Australian Grand Prix 2011 - Race Thread

[crewskas]

Just woke up after the race...

Anyway, it was a decent race.
I don't want to sound pessimistic, but what annoys me more of anything else, is the high expectations Ferrari was feeding the fans, before even the F150 presentation (i.e. aggressive approach ending to be one of the most conservatives of the field).

Now let me express my opinion which under these circumstances, made me expect to be on par with Red Bull, or at least a little behind, are not that good...

A) Decent race pace, but if you cannot qualify closer to Bulls, then forget wins. Or at least wins you deserve...

B) Massa. If I had to chose a driver I like, then is Massa, from 2007.
But Costa said once again, the car is gentle, so Massa has the same problems as 2010. Don't like to say it, since I wanted him to be a red champion one day, but if he doesnot find his form this year (that's what I'm afraid), Ferrari should move on to another driver.
Now don't get me wrong. I really prefer Massa than Alonso/Kimi etc...
But seriously he has a problem and if Ferrari can't help him heat the tyres, then they should move on...

By the way, you knew that Perez is one of Ferrari's favorites?
He was on Ferrari's simulator about a week ago.............................

C) I want to be optimistic, but from what I 've seen, I cannot be.
Last year we had flexi wing and McCheaters were whining...
This year they are better than us in this one.
If what Gene said is true, then don't expect us to fight for wins equally, unless we are lucky...
I really think Ferrari should change approach and be a bit more risky...

[Suzie]

Had to watch the replay of the race as my stupid, stupid alarm didn't go off, RAGE.
As an F1 fan, I enjoyed it. As a Ferrari fan, not so much. Fernando's fightback was great, as was Felipe's start and his defending when Button was trying to get past. Such a shame he had to make that last pitstop.

Petrov and Perez were definitely the drivers of the day, it's such a pity that Sauber got disqualified as Sergio really deserved those points. Petrov was great too, maybe he's gotten a bit of confidence with his new contract or maybe the team have been giving him more attention now they don't have the driver they were building the team around, who knows.

I don't feel too despondent about Ferrari's performance (yet) - here's to better things in Malaysia

[raylinds]

I was not too disappointed with the results, all things considered. I'm hoping we do better at warmer tracks, and get some good upgrades (including flexing wing). I don't think Massa's drive was that bad. I think they waited too long to pit, and his tires were shot.

[JRX164]

I thought it wasn't the worst race to start the season with. Too bad Ferrari wasn't on the podium.

[Nova]

Given its a new season, I guess I expected a bit more..The race was ok as far as races go.
Red Bull, well, 1 of them was very quick. It looks as thou RB has put all their marbles behind Vettel from
the get go, so we'll see where Weber stands in a few races.
The Mac was surprising, but I never count them out. Different total design that works. Its only the 1st race,
but if Ham keeps getting the better of Button, he will be the clear #1 there, no matter what they say.
And surprise from Petrov and Reno, or whatever theyre called, he drove a good race, has confidence in the car..
If Kubica was there, we wouldnt have placed where we did..With Petrov trouncing Heidfeld the way he did, Nicks career does not look like its going to go anywhere soon..
Really surprised by Sauber and Toro..both Ferrari powered cars and really disappointed Sauber got a dq...
but they look good on the track..more than a match for Merc, Williams and Force..
As far as Ferrari, well, I did expect to be fighting for the win..but as it looks, we are playing catchup yet again..FA did a pretty good drive
especially at the end wth Weber on his tail..Im not going to get all over Massa, taking into consideration its the 1st race, but he will soon
have to figure out which Massa is going to start showing up for the races..I still think that since 09 and this generation F1 car, he has been
having a problem getting to grips with them..
Then there's the mystery Pirelli's...testing we looka good..race day, the cars all over the place...we looked better on race day than practice sessions for sure,
but if it is the temps, why didnt it affect macs, rb, sauber etc??? I don't know, n if I did, I could get a job w/an F1 team for sure...
We havent done great in Oz for a few years, so Im anxious to see what we can do next race..I like that track and I hope we have some updates
and the car is better suited to it. I'll bet real money that Luca D kicked in yet another flat screen.

[Suzie]

Heidfeld's car was badly damaged on lap 1, which is why he didn't get anywhere in the race:

Pic here:
http://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/110930477/AFP

[Katu]

Heidfeld's car was badly damaged on lap 1, which is why he didn't get anywhere in the race:

Pic here:
http://www.gettyimages.co.uk/detail/110930477/AFP

how come he didn't get black flag for that?

[REDARMYSOJA]

how come he didn't get black flag for that?

I don't really see why he should be.

[LeonKennedy]

how come he didn't get black flag for that?

Maybe because he was so far back that didn't get a single shot from the FOM cameras haha

[scuderiafan]

Shouldnt that have got Black flag with orange circle? that would be dangerous, as the exhausts may have been damaged aswell.

[scuderiafan]

Heres Ted on KERS and RB. Some posotive thought for us, as our mechanics thought we could have challenged Ham in the race with Alonso. i don't know, but Ted is known to be a 'pessimist' when it comes to us.

Anyways:http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/moto...ne/9436936.stm

[Ferrari Man]

I a have a feeling (hope) that Malaysia will be completely different.. WE might not be able to match RB in a quali session but i cant see a gap of 1.5 secs to the nearest ferrari in two weeks. Thing s will be alot closer and in race trim fighting for a good podium.. Keep faith its only the first race... Remember turkey or silverstone last year and we got to the last race....I am certain Ferrari will be brain storming for the next two weeks.. Come on ferrari.... We re behind you..

[brembo man]

You aren't kidding!! I cringe every time the race screen reduces
and the stupid commercial screen pop-ups!!!

Get a Tivo or DVR. Let about 20 min go by and start back at the at the begining. Now you can FF right through the commercials. A second tv helps pass the 20 min.

[yellowbird rs]

Saubers disqualified over technical infringement.
Sauber C30s were in breach of technical rules 3.10.1* and 3.10.2**, in relation to their rear wings. The ruling means Ferraris Felipe Massa moves up to seventh.

[Nova]

Yea, I too hope that we are more on it in Malaysia, still cant figure why we had so much trouble w/the tires in the
practice sessions and no one else did..we didnt encounter that in testing...I bet Ferrari have been wondering the same thing....

The tires seemed to be ok in the race, thing is, when they went off, they were bye bye..so watching a tire strategy unfold is gone...
still cant see whats so exciting about having to pit. A driver loses the option of staying out longer than others, to pull a fast one, so to speak, because
his tires were able to last a bit longer...

[sagi58]

Get a Tivo or DVR... Now you can FF right through the commercials.

Thank you for the advice; but, I have a huge problem!!
You see, I seriously can't wait!! When a race is on, I
have to watch it... L.I.V.E.
Yes, I'm trying to get help for this addiction; but, so far,
nothing seems to be working!!

[Hornet]

Is there any news on why Webber parked his car after he cross the finish line?

[Stormsearcher]

Good drive by Alonso, Massa good at times but poor at others.
Found it disturbing how Massa fought with Button for 20 laps and held him then LEAPT out of the way for alonso instantly. not a good sign but I'll say no more. Petrov was impressive.

Damn RB's are too fast, the gap Vettel made on the first lap was staggering. :/

Dont be silly. You will naturally defend a lot harder against a rival team than your own team mate.. especially if you are not as fast as your team mate at that point in time. And it would work the other way too... had Nando been struggling with the car and massa was flying.. he would have defended heavily against the rival but wouldnt risk it with the team mate.
Dont try to make things into another who is no.1 debate.

[Aussie]

i dont like petrov officially he is in the no2 of hated drivers after hamster(and his lame girlfriend) hahahahaha

What has Petrov done Wrong he did not cheat he raced thats his job his job is not to move over for ferrari

Pull your head in

[Katu]

Thank you for the advice; but, I have a huge problem!!
You see, I seriously can't wait!! When a race is on, I
have to watch it... L.I.V.E.
Yes, I'm trying to get help for this addiction; but, so far,
nothing seems to be working!!

find an internet link and watch it there

[Kingdom Hearts]

After a night of sleep, I have to say that I'm very happy with Alonso's result, this same race in the beginning of 2010, driver mistake, team mistake almost granted.

It's important to get points when the things don't go right, and after qualifying and the bad start, 4th is great. The best thing of it, it's that we saw Alonso in the same form as the last part of 2010 season.

And I think there is hope for Felipe of the first laps of the race is something to go by.

[racingbradley]

I was not too disappointed with the results, all things considered. I'm hoping we do better at warmer tracks, and get some good upgrades (including flexing wing). I don't think Massa's drive was that bad. I think they waited too long to pit, and his tires were shot.

Agree with you
I thought Massa showed his old guts and determination are back. I think putting on the hard tyres at the first stop wasn't a good idea in hindsight. If these had been left to the second stop he may not have need a third but we will never know for sure.
Anyway I was quite proud of him especially in the first 15 laps! and he kept his nose clean for the remainder of the race. A good start but needs to improve.

[racingbradley]

i dont like petrov officially he is in the no2 of hated drivers after hamster(and his lame girlfriend) hahahahaha

OMG what has he done? Oh yes kept Alonso behind him a few times. I would imagine that was very good for his confidence and stock (it's something Eddie used to say)
After all if he didn't defend we would be saying he was a useless driver and Reno only have him because of what he brings to the team in his back pocket!!!!
I think in spite of the Lada cash he's a promising young driver. He and Kube would have been mighty this year.

[alex1s]

Having a look at the FIA Pit Stop analysis from (http://www.fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre...es/timing.aspx) I discovered that we are losing a hell of a lot of time in our pit stops, as well.
Taking the time spent in the first 2 pit stops compined for Vettel and Hamilton, compared to Massa and Alonso the results are not very well.

Alonso lost 1.345 to Vettel and 1.558 to Hamilton
Massa lost 1.703 to Vettel and 1.916 to Hamilton

pits_analysis.bmp

Come on Ferrari, we must imporve in all aspects.

[Tifosi]

Is there any news on why Webber parked his car after he cross the finish line?

He wanted to get to the celebration buffet before Vettel and pinch the smoked salmon sandwiches???

[Sempre_Ferrari]

Having a look at the FIA Pit Stop analysis from (http://www.fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre...es/timing.aspx) I discovered that we are losing a hell of a lot of time in our pit stops, as well.
Taking the time spent in the first 2 pit stops compined for Vettel and Hamilton, compared to Massa and Alonso the results are not very well.

Alonso lost 1.345 to Vettel and 1.558 to Hamilton
Massa lost 1.703 to Vettel and 1.916 to Hamilton

Come on Ferrari, we must imporve in all aspects.

More important is how much time was lost to Petrov? as that could have made the difference between a 3rd or a 4th place finish

[Alessandra]

Thanks very much for the responses to my query @810.

I'm happy it wasn't a driver error on Fernando's part at the start and very sorry the corner incident happened with Button - it wrecked a dead cert. podium IMO

[Hornet]

Having a look at the FIA Pit Stop analysis from (http://www.fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre...es/timing.aspx) I discovered that we are losing a hell of a lot of time in our pit stops, as well.
Taking the time spent in the first 2 pit stops compined for Vettel and Hamilton, compared to Massa and Alonso the results are not very well.

Alonso lost 1.345 to Vettel and 1.558 to Hamilton
Massa lost 1.703 to Vettel and 1.916 to Hamilton

Come on Ferrari, we must imporve in all aspects.

I may be wrong but at a single glance, it looks to me like our pit stop was kind of sloppy. Several times I saw what seems like the front tires are on, the front jack guy stepped aside ready to move it out of the way, but he still had to held on for awhile before releasing the car. Its like the front tires are already on and ready to go but the rear isn't ready and they had to wait for quite an amount of time.

He wanted to get to the celebration buffet before Vettel and pinch the smoked salmon sandwiches???

[alex1s]

More important is how much time was lost to Petrov? as that could have made the difference between a 3rd or a 4th place finish

You are right but I wanted to go with what Alonso said "Petrov is not a Championship contenter"

[Sempre_Ferrari]

You are right but I wanted to go with what Alonso said "Petrov is not a Championship contenter"

I tend to agree with Fernando on that one. Petrov had a brilliant fault free race, can't deny that but...he got lucky at the start. Had Fernando not been bogged down at the start he would have most certainly passed Petrov during the race

On a side note....anyone seen how much RB wings are flexing again?
Rb Flexi Wings.jpg


No wonder Seb broke his front wing twice over the weekend.