starting weights

Very interesting. Which ones are using KERS this weekend?

That system adds 40KG, does it not?

 

4. Rubens Barrichello, Brawn GP, 661
5. Jenson Button, Brawn GP, 659

20 kg more than the top qualifiers... those brawn cars are just ballistic!

Awesome drive from vettel... talk about one shot qualifying!

top 8 guys dont have KERS//

 

Sort of substantiates that sandbagging theory.

 

But check out Massa's 690!! Maybe a one stopper??

 

Indeed. I think my boy RB may have a crack at this one. We'll see. He seems to be in good stead if he can just get his arse off the line for a decent start!

 

I wonder if Alonso's going to combine the low fuel with the super soft tyres at the start to get them out the way?

 

No it doesn't. It only shows they are running quite a conservative strategy. When they are really that good as you assume they should have bagged pole easily. You don't control a race from fourth on the grid with heavier fuel load. The top three are running a more aggresive strategy, that's all.

 

I am sure that the strategists will find a way to screw it up though.

 

I'd say Lewis and Kimi are sitting pretty with there fuel loads. Both punching above there weights, interesting to see if they make the most of it.

 

Actually, I think by running a heavier fuel load that the cars in front, they are showing they know the Brawns have the speed. Sandbagging by another name if you will but I believe them to be sandbagging. We''ll see race time when the front runners pit and the Brawns are still on the track.

 

Will be interesting. The top times were a lot closer this race, so I wonder if the drivers on the longer stints will be able to create any advantage. Those extra 2 secs/lap may make it difficult to translate into an advantage, but we've at least seen Hamilton do more with much worse positioning.

I was pleasantly surprised at Ferrari's pace after watching them plod around in practice. I think both cars could get in the points this weekend (OMG, it really is turning into the Berger/Alesi team where we just hope to finish in the points)

 

I'm a little surprised no one has mention Kovalainen, whose car is almost the heaviest of all and he's starting just ahead of Massa.

 

I think his inability to complete a single race lap this season leaves him at the back of people's minds. Race strategy could be interesting, but executing it requires capability to do so.

 

Does Alonso have enough fuel to finish the formation lap?

 

Mclaren's utilizing a clever suspension setting in qualifying; run heavy, run invisible. Woking needs to sandbag this one, their results and the duration/cost of April 29th will likely be proportional.

 

True, but if gets beyond the first corner I fancy him to do quite well.

 

I was thinking the same thing...

 

Clever Is, I really really thought this, but never said it.....honest!!..

 

Ian, I think Ricksb answered it, if he keeps it on the track its a good outside bet.

 

God help McHam if he's on the podium, his penalty/suspension could last until August. He is dire need of Ferrari pit management strategy if he wants to avoid a, umm, pointless summer.

OTOH, I'd bet on a one race suspension and the loss of all points earned if both Mclarens dnf.

 

I don't think the super softs would last that long?

 

That's because he's destined for the gravel trap hotel at turn one.

 

Nah. At around 2.8kg per lap, that's maybe 15 laps more fuel than Alonso, who is the lightest (with a little margin in case of safety cars). Alonso will be coming in very early. They fueled him light to try to get him as high up the grid as they could. Most of the cars are around 660-670, so Massa is just doing a long first stint and staying out maybe 6-10 laps longer than most of the field.

They know he's useless if he doesn't start from the front row, and their only chance is to have him stay out long for the first stint to try to get ahead when others are coming in for fuel. His extra 10+ laps they probably hope will let him get a second or two per lap, then he can come in for a splash-and-go and hopefully maintain a good position, go out on the crap tires, then come in around the same time as all the other cars and put his good tires back on and go out and fight for a decent spot.

That's the plan anyway, it won't work out like that, most likely.

 

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