Discussion
Well Ferrari do look strong but then again how many times over the last few years have we heard Toto, Niki or the two Merc drivers talk up the threat from Ferrari only to piss themselves laughing when they once again take pole by half a second +
McLaren / Honda are now turning into a laughing stock. I am starting to wonder if the team is beyond saving really... they are whining non stop about the engine but many of the track side reports seem to be saying the chassis isn't much cop either. With their resources they should be doing a lot better... just imagine what Force India or Williams could achieve with a McHonda sized budget... yet it appears McLaren will be the second or third slowest team starting this year.
McLaren / Honda are now turning into a laughing stock. I am starting to wonder if the team is beyond saving really... they are whining non stop about the engine but many of the track side reports seem to be saying the chassis isn't much cop either. With their resources they should be doing a lot better... just imagine what Force India or Williams could achieve with a McHonda sized budget... yet it appears McLaren will be the second or third slowest team starting this year.
Edited by VolvoT5 on Thursday 9th March 20:59
VolvoT5 said:
McLaren / Honda are now turning into a laughing stock. I am starting to wonder if the team is beyond saving really... they are whining non stop about the engine but many of the track side reports seem to be saying the chassis isn't much cop either.
To be fair, you can only truly test a chassis with a well performing and predictable engine, as I understand it, such is the intertwining of engine, aero and chassis.Vaud said:
Where did that story originate from? I have in my mind a Renault in the 80s?
It was a 70s Ferrari that stopped suddenly out on the track,when a conrod exited the block and the resultant shrapnel caused the ignition coil,complete with bracket to fall off.Mauro Forghieri ,when tackled by a journalist on the reason for the stoppage said it was an "electrical failure ".
The journalist,noting the extensive new crankcase breathing arrangement,said clearly it must have been an engine failure,at this Forghieri replied that the coil mounting bracket had failed ,the coil had fallen off causing a lack of sparks,hence it was an electrical failure ,it could not possibly be a mechanical issue as" Ferrari engines didn't fail!"
Vocal Minority said:
The mind games are going into over drive.
Vettel lifting off on the exit of the last corner, both Hamilton and Vettel talking the other one up.
I honestly believe there will be a cigarette paper between the 2.
The way Hamilton and Vettel are somewhat arrogantly going on is like they are expecting it to only be a two horse race... so already I find myself cheering for the Finns... Vettel lifting off on the exit of the last corner, both Hamilton and Vettel talking the other one up.
I honestly believe there will be a cigarette paper between the 2.
I think if Bottas and Raikkonen can find a way to get stuck while Hamilton & Vettel are busy playing with themselves then one of them may just be able to sneak through and steal it at the end.
Vocal Minority said:
The mind games are going into over drive.
Vettel lifting off on the exit of the last corner, both Hamilton and Vettel talking the other one up.
I honestly believe there will be a cigarette paper between the 2.
No chance. Merc aren't on full beans. How many times have we seen Merc do this in a race weekend in practice then get everyone excited only to turn up the engine and bag a front row lock out....Vettel lifting off on the exit of the last corner, both Hamilton and Vettel talking the other one up.
I honestly believe there will be a cigarette paper between the 2.
I'd say Merc are 1-2 secs quicker than Ferrari come Oz.
Vocal Minority said:
I know - we still have £10 on this....
I agree with your assumption that Mercedes are holding back.
I disagree with your assumption that Ferrari are not
and 1-2 seconds - you're in la la land pal! Sorry You're in moonlight pal.
Satirical!I agree with your assumption that Mercedes are holding back.
I disagree with your assumption that Ferrari are not
and 1-2 seconds - you're in la la land pal! Sorry You're in moonlight pal.
tommunster10 said:
I'd say Merc are 1-2 secs quicker than Ferrari come Oz.
And where do Williams with their £20mil cash injection fit in with that? 
So Seb managed a 1m 19.024 on Ultra Softs yesterday and Kimi did a 1m 19.267s on Softs today and then only improved by two tenths to a 1m 19.019 when using the Super Softs.
Clearly a lot of sandbagging going on, Vettel's time should have been well into the 1m 18s with the Ultras unless there is virtually no lap time gain from them vs Supers vs Softs? Verstappen using identical tyres is 4 tenths off Kimi's time so far today so Red Bull not looking amazing yet.
I'm starting to dare to hope that Ferrari might be genuinely competitive this year. They may even be leading the field?
Clearly a lot of sandbagging going on, Vettel's time should have been well into the 1m 18s with the Ultras unless there is virtually no lap time gain from them vs Supers vs Softs? Verstappen using identical tyres is 4 tenths off Kimi's time so far today so Red Bull not looking amazing yet.
I'm starting to dare to hope that Ferrari might be genuinely competitive this year. They may even be leading the field?
Edited by VolvoT5 on Friday 10th March 11:29
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