) are 0.1s apart.
28th February 2010, 21:31
Saint Devote

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonic

Sidebar; it seems that Brawn is (so far) keeping his promise and treating both drivers as equals. Their best laps (which we must assume are low fuel quali simulations) are 0.1s apart.

There is no reason not to as the racing hasn't started yet.
28th February 2010, 22:20
jens

The last day of testing has certainly created some very interesting results, because it looks like numerous teams have tried a quali-simulation and as the overall times show, it's mighty close. McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull are almost inseparable and the chasers (Force India, Mercedes, etc) are all right behind ready and capable of capitalizing on any miscalculation the expected top teams might make. Actually I don't remember a winter testing, which saw as many as three teams being basically on the same level! Usually 1-2 teams have emerged above others in pre-season. All of this is just plain awesome! Hopefully the new teams won't have to feel lonely at the back for too long and will be capable of joining the tight and exciting battles of the established teams sooner or later. :)

The whole situation will create especially extremely tense qualifying battles as I suspect the new rules will increase the importance of Saturdays. Already in 2008 on several circuits the Top10 were within 0,5 seconds and it looks like it could be even tighter than that now. The nerves of racing drivers will be put to an astonishing test to try to pull out perfect laps throughout qualifying!
28th February 2010, 22:26
Sonic

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saint Devote

There is no reason not to as the racing hasn't started yet.

Well that's not true. According to someone who has been there and done that - Mr J Herbert, the first time he tested in '95 he was close to Schu's pace but from that moment on it became a closed shop and he never saw a scrap of data from the other side of the garage to assist him.

Now I'm not trying to suggest Herbs would have beaten MS, but that was just testing too and equal treatment was not given there so I applaud Brawn for so far giving both drivers a fair shot - may the best German win ;)
28th February 2010, 22:56
DazzlaF1

I have to agree with the consensus on here, I said back at the end of last season that 2010 could be arguably one of the best and most unpredictable seasons in recent years, and pre-season testing has only reinforced that belief.

I cant wait now for Bahrain
28th February 2010, 23:26
Saint Devote

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonic

Well that's not true. According to someone who has been there and done that - Mr J Herbert, the first time he tested in '95 he was close to Schu's pace but from that moment on it became a closed shop and he never saw a scrap of data from the other side of the garage to assist him.

Now I'm not trying to suggest Herbs would have beaten MS, but that was just testing too and equal treatment was not given there so I applaud Brawn for so far giving both drivers a fair shot - may the best German win ;)

You are referring to Flavio. Ross Brawn does not manage that way. If Schumacher wins three out of the first six races and Rosberg is breathless the situation will change.

Although Schumacher has his own way and he is a master at building his team to a point where EVERYONE else will have to follow.

Eddie Cheever said that being teammate to Alain Prost at Renault was like going through a food processor - everytime Eddie gained on Prost, Alain would uo the ante even further.

Schumacher will do the same. Rosberg is I think on for the bumpiest ride of his life! If he just keeps up, he will be doing extremely well.
28th February 2010, 23:32
steveaki13

Still 12 odd days to go! Time seems to be going so slowly now. :mad:
28th February 2010, 23:36
jens

Quote:

Originally Posted by aki13

Still 12 odd days to go! Time seems to be going so slowly now. :mad:

Oddly enough the time seems to be going too quickly for me - only 12 days?! :eek: Probably I've been concentrated on other issues "too much", so as a consequence the F1 season is nearing at a rapid pace. I'm not sure I'm ready yet. :D
28th February 2010, 23:39
truefan72

Quote:

Originally Posted by F1boat

Very cool post, truefan!

:)

what can I say. love the ladies
28th February 2010, 23:44
truefan72

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saint Devote

There is no reason not to as the racing hasn't started yet.

lol, A different picture will emerge after the first few races. If there is one thing you can rely on Brawn to do, is favoring one driver early and building a season's worth of strategy around it. His worst nightmare will be a quick Nico and disgruntled MSC feeling that all hands on deck should be serving his needs. After all he didn't come out of Retirement to play second fiddle. (I for one hope he came back just for the fun of racing, competing at the highest level, and ending his career his way vs seeking to emulate the old Ferrari ways)
1st March 2010, 00:48
Saint Devote

Quote:

Originally Posted by truefan72

lol, A different picture will emerge after the first few races. If there is one thing you can rely on Brawn to do, is favoring one driver early and building a season's worth of strategy around it. His worst nightmare will be a quick Nico and disgruntled MSC feeling that all hands on deck should be serving his needs. After all he didn't come out of Retirement to play second fiddle. (I for one hope he came back just for the fun of racing, competing at the highest level, and ending his career his way vs seeking to emulate the old Ferrari ways)

Michael Schumacher came back to win. If you know who Schumi is then you understand the full nature of that statement.

To Nico I say, lose ALL your Monte Carlo refinement because your worst racing nightmare is about to happen - become a street fighter because you are about to enter battle against El Toro and he gives no quarter, especially when it comes to teammates. But he does it in a very nice way :D :vader:
1st March 2010, 06:30
F1boat

I wonder if Michael is not as fast as before, whether he will try to help Nico or just retire mid-season. For now I have to say that Nico looks very fast, at least in testing. I personally prefer Michael to win, but on track and I'd be happy if Nico scores a win this season.
1st March 2010, 10:07
SGWilko

Ross Brawn's primary concern is a winning car.

Then, he will put max effort behind the driver that emerges the fastest after a few races.

The drivers are paid handsomely, and if they get beaten, they can go buy a chocolate factory to console themselves!

The era that Ross was at Ferrari was win at all costs 'a la Todt' - understandable considering the Scuderia had won bugger all for 2 decades, designing shyte cars and getting through more team management personell that your average CHAV has tracksuits in the cupboard.....
1st March 2010, 11:48
Saint Devote

Quote:

Originally Posted by F1boat

I wonder if Michael is not as fast as before, whether he will try to help Nico or just retire mid-season. For now I have to say that Nico looks very fast, at least in testing. I personally prefer Michael to win, but on track and I'd be happy if Nico scores a win this season.

Never mind quickest - you are referring to Schumi who while I do not consider the greatest ever [at least unless he wins an 8th] - he is the greatest RACE driver in my view.

Today the only driver I think that can beat him in changing race conditions and changing car handling is Alonso.

Schumi is not a quitter and given his ability and experience will probably be the one driver at least where as the race progesesses and the car becomes lighter, the tyres better he will become stronger.
1st March 2010, 12:21
Sonic

Ross has already gone on record saying Schu is much the same as he was before so I do not expect him to quit. That said I do not expect him to do a farewell season like Lauda or Hill did when they were clearly no longer enjoying it or willing to take the risks - if Schumacher notices his form dipping in, say, season 3 of his comeback he may well call it a day there and then.
1st March 2010, 17:33
52Paddy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonic

Ross has already gone on record saying Schu is much the same as he was before so I do not expect him to quit. That said I do not expect him to do a farewell season like Lauda or Hill did when they were clearly no longer enjoying it or willing to take the risks - if Schumacher notices his form dipping in, say, season 3 of his comeback he may well call it a day there and then.

Conversely, if he won an 8th title in season 1 or 2 of his comeback, would you (plural) expect him to quit at that high point or keep going until his contract expires?

It would a fantastic career review if Schumacher came back to win a title (showing the young guns that this wise old goat still has what it takes) and then leave with no trace of being uncompetitive (or less competitive than he was in the middle of the naughties).

Personally myself, I don't expect him to be a title challenger but I do expect him to win races and finish on the podium regularly enough.
1st March 2010, 18:38
truefan72

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saint Devote

Never mind quickest - you are referring to Schumi who while I do not consider the greatest ever [at least unless he wins an 8th] - he is the greatest RACE driver in my view.

what?

I don't like schumi either per say but his records stand for themselves and he is unquestionably the greatest driver ever by any statistical measurment and performance.

A simple wiki record
Formula One records

As of the end of the 2009 Formula One season, Michael Schumacher holds the following F1 records:
Record Number
Championship titles 7 (1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004)
Consecutive titles 5 (2000–2004)
Race victories 91
Consecutive wins[3] 7 (2004, Europe–Hungary)
Wins with one team 72 (Ferrari)
Wins at same GP 8 (France)
Wins at different GPs 22
Longest Time between first and last wins 14 years, 1 month and 2 days
Second places 43
Podiums (Top 3) 154
Consecutive podium finishes 19 (US 2001–Japan 2002)
Points finishes 190
Consecutive points finishes 24 (Hungary 2001–Malaysia 2003)
Laps leading 4741 (22,155 km)[149]
Pole positions 68
Front row starts 115
Fastest laps 76
Doubles (Pole and win) 40
Perfect Score (Pole, fastest lap and win) 22
Championship points 1,369
Most points in a season for a runner-up 121 (2006)
Most wins in a season for a runner-up[4] 7 (2006)
Wins at Indianapolis (any racing class) 5
Wins at Monza (Formula One) 5
Wins in a season 13 (72%) (2004)
Fastest laps in a season[5] 10 (2004)
Points scored in a season 148 (82% of Max available) (2004)
Podium finishes in a season 17 (100%) (2002)
Championship won with most races left 6 (2002)
Consecutive years with a win 15 (1992–2006)
Consecutive days as champion 1813 (from 8 October 2000 until 25 September 2005)

i may not like his style or his attitude, but I have to respect his accomplishments in the sport which are staggering. So I'm not sure why winning one more championship above his already record 7 would be the deciding factor for you.

But I guess this discussion belongs in a different thread, just could not help myself :)
1st March 2010, 18:42
truefan72

Quote:

Originally Posted by 52Paddy

Conversely, if he won an 8th title in season 1 or 2 of his comeback, would you (plural) expect him to quit at that high point or keep going until his contract expires?

It would a fantastic career review if Schumacher came back to win a title (showing the young guns that this wise old goat still has what it takes) and then leave with no trace of being uncompetitive (or less competitive than he was in the middle of the naughties).

Myself, I don't expect him to be a title challenger but I do expect him to win races and finish on the podium regularly enough.

I think he has as good a shot as any to win the title in 2010. The title realistically can be won by 8-9 guys this year. I do think if he wins the WDC he will retire. Conversely after a grueling 19 race season with all the media attention and stuff. I think if he does very well, he might retire this or next year and take an ownership stake in Mercedes GP team. 2 years max I say. Then there will be the Nico/Nico team at Mercedes.

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