Australian Grand Prix 2011 - Qualifying Thread [Archive] - Page 2 - TheScuderia.net

tifosi_kaka

26th March 2011, 07:50

On second thoughts, it could just be a case of not being able to switch on the tyres in the cold conditions. We are still NO MATCH for redbull who didnt even use kers in qualifying. I dont understand how we can be so much slower than them than last year when it was only 3-5 tenths.

But we were almost the only ones not being able to switch on the tyres? That doesn't look good.

Kyss4k

26th March 2011, 07:55

It seems that Hamilton had KERS failure so he didn't use it too. How those two were so fast without it?

EDIT:
McCheaters are flexing now too:
http://nch138.eden2.netclusive.de/F1_2011/01_Australia/F1.2011.AUS.03.AE-HD.FP1.hamilton.jpg

FFFerrari

26th March 2011, 07:56

Alonso did what he could, the car just couldn't deliver more. On the other hand Massa had a lot of trouble and it seems he is as lost as he was last year. There is still slim hope for a podium, but I'm betting Fernando finishes fourth tomorrow and Felipe somehow manages to crash. And I think myself as a realist.

Forzi

26th March 2011, 08:01

anotherfinemess

26th March 2011, 08:12

My worry is, melbourne is usually a Ferrai tracK.

steelstallions

26th March 2011, 08:14

This was racing on a virtually empty tank. Tomorrow will give us a better idea of the total package we have. If its a reflection of today then we have more work to do than I expected after the build up to this weekend.
I am a little disappointed, but this weekend is not over until the fat lady................

hogo

26th March 2011, 08:15

to be honest, i think the car we have is fast, maby even the 2nd car on the grid, but the problem is the tires...
but tires are the same for everybody. If our car can't use them properly it's our fault, not Pirellis.

Hornet

26th March 2011, 08:27

to be honest, i think the car we have is fast, maby even the 2nd car on the grid, but the problem is the tires. Prety much every single lap we did had atleast 2 or 3 slips which costed us close to a second. Maby its the track? Or its smth we did on the past two weeks? I mean we had good constant laps, the team was happy, felipe loved the tires and there was no slipping all over the track or cold tires involved. The only diference i see between us and rbr is that they have a very flexible front wing and a big fat hole in the back.
And that big fat hole may be a key difference too. Its blowing on the lower wing element. Even McLaren came up with that radical side pod to channel more air to that area, and their air outlet is blowing on the wing element too.

For some reason Ferrari hasn't utilize the air output to focus it there, rather ours disperse it vertically

Curbs

26th March 2011, 08:29

Agree, we can´t blame anything other than ourself. Ferrari has started a bad habit after the Brawn/Schumi era. They just talk, talk talk, big fancy words. Time to deliver?
It´s important to be ready from the first race we said in the winter. Now it will be more of, "the season is long, and we have to work hard", and chase as always.
What happend to the extreme solutions? The aerodeparpent got free hands, to be agressive. We seem to be more conservative than ever.

We run in testing, mile after mile, yet McLaren who run the least come up with a car thats near the Bulls.
I think we should focus on technical things, to get an agrerssive car with pace, rather than just run and run to understand the tires.

scuderiafan

26th March 2011, 08:40

Call me mad, but i think Alonso can win tomorrow. All we need is a hot race, and if Alonso gets a good start, we could be in business. Remember, Massa last year got from 5th to 2nd. I know it was raining, but it is a good omen.

COMON!!!!!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/9436863.stm

Alonso's intrerview

scuderiafan

26th March 2011, 08:44

AND, remember 2008? Great testing, but Felipe was only 4th after some great preseason testing, and Kimi was 15th. We ended up having the pace in the race.

So, keep tha faith!!!:pray:ferrarifl

epiclyaddicted

26th March 2011, 08:46

Right, easy with the doom and gloom guys!

I'm disappointed as well, as much as anyone, not particularly because of P5 and P8 but rather due to the gap from pole. But that pace wasn't truly representative of our car. The temperatures were cold, and the track is very green, so I think we just weren't able to get our tyres working, hence the fundamental lack of grip. Schumacher probably had the same problem.

We had a good car all throughout pre-season testing, and it suddenly hasn't become a slouch! Just take a chill pill people.

The race is tomorrow, and this was only the first of 20 Qualifying sessions of the season, not all of them will be the same.

Forza Fernando! Forza Felipe! Forza Ferrari! :ferrarifl

FIAT PALIO

26th March 2011, 08:47

Ferrari are only good in winter testing......

Hornet

26th March 2011, 08:50

I'm hoping for a hot weather too tomorrow. Clear sunny skies and all.

I'm also hoping that our car is somehow too gentle on the tires that we can't get the heat in on a 1 lap sprint (nothing new for Ferrari, really). But come race day on a sunny weather, we can make it last longer and be competitive :pray

SanderV

26th March 2011, 08:50

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/90230

Alonso says 5th was more or less expected. Anyway, let's hope for a good race tomorrow.

tpe

26th March 2011, 08:56

I'll wait for the race. But, it reminds me of 2005... I hope that I am wrong though. Anyways, if we cannot set the tyres on temperature, then how we managed to do that during the winter with lower temps?
I just hope that the package is not good in 1 lap. By the way, do we know if our wing flexes?

Corey

26th March 2011, 09:16

I wonder what would our position be if the season opener was at Bahrain. Will the F150 suit the Bahrain circuit more?

Schumyboy83

26th March 2011, 09:31

Truelly shocked, Thougt we could have mixed in abit with the RB and Mac's, Still 5th not all bad, And like Fernando has said, Kubica quilied 6 or 7th last year and finished 2nd, Although the race was wet-dry,

Everything crossed for our boys tomorrow,

scuderiafan

26th March 2011, 09:38

The main issue is the tyres. But what is so bad about them?

Now, the team have to find out, and hope their race pace is as good as it was in testing.

Raz

26th March 2011, 10:00

http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/wp-content/uploads/Picture-881.png

Flexing Cheats!

Mrs.Domenicali

26th March 2011, 10:02

What a morning to have a power cut :lol got up early to watch qualy, turned on kettle and poof electricity for whole street went off :roll

Meiga

26th March 2011, 10:04

I came here looking for a bit of optimism, and I find you already thinking about 2012! :-E

Come on, this is the first race of the season. Remember 2010? The guys on the podium had started 4th, 9th and 5th. And do you remember how different cars were by race 3? Let's wait and see, I am sure that Domenicalli et al are already doing all the worrying for us. :-)

Corey

26th March 2011, 10:15

I smell that drivers might be driving in wets tomorrow...

Brakefade

26th March 2011, 10:23

http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/wp-content/uploads/Picture-881.png

Flexing Cheats!

That thing flexes more than last year. It's almost completely making a seal with the ground, like those early 90s cars. *sigh* Hope that was a fluke performance by the team, and I hope we take the fight to the RBs tomorrow.

Rosso Corsa

26th March 2011, 10:41

It remains to be seen how qualifying pace and positions transfer to race day. We've no reference point for this year yet. In previous years, with our understanding of the tyres and the difficulties of overtaking, todays qualy would have had me worried for this race, but we can't compare to an old format, and we certainly can't predict the season. We could be 5 seconds per stint faster than our rivals tomorrow, we just don't know. Right now, we're even on points with everything to play for. Looking forward to it! :)

Kyss4k

26th March 2011, 10:42

http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/wp-content/uploads/Picture-881.png

Flexing Cheats!

Do you have a Ferrari pic in high speed? RedBull and McLaren are flexing a lot but I don't know about Ferrari.

Red is Best

26th March 2011, 11:02

Is Massa being serious here?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lphu0kn_NR4&feature=player_embedded

I mean come on, he just exited the pit-lane, he was going at like 1mph :-??

Raz

26th March 2011, 11:05

Do you have a Ferrari pic in high speed? RedBull and McLaren are flexing a lot but I don't know about Ferrari.

i'll look for one.. and a merc one too.. just to show that 2 out of the top 4 teams are CHEATS!

http://www.motorsport-total.com/bilder/2011/110326/z1301126483.jpg

not quite the same but

Greig

26th March 2011, 11:24

Red Bull using “start only” KERS?

After qualifying today it became apparent that Red Bull’s drivers did not use KERS during qualifying.

Asked why not, Mark Webber said that the team had internal reasons why not.

But tonight it has emerged that the team may have a lightweight KERS system which is designed for use off the startline only. This is necessary because KERS confers about 7 metres advantage on a car using it over one that isn’t on the start straight.

Without any kind of KERS, the Red Bull would be vulnerable off the startline. Lewis Hamilton in the McLaren starting alongside Sebastian Vettel on the front row and would have the advantage.

This “start only” system would give a gain in terms of weight distribution and packaging because such a system requires only a small battery, which is trickle charged, compared to the 20 kilo system that Red Bull’s rivals use. One of the reasons why the normal KERS batteries are large and heavy is for reasons of rapid charging.

It appears, from investigations, that at least one team currently without KERS is working on a similar system to Red Bull’s.

However, Red Bull may need a full KERS system later in the season, when the other leading teams get close to them on downforce. The 4/10ths it gives will come in useful then.

http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/2011/03/red-bull-using-start-only-kers/

Kyss4k

26th March 2011, 11:37

i'll look for one.. and a merc one too.. just to show that 2 out of the top 4 teams are CHEATS!

http://www.motorsport-total.com/bilder/2011/110326/z1301126483.jpg

not quite the same but

No flexing at all...

Katu

26th March 2011, 11:44

What a morning to have a power cut :lol got up early to watch qualy, turned on kettle and poof electricity for whole street went off :roll

i think you're to blame for whole steets power cut, no need to turn the kettle on so early ;-)

Lithium

26th March 2011, 11:45

Red Bull using “start only” KERS?
Hopefully we'll breeze past them tomorrow with our working KERS :-D

I still think that the podium is doable for Nando, especially if the sun comes out. And hopefully the F150 will manage those tyres better than the rest under heavy fuel loads. I wonder if our boys are planning to do a 2-stopper only...

Red is Best

26th March 2011, 11:52

Do you have a Ferrari pic in high speed? RedBull and McLaren are flexing a lot but I don't know about Ferrari.

Didn't they ban flexi wings?
What's the FIA doing?

Katu

26th March 2011, 11:57

Didn't they ban flexi wings?
What's the FIA doing?

same as usual - favouring someone

FerrariF60

26th March 2011, 12:06

http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/wp-content/uploads/Picture-881.png

Flexing Cheats!

we have to somehow copy/make our wing flex too, if we are to catch those red fools
i think that is the reason we have so much understeer, due to lack of grip at the front; so time for Ferrari to go back to the drawing board and design a FLEXING front wing

RedRebel40

26th March 2011, 12:17

Guys the flexing is allowed if it pasts the FIA scrutineering which the Red Bull did pass! So we should stop complaining about the flexing thing.

I must say the speed difference between the Bull's and the rest of the pack is huge!

Red is Best

26th March 2011, 12:19

Australian GP qualifying times, 2010 vs 2011:

1. Red Bull -0.390
2. McLaren -0.368
3. Renault -0.125
4. Mercedes +0.537
5. Ferrari +0.863

That's not good news...

Hermann

26th March 2011, 12:20

Here we go again: a 'warning' for Hamilton'...

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/90251

Some luck for the Merc drivers. If Hamilton wasn't involved we would see the first penalties already.

Hornet

26th March 2011, 12:20

Thats a huge difference there. Our front wing looks like its made out of concrete, hardly bent at all while the RB front wing is almost kissing the road :-!

Katu

26th March 2011, 12:26

make we should make excel chart how many warnings can a driver get before he gets punished, hard.
and why are judges so soft now, they have given grid penalties for even tinier matters

RedRebel40

26th March 2011, 12:29

Thats a huge difference there. Our front wing looks like its made out of concrete, hardly bent at all while the RB front wing is almost kissing the road :-!

how do you know that? You only saw 1 picture of a Ferrari in straightline where the pressure on the front wing is evenly distributed. In corners I am sure also the Ferrari flexes a bit.

Hermann

26th March 2011, 12:38

I'm so much looking forward to watch the races this year on RTL, with a 30 minutes Vettel- show before every race and the german commentators starting every sentence with 'from the german perspective'.

http://planetsmilies.net/vomit-smiley-32.gif (http://planetsmilies.net) http://planetsmilies.net/vomit-smiley-31.gif (http://planetsmilies.net)

Red is Best

26th March 2011, 12:38

Greig

26th March 2011, 12:48

how do you know that? You only saw 1 picture of a Ferrari in straightline where the pressure on the front wing is evenly distributed. In corners I am sure also the Ferrari flexes a bit.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i37/Ferrari27/4bf4f5fd.jpg

RedRebel40

26th March 2011, 12:53

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i37/Ferrari27/4bf4f5fd.jpg

thanks for backing me up, as you can see also the Ferrari flexes :-D

Greig

26th March 2011, 13:10

No seems to be not flexing, looks just like the suspension travel while under load. Very different to the other pics

impactX

26th March 2011, 13:11

Wonder what excuse Massa can use for this race if he doesn't get back to the front. I think Alonso stands a good chance tomorrow.

goferrarigo

26th March 2011, 13:17

Does anyone know the speed trap mph as i would like to see if we are quick on the straight lines as in tomorrows race it will be important in if we are going to overtake or not. I optimistic of a podium as we have 2 great drivers and an awesome gritty fighting team. Come on' Ferrari we believe in you!
:ferrarifl

FORZA FERRARI!

scuderiafan

26th March 2011, 13:21

Now, i forget the Parc Ferme rules. What are you allowed to change? Hopefully set-ups, and get the car back to normal.

ferrari4life

26th March 2011, 13:21

Hamilton and vettel come together and take each other out... I hate these guys...yuck..god please dont put me through another year of this sick red bull crap.. Someone should investigate the comp for tax fraud or something.. How can Red Bull have any money to spend on the car.. Over here Pepsi and Coke are loosing business due to the economy. Maybe Red bull gives you wings is a nother way of them saying we will get you high..
ARGGGG.....

ferrari4life

26th March 2011, 13:25

At this point I am OK with even the McLarens as long as they can beat those low life no culture "drinks team"

Red is Best

26th March 2011, 13:26

No seems to be not flexing, looks just like the suspension travel while under load. Very different to the other pics

+1

I see no flexing on that picture.

goferrarigo

26th March 2011, 13:30

At this point I am OK with even the McLarens as long as they can beat those low life no culture "drinks team"
Yeah why cant it go back to the good old days where basically only Ferrari and McLaren fight for the championship. These RedFools are really irritating.

Forzi

26th March 2011, 13:30

Wonder what excuse Massa can use for this race if he doesn't get back to the front. I think Alonso stands a good chance tomorrow.

The same as last year (tire heating), but this time there's actual evidence, because Alonsos having the same problem.

ferrari4life

26th March 2011, 13:33

Yeah why cant it go back to the good old days where basically only Ferrari and McLaren fight for the championship. These RedFools are really irritating.

Its not only that they are irritating..they are smug rub it in ure nose cheats. Like that Horner idiot going on about his teams fair driver policy when they clear as day support Vettel.. Reminds me of Renault in 2006..

Katu

26th March 2011, 13:40

Yeah why cant it go back to the good old days where basically only Ferrari and McLaren fight for the championship. These RedFools are really irritating.

i would welcome renault (who anyway calls them how they want to be called) and williams to that comany, only with slightly different line-ups

NJB13

26th March 2011, 13:40

Wonder what excuse Massa can use for this race if he doesn't get back to the front. I think Alonso stands a good chance tomorrow.

Since Massa's been on the Pirelli's he's been much better. OK, today wasn't his best, but lets not start sticking the knife in this early in the season hey? And lets not start playing what-ifs about Massa not getting "back to the front" before he's even run his race?

Forza Felipe!!

aroutis

26th March 2011, 13:51

I have to agree with NJB. Although it irritates the bejesus out of me, to see Massa so low in the standings, we should remember that it's very early. I hope he does better tomorrow and he does MUCH better than last year because the team needs the points for the WCC and both drivers in order to function.

Red_Diamond

26th March 2011, 13:56

I'm betting on a Ferrari win tomorrow. Call me mad, call me whatever. :-D

Grillo

26th March 2011, 13:58

I thought they agreed not use flexing front wings and they had put somthing on the new rules. I don't think that kind of flexing should be allowed but Ferrari will have to find how to do it as it seems key for lap times. Sadly, I don't expect the FIA doing their job since both McLaren and Red Bull are doing it.

Suzie

26th March 2011, 14:06

Wonder what excuse Massa can use for this race if he doesn't get back to the front. I think Alonso stands a good chance tomorrow.

Not sure but I'm sure he'd be thrilled to hear your support regardless.

Hermann

26th March 2011, 14:07

It can't be only the wing. Looks like they found some other 'clever' ideas, too. All with a nod by FIA.

Like the article says, this system 'violates the fundamental idea of Kers' but what is not prohibited in F1, is allowed.

http://translate.google.ru/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=ru&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=ru&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.f1news.ru%2Fnews%2Ff1-65081.html

scuderiafan

26th March 2011, 14:14

I'm betting on a Ferrari win tomorrow. Call me mad, call me whatever. :-D

Yeah! Who needs this 'realism' anyway?

I'm going to be so fired up for the start no matter what. It's going to be great, and think of it this way. if we win, it will be even more epic.

pericoloso

26th March 2011, 14:15

I think RB has found ways to stay within the "testing" guidelines but still use illegal means to gain an advantage.

We don't really know if it's the wing that flexes, the nose dips or the entire front half of the car is lowered at high speeds. How do you test this when the car is standing still? Can they be using a clever, yet technically illegal, suspension mechanism to allow the front of the car to dip at high speeds?

Also, I think every team, and F! fans, assumed that the KERS system would or should be used during the entire race, not just as a launch control device. Not using a regular KERS system gives them a huge advantage. Less space required for batteries, tighter rear, less stress on the rear tyres, etc... Has the FIA dropped the ball again by not being specific enough?

RB may have won last year's championships with illegal cars and since nobody has stopped them, they may be doing the same thing again this year...

Effone

26th March 2011, 14:23

Wow I didn't expect RBR to be so far ahead.

I'm rather disappointed by Massa so far, he's looked terrible and I'm worried that he won't be much better in the race, although my fingers are crossed.

Gutted that the Mercs are as crap as 2010 also.

Hope Vettel doesn't run and hide.

Nova

26th March 2011, 14:47

Holy smokes, what a lousy Q session...Vettels car is untouchable...read on AS that they may be using a start only kers....
whatever they are using, they are on another planet....Macs really surprised, as everyone was writing them off since testing...
well, that just shows to go ya...never underestimate thine enemy grasshopper...looks like they are onto something w/the diffuser
made from whatever that is and the L shaped sidepods...whoda thought....Very not conservative..ahem...
I do think Ferrari may have done better in warmer temps for the tires, then again again, why didnt anyone else have a problem w/the colder temps
n the tires....Bravo for Sauber and Toro Rosso, good showing from them....
And I have to say good job indeed for both RB & Mac...I do notice that people seem to hate anybody that is faster than us..they are cheating at this or that...
really, they did a better job than we did...took more chances so to speak..RB may have a few corns in their org, but they designed
an amazing car..Mac has a history of doing this n that, but they took a chance, and designed a good car..all that is poo now, its race day..all
this talk of being title favorites is really getting boring..show me we are in w/a chance, n I'll be ok w/it...I really do wish though, that Bernie n the fia would
stop meddling with design, engineers and tire mftr's...everytime they try to slow down this, or stop that technology, they make things worse..my opinion, of course,
but butt out Bernie, the show doesnt need to be better, n if you let it alone, it will get better...

Ferrari Man

26th March 2011, 15:01

Jasus that s a big gapback to fifth place.. Vettel is a league of his own today... Praying this was just a once off.. Championship ain't won in the first race....

Hermann

26th March 2011, 15:05

Reading this i must say Horner is talking too smart for his own good. He is certainly going on my nerves, but it is really possible for RB to be allowed to use a system that has next to nothing to do with the original Kers rules?

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/90255

sagi58

26th March 2011, 15:33

I realize that McLaren has a reputation of being able to develop their car during the season;
however, with the in-season testing ban in effect, how will they do that? Simulators, only?

Grinsomx

26th March 2011, 15:47

i am shocked, both by the result and some of the "support" voiced on here.
i was expecting a 3th place start for Alonso, guess that didn't happen.
5th place is not too bad considering we don't know how the tires are going to hold on any car, everything is possible..we might get up or fall down the order.
i'm not going to say i am happy with this result or the reports about yet another controversial system (can we have a year without that Bovine something?)
but we'll see tomorrow, hopefully we can get both cars up the order and we will see from there.

(unless you really belief Ferrari forgot how to develop a car)
Forza Ferrari! we will come out on top in the end!

FerrariF60

26th March 2011, 15:49

I realize that McLaren has a reputation of being able to develop their car during the season;
however, with the in-season testing ban in effect, how will they do that? Simulators, only?

yeah, pretty much simulators, wind tunnel and trial and error of new parts at friday's free practice b4 each race.]
having banned unlimited testing has crippled FERRARI QUITE A BIT...

but all hope has not been lost YET, it's still only the first race, i'm ALMOST SURE Ferrari will bounce back within the next couple of races

JUST HAVE FAITH IN OUR BELOVED FERRARI TEAM...

sagi58

26th March 2011, 15:56

Thanks for the response!! I'm sure we'll be top contenders for both WDC and WCC, come season's end!!:champ

racingbradley

26th March 2011, 16:43

I am keeping my hopes alive believing that our car in race trim is much stronger. We have done the mileage in testing so hopefully those positive results will translate into the race to-morrow:-) :thumb :thumb :thumb :pray

TheProdigalSon

26th March 2011, 16:44

Didn't watch it live but just watched it a few hours ago - I was quite dissapointed. Ferrari looked like it was on cold tyres the car was all over the place, I sense Ferrari went to conservative with the set-up of the car thinking more of the race and the tyres didn't like it (possibly the same with merc) and I think it suprised them at how much they fell back. It might be good for them tomorrow possibly if they can make there tyres last longer and have a good strategy - all is not lost. Looking forward to the race FORZA FERRARI

:ferrarifl

crewskas

26th March 2011, 16:54

Quote by me, from February 1st:

If Pirellis are softer as said, then they would be much faster, even they are heavier and have no DD...
Plus they have KERS and movable rear wing...

And here we are...
Almost all the front runners were faster for pole this year...
Except us.......................!

1. Red Bull -0.390
2. McLaren -0.368
3. Renault -0.125
4. Ferrari +0.863

Now I don't want to sound pessimistic and I don't like to say that season over, because I think it's nonsense from this early,
but I cannot put the blame only the tyres for the 1.445 sec gap...!

Either they had screwed up totally the setup in this race (I hope this is), or there is something completely wrong in the aerodynamic part of the car, meaning less downforce....

Either way, so far I supported Stefano, but hey it's been 3 years since 2008 which we always follow the others. If we continue this way for the first 2-3-4 races, then I really think Luca should start and find someone better (even if I can't think anyone without a job now).
Because it's not Tombazis fault how the car is.
Tombazis was in 2000-2004 era with us...

Needless to say, Vettel was unbeatable today, even if our car was like the tests...

P.S.
I really miss the Rory, Jean, Ross days...

LeonKennedy

26th March 2011, 17:45

Bring Briatore :lol

Hermann

26th March 2011, 18:14

Fernando's pragmatic approach on video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxhGoR6jU_w

Hornet

26th March 2011, 18:14

Quote by me, from February 1st:

And here we are...
Almost all the front runners were faster for pole this year...
Except us.......................!

1. Red Bull -0.390
2. McLaren -0.368
3. Renault -0.125
4. Ferrari +0.863

Now I don't want to sound pessimistic and I don't like to say that season over, because I think it's nonsense from this early,
but I cannot put the blame only the tyres for the 1.445 sec gap...!

Either they had screwed up totally the setup in this race (I hope this is), or there is something completely wrong in the aerodynamic part of the car, meaning less downforce....

Either way, so far I supported Stefano, but hey it's been 3 years since 2008 which we always follow the others. If we continue this way for the first 2-3-4 races, then I really think Luca should start and find someone better (even if I can't think anyone without a job now).
Because it's not Tombazis fault how the car is.
Tombazis was in 2000-2004 era with us...

Needless to say, Vettel was unbeatable today, even if our car was like the tests...

P.S.
I really miss the Rory, Jean, Ross days...

Well, I think the RB being 0.2-0.5 faster than us on a 1 lap sprint is a reasonable range of expectations under ideal condition. Most of the comments we heard during the testing season was the the RB were the fastest, they had great downforce, accelerated out of a corner earlier and stuff like that. Everything indicated that they were still the fastest in terms of raw pace.

According to Ferrari, they couldn't get the tires temp up or something like that here, so given this less than ideal condition, it all adds up to us being 1.4sec slower, IMO. Maybe we still haven't found the perfect setup.

Under a warmer condition with the perfect setup, I don't expect us to beat RB on a 1 lap pace, but I think the gap should be smaller.

Maybe we were taken by surprise at how the new tires behaved at this track and we're unable to get the best setup here.

Suzie

26th March 2011, 18:25

Excellent, 12 hours after quali and already we're calling for Stefano to be replaced. Is this a record?

Raz

26th March 2011, 18:29

Excellent, 12 hours after quali and already we're calling for Stefano to be replaced. Is this a record?

looks like it..
so how many people have YOU "fired"?
Costa, Dyer, Baldo?, now Stefano?

Greig

26th March 2011, 18:31

Don't know whats funnier, Stefano out or Raz referring to Ferrari as we :-)

Raz

26th March 2011, 18:34

Don't know whats funnier, Stefano out or Raz referring to Ferrari as we :-)

Fixed :-D

Hornet

26th March 2011, 18:37

Something interesting I came across from some other site. Its a comparison of RB's flexing wing
http://spontoncristiano.wordpress.com/2011/03/26/ali-flessibili-stagione-2011/

It shows that the nose cone is lowered rather than just the wing element flexing.

Tifosi

26th March 2011, 18:38

Excellent, 12 hours after quali and already we're calling for Stefano to be replaced. Is this a record?

Happens every year dude - as regular as cockwork! ;-)

Raz

26th March 2011, 18:40

goferrarigo

26th March 2011, 18:43

Lets send these images to ferrari hq lol. :-D.

Jose Lorca

26th March 2011, 18:46

WOW! so that's what it is.. FLEXY NOSE!!

I think that's just the angle of the pictures taken, but the fact remains the Red Bull front wing is still flexing a lot - looks like more then the RB6 last year.

RockyRaccoon

26th March 2011, 18:50

Lets be positive guys, it's not as bad as it looks! I still believe that was one of those crazy qualifying sessions like Spa 2009 and we will be much stronger tomorrow and the rest of the season. There's no point being so negative and calling for heads to roll after one quali session!!

Tifosi

26th March 2011, 18:57

I think that's just the angle of the pictures taken....

Not really. The overlays show that isn't the case and also the 2 pics show a visible difference in the angle of the front wing as viewed from the side. It's certainly interesting viewing. :-)

tifosi1035

26th March 2011, 19:03

While I think that our race pace will be better, and a podium isnt out of the question, and that the race may not be as hectic as they are saying(hope it is though).I am growing tired of the same old issues over the last 3 or 4 years, conservative car design and broken promises seems like sometimes. Hope they prove me wrong when we go to more traditional tracks and we can be on par with the others. Hope for a mixed up race in regards to tire wear and we can gain some spots!!FORZA!

Ferrari Man

26th March 2011, 19:04

LeonKennedy

26th March 2011, 19:08

Jst a thought i could be wrong. There be ideas where ya hear ferrari are trying to be easy on their tyres to make em last longer and save a pitstop if possible but if ferrari are finding it hard to heat up their tyres will this mean they will slide more on track and wear their tyres more than wanted and require that pitstop that they are trying to save... As i say could be wrong... Hope im wrong.. Looking forward to a big charge from alonso and put those macs and bulls in their place....:pray
Failing to geat heat into the tyres will mostly hurt Qualy only, as the driver can't put enough heat into the tyres when these give the maximum performance, which is the first lap.

Race wise, getting heat into the tyres can only hurt the first few corners, then when they're up to temperature, if we are really gentle with the tyres, it should help us.

If that was really the case, and we failed to be fast on qualy because we are going to be very gentle on the tyres, knowing that there is KERS and MRW, I think we should be very good to challange for podium or even victory.

Ferrari Man

26th March 2011, 19:16

I hope you are right... At least want to be able to fight for a podium or even a race win... :-)

Alonsomaniac

26th March 2011, 19:29

One bad day does not make a bad summer. If all was won or lost in one qualifying session racing would be boring wouldn't it?

crewskas

26th March 2011, 19:36

Hey don' get me wrong...
I'm not of these guys who write off the season already.
I just don't like to see Ferrari for 3 years to follow someone else and try to catch them...
I like Stefano, but if this is not a setup problem, but something more general, then sorry I had enough...

Anyway,
I might expected a much better performance.
But I cannot accept that 1.450 sec difference is only from the tyres...
It's way too much to be just cold tyres...
So I really hope it's the setup of the track...
If not, then we better start a huge development progress, because we are way behind Red Bull and not just 0.2-0.3...

And remember what drivers and team were saying before Melbourne...
Expected to be in front in Australia...
Podium front at least...

brembo man

26th March 2011, 19:41

What a smart well planned move by Renault Pulling Senna out of his reserve driver chance this year and going with an outsider! What's best for the team, yah that's why they did it. Nicky Heidfeld comes in a spectacular 18TH!!!!!!!!!! 1:27,239!!!! Ruining Bruno's shot at another years experience for a bum. How much worse could Bruno have done? 19th? Worse yet, I'm sure Kubica [Roberto] would have been ok with whatever Bruno did as a young upcoming reserve driver. But to see Renault push the boy aside for a bum who brings his ride in @18th! Doctors please check his blood pressure!

On a more pleasant note, I stand corrected with regards to Merc. No matter what Ross, Merc, MS do to prevent Nico from wasting his teamate in front of millions, it's not happening. I know there's no team orders in qually, but I have my hopes up that Nico will be allowed to chase Ferrari without having to let him pass.

Hopefully it's at the first turn that Alonso pulls up front on Shummy Jr. If not then let Lewis do his job wrecking RB's chances so Alonso can wizzz by.

Tifosi

26th March 2011, 19:43

:lol

brembo man

26th March 2011, 19:47

Hey! Tsup!

What's so funny? Me saying I stand corrected? Anyway enjoy the race!!!!!!!! The best to you!

siberianlady

26th March 2011, 21:02

Hey! Tsup!

What's so funny? Me saying I stand corrected? Anyway enjoy the race!!!!!!!! The best to you!

Some of what you wrote really is just too funny!:lol

Agron

26th March 2011, 21:16

Ferrari Man

26th March 2011, 22:11

Ye its more flexi front end dan flexi wing.....:lou

scuderiafan

26th March 2011, 22:19

NJB13

26th March 2011, 22:33

Surely thats a movable aero device. and they have a KERS without the R, so it is just KES. hopefully, that will make them sitting ducks at the start. Hope for Hami to pass Vettel, so he holds him up and we overtake both :-D

It won't hurt them at the start, because the batteries are charged when they leave the pits. So, in fact, the only time it will help them is at the start :-)

scuderiafan

26th March 2011, 22:39

It won't hurt them at the start, because the batteries are charged when they leave the pits. So, in fact, the only time it will help them is at the start :-)

oh I see what you mean. fair enough lap 2 then. or when their tyres have gone off

EDIT IF they go off

sagi58

26th March 2011, 23:01

Surely thats a movable aero device. and they have a KERS without the R, so it is just KES...Does that mean it's legal? :-??

Rosso Corsa

26th March 2011, 23:14

This photo is from Silverstone 2010, free practice. The nature of the break at the time was very unusual indeed, I've certainly never seen a failure quite like this before. It was also the very start of the flexi wing saga for Red Bull, although it seemed very few people at the time related the wing/nose failure to the flexing. It's been under everyones nose (pardon the pun) all along.

http://en.espnf1.com/PICTURES/CMS/5000/5084.jpg

hudson77

26th March 2011, 23:21

Afalej

26th March 2011, 23:39

Not bad for a Drinking company hey Lewis?;-)

CF22

27th March 2011, 01:16

Hello,

If the Red Bulls and the McLarens are gonna cheat their way through the season as they did last year then why not cheat them out ourselves. Obviously they're using some advanced carbon fiber weaving processes to achieve this and Charlie Whiting and the FIA aren't gonna do a thing. We should've just gone ahead and use the Pyrosic and bended some rules to our favor. Playing it safe is not gonna get us nowhere; I think it's time to be radical and bring Briatore in as boss to change some things around. Whatever happens tomorrow and throughout the season I will be watching and rooting for our team no matter where we're at, first is better but it's always refreshing seeing the red car making the rounds.

NJB13

27th March 2011, 02:37

I wonder two things...

Did Mark have the same nose as Seb yesterday - I'm mystified by that one...
and
Will they use it today now some stuff is starting to surface...

Be funny if their 1 second advantage suddenly dissappeared

crewskas

27th March 2011, 02:47

Parc fermé...
They are not allowed to change any parts...

Webber-Vettel had everything the same.
Mark was wondering how Vettel managed such a time...

NJB13

27th March 2011, 03:02

Parc fermé...
They are not allowed to change any parts...

Webber-Vettel had everything the same.
Yeah right - sure thing

Mark was wondering how Vettel managed such a time...
Maybe if Mark read the article it might clear up his mystification :-)

NJB13

27th March 2011, 03:31

Why would Webber need to check Seb's front wing?

http://users.telenet.be/sonic_x5/forum/webber.png

Hornet

27th March 2011, 03:43

Looks like its seperated from the main monocoque, i wonder if the fastenings at that point on the Rbr can somehow give some flexing at speed?? And have maybe broken during this early stage of its development??
I'm wondering about that too. All these while the focus has been on the front wing flexing itself, and thats where the FIA test is focus on.
So instead of flexing the wing itself, they are actually doing it at the nose cone joint there which allows the nose cone to move. That way, even though the FIA increase the testing weight, they still will never catch RB's trick :Hmm

Why would Webber need to check Seb's front wing?

Good catch, lol. Looks like Webber's really interested in something on Vettel's car
Wonder if the team is hiding anything from Mark

Raz

27th March 2011, 03:44

Why would Webber need to check Seb's front wing?

http://users.telenet.be/sonic_x5/forum/webber.png
yes that does seem rather:Hmm

Afalej

27th March 2011, 09:40