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Originally Posted by henners88
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:up:Quote:
Originally Posted by henners88
OVERALL TIMES FROM THE 3 DAYS (not including Paffett)
1. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari ................ 1m 11.470
2. Felipe Massa - Ferrari ................ +0.252
3. Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber Ferrari ................ +0.586
4. Pedro de la Rosa - Sauber Ferrari ................ +0.624
5. Lewis Hamilton - McLaren Mercedes ................ +0.786
6. Robert Kubica - Renault ................ +0.956
7. Michael Schumacher - Mercedes ................ +0.968
8. Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso Ferrari ................ +1.106
9. Nico Rosberg - Mercedes ................ +1.429
10. Jenson Button - McLaren Mercedes ................ +1.451
11. Vitaly Petrov - Renault ................ +1.627
12. Rubens Barrichello - Williams Cosworth ................ +1.907
13. Niko Hulkenberg - Williams Cosworth ................ +2.199
14. Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso Ferrari ................ +2.353
Whether or not this is a decent preview of what to expect from each team this season, it might lead us closer to knowing who's better of the team-mates. I won't stir more s**t by commenting on Ferrari but certainly, there's a considerable difference in the times between Hamilton/Button, Kubica/Petrov and Alguersuari/Buemi. Would it be wise to suggest that these pairs of drivers were running wildly different strategies (not counting setups, which will obviously be different to varying extents). I'm not sure what to read into Renault or Toro Rosso's pairing just yet. But, with McLaren, Hamilton and Button's driving style are so contrasting that I think it will take Button quite a few races before he feels entirely comfortable with his new car and expect Hamilton to have the upper hand on him for that reason. Hopefully, in the second half of the year, Jenson will take the reigns if he fits in nicely to the team.
Another factor testing cannot show is the engine weights. With the engine rules as they are, teams could adjust for fuel but this season it has changed.
The Ferrari is around 15kgs heavier than the Renault while the Mercedes is around 8kgs or so.
It noticeable how sensitive Mclaren are to equality - running Paffet on the first day.
Without a double diffuser Red Bull were quickest in 2009 and the have the lightest engine. As we see everyone so far had essentially copied the idea of Adrian Newey.
I am sure all the top teams are perhaps a little uneasy over what RB will unveil next week.
And with a driver like Sebastian "Mansell" in the seat it is not out of the question that the real shock awaits in Jerez.
Lets face it, the best driver out there is Schumi.
He is that way because he is the only driver that has proven ability to adapt and change during a race.
No matter what Mercedes say about their speed after the Valencia test it is a short term issue.
The real issue is the race and the strategy. Schumi-Brawn won many races and some of them just phenomenal where he did NOT have the quickest car.
Ross Brawn said a while ago that he is looking forward to the season with the new strategies that will have to be used. EVERYONE should worry,
We will see if any of the drivers today are able to match the great German driver. If any do, they are young enough to become heir apparent as motor racing's benchmark when Schumi FINALLY retires.
I was sorry to see Schumacher retire in 2006, but he left us with that amazing pass on Kimi at Interlagos.
I am delighted that he has returned because I now see that this is a seriously taken step by him and he does nothing by half-measure.
When a driver like Schumi has one of his days and just stamps his authority on the grand prix, it is a time when I'd say loyalties to any driver or team goes bythe wayside for those who are in love with motor racing - and we just enjoy watching the heroic sublime ability that we are lucky to be witnessing.
Those of us who saw Schumi through the years ought to reflect how fortunate we were. I think the battles of the 1980's and Schumacher is something no future genaration will again witness. Similar to the days of the Great Mercedes and terrifying circuits.
Massa and Alonso are way out there. Lets hope the others will be closer come race time.
People can be so pathetic at times. He has a lot of friends over at Ferrari. What does he do, just ignore them cause he wears different overalls now? That would be rude, wouldnt it? I dont see how having lunch with his friends at Ferrari is a problem. Cant he socialize?Quote:
Originally Posted by truefan72
St. Devote, the cool thing is that all top teams look formidable - at least on paper. Merc has the best combo ever, Michael and Ross, RBR has Newey and while I don't rate Vettel that much, with a car made by Newey, sometimes simply a good driver is enough. But Ferrari and McLaren are the all-time best in this sport and they have brilliant drivers as well.
And Ferrari do have better food than Mercedes, that's 100% certain. :DQuote:
Originally Posted by 555-04Q2
It seems that Autosport hates Michael. The interview at the presentation of Mercedes with Michael was pathetic.