2016 Formula 1 Racing Thread

[Raven855]

We will soon have the new season starting off. Toward the end of the month there will be tire testing. The test and tune sessions will soon start. I thought I would start with a few thoughts and questions about the new season. The latest news has Maldonaldo. Will he keep his seat or will he be replaced at the new Renault team? With oil at extremely low value I don't see money coming in for Maldonado. Even if it did, I don't see him in Formula 1 more than another year. I think he's gone.

I see the season as Mercedes #1, and Ferrari #2. Don't have a good feel for #3 yet. Who's it going to be?

[MikeFleming]

I see the season as Mercedes #1, and Ferrari #2. Don't have a good feel for #3 yet. Who's it going to be?

I will go with Williams for slot 3. They made very good progress in 2015, and, if not for Ferrari's unexpected rise during the year, would probably have taken 3rd in the WC.

Don't know yet where to place the new Haas F1 team. With a base in England, Ferrari works engines and some known talent it's difficult to count them out entirely but it's still a major feat to do well (top 3 in WC points) in a first year of F1. Not to mention the current competition as already detailed above.

I'm gonna predict at least one top 10 finish in the first five races for Haas.

McLaren/Honda? Big sigh. I don't think the current rules will allow a redesign of the power plant - and that looks real bad for Honda. If they can sneak trough a new design the tables will flip very quickly. Time for the lawyers to do their work so we can get on with real racing instead of this NASCAR-like approach.

Predictions for the year: Pretty much same as 2015: Merc first for the CC, DC places Hamilton first, Rosberg second, Vettel third. Don't see this changing much until a rule change handicaps Merc.

[Raven855]

There was a change in the merc car last season and Rosberg made a better showing. I think Rosberg will start off leading with Hamilton 2nd, Vettel 3rd. Torro Rosso will start the season beating RB and challenging Williams. Force India will be challenging Williams also. And going out on a limb I will say McLaren will challenge RB and Williams also! The season is near! On another note, how is everyone going to tune in and watch?

[Bob Holmes]

Merc, Ferrari, Williams, Renault, RBR.

Hamilton, Whiney Pants, Vettel.

Haas will flounder around the back. Manor had Merc engines, but I'm hoping Haas does better. At least McLaren will have someone to play with.

[Raven855]

So what's the line right now? A beer or coffee for the winner and the same for McLaren/Hass in the points?

[Bob Holmes]

Works for me. I still owe you a beer.

[MikeFleming]

Two Weeks.
Two Weeks.
Two Weeks.
Two Weeks.
Two Weeks.
Two Weeks.
Two Weeks.
Two Weeks.
Two Weeks.
Two Weeks.
Two Weeks.
Two Weeks.

Coming Soon!

[brsvo]

Enough said

[Raven855]

2 hours left for second testing. After 3500 miles the Mercedes finally broke down with a transmission problem. 3500 miles on 1 engine and 1 transmission up till this point. No other breakdowns. Everyone else has had lots of breakdowns. They are looking very formidable!

[Bob Holmes]

You can't just "reliable" your way to a win.

I bet, this year, that the Merc pilots will take each other out more than once. As long as Nico keeps the stones he found at the end of last season.

[MikeFleming]

I bet, this year, that the Merc pilots will take each other out more than once. As long as Nico keeps the stones he found at the end of last season.

Those things shrivel up during the winter, right?

Even if his stones and luck are as good as two years back, there is still this little thing called "Lewis Hamilton" that seems to always put him back in his place no matter how far ahead he gets.

Five levels of tyres? How will that play out? How many will they have to choose from for each race? May give a new meaning to going [to] purple.

[MikeFleming]

Three more days, folks.

Get those DVRs warmed up.

[MikeFleming]

Any predictions for a wet race tomorrow??

[MikeFleming]

Allow me to be the first to say:

This new qualifying format REALLY SUCKS!!!

[Bob Holmes]

And we're stuck with the same stupid qualifying system next week.

Aaaaaarrrrggghh

[MikeFleming]

Out of the past!

Was installing some old[er] audio/video equipment and came across an HDD VCR device that has the 2008 Canadian GP on it. Yarno, Nick Hiedfeld, Toyota/Williams, Honda/Mclaren (Hamiton on pole), Nelson Picket Jr, grooved tyres and Flavio to name a few interesting things.

Yep - this is the race where Hamilton crashed into Raikonnen (Ferrari), taking them both out, in the pit lane.

Good times.

If I can figure out how, I'll burn it to DVD.

And 2008 Monaco GP2, and F1 Monaco (wet race)

[Raven855]

And we're stuck with the same stupid qualifying system next week.

Aaaaaarrrrggghh

? The qualifying has been reverted to the old system, not like Australia.

[Bob Holmes]

No. It hasn't. They reversed themselves.

[MikeFleming]

The bastards:

The future of Formula 1's qualifying format remains shrouded in confusion after bosses failed to agree on a change for the next race in Bahrain.
Teams decided at the season-opening race in Australia to ditch the new elimination system and revert to the one that had been in place for 2015.
But when they met on Thursday to discuss possible options, returning to the old format was not one of them.
F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone says there will be more talks early next month.

http://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/35896875

[Raven855]

I thought the first race was exciting, except for qualifing. It was a great spectical of sportsmanship, except for Verstappen. We have another race day close at hand! Bob's right and we will have the elimination style qualifing again for starting positions. Bahrain is a power track so we should have a good evaluation of where the Ferraris are compared to the Mercs. In my mind the Manors are last and other than that the rest is a bunched up midfield. Toro Rossos are looking pretty strong, are they third best? Will we see Verstappen lose it? What has happened to the Williams? They should have a new front wing, but will it be enough? Red Bull are looking pretty strong but can they fend off the Force India's? The Renaults and Hass were a surprise, but just where do they fall in the pecking order? Can't forget the McLarens. Alonso has cracked ribs and will not be driving and may not be driving by China either. Vanderhorn is taking over duties and is flying in from Japan, he will have jet lag and not have a chance to acclimate. The McLarens have improved but they are some of the slowest through the speed traps and I just don't see them having a good weekend. A top ten finish is looking like a pipe dream. Insights or predictions anyone. Bob buying everyone a beer is the only sure bet!