http://www.weather.com/weather/weekend/JAXX0112 Weather looks amazing and this will probably be a Red Bull runaway is my prediction. Seems like the track will suit them nicely. Maybe Webber can get it right? Would be nice to see a Ferrari win as we only have 1 this year. Mclaren should be strong. Maybe JB can win this as well!
A Schumacher podium will be a nice birthday gift this sunday At least a top 5...Remember his race last year?
Given the heavy dose of high speed corners on this track, it is going to be a RB cake walk. They might even let Webber have a consolation win... Best of the rest? Alonso or Hamilton is my bet (and yes... I have been hugely wrong in the past!).
Schu is just plain awesome at Suzuka. 3 wins in a row there. Anyway, this track has a bit of everything which I believe will play to Mclaren. RB is obviously the favorite but a Mclaren win would not at all surprise me. Ferrari will perform moderately well, but medium tires at this track is really going to put a damper on things for them.
+1 I had forgotten Pirelli had stated some time ago that medium tire will be used in Asia. Not good news. I hope Ferrari and its new design for 2012 have the tire temp issue fixed.
Fixed it for you Somewhat seriously, I wonder who he'll take out this race? Hopefully he & Phil won't get close, but he's an equal opportunity crasher these days...... Cheers, Ian
I've been wondering about that for some time. What if Ferrari came up with a completely new, 2012 design and start racing it this year? Is that allowed? It would give them a great head start for 2012. Who cares if they end up qualifying further down the grid and score no points from now on, but at least they would have invaluable experience with the 2012 car!
Haha, somewhat seriously IMO I believe he has ruffled enough feathers, and thats the main reason he is getting hung out to dry by the other drivers, as Button is leading him now, he should and will be asking himself why that is, and there he will find the answer. He is under the spot light, I would imagine if he gets himself in the top 3 in Q he won't have any issues.
The Autosport article on the new car alluded to them testing components/concepts with these last few races. It would appear they are trying hard to get a good start on the new car! Maybe that will help.
Predicting another Vettel win, I just hope it's not a runaway victory again. My wife and son and I are here at Suzuka Circuit this year for my birthday. We'll be seated at the Dunlop Curve for the race but will probably be just wandering around the circuit during the FP sessions. I'm hoping for a Ferrari win as well, but I don't think it will happen. Would also be nice to see Schumacher win again as well. I don't have a big fancy camera, just a Canon SD980is, but I'll try to get some decent pictures. Thinking about pulling a "Ricky Bobby" too and getting one of the drivers to sign my baby haha! Not too sure how my wife will like that. Anyone been to Suzuka before? Any tips?
That's fabulous! Have a great time. Take pics of Vettel when he takes the crown! I believe Mclaren will give a strong fight here. The Macca favors circuits where a little of everything is required regarding setup
Too cool!..... [Pix or it didn't happen ] I haven't been to Suzuka, but here's my 02c if you don't have a VIP pass - Hopefully others will chime in; - Friday you can get almost anywhere - Just cruise on thru..... - Sat is a good day for the souvenir stands..... - Be sure to be in place for the Sun warm up. Enjoy! Cheers, Ian
Haha, no paddock passes this time. This is my wife's first GP and I couldn't convince her the extra cash for VIP was worth it. We are sitting at the Dunlop Curve, pretty much a good view from turn 1 all the way through our section. I couldn't tell who it was (I'll review the video later) but one car came in hot and ran wide into the gravel. I'll post the video and a couple cell phone pics from my Facebook in a minute.
Wife and son with the Suzuka mascot (supposed to be some kind of bear) Video: http://www.facebook.com/v/239472169435812