The Official 2017 Austrian Grand Prix Thread **Spoilers**
Discussion
Right. Some FP2 long runs on the Ultra Soft:
I think for the first time this year, I'm seeing Mercedes with a pace advantage in the long runs. As others have predicted, it won't be a surprise to see a Mercedes on pole and win the race. However, there appears to be some significant degradation from the Ultra Softs which needs to be managed in the 1st stint.
Ferrari put in a lot of work on the Super Softs and Softs but they had some difficulty switching it on quickly. They should have improved it over the weekend.
I'm seeing a 2-stop race here. There doesn't appear to be a huge difference between SS and Soft over a long run and I don't see a big gain in running the harder Soft tyre for a longer distance than two shorter SS stints, so it would come down preference and the strategy of the teams you're racing, I guess. It will be interesting to see how teams will be playing this.
The midfield as ever, looks tight. McLaren are showing signs of moving to the front of that. Alonso put in a shorter run which was quicker than Vandoorne, with only the Williams car quicker. I saw a modest improvement in top speed, and in the race runs. Let's see how they get on in Q and the race.
I think for the first time this year, I'm seeing Mercedes with a pace advantage in the long runs. As others have predicted, it won't be a surprise to see a Mercedes on pole and win the race. However, there appears to be some significant degradation from the Ultra Softs which needs to be managed in the 1st stint.
Ferrari put in a lot of work on the Super Softs and Softs but they had some difficulty switching it on quickly. They should have improved it over the weekend.
I'm seeing a 2-stop race here. There doesn't appear to be a huge difference between SS and Soft over a long run and I don't see a big gain in running the harder Soft tyre for a longer distance than two shorter SS stints, so it would come down preference and the strategy of the teams you're racing, I guess. It will be interesting to see how teams will be playing this.
The midfield as ever, looks tight. McLaren are showing signs of moving to the front of that. Alonso put in a shorter run which was quicker than Vandoorne, with only the Williams car quicker. I saw a modest improvement in top speed, and in the race runs. Let's see how they get on in Q and the race.
Vaud said:
Byker28i said:
Hamilton just can't get any luck can he. Gearbox damage from vettels love tap?
IIRC then Mercedes have said it is unconnected.
http://www.planetf1.com/news/hamiltons-gearbox-was...
Asked by Motorsport.com whether the gearbox was damaged by the Vettel crash, a Mercedes spokesman said: “We can rule this out.”
llewop said:
Hamilton on super soft rather than ultras - maybe hoping to stay out longer to recover positions in the race?
If rain threatens he might have tactical advantage to hang on and call a later pit stop - provided the ultras do go off significantly sooner. Or he could get into a start incident or shackled into the midfield unable to pass with everyone around on better tyres watching the leaders disappear. Rain is his hope methinksByker28i said:
Still vettel just needs to blow another turbo for a penalty.
According to Ferrari only one of the turbos is unusable, so although he's on his last one he actually has 3 to use for the rest of the year.ClockworkCupcake said:
Well, the Italian interviewer trying to get Vettel and Hamilton to shake hands wasn't at all awkward was it. 
Apparently they shook hands just before going out on to the circuit for the interviews.ETA: https://www.instagram.com/p/BWSYz3RFtib/
Edited by Crafty_ on Saturday 8th July 15:58
Crafty_ said:
The sky bashing is getting boring. If you don't like it, don't watch.
So far all they've done is respond to messages from viewers, they're still doing it now talking about Merc keeping quiet on the gearbox change.
There's no alternative this weekend. When there is, I watch C4.So far all they've done is respond to messages from viewers, they're still doing it now talking about Merc keeping quiet on the gearbox change.
ClockworkCupcake said:
Well, the Italian interviewer trying to get Vettel and Hamilton to shake hands wasn't at all awkward was it.
Being able to put a coherent sentence together would be a good start, never mind the lack of understanding of how to interview people. He is truly awful. 
jsf said:
Are we going to have this idiot every race. Who thinks this is a good idea?
Presumably you mean Valsecchi?
I would agree; I can't fathom the mentality that thought he'd be a good interviewer/commentator for UK tv. He's even worse on the F2.
But of course, we shouldn't watch if we aren't happy to accept second rate.
Gassing Station | Formula 1 | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff