So..... predictions for Bahrain?

Qualifs:
Hamilton
Vettel
Raikkonen

Race;
Vettel
Hamilton
Raikkonen

 

Hamilton: Ferrari will be even faster in Bahrain

13 April 2017


SAKHIR, Bahrain – Lewis Hamilton goes into this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix determined to build momentum in his bid for a fourth world title and to keep his battle with Sebastian Vettel as friendly as possible.

After three highly competitive and often acrimonious years competing with now retired 2016 champion and former Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg, the Englishman is relishing a different kind of challenge this year.

Instead of fighting his Mercedes partner, newly-recruited Valtteri Bottas, he is in a scrap for glory with four-time champion Vettel of Ferrari.

“We are working so hard and so are Ferrari,” said Hamilton, fresh from his victory in China last weekend.

“I am expecting a very tough weekend in Bahrain where they are likely to be even stronger than in China because their car works, in general, better in hot conditions than cold.

“We made the most of our chance last weekend and we have to work hard to try and stay in front this time.”

Vettel has been just as generous as Hamilton in heaping praise on his rival and the pair have so far served up one win each amid much mutual back-slapping and respect.

“You have to take any advantage you can get,” said Hamilton, ahead of this Sunday’s floodlit night race at the Sakhir International Circuit where he will be seeking his third win at the track in four years, following Rosberg’s triumph last year.

“That is why we are doing so much now, working so hard. It is so important early on, as I learned last year. Hopefully, it will pay dividends at the end. I really have to try and make sure I finish ahead again in the next race.”

Hamilton is seeking also to score another pole position to extend his run to seven in succession.

“I have six in a row and Ayrton Senna had eight in a row – and I want to catch Senna. That’s even more of a challenge."

The high temperatures expected at the Bahrain track are sure to play a major part in the outcome as this year’s new formula of heavier, fatter and faster cars create new levels of wear on the broader tyres.

“I enjoy that fact that we are racing together in these cars,” added Hamilton, of his battle with Vettel, who won the season opening race in Melbourne in March.

“I think right now we are a good match and the sportsmanship is amazing. When I win he enjoys it and when I lose it is the same as I can acknowledge it too. We are both giving respect and that is a great place to be.”

The two main championship contenders should be chased by their team-mates Bottas and Kimi Raikkonen with Red Bull, who improved their form in China, pushing hard as the third-fastest team.

Following his astonishing drive from 16th on the grid to finish third in a rain-affected race, Max Verstappen will be hoping to stay ahead of team-mate Australian Daniel Ricciardo.

Behind them, much attention will focus on the form and future of two-time champion and three-time Bahrain winner Fernando Alonso of McLaren who will miss the Monaco Grand Prix next month to take part in the Indianapolis 500.

 

Can you please only post the core message of what you want to bring to our attention and link the article via hyperlink as everyone else does? That would help a long way maintaining usability of this forum.

 

Q: Seb/Lton\/Max
R: Seb/Lton/Kimi

 

Quali: HAM > VET > RAI
RACE: VET > HAM > RAI

 

Honda vibrations will exist probably until the Canadian GP when a new PU is introduced

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/honda-hopes-new-spec-engine-will-cure-vibration-issues-893162/

 

Q: Ham, Vet, Bot
R: Vet, Ham, Ver

 

LOL

 

Q: HAM BOT VET
R: HAM VET VER

 

Kimi is incredibly fast at this track, and Ferrari have brought a new front wing. Do not be surprised if Kimi bags a pole and a win here.

 

He needs it badly!

 

yup....saw that front wing and other areas of the car. Hopefully it helps Kimi out even more so on any overtakes with regards to RedBull.

 

Lewis always says this crap then stomps everyone. Won't believe it till i see ferrari crush him soundly

 

So much for Red Bull here or any other race soon!

Red Bull F1 team not sure how to close gap to Mercedes and Ferrari - F1 - Autosport

 

New car coming in Spain for them though, and the Renault big engine upgrade in Canada...it's a big mountain to climb, but also pending on how the car is after Canada, a big decision will be made if they try and chase the 2017 titles or they abandon their work and get the 2018 ones. Ferrari and Mercedes will continue to spend most of their time developing their 2017 cars so it could be ideal conditions for RBR to focus on 2018. They're far ahead of 4th team Williams so no worries about losing 3rd in the WCC at all.

 

One of the rumors I've heard from a pretty good source is Red Bull could be a major contender because their car is shorter and Renault will have an upgraded engine. All I can say is wait and see.

 

Theyre good at developing the car. Ive no doubt theyll at least catch ferrari

 

As the season evolves we will know. Horner says they are staying with the design element for now. We all know how hard it is to give up when the data say one thing and the results yield another. I hope they do develop but that article did not elude to a team going in the right direction quickly. Ask Ferrari about being a full second down.

 

Yep no doubt, that's why I hope they act quickly, think properly and assess exactly where Ferrari/Merc are in relation to themselves after Canada and take proper action then.

Personally my opinion is that unless Vettel and Hamilton take each other off before Canada (or both suffer a DNF) and RBR capitalizes on that, I think RBR will be too far back already to them to mount a serious challenge for the WDC, and shouldn't gamble on the off-chance that an accident or reliability issues will happen to Vettel/Elton (both, remember).

It sucks writing a year off but if it means they can create a world beating car in 2018, that's worth it because whatever happens, they'll have at least 1 world class driver in that team.

 

This one is easy:

Qualy:
Vettel
Ham
Kimi

Race:
Vettel
Ham
Kimi

 

A Vettel win

 

I'm a Ferrari home-boy but I wouldn't be upset to see Val Terry Bad-Ass score his first win. On the other hand, it would also be fun to see Elton take out both Mercs with a crazy banzai move at the first corner . . .

 

+77

 

1) Vettel
2) Botas
3) Elton
4) Kimi

 

actually 77 + 44 = + 121!!!!!