2014 Australian Grand Prix - Melbourne

[zeph]

At this rate, Rosberg will take victory 30+ seconds clear of number two.

[Traction]

Gutted for Hamilton. Appalled by the Ferrari's aenemic performance. But it is fun to see Ricciardo and Magnussen stick it to their champion teammates (

Rosberg sticking it too...

Yeah but you expect him to stick it, at least some of the time, the others are a rookie and a new guy against the four time world champion.

Lol...so when one car breaks down and the other carries on it means the driver is sticking it to the other...

[Joie de vivre]

so far good tire management by mercedes

[Joie de vivre]

could this broken piece be a problem?

[el-Magico]

Broken brake duct for Rosberg

[mnmracer]

According to Dutch commentator it looks like just a piece of cover, nothing vital.

[iotar__]

so far good tire management by mercedes

There's little tyre management, their pace is incredible and in general it's fuel/engine/pace management.
Look at Magnussen/Ricciardo - you can't tell anything, then Hulk train, both Ferraris for comparison (every mistake possible for one), there's no racing whatsoever.
They are remotely controlled by fuel saving (directly not some "be careful about" rear left), little input from driver, only when some fast car is stuck behind there's some action (plus pitstop etc.)

[mnmracer]

A new era of Formula 1 gets underway today with the first practice session for the Australian Grand Prix. You can watch the session live on NBCSN and NBC Sports Live Extra.As per usual, Albert Park in Melbourne acts as the curtain raiser for the Formula 1 season, but with reliability being such a key concern for all of the teams at the opening round of the season, it could turn out to be a very interesting weekend.

http://w.atch.me/x9EZu2

There's a 48 hour lag on your spam-server.

[Traction]

Quite funny to be able to hear the squeal of a locked up tyre over the sound of the engines..

[zeph]

I like the sound of the PU's, very futuristic. I never liked the shrieking of the old high-revving V8's. The new ones may be quieter, but they are ballsy and menacing. A low growl.

[CHT]

Quite funny to be able to hear the squeal of a locked up tyre over the sound of the engines..

Is there a pit lane marshall blowing whistle every time car pit?

[Traction]

Quite funny to be able to hear the squeal of a locked up tyre over the sound of the engines..

Is there a pit lane marshall blowing whistle every time car pit?

Yeah..it's what Charlie Whiting does between the start and the end of every race

[myurr]

so far good tire management by mercedes

There's little tyre management, their pace is incredible and in general it's fuel/engine/pace management.
Look at Magnussen/Ricciardo - you can't tell anything, then Hulk train, both Ferraris for comparison (every mistake possible for one), there's no racing whatsoever.
They are remotely controlled by fuel saving (directly not some "be careful about" rear left), little input from driver, only when some fast car is stuck behind there's some action (plus pitstop etc.)

I disagree. We're back to the days where driver mistakes can help enable some overtakes, and whilst DRS is helping in some overtakes it doesn't seem overly powerful. Whilst it's a little annoying that we've lost some very early on to mechanical issues the rate of attrition hasn't been any worse than past years.

And some of the Merc cars at least aren't having to save too much fuel, again no more or less than in past years.

There's still some good racing to go as well, mostly down to tyre wear rather than fuel.

[SiLo]

Bummed for Hamilton, and was looking forward to Vettel in the midfield (although his hissy fits are hilarious).

Merc looks planted, calm and very fast. Worrying for everyone else!

[smlbstcbr]

Who else thinks the new timing format STINKS?!
























Everyone.