For a few hours yesterday it seemed that the FIA had handed us the prospect of a truly unpredictable Spanish Grand Prix by curbing the use of exhaust-blown diffusers. But my joy was short-lived: now we know that the status quo will prevail for at least another three races, presumably giving Red Bull both the chance to eke out an unassailable lead in the championships and also increased sales as F1 fans the World over guzzle copious cans of the famous fizzy drink just to stay awake until the end of Sunday's race.
Or is it such a foregone conclusion? It has been said by F1 luminaries such as Eddie Jordan that Barcelona will be the acid test of the new tyres, KERS and the DRS free gift overtaking device, in terms of adding excitement to this hitherto tedious procession. Will they be enough to raise this race above the humdrum?
Another possibility is the development race. McLaren are apparently bringing 12 updates to the Circuit de Catalunya but will they use them? Can any team really improve by the half second needed to displace Red Bull Racing from pole position and stop Vettel racing off into the distance on Lap 1?
I think it's a real shame that the new diffuser rules have been delayed but does anyone think this year's race will be anything other than another Red Bull one-two, and if so, why?
Will it be Bore-celona?
posted on 18/5/11
You're guess is as good as mine on this one Max.
I'm expecting Ferrari to make more of a resurgence(hoping more like) along with Merc and McLaren.
The DRS, Kers and tyre's this year have spiced things up so I'm expecting the same here come the weekend..
I'm thinking Webber might steal in on this one finally, could do with it as Lewis says, right now Webber is best placed to take valuable points from Vettel and slow down his assault on running away with the title as it stands.
Either way, I see a good weekend ahead after the past two races
posted on 18/5/11
Nifty user number Max2007
posted on 18/5/11
I’m assuming that the DRS zone is going to be on the start finish straight… So my prediction is that it’s likely to be the usual Barcelona affair but with lots of artificial DRS passing down the main straight with the occasional “oh crappola my tyres just went off” loss of position around the back of the circuit.
:p
posted on 18/5/11
Hope not
posted on 18/5/11
I would hope we get a better race then the procession that we get in Barcelona....but which nitwit put that ridculous chicane at the end?? If that was removed and have the fast flowing final corner....we would get some good racing...that last corner has been wrecked.
posted on 19/5/11
SgtBhaji, I agree with you about the racing although, of course, I'm hoping for better; this is Barcelona though.
The boss of the circuit says they'll improve it if the race is dull, which kind of suggests that he fears that the tyres/KERS/DRS won't be enough to make it exciting.
posted on 19/5/11
Stevi, yes, Ferrari and Merc seem to have caught up with McLaren and while McLaren are supposed to be bringing 12 updates, they tend to be too cautious for my liking in implementing them. Renault seem to have dropped back a bit but I think they lack the resources of their competitors.
I think Webber for the win too but this may be wishful thinking just to make it more interesting. He won last year so I suppose it's possible.
posted on 19/5/11
Oh, and yeah, Stevi, I was quite chuffed when I saw that number. Perfect for a Hamilton fanboy... which I'm not... er, honestly....
2007: the year of our lord, he, he.
I shouldn't take Lewis's name in vain.
posted on 21/5/11
As far as I can see, I have the earliest number on the F1 section
I'd swap it for your 2007 though, if I was a Lewis fanboy
Which I'm not ofcourse
posted on 21/5/11
Of course you're not, no way; me neither.