United States GP - Race Thread

[steelstallions]

Fernando Alonso still believes he'll finish ahead of Sebastian Vettel at U.S. GP

http://www1.skysports.com/formula-1/...tel-at-U.S.-GP

Forza Ferrari

[steelstallions]

Fernando Alonso still remains confident he will out-score World Champion rival Sebastian Vettel in Sunday's U.S. GP - despite lining up seven places behind the pole-sitting Red Bull.

Alonso's defiance has become a regular event on a Saturday night this season in the wake of his now-familiar qualifying struggles. But the Spaniard surely surpassed the highest hopes any of his many admirers could have held at the close of qualifying at the Circuit of The Americas when he told Sky Sports F1 that he still expected to finish ahead of Vettel's pole-starting Red Bull.

"I still believe that tomorrow we will score more points than Sebastian," Alonso assured Sky F1's Natalie Pinkham.

[steelstallions]

Mark Webber has been handed a reprimand by U.S. GP stewards for failing to enter the weighbridge for a random check during qualifying.

According to Rule 26.1 of Formula 1's regulations "cars taking part in Q1 and Q2 will be selected at random to undergo the weighing procedure...When signaled to do so the driver will proceed directly to the FIA garage and stop his engine."

However, Webber missed the light at the end of the pit-lane alerting him to the check and proceeded straight to the Red Bull garage

[Alessandra]

ferrarifl

[Ferrari Man]

Time to show Vettel wat Ferrari are made of.... Come on Alonso put em under pressure...

[Massimo]

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.

[Hornet]

Massa commented that when he tried starting from the dirty side, it was worse than a wet track. And I believe Pat Fry said that drivers will lose several meters on the dirty side? I'm worried about starting from the dirty side.

About Massa's gearbox rumor, still can't find any confirmation

[Massimo]

Massa commented that when he tried starting from the dirty side, it was worse than a wet track. And I believe Pat Fry said that drivers will lose several meters on the dirty side? I'm worried about starting from the dirty side.

About Massa's gearbox rumor, still can't find any confirmation

The Italian sites brought the news about 45 mins. ago, so i think it's confirmed.

[SashAlex]

Still feel perplexed by the fact that RBR introduced some updates that've worked, and none of ours made a significant step forward for the car.

[Forzi]

Wouldn't be surprised if Webber had to change his gear box too

[Hornet]

The Italian sites brought the news about 45 mins. ago, so i think it's confirmed.

I see, thanks.

I guess it makes sense. We're already on a disadvantage with our more worn tires, Ferrari will be doing everything they can to make sure the WDC fight continues in Brazil.

[Forzi]

Another weekend where we'll have to root for Lewis to get past Vettel. Hope Webber will be having his good old fashioned slow-mo starts.

[Suzie]

How nice for Alonso if true.

[WS6TransAm01]

On the way to the track and I'm about to pass out from the stress.

I sure hope Alonso pulls a rabbit out of a hat, Lewis takes P1 before the first lap is out and fate smiles upon us.

I don't think I could stomach the trip home with the knowledge that Finger Boy is a three time WDC. There are so many RBR front runner fan boys here I may end up punching one of them in the face. I can understand why TX does not allow patrons to carry their handguns to sporting events. lol

[FrankAlfa]

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!!!!

[Rob]

Will Buxton ‏@willbuxton
No word yet on rumoured Massa gearbox change. If true would aid both Massa and Alonso by putting them on clean side of the grid.

[sagi58]

The Italian sites brought the news about 45 mins. ago, so i think it's confirmed.

Not that I'm a doubting "Tomassina"; but, where did you see that?

[Sianellen]

Jon Noble ‏@NobleF1
Ferrari is considering replacing Felipe Massa's gearbox for the USGP due to unspecified problem. Full story soon

[Sianellen]

Jordan Irvine ‏@IrvineF1
Ok, official word from #Ferrari is that they are "considering" a gearbox change for Massa - there would be a penalty if they do. #F1 #F1Buzz

[F430]

here too

http://www.blogf1.it/2012/11/18/azza...mbio-alonso-7/

[sagi58]

Fernando Alonso guadagna un altro posto sulla griglia di partenza ancor prima del via al Gran Premio degli USA.


November 18, 2012 – last minute | Fernando Alonso earns a place on the starting grid before the start of the US Grand Prix.

The plot twists are not lacking for the penultimate round of the World Formula 1 2012. On the Ferrari of Felipe Massa will be replaced, and then change the Brazilian driver would be relegated from 6° to 11° grid position in Austin.

The advantage is all in favour of Fernando Alonso with the other Ferrari would gain a starting position 7° from the clean side.

Translated from: http://www.f1passion.it/2012/11/f1-g...sulla-griglia/

[Sianellen]

Ted Kravitz ‏@tedkravitz
Official quote from Ferrari re potential Massa gearbox penalty: "We are considering this option"

[Alessandra]

On the way to the track and I'm about to pass out from the stress.

I sure hope Alonso pulls a rabbit out of a hat, Lewis takes P1 before the first lap is out and fate smiles upon us.

I don't think I could stomach the trip home with the knowledge that Finger Boy is a three time WDC. There are so many RBR front runner fan boys here I may end up punching one of them in the face. I can understand why TX does not allow patrons to carry their handguns to sporting events. lol

We were at Spa this year. Imagine our delight to see on the big screen opposite that Fernando was out at the first corner!
First thought was “I want to go home”, 2nd thought ”We paid for this”.
Two hours or so later we’d sat through it all, clapped like mad every time Felipe past us, tutted at the bad manners of people who stand up in front of you when the cars go past, husband enjoyed a short sleep (impossible you’d imagine) and I’d finished off the beer.
Somehow watching your team having a bad day is slightly less awful when you’re actually there than watching it on TV; but that’s what this race thread’s for, isn’t it?
Track looks fantastic – enjoy!! Try not to punch Vettel fans, they can’t help it. Something to do with their childhood I expect.

[Sianellen]

The only thing I don't understand about this is that Jenson Button was the only driver to make a practice start from the clean side of the grid and he said it was just as bad as the dirty side.

[Red passion]

What is the grid line up with penalties.

[SilverSpeed]

Mark Webber ‏@AussieGrit
At a VIP dinner last night an American woman asked me"where are you from?" I said Australia, she said "wow your English is amazing"

BTW Pettels DNF is waaaaaaay overdue, someone please ram him in turn 1 pls!

[FFFerrari]

The only thing I don't understand about this is that Jenson Button was the only driver to make a practice start from the clean side of the grid and he said it was just as bad as the dirty side.

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.

[Axelsson]

What is the grid line up with penalties.

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

[Kingdom Hearts]

And Massa can start on hard isn't it?.

Good luck to the team, we need an awesome race more than never.

[Hornet]

Ted Kravitz ‏@tedkravitz
Official quote from Ferrari re potential Massa gearbox penalty: "We are considering this option"

There were some people saying Red Bull could change Mark Webber's gear box too to put Alonso on the dirty side.

Maybe Ferrari is playing the waiting game or not wanting to reveal until its too late for RB to make a move?

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.

No, it is dirty to the point that Lewis is asking for it to be cleaned. Massa said its dirty too.

A few practice start is not enough to clean it, let alone lying rubber to improve it.

Ferrari is not a personal club house for any driver to prove who's the boss, its all about the team. Massa beating Alonso hardly mean anything, they both are our drivers.