2014 Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix - Practice 1/2/3 ***SPOILERS***

Would not be surprised.

 

Formula 1 - Renault teams cleared to run full power - Yahoo Eurosport UK

Interesting. I'm sure Renault have been working 24/7 on their issues as it was embarassing.

 

Haven't been this excited in 10 years for the start of the season. So many unknowns and unpredictability.

 

Montezemolo writes to the Tifosi - Pitpass.com

 

It's not enough that you get me to agree with you, now I have to envy you?

Have a blast.

 

Indeed! I think we my see less than 10 cars reach the flag, but all of 'em dropping out? Would be kinda silly....

Anyway, His comments were in response to a question during his press conference. Can't find the transcript right now, but here's a summary of what he actually said;

He also noted that the stewards have some latitude where 107 is concerned, not that it wouldn't be enforced.....

Further, he also said that 100kg of fuel is for the race. Ie, they can put in more than that to cover the formation lap(s) and the slow down. Ergo, run out after the flag has dropped and you may get penalized as before. The FIA have a fuel flow sensor onboard, and the important thing is no more than 100kg/hour. Exceed that and you'll feel his wrath!

Cheers,
Ian

 

If few make it to the end teams might consider actually repairing a car. Something unheard of recently.

 

An appropriate pole might be guessing how many cars actually finish.

 

Yes indeed. The down side there is they're saying these things are so complex even a 'minor' task takes forever.

But yeah, I agree, I suspect we may see some guys finish tens of laps back after some quick duct tape/bailing wire jobs...... They may even finish in the points......

Cheers,
Ian

 

from the driver's press conference:

Q: One final question: how many finishers in the race on Sunday?

FA: How many are we? 16.

SV: 12

LH: 15

FM: 14

DR: No one. We're all going to be running across the line!

KM: 22.

 

And that's where it might get interesting with Whiting and his comments that he might call it a day early. I can see some teams pleading to keep the race going as long as the 2 hours have not yet been reached.

Then again, it might be as you say: Too complex to actually fix something.

 

Either DR misunderstood the question (or answered it the wrong way around) or he thinks they'll be jogging around the track.

 

Ferrari have been practicing changing engines quickly. Just saying.

 

i Think Renault will be lucky to have a couple of cars at the end....Ferrari and merc half the field each...i expect at least half the grid won´t finish...just hope the red one´s will...

 

I think he means what you said, that they'll be jogging around the track

 

Ouch!

 

Did they take a page from Audi's Le Mans book? Make the rear modular and just drop the whole thing out?

 

In which case let's hope it doesn't happen involuntarily. Especially if a Mercedes behind them is trying to lap them.

BTW wouldn't there be a case for a pedal power emergency mode? If the engine stops working or you used too much fuel. Given Alfonso's prowess at racing bikes?

 

Going to make a bold prediction here: at least 1 Red Bull may just finish this first grand prix and be reasonably quick at least in qualifying.

I've heard they brought a raft of internal modifications.

 

Alonso said it takes 6 hours to replace an engine.

Mind you, he apparently said the cars are 6 seconds a lap slower.....so maybe his favourite number for the day was 6.

 

He was making a joke...I laughed when I read it....you didn't get it?

 

Well said LdM. I think that was nicely done! Thanks for the link.

 

Nervous teams to sit out Saturday practice | News | Motorsport.com

 

I just set up my SKY to record all practice. I will be up late If not then up early to see the practice 1 and 2. I hope to be up for practice 1 but that is at 2am my time here. I also have a small journey to Zurich tomorrow and need to be able to drive

The sacrifices we all make eh!

 

That is not good but understandable. So much for the fans eh and what matters to them. Time for a 3rd car, but that cost issue