2019 Japanese GP Build Up, Practice & Qualifying thread

**512 TR** · 13th October 2019, 00:57

I'm going to watch qualifying live, push the record button on my digital box and watch the race later when I get up. I still think we can do well here. But it's the strangest thing. Ferrari obviously is great in a straight line (most importantly the initial acceleration out of corners when going through the gear). As shown in Singapore and Sochi the SF90 has cured the problems in 90 degree turns. But we were also lighting quick in the fastest corners on the calendar like Renualt, Pouhon, Parabolica etc. But there is something still missing in medium-fast and medium-slow corners, which Suzuka has a lot of. This is the also one of the four circuits with esses (others being Silverstone, Austin and Interlagos). The car was not good through Maggots and Becketts this year (not last year either). So let's see how it does today.

**19000rpmF-2004** · 13th October 2019, 00:59

Originally Posted by KimiBot

10 minutes to quali
and race 3 hours after quali ended

Thanks

**KimiBot** · 13th October 2019, 01:03

Originally Posted by 512 TR

I'm going to watch qualifying live, push the record button on my digital box and watch the race later when I get up. I still think we can do well here. But it's the strangest thing. Ferrari obviously is great in a straight line (most importantly the initial acceleration out of corners when going through the gear). As shown in Singapore and Sochi the SF90 has cured the problems in 90 degree turns. But we were also lighting quick in the fastest corners on the calendar like Renualt, Pouhon, Parabolica etc. But there is something still missing in medium-fast and medium-slow corners, which Suzuka has a lot of. This is the also one of the four circuits with esses (others being Silverstone, Austin and Interlagos). The car was not good through Maggots and Becketts this year (not last year either). So let's see how it does today.

Yes, I agree with everything, hopefully our engine was turned down in FP2 as many sources say, but Charles and Seb said that it was real picture.

**Rob** · 13th October 2019, 01:03

Thought turn in and watch quali, as up watching Petit Le-mans anyway.

**KimiBot** · 13th October 2019, 01:05

yeah, slippery, rain yesterday

**tifosi1993** · 13th October 2019, 01:10

Japanese marshalls, efficient as always. Good job.

**KimiBot** · 13th October 2019, 01:10

Kubica first victim, I guess he is not last victim, no track evolution, because raining yesterday and no FP3

**512 TR** · 13th October 2019, 01:11

Originally Posted by KimiBot

Yes, I agree with everything, hopefully our engine was turned down in FP2 as many sources say, but Charles and Seb said that it was real picture.

I just hope we won't suffer any mechanical issues with the PU this race weekend. The spec 3 better be what it's billed to be. Also, if the pitwall get any indication that pole or the front row is too far away they should do what Merc did in Sochi and go for the medium tyre in Q2.

**tifosi1993** · 13th October 2019, 01:17

Both Ferrari's on a good lap before the red flag.

Sector 1: Vettel 30.734, Leclerc 30.777.

**512 TR** · 13th October 2019, 01:29

Because of the two red flags it's going to be hard to calculate who is quickest and therefor very tricky to know what to do in Q2. I would still gamble on the mediums in Q2, even if pole is possible in Q3 on the softs.

**KimiBot** · 13th October 2019, 01:34

Originally Posted by 512 TR

Because of the two red flags it's going to be hard to calculate who is quickest and therefor very tricky to know what to do in Q2. I would still gamble on the mediums in Q2, even if pole is possible in Q3 on the softs.

yeah, but maybe Mercs also will use mediums in Q2, if not, then we could try that if it looks like we do not have a chance

**nani_s23** · 13th October 2019, 01:36

Good from Lec ...!!

**512 TR** · 13th October 2019, 01:45

Originally Posted by KimiBot

yeah, but maybe Mercs also will use mediums in Q2, if not, then we could try that if it looks like we do not have a chance

Very possible indeed. But we need to at least be on the same tyre at the start as Merc. If the pitwall makes the same mistake as in Sochi the VIRTUAL gap will be even bigger and without a VSC/SC in the race.

**paolo lalli** · 13th October 2019, 01:47

Just do what mercedes do simple follow the tactic experts.oh and Ferrari please please do not I repeat do not be sucked into the vacum of dummy pit stops.

**chinmay** · 13th October 2019, 01:49

Vettel lost 3 tenths in the final sector.

**nani_s23** · 13th October 2019, 01:50

Lec reported cold tyres ...so I expect him to take the pole.
Vettel loosing much time in S3 only

**KimiBot** · 13th October 2019, 01:50

Originally Posted by chinmay

Vettel lost 3 tenths in the final sector.

so it looks good

**512 TR** · 13th October 2019, 01:52

So they all wents for the softs. So basicly the odds are for whoever takes the front row will win the race. Ferrari should have gambled on the mediums. You still have to use them. So with the tyre degradation it's better to have them on a heavy fuel load in the first stint. I can't understand why they don't see it.

**nani_s23** · 13th October 2019, 01:53

Ferrari not going out ....!! No soft tyres left ???

**tifosi1993** · 13th October 2019, 01:56

Good job Gio, outqualified Raikkonen again

**KimiBot** · 13th October 2019, 01:58

Originally Posted by tifosi1993

Good job Gio, outqualified Raikkonen again

yeah and Albon beating Max atm

**nani_s23** · 13th October 2019, 01:58

Yup... gio doing good job these days

**nani_s23** · 13th October 2019, 01:59

Originally Posted by KimiBot

yeah and Albon beating Max atm

Max had issues

**nani_s23** · 13th October 2019, 01:59

RB/Mercs S1 look strong 30.5

**KimiBot** · 13th October 2019, 02:02

Originally Posted by 512 TR

So they all wents for the softs. So basicly the odds are for whoever takes the front row will win the race. Ferrari should have gambled on the mediums. You still have to use them. So with the tyre degradation it's better to have them on a heavy fuel load in the first stint. I can't understand why they don't see it.

My guess is that Binotto thinks that pole is possible for us