F1 2020: ROUND 16 Bahrain 2

Joeface · 02-12-2020 12:54pm #1

Formula 1 Rolex Sakhir Grand Prix 2020

So New Track , the almost Oval or as close as F1 can get .
No Hamilton , No Grosjean ,
Russell Move ( One day event ) , Fittipaldi and Aitken make their Debuts .
All the nature of a Power Track

Circuit Length 3.543km
Number of Laps 87

Late Evening viewing this weekend, ah the winter nights and the Cars do look great under lights.

Session Your time
1st Free practice Fri 4 Dec 13:30 - 15:00
2nd Free practice Fri 4 Dec 17:30 - 19:00
3rd Free practice Sat 5 Dec 14:00 - 15:00
1st Qualifying Sat 5 Dec 17:00 - 17:18
2nd Qualifying Sat 5 Dec 17:25 - 17:40
3rd Qualifying Sat 5 Dec 17:48 - 18:00
Race Sun 6 Dec 17:10 - 19:10

Charlie-Bravo · 02-12-2020 6:15pm

Later times - cool.

I hope George wins

Zookey123 · 03-12-2020 12:53pm

Track looks boring as hell.

weisses · 03-12-2020 1:04pm

Zookey123 wrote: »

Track looks boring as hell.

I dont know ... 2 drs zones .. 3 corners where you can overtake.

recyclebin · 03-12-2020 2:11pm

weisses wrote: »

I dont know ... 2 drs zones .. 3 corners where you can overtake.

So the fastest car can get to the front as quick as possible and if you are anyway slower your a sitting duck. That's not racing. It's artificial overtaking. There is no need for DRS on some tracks if at all.

Top Dog · 03-12-2020 4:22pm

Zookey123 wrote: »

Track looks boring as hell.

This is my first time seeing it, and I have to agree. Looks dull as dishwater. Really hope to be proven wrong.

Gaoth Laidir · 04-12-2020 12:12am

recyclebin wrote: »

So the fastest car can get to the front as quick as possible and if you are anyway slower your a sitting duck. That's not racing. It's artificial overtaking. There is no need for DRS on some tracks if at all.

They should remove DRS for this weekend. Getting a tow down those straights is enough of a help.

Turn 1 could be interesting with low downforce setups likely, also the turn 7-8 fast chicane. Tyre deg not such an issue but brake heating could be.

antodeco · 04-12-2020 12:51am

The fact that it's full throttle for 75% of the track this late in the season may mean we'll witness a few dying engines!

quokula · 04-12-2020 1:52am

Only F1 would describe a track with 11 corners as an Oval.

wally1990 · 04-12-2020 2:04am

Bookies favour Max V for the Win

Inquitus · 04-12-2020 2:05am

quokula wrote: »

Only F1 would describe a track with 11 corners as an Oval.

At least 6 of them are flat out mind, and hardly corners in a modern F1 car!

Burkie1203 · 04-12-2020 7:41am

Gaoth Laidir wrote: »

They should remove DRS for this weekend. Getting a tow down those straights is enough of a help.

Turn 1 could be interesting with low downforce setups likely, also the turn 7-8 fast chicane. Tyre deg not such an issue but brake heating could be.

The last corner(s) will be interesting too. They have a few hundred metres longer straight before they get there.

BrentMused · 04-12-2020 1:30pm

So what do you think will equate to a successful weekend for Russell, all? Podium at minimum or would you allow him a bit more rope than that?

Gaoth Laidir · 04-12-2020 2:03pm

Burkie1203 wrote: »

The last corner(s) will be interesting too. They have a few hundred metres longer straight before they get there.

True, but I think most interesting may be lap 1, corner 1. Some cars could handle like shopping trollies, with cold brakes and tyres...:pac:

Zookey123 · 04-12-2020 2:11pm

BrentMused wrote: »

So what do you think will equate to a successful weekend for Russell, all? Podium at minimum or would you allow him a bit more rope than that?

Ah its difficult to say right now. As Russell himself said he doesn't have any aims other than giving it his best every corner. We will have a good idea over the practice sessions where he stands relative to Botas but really would be shocked if he out qualifies him. It is a new set up for him.

Faugheen · 04-12-2020 2:28pm

Zookey123 wrote: »

Ah its difficult to say right now. As Russell himself said he doesn't have any aims other than giving it his best every corner. We will have a good idea over the practice sessions where he stands relative to Botas but really would be shocked if he out qualifies him. It is a new set up for him.

He did an interview with Lazenby where he says he has to wear shoes that are a size too small for him in order to properly apply the pedals.

He played down the significance of that, but he’ll find it uncomfortable at the very least.

Faugheen · 04-12-2020 2:32pm

I know he’s not up to much but it’s great to see the Fittipaldi name back on the F1 grid

ELM327 · 04-12-2020 3:22pm

STOP THE COUNT!!

Russel P1

ELM327 · 04-12-2020 3:24pm

BrentMused wrote: »

So what do you think will equate to a successful weekend for Russell, all? Podium at minimum or would you allow him a bit more rope than that?

I want him to win and hammer bottas.
Realistically for him, success would be P3 or higher.

I'd say the most likely outcome would be a VER - BOT - RUS podium, so if russell is P3 or better that's success.

Faugheen · 04-12-2020 3:29pm

ELM327 wrote: »

STOP THE COUNT!!

Russel P1

Followed by Bottas being rattled.

I actually like the track. It’s very quick but bumpy as well.

Zookey123 · 04-12-2020 3:30pm

Bottas under pressure now. Pushing too hard qualifying tomorrow should be fun.

Faugheen · 04-12-2020 3:31pm

They’re definitely going to look at track limits for turn 8 after Max going wide there I’d say

Faugheen · 04-12-2020 3:32pm

Alpha Tauri’s look quick.

Joeface · 04-12-2020 3:37pm

2 races to go , I would say Honda gave them all the engine they want this weekend

Faugheen · 04-12-2020 3:38pm

Faugheen wrote: »

They’re definitely going to look at track limits for turn 8 after Max going wide there I’d say

And again.

Adamocovic · 04-12-2020 3:51pm

BrentMused wrote: »

So what do you think will equate to a successful weekend for Russell, all? Podium at minimum or would you allow him a bit more rope than that?

I expect him to do well in qualifying but who knows how he’ll do during the actual race. Really depend on him mentally when it comes to the switch of actually competing up top versus hanging at the back for Williams. Yes he did it in F2 but different ball game now.

Norris thinks he can win it, Leclerc expects a podium. While Russell probably wants a podium I think he’d secretly be content with just finally scoring points!

antodeco · 04-12-2020 4:00pm

Bottas is really struggling / driving normally

Adamocovic · 04-12-2020 4:03pm

Big confidence boost for Russell but very early on.

Joeface · 04-12-2020 4:03pm

he got his First P1 ........good for him. But SKY are going to be unbearable .

ELM327 · 04-12-2020 4:07pm

Excellent stuff. Delighted that Bottas is being shown up as the useless bumbling idiot that he is.

Faugheen · 04-12-2020 4:14pm

Joeface wrote: »

he got his First P1 ........good for him. But SKY are going to be unbearable .

British broadcaster excited about young British driver driving the fastest car shocker.

Can we not start this bollocks again? If Russell was Irish we’d be just as bad if not worse,

AirBiscuit · 04-12-2020 4:17pm

So his winning streak in the virtual races when the differences between the cars was no longer a factor was no fluke. Seems he's got the skill but is held back by the car.

weekaizer · 04-12-2020 4:21pm

Does anyone else think hamilton will be secretly wishing Russell hadn’t gone and dominated that session!

Joeface · 04-12-2020 4:22pm

Faugheen wrote: »

British broadcaster excited about young British driver driving the fastest car shocker.

Can we not start this bollocks again? If Russell was Irish we’d be just as bad if not worse,

Sorry I should have been clearer
My comment is not directed at George Russell in any way or any "Normal" Commentator . Just one Commentator in particular . Everyone knows he is very hard to listen to.

I probably should have narrowed down my comment to just Croft and not painted the whole Sky team with one brush .

ELM327 · 04-12-2020 4:22pm

It really shows whether it is the driver or the car.
When it was Schumacher, Vettel, Alonso in the past, usually it was the driver. However here it is mostly the car.

Mitch Connor · 04-12-2020 4:24pm

weekaizer wrote: »

Does anyone else think hamilton will be secretly wishing Russell hadn’t gone and dominated that session!

Hamilton, no.
Bottas, yes.

If Russel dominates this weekend, big question marks over Bottas for next season, imo. Its the reason I thought Russel wouldn't be in the car this weekend.

The only way Hamilton isn't driving for Merc next season is if he has decided to call it a day.

ELM327 · 04-12-2020 4:26pm

Mitch Connor wrote: »

Hamilton, no.
Bottas, yes.

If Russel dominates this weekend, big question marks over Bottas for next season, imo. Its the reason I thought Russel wouldn't be in the car this weekend.

The only way Hamilton isn't driving for Merc next season is if he has decided to call it a day.

Might help merc in contract negotiations though.
Why pay lewis $30mn +, when Russell can win in the same car for sub $1mn!

quokula · 04-12-2020 4:26pm

Joeface wrote: »

Sorry I should have been clearer
My comment is not directed at George Russell in any way or any "Normal" Commentator . Just one Commentator in particular . Everyone knows he is very hard to listen to.

I probably should have narrowed down my comment to just Croft and not painted the whole Sky team with one brush .

Yeah, back when Murray Walker was commentating on Hill for example, he would openly admit to supporting Hill as his countryman ("I've got to stop now, because I've got a lump in my throat"), but he would always call the race fairly and wouldn't try to falsely attribute the Williams' car advantage to the British driver that happened to be sitting in it in the way Sky constantly do today.

weekaizer · 04-12-2020 4:32pm

IMO Lewis will not want any old young gun to just hop into his car and dominate without any preparation and by a guy having to wear shoes too small as it may diminish his achievements in recent times...

Joeface · 04-12-2020 4:32pm

@quokula

drifting off a bit form the actually F1 but yeah its a bit of that. Croft just has a problem with "can I just go back for a second" and repeating the same stuff . The entire world of F1 will praise Russell for that today and rightly so as he has done well. They will analyse the end of the world with it the rest will move on to the next topic and will get dragged back repeatedly to it by him. It takes a lot for me to dislike anyone or any thing but F-me he has me close .

Joeface · 04-12-2020 4:39pm

Will Pole possibly be around 53sec , that's a very short lap .
I can see Back markers maybe been an issue in the race

POS DRIVER CAR GAP
1 George Russell Mercedes 54.546s
2 Max Verstappen Red Bull/Honda 0.176s
3 Alexander Albon Red Bull/Honda 0.265s
4 Valtteri Bottas Mercedes 0.322s
5 Daniil Kvyat AlphaTauri/Honda 0.465s
6 Pierre Gasly AlphaTauri/Honda 0.620s
7 Esteban Ocon Renault 0.727s
8 Sebastian Vettel Ferrari 0.735s
9 Daniel Ricciardo Renault 0.833s
10 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 0.903s
11 Lance Stroll Racing Point/Mercedes 1.012s
12 Sergio Perez Racing Point/Mercedes 1.170s
13 Carlos Sainz Jr. McLaren/Renault 1.211s
14 Kimi Raikkonen Alfa Romeo/Ferrari 1.237s
15 Antonio Giovinazzi Alfa Romeo/Ferrari 1.312s
16 Lando Norris McLaren/Renault 1.532s
17 Kevin Magnussen Haas/Ferrari 1.584s
18 Nicholas Latifi Williams/Mercedes 2.218s
19 Pietro Fittipaldi Haas/Ferrari 2.531s
20 Jack Aitken Williams/Mercedes 2.641s

McFly85 · 04-12-2020 4:39pm

I’d nearly think any decent result over the next race or 2 for Russell will spell the end for Bottas at Mercedes at the end of next season. It looks like Russell’s got a higher ceiling and it’s good for Mercedes to be able to give him a couple of free hits to get used to the car.

Bottas has been very disappointing. He’s had some bad luck this season but he’s just not at the level required to challenge. I think this year has been mentally draining for him too-he sounds frustrated and embattled in most of his interviews.

weekaizer · 04-12-2020 4:44pm

Bottas has been hugely disappointing with regards to fighting for the championship but he is solid with the results and more importantly he doesn’t upset the Apple cart. He has looked decent in quali this year but very poor in the races. Hes not capable of winning a championship.

recyclebin · 04-12-2020 4:44pm

ELM327 wrote: »

It really shows whether it is the driver or the car.
When it was Schumacher, Vettel, Alonso in the past, usually it was the driver. However here it is mostly the car.

I just knew I was going to see posts like this if Russell did well. Could it also be that Russell is actually quite good too? The best drivers tend to find their way to the best cars. Otherwise they wouldn't pay them so much.

BikeRacer · 04-12-2020 4:50pm

Lads, I really like Russell, but we're talking about the same lad who launched his car into a wall behind a safety car when Williams would have had their first real chance at points all season just a few weeks ago. I don't think Lewis is worried.

Gaoth Laidir · 04-12-2020 4:58pm

ELM327 wrote: »

Excellent stuff. Delighted that Bottas is being shown up as the useless bumbling idiot that he is.

ELM327 wrote: »

It really shows whether it is the driver or the car.
When it was Schumacher, Vettel, Alonso in the past, usually it was the driver. However here it is mostly the car.

Not sure if I'm understanding you here, apart from your hatred of Bottas, but if it really is the car then Hamilton's achievements have not been that remarkable afterall. The guy last in the pecking order came in and set a fastest session in his car. Anyone could do it, right?

El_Duderino 09 · 04-12-2020 5:19pm

ELM327 wrote: »

Might help merc in contract negotiations though.
Why pay lewis $30mn +, when Russell can win in the same car for sub $1mn!

Because Hamilton could still go to Red Bull. They'll use it to haggle him down in wages but they want him driving fro them and not the opposition.

Adamocovic · 04-12-2020 5:19pm

ELM327 wrote: »

It really shows whether it is the driver or the car.
When it was Schumacher, Vettel, Alonso in the past, usually it was the driver. However here it is mostly the car.

I’ve always been one to say the car certainly helps but I think that’s completely downplaying Russells ability.

It’s easy to forget out of the bunch of Norris/Albon/LeClerc that Russell was once the highly rated and argued best of the bunch.

Formula 4 Champion.
GP3 Champion.
And F2 Champion.

George has always been tipped as a future champion. So to say him getting top in practice is mostly just the car seems unfair in my opinion.

Still only early days and who knows how George will do tomorrow and race day.

I’ve a bad feeling that despite him impressing in the worst car, his history in the sport, and his ability, that if he does well this week people will downplay it and use it as a way to belittle Hamilton’s achievements too as an ulterior motive.

I’m no Hamilton or Mercedes fan, and agree that the Merc is leaps and bounds above the other cars. However it still comes down to who’s driving it.

Hijpo · 04-12-2020 5:21pm

F2 qualy got a bit mental there

Adamocovic · 04-12-2020 5:29pm

BikeRacer wrote: »

Lads, I really like Russell, but we're talking about the same lad who launched his car into a wall behind a safety car when Williams would have had their first real chance at points all season just a few weeks ago. I don't think Lewis is worried.

Ah yes the same lad who made a mistake behind the safety car.

Not like any top drivers would make simple mistakes too. Like Lewis wouldn’t cost himself a win by entering a closed pit lane. Or Seb hitting into another car under a safety car. Michael wouldn’t brake hard during a safety car and end up colliding with Montoya.

No driver goes his whole career without mistakes.
I doubt Lewis is even thinking about George’s mistake behind the safety car. I think he’d be more thinking “the same lad” that’s built an incredible resume in the lower levels, impressed in a bad car, is a Mercedes driving academy product and an extremely popular driver on the grid.

ELM327 · 04-12-2020 5:31pm

Gaoth Laidir wrote: »

Not sure if I'm understanding you here, apart from your hatred of Bottas, but if it really is the car then Hamilton's achievements have not been that remarkable afterall. The guy last in the pecking order came in and set a fastest session in his car. Anyone could do it, right?

Bottas is a useless driver. Hamilton is above average as is Russel. Put Max in the merc and he'd beat both of them though.

F1 2020: ROUND 16 Bahrain 2

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