2013 Bahrain Grand Prix Thread

Medium and Hard tyres for Bahrain. Originally they were going to use Softs and Hards.

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Originally Posted by truefan72

TBH

I don't get it
although I think they made a mistake with firing both drivers
Petrov definitely deserved his seat and heikke seems to be better than these two guys now.
especially GeidoVdG.

but this move is an odd one for sure
still not high on Heikke though
Petrov probably had enough pride not to go back to them

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He was demoted to Reserve driver, which he did not want. Apparently, it is the closest way for him to stay in F1.
I have read that his position is that of technical/ developmental input, only.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by truefan72

TBH

I don't get it
although I think they made a mistake with firing both drivers
Petrov definitely deserved his seat and heikke seems to be better than these two guys now.
especially GeidoVdG.

but this move is an odd one for sure
still not high on Heikke though
Petrov probably had enough pride not to go back to them

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If Caterham badly needed money, then they can't have made a mistake by firing drivers - they needed to survive. I think everyone - including the team - knew that someone like van der Garde would not be able to match Kovalainen. Same with Sauber and their decision to take Gutiérrez over Kobayashi. Certainly Kamui was supposed to be more experienced and consistent, but Sauber couldn't let Telmex sponsorship go.

For Heikki this move is purely practical - if you want to resurrect your career, you have to use every opportunity you possibly can to put yourself on the picture again. Even if it means going back to a team, which let you go and has the worst car on the grid. If there is no alternative, then what are you going to do? Have to use the opportunity.

However, I am pondering about the decision of Caterham. Obviously they are missing the input of an experienced and fast driver and I guess the sponsorship deals with both Pic and van der Garde are flexible enough to enable them losing free practice time. But I am not sure they can afford putting Kovalainen into the race seat unless one of their drivers runs out of money.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhFwqkl5IUE

Full version:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83F3rE8YZAw

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Originally Posted by truefan72

Petrov probably had enough pride not to go back to them

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Who knows what happened to him, but this could be a possibility. I think there might have been a fallout between Petrov and his manager, Kosachenko. Shortly after losing his seat, she was hired by the Caterham team. A bit later, Petrov cut his ties with her.

I do wonder what Gonzales is doing in that car. Paying a few million for a practics session?
Instead of Bianchi? Absurd.

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Originally Posted by truefan72

well several F1 outlets are stating that this is a real move to potentially replace one of the drivers. with a serous assessment coming in FP1 on Friday to see how he fairs against the current drivers.

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But lets not forget Sauber might just have an opening too.

Ferrari are looking strong. lets wait for practice 2..

After FP1 and FP2:

Renault look poised for the win
Red Bull Ominous
Ferrari Dangerous

Mrcedes, sadly, worrisome

my prediction for the race

Kimi
Webber
Alonso
Vettel
Rosberg
Hamilton
Massa
Grosjean
Sutil
Hulkenberg

in that order