United States GP - Race Thread

[F430]

new contract payment due time

Indeed. This is more or less peeing in the headwind, it keeps you warm but it just doesn't feel right. Well it is one spot better but I'm feeling so bad for Felipe who beat Fernando fair and square and could have a good race.

[Italian Spirit]

Alonso 7th - Massa 11th. Both on the clean side.

You sure? Couldn't find anything on italian media.
May the God of F1 be with us, we need him badly.

[Bruno]

Ferrari has changed the gearbox of Felipe, so Alonso moves to p7, the clean side of the track, Massa now on p11.
Teamplay in extremis.

gearbox problems, huh?

eu-sei-meme.jpg

[F430]

was reported at the end of Q3 for massa gearbox "issues"

[Bruno]

@SkySportsMike: Ferrari spokesperson on possibility of Massa gearbox change: "We are just evaluating this option." #F1

that would be great actually.
ALO starts 7th...not to mention the clean side.
both of them starting clean.

Andrew Benson ‏@andrewbensonf1
Engineers estimate those on dirty side of grid (even numbers) will lose at least two positions at the start

[Hornet]

We'd be royally screwed if we lose that much places.

On the other hand, Ferrari needs to prove to the FIA that Massa's gearbox was damaged actually. Under parc ferme rule, we're only allowed to replace a component with an exact copy and the replaced component must be proven to be in need of replacement.

[mandzipop]

Sounds like there has to be a proven problem with the gearbox. I've just got a feeling that if they do it they could fall foul of bringing the sport into disrepute. That way we could face a large fine, maybe lose 2nd place in the WCC (due to Mclaren gaining our lost points). And if Fernando doesn't win the WDC, then it will be a very expensive mistake.

[Hornet]

Sounds like there has to be a proven problem with the gearbox. I've just got a feeling that if they do it they could fall foul of bringing the sport into disrepute. That way we could face a large fine, maybe lose 2nd place in the WCC (due to Mclaren gaining our lost points). And if Fernando doesn't win the WDC, then it will be a very expensive mistake.

lol, its not as bad as that. You are free to change your gear box outside of parc ferme, you don't need a reason outside parc ferme. Red Bull did it last race.

Wanting to change a perfectly fine gear box is not bringing the sports into dispute.

[sagi58]

Ferrari has changed the gearbox of Felipe, so Alonso moves to p7, the clean side of the track, Massa now on p11.
Teamplay in extremis.

I beg to differ! The only "variation" is the "when" and not the "if"!!

[Alonsomaniac]

WHY OH WHY did somebody plan a familydinner in a restaurant in about two hours from now??????

[Bruno]

WHY OH WHY did somebody plan a familydinner in a restaurant in about two hours from now??????

just claim a bellyache, will you?

[mandzipop]

lol, its not as bad as that. You are free to change your gear box outside of parc ferme, you don't need a reason outside parc ferme. Red Bull did it last race.

Wanting to change a perfectly fine gear box is not bringing the sports into dispute.

The thing is that for them to do that Massa will have to start from the pitlane. Unless they can prove that there is an issue with the gearbox which they cannot repair under parc ferme rules, then they will have to break parc ferme rules. Admittedly it might be the safest place on the grid to start.

[Tifoso84]

If Ferrari indeed does change the gearbox on Felipe's car then it certainly feels bitter-sweet. I would be happy that Fernando climbs up one more spot and gets to start on the clean side of the track...but sad about Felipe, who did a fantastic job yesterday and thoroughly deserved to start ahead of Alonso. But, since Felipe isn't fighting for the WDC then I guess it would be the right thing to do. I just hope that Fernando can use this help to get a great result and that Felipe doesn't feel too bad about this. TEAM must always come first, everyone knows that and we have to try everything in order to keep the WDC dream alive. I'm sure that the Red Cow would do the same thing, if they were in this position.


Has it been confirmed that they're gonna change the gearbox on Felipe's car?

[sagi58]

WHY OH WHY did somebody plan a familydinner in a restaurant in about two hours from now??????

Quick, act sick!! After the race, you can make a miraculous recovery!!

[Hermann]

Sounds like there has to be a proven problem with the gearbox. I've just got a feeling that if they do it they could fall foul of bringing the sport into disrepute. That way we could face a large fine, maybe lose 2nd place in the WCC (due to Mclaren gaining our lost points). And if Fernando doesn't win the WDC, then it will be a very expensive mistake.

Obviously its only wrong for Ferrari to use tactical decisions, when RB decides to let Vettel start from the pitlane to maximise the points its perfectly fine. As are benting wings, odd weight distribution, shady engine maps....

[Alonsomaniac]

Quick, act sick!! After the race, you can make a miraculous recovery!!

If I did that I think I'd end up dead....my wife is standing beside me now....

[Italian Spirit]

lol, its not as bad as that. You are free to change your gear box outside of parc ferme, you don't need a reason outside parc ferme. Red Bull did it last race.

Wanting to change a perfectly fine gear box is not bringing the sports into dispute.

Well, Hornet, I would say it certainly will bring the sport into dispute, but certainly not, as Mandzipop pretends, into disrepute.

[Italian Spirit]

If I did that I think I'd end up dead....my wife is standing beside me now....

I hope you'll at least have some good Italian wine.

[Bruno]

We'd be royally screwed if we lose that much places.

On the other hand, Ferrari needs to prove to the FIA that Massa's gearbox was damaged actually. Under parc ferme rule, we're only allowed to replace a component with an exact copy and the replaced component must be proven to be in need of replacement.

Then we just have to break it somehow...

[Hermann]

@OskariSaari: Talked to C. Whiting. Ferrari can change MAS gearbox if they want. Don't have to prove there's anything wrong. No info if they'll do it.

[Katu]

If I did that I think I'd end up dead....my wife is standing beside me now....

last time i had to do that, i pretented i had massive hangover (which i usually doesn't) worked out pretty well

[Giallo 550]

I think what Alonso should do is, as Vettel is passing him, throw some nails on the track in front of Vettel's tires to give Vettel a flat tire, spray grease on Vettel's tires so Vettel loses grip or just throw sand in his eyes! I think that all of these are a few good ideas on how to Alonso can beat Vettel!

Ciao.

Forza Ferrari!!!!

You forgot whipping a chain against Vettel's front wing.

[Giallo 550]

Quick, act sick!! After the race, you can make a miraculous recovery!!

[R Ginart]

We need heat, heat and more heat in Texas ala Valencia. The Red Fools with their Renault engines will whither in the heat with cooked alternators. Both Lotus Renault and Red Fools went down like shot ducks during hunting season in Valencia.

[Tifoso84]

I think what Alonso should do is, as Vettel is passing him, throw some nails on the track in front of Vettel's tires to give Vettel a flat tire, spray grease on Vettel's tires so Vettel loses grip or just throw sand in his eyes! I think that all of these are a few good ideas on how to Alonso can beat Vettel!

Ciao.

Forza Ferrari!!!!

How about putting some strong laxative into Vettel's food right before the race? That would certainly do the trick. :twisted

[Sianellen]

Apparently they are going ahead and will just break the seal on the gearbox which is all they have to do to result in a penalty...

[F2008]

I'd do it. It's not a full 5 place grid penalty if the clean side is much better, he has a new gearbox and he could help Alonso a lot.

[Sianellen]

I'd do it. It's not a full 5 place grid penalty if the clean side is much better, he has a new gearbox and he could help Alonso a lot.

He's not getting a new gearbox, they are just breaking the seal to acquire the penalty.

[yz2006]

Fernando sounds very confident in his twitter, let's hope for the best for him in the race. To me, a gap within 24 points after this race would be a victory for us this week.

[Greig]

All time low if they take a penalty for the sake of grid position.