F1 2023 - Round 18 - Qatar

rameire

Thursday

4pm - Drivers Press Conference

Friday

2.30pm Practice 1

6.00pm Qualifying

Saturday

2pm Sprint Qualifying

6.30pm Sprint Race

Sunday

6pm Le Grand Prix

Jordan 199

I love evening races.

rameire

I cannot remember this race.

But it's hard on tyres.

So am looking forward to loads of strategy and pit stops.

Supposedly they have done some work on the track and facilities.

dulpit

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121185454#Comment_121185454

Same. Perfect timing for sprint weekends too, means you're not at work for quali

Frank Bullitt

Lots of high speed corners, so I expect the same ol run of things.

Highly likely we will see a world champion crowned on a Saturday.

flazio

Well last year no-one knew if full points were being handed out for a partial distance Grand Prix so that delayed whether Max was confirmed champion, the year before Mercedes-Benz held up the official classification of results because of the safety car procedure discrepancy (don't start) so that delayed whether Max was declared World Champion so whether it's Saturday or Sunday it'll be nice to actually know for sure when he crosses the line he is definitely Champion of the World.

-F1-

Is Ricciardo back for Qatar or Austin?

Edit: Still injured.

mickdw

He will defo be back for Texas.

AMKC

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121195581#Comment_121195581

He will be happy about that get to wear his cowboy hat.

Burkie1203

Sandstorms might be an issue in qatar

Big Pussy Bonpensiero

We need something to spice it up! Any expert opinion seems to be that RB will run away with this race. That being said Max has pretty much been flawless this season any time weather has played a role.

Frank Bullitt

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121198210#Comment_121198210

Well it won't rain, I think we can be sure of that. Maybe some SCs might play a role?

Again though, this place has been resurfaced so it is smooth and has some really fast corners. An RB wonderland.

PsychoPete

It's going to be similar to japan, Verstappen will be in his element with that RB here and likewise with Norris

Jordan 199

Don't forget qualifying at 6PM.

eviltimeban

Qualifying at dinner time on a Friday just seems wrong to me. I'm gonna tape it and avoid news and watch it Saturday morning.

Then sprint qualy & sprint race. Then the rugby. A good day of sport!

Burkie1203

Track is like an ice rink

Andrew76

Don't really remember this track from 2021 tbh, some fantastic fast corners on it though. Plenty of cars exceeding track limits so should make for an interesting quali. They could do with a few lads with sweeping brushes to clear some of the sand off it. 😁

Frank Bullitt

It looks like they are racing around an industrial estate in Blanchardstown

Jordan 199

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121202192#Comment_121202192

The Industrial Estate Grand Prix 😉

Andrew76

Here we go folks. 😁

Itssoeasy

Evening lads. I’m all in favour of having qualifying on a Friday evening or a Saturday evening our time. Sunday I’d like to earlier.

Itssoeasy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121201793#Comment_121201793

Yeah Saturday is going to be a mad days of sport.

Andrew76

Some lap deletions already. Some speed these cars. 😎

Andrew76

Mental track evolution.

Jordan 199

Squeaky arse time.

Andrew76

Stroll out continuing his brutal form. Hamilton just about made it in there. Lawson half a second behind Tsunoda.

Andrew76

**** did you see that - Stroll just shoved his trainer at the back of the garage? That didn’t look like punching the wall like commentary said.

Itssoeasy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121202524#Comment_121202524

Id have to go back and look but I didn’t see him punch anything, but didn’t think he shoved anyone but he was clearly annoyed, but it’s his fault he’s out.

flazio

You'd want good eyesight if you're watching in the stands. They're miles away from the track. This almost looks like a lockdown Grand Prix.

Andrew76

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121202546#Comment_121202546

Good point. I haven’t noticed the crowd at all other than the main straight.

Itssoeasy

https://twitter.com/skysportsf1/status/1710346401048052083?s=61&t=9PWgf6fdzwvZ33721C-4DA

Good spot @Andrew76. He does seem to shove someone.