2013 FORMULA 1 CHINA GRAND PRIX RACE ***OF COURSE THERE ARE SPOILERS***

Thinking about it, Vettel's last pit stop there was a small error with the front jack, it would not release, it makes me wonder whether that would have been the difference between a 3rd and 4th place for him.

 

This can't be right! - Others on here seem to want the old processional races back with the old predictable tyres!

 

I think it was when they announced that they'd signed Alonso!

 

When a F1 driver calls something a racing incident it means he is 100% to blame. Otherwise he'd give the fault to the other driver.

 

I think today highlighted the down side of tyre management, I can see both sides of the argument, IIRC it was Button asking pit wall if it was worth racing someone or should he save on tyre wear, but overall I'm happy with the racing.

You can never please all folk.

 

In Vettel's last stop he was stationary for 3.4 seconds because the jack wouldn't drop when the lever was pulled so he lost @ 1.2 ~1.4 seconds - I think that may well have cost him 3rd place!

Here's one for you: Lewis Hamilton locking up into the final corner on the final lap in front of Vettel - Last minute panic braking or simply "making smoke" to put Vettel off?

 

Saw that also. Not egregious but probably made a difference to a weekend rb would like to put in their rear view mirror.

 

Yeah! - Vettel too was told not to fight Alonso for the lead and to let him have it in the interest of a good race result.

The tyre situation is a bit of a double edged sword really - but it does create some unpredictability! (and an exciting finish for Hamilton and Vettel! - I bet Vettel loved those last 5 laps! )

 

Webster started his move way back and then took a late lunge thinking the door would stay open, that was the problem, in hindsight he could/should have waited for a better place after a bit of hustling.

 

Great stuff at the end, as a Ham fan edge of my seat stuff, me like tho.

End of the day Vet Ham Kimi Alonso great drivers seemingly all at the top of their game at the min.

 

True!

I think it's a case of:

"How can I be 100% to blame? - If the bugger hadn't a been there then there wouldn't have been a collision!"

 

Yes that was quite inappropriate, Coulthard has been 'cheeky' since his champagne bath courtesy of Vettel.
Forza Ferrari, quite brilliant drive by Fred..
GV27TIFOSI

 

Just finished the race, great race by Alonso but what happened to Massa? Seems like he was right with Alonso then I blinked and he was back in 10th.

The Pirelli tires are an absolute circus. Something needs to happen to improve wear.

 

I was glad Hamilton managed to stay ahead of Vettel, he deserved a podium this weekend!

It's looking like it's going to be a cracking season this year - even better than last year and that was darn good!

And to keep a balance and be fair, pretty as she is, I hope we're not going to have to keep seeing Alonso's girlfriend every two minutes during a race like we do with Hamilton's!

1) She's nothing really to do with the race.
2) It just raises My jealousy of Alonso's lifestyle!
3) It can only end with a cat fight between the girlfriends in the pit-lane! I can see it now:

"And here comes Hamilton into the pits!....... He's trying to swing into his pit-box but he can't!........ Hamilton and Alonso's girlfriends are fighting! Ooh! - good slap from Nicole but Xenia's got a great hair-pull hold! Nicole swings in a heel!...... nice dodge by Xenia!....."

Hamilton's radio: "What the f......man! - what's going on?....I need to pit!"
Ross Brawn: "Sorry Lewis, the guys are enjoying the fight!...... weave and bob Nicole!....... weave and bob!....... look out!..... she's got an air gun!"

 

The front wing cascade he lost aren't worth a quarter second, more like a tenth or so. Those cascades are worth 5 points maximum. Still, impressive drive and very smart of Lotus to not replace the wing.

 

From: Ferrari's Felipe Massa blames poor performance on tyre graining | Chinese Grand Prix | Formula 1 news, live F1 | ESPN.co.uk

Felipe Massa blamed excessive graining on his front tyres for his disappointing performance compared to Ferrari team-mate Fernando Alonso in China.......


........"I think the track evolution gave me more grip in the rear and then you start to use more front tyre in the race," he explained. "I think that was really the difference compared to Friday. On a green track I had a bit less graining and today it was massive. So I think that was one change."

 

I was wondering if his feet got cold with all that air coming into the cockpit? - But then I thought: "the Iceman? - get cold feet? - don't be silly!"

 

Don't think it was inappropriate...DC has been ''cheeky'' since he came to fame IMO, he used to roll out of nightclubs with girls left right and center, as quoted by himself, he was quite happy when he moved to Monaco because the tabloids couldn't see his antics there .

 

he lost the whole left side upper structure, I'm sure that's worth more than a tenth.

 

+1 And had a big ol' hole in the front of the nose too! Can't find a good pic of it right now (Blacks always been a tough color), but I lightened this one and it's just about visible.

The aero guys are all con-men I tell ya!

Cheers,
Ian
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The main planes of Kimi's were and end plates were unaffected. The cascades are not nearly as important as the main planes. Trim pieces at best. Worth something yes, but not a game changing amount. If they were worth a quarter second I guarantee based on lack of front left/right balance that wing would have been changed.

 

He said it to the Sky guys during a post race interview. Don't recall exactly, but admitted they left him out a couple of laps too long which then got him caught it traffic.

Cheers,
Ian

 

Ok, but what about that big ol' hole in the nose?

That must have been generating a bunch of undesirable vortices etc all along the car!

Kimi's starting to remind me of Ronnie; If he's in the mood he'll get the best out of any POS regardless.....

Cheers,
Ian

 

One of the most enjoyable races I've seen in a while.