2013 Testing - Barcelona 2: 28 Feb - 3 Mar

[raymondu999]

+1 Precisely. Oz is at times somewhat of a strange circuit in terms of who ends up where.

It is. But at least we know that the circumstances of the time are representative, in terms of everyone going flat out. IMO it's still a better barometer than testing, where tyres, track conditions, fuel loads can vary massively.

(For what it's worth: kilcoo knows his ---.)

For those slamming kilco - I have to agree with Ben here. I wouldn't dismiss the great times the Mercs have been putting in. It shows they have some raw pace, for at least one flier. That's a given now. But I wouldn't dismiss what kilco said either. I have to concur with Ben that kilco does possess a lot of knowledge about his faeces.

[Hail22]

1:25 by Alonso on the soft compound rubber, would suggest he is doing a longer stint/run on them.

[Ferraripilot]

It is. But at least we know that the circumstances of the time are representative, in terms of everyone going flat out. IMO it's still a better barometer than testing, where tyres, track conditions, fuel loads can vary massively.

Fully agreed. Anything is better than testing.

[f1316]

I think the clearest thing of all is how fascinating it all is!

And then, as if the picture of the pecking order wasn't vague enough, now we can't even look at the complete runs being done!

Past experience tells me McLaren and, in recent years, RBR don't make awful cars, but recent experience tells me that this notion of the great and powerful Newey is a little over-emphasised. Like last year, I'm sure they'll be good, but have we seen anything so far to show they're the best? Not yet.

The Merc is obviously very quick; last year's times tell us that they are comparatively extremely quick. Ferrari are obviously quick. What they've shown is slower than the Merc (although, for example, Alonso is faster than Ham was yesterday) and their car is, apparently, responding as expected. I think maybe they can faster, but we'll see.

And McLaren are very confusing. Looks like they're struggling to me - maybe a bit like Ferrari last year. Maybe they're trying to make us think that though...

[dren]

It is. But at least we know that the circumstances of the time are representative, in terms of everyone going flat out. IMO it's still a better barometer than testing, where tyres, track conditions, fuel loads can vary massively.

Fully agreed. Anything is better than testing.

But the data is there to support who will be in the hunt, and who will likely not be. Ever since I've been following F1 testing, after the winter it is usually pretty clear who will be where. Sometimes there is a surprise or two, but you can generally get a good idea.

From what I can gather, there are 5 teams at the pointy end of the grid. The tires have more performance, are easier to turn on, but degrade quicker (potentially). So, it will make for an exciting season. I expect the top drivers to shine: Hamilton, Button, Alonso, Vettel & Kimi. Rosberg I am anxious to see how he fairs. Webber will have his day or two where he is great. I also think we'll see some challenges from Williams, Sauber and FI (although I expect the FI to only come on towards the last third of the year, as is custom with them).

[beelsebob]

I think the clearest thing of all is how fascinating it all is!

And then, as if the picture of the pecking order wasn't vague enough, now we can't even look at the complete runs being done!

Past experience tells me McLaren <...> don't make awful cars

Cough... 2009... cough.

[f1316]

I think the clearest thing of all is how fascinating it all is!

And then, as if the picture of the pecking order wasn't vague enough, now we can't even look at the complete runs being done!

Past experience tells me McLaren <...> don't make awful cars

Cough... 2009... cough.

true

[dren]

I think the clearest thing of all is how fascinating it all is!

And then, as if the picture of the pecking order wasn't vague enough, now we can't even look at the complete runs being done!

Past experience tells me McLaren <...> don't make awful cars

Cough... 2009... cough.

And doesn't Mclaren flip-flop every year on who is lead designer on the car? Although to Mclaren's credit, they had a pretty good car at the end of 2009 in Hamilton's hands.

[King Six]

It is true that the times are quite fast around the board, I wasn't expecting the cars to be faster than last year with the nerfed DRS in place. It's quite impressive.

[raymondu999]

I think the clearest thing of all is how fascinating it all is!

And then, as if the picture of the pecking order wasn't vague enough, now we can't even look at the complete runs being done!

Past experience tells me McLaren <...> don't make awful cars

Cough... 2009... cough.

And doesn't Mclaren flip-flop every year on who is lead designer on the car? Although to Mclaren's credit, they had a pretty good car at the end of 2009 in Hamilton's hands.

They changed the system when Pat Fry left.

[f1316]

. @nico_rosberg: "We know for a fact our competitors have not shown their potential. What we can say is we have definitely made progress"

For a fact? I'm sure they have a pretty good idea of the fuel everyone's running, so interesting.

[beelsebob]

. @nico_rosberg: "We know for a fact our competitors have not shown their potential. What we can say is we have definitely made progress"

For a fact? I'm sure they have a pretty good idea of the fuel everyone's running, so interesting.

Of course, the teams can tell how much fuel each other are using by timing gear changes.

[NathanOlder]

+1 Precisely. Oz is at times somewhat of a strange circuit in terms of who ends up where.

His point (at least as I took it) was not that Auz does strange things, but instead, that it would not end the debate, simply because people will make excuses for their team's poor performance.

100% My point.

[raymondu999]

. @nico_rosberg: "We know for a fact our competitors have not shown their potential. What we can say is we have definitely made progress"

For a fact? I'm sure they have a pretty good idea of the fuel everyone's running, so interesting.

Of course, the teams can tell how much fuel each other are using by timing gear changes.

I know they can, but I never understood how they do so from their sonic analysis. I mean, they don't know how much drag each car has over its aero map, surely? How would you differentiate a draggy car with little fuel from a drag-efficient car with heavy fuel?

[kooleracer]

Sky Sports F1 HD! lets stop talking and watch the action