****Winter Testing #1 Jerez****

[PhillipM]

Thankfully it looks like they've actually listened to Kimi this time around as you could see they'd reworked the front end for his driving style as soon as they released it. Hopefully that'll get him back on form again, he was a demon over one lap when he first started out.

[London424]

entropy said:

On the one hand Ferrari didn't do proper long runs but on the other hand we don't know the fuel loads.

A couple of days ago Nasr set his quickest lap on soft tyres whereas Kimi set his quickest on the mediums. RBR and Merc were on heavy loads. Anybody with useful man maths?

Kimi set his fastest in the softs...Seb set his fastest (only a bit slower) on the mediums.

[williamp]

go back 12 months, the red bull had an awful time in testing, with very few laps running. Those that did, were slow. They still won races last year and did very well overall.

[Scuffers]

williamp said:

go back 12 months, the red bull had an awful time in testing, with very few laps running. Those that did, were slow. They still won races last year and did very well overall.

Somewhat different situation, last years red bull was a terrific car, with a st engine.

[andyps]

Scuffers said:

Somewhat different situation, last years red bull was a terrific car, with a st engine.

We don't know if that is different yet. Not enough laps or enough speed to know if the chassis is good, and to know about the engine. Let's wait and see.

[snotrag]

Some of my photos from the testing, got back Weds night.

https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/simonholehan/sets/72...

Its a very easy circuit to spectate at, worth the trip I thought. dirt cheap and a good amount of action.

Few things of note having been there -

The McHonda - WHEN its running - sounds ace. Very distinctive, bassy, booming.

All the cars have a much more individual sound than what comes across on telly.

Renault powered cars are quiet and whooshy.

The new Sauber driver was enjoying the opportunity for some wet experience at the end of the day on Monday,, really working at throwing the car about, trying lines etc, was interesting to watch.

The Williams, both drivers, looks fantastic. The braking, turn in etc appears just 'looks' right. I know its meaningless, but something about that car just looks and feels good. I really hope its a good sign and Bottas can maybe try for a win or two this year.

[Scuffers]

andyps said:

Scuffers said:

Somewhat different situation, last years red bull was a terrific car, with a st engine.

We don't know if that is different yet. Not enough laps or enough speed to know if the chassis is good, and to know about the engine. Let's wait and see.

True,

Although we.have to assume Renault have moved forward, the others have not stood still.

[PhillipM]

You'll find the Honda 'sound' will quieten down a lot as they bring the systems up to full power, I doubt it'll be loud and bassy for long.

[London424]

Some Redbull analysis

http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/2015/02/some-technic...

[rdjohn]

andyps said:

Scuffers said:

Somewhat different situation, last years red bull was a terrific car, with a st engine.

We don't know if that is different yet. Not enough laps or enough speed to know if the chassis is good, and to know about the engine. Let's wait and see.

STR, with the same engine package, seemed to be able to rattle off laps at will. I think RB may have a chassis issue at this moment, but. I am pretty sure they will cure it, given what they achieved last year.

[Some Gump]

^ I think the chassis issue that affected them most was called Kvyat =)

[entropy]

rdjohn said:

andyps said:

Scuffers said:

Somewhat different situation, last years red bull was a terrific car, with a st engine.

We don't know if that is different yet. Not enough laps or enough speed to know if the chassis is good, and to know about the engine. Let's wait and see.

STR, with the same engine package, seemed to be able to rattle off laps at will. I think RB may have a chassis issue at this moment, but. I am pretty sure they will cure it, given what they achieved last year.

Tom Clarkson observed that the STRs aren't very stable

[rah1888]

suffolk009 said:

Interesting that amongst all the doom and gloom about McLaren, they remain second favourites with the bookies for the WDC.

I realise I'm a bit late replying to this one, but just been chatting to someone from McLaren, and his exact words were: "I wouldn't waste your money betting on us this year." Hopefully 2016 will prove more impressive.