2010 Italian Grand Prix

So it seems that Vettel is in new form. Which is good. But it's only practice. We'll have to see how the weekend goes.
 
My guess is that Ferrari could've been 1-2 in this FP2. And, perhaps, even the McLarens could because they were clearly trying and testing aero packages, not going for fastest lap in the session.

Remember, Alonso got his fastest lap even with some slowing down because of yellow flags (or so it is reported, I didn't see it live).

And Massa - 3rd in this FP2 - was doing his fastest lap when he "met" Schumacher's wake at the Parabolica.


PS - btw, on Massa's high speed travel to the sand trap and the discussion of what made him get out of it unharmed (luck/skill), it is interesting he himself says luck when obviously he - and the skills he has - played an important part.

ESPNF1
Felipe Massa admitted he was "really lucky" to come away from his trip into the gravel trap unscathed during the second free practice session for the Italian Grand Prix.

Massa had lit up the timing screens and looked set to post the fastest time when he came up behind Michael Schumacher in the Parabolica and lost downforce. He understeered off the track and then held a huge slide on the gravel, narrowly avoiding the tyre wall at over 100mph before making a lunge for the pits.

"At the end of the second session, I tried to copy Kimi [Raikkonen, ex-Ferrari driver] and do a bit of rallying," Massa said. "Joking apart, I was really lucky when I went off the track. I was heading for my best time, when I found myself in Michael's wake at the Parabolica and went off: I kept the accelerator pressed down in the hope I would manage to avoid hitting the barrier and I managed it, so I came straight back to the pits. Unfortunately, the car was slightly damaged, so I had to miss out on the final part of our programme."

Despite the mistake, Massa still held the third fastest time at the end of the session and is confident ahead of Saturday's qualifying session.

"Overall, it has been a good day in which we constantly improved," he added. "We had a lot of work to get through and at the start we struggled a bit, but then we found a good set-up and in the end I was reasonably happy with my car. We learned a lot about the handling of the F10 and now we have plenty of data to analyse to prepare as well as possible for what is such an important event, this being the Scuderia's home race."
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Jackington
I mean that while Button's car (which was equipped with the F-duct) was fast, it could possibly be faster without the F-duct, based on Hamilton's (who was not using the device) pace. Hamilton was able to achieve a higher top end speed, even without the F-duct, and lap the circuit faster. It is only Friday practice, so we'll see how the weekend goes.
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Although Button may prefer the charateristics of the f-duct setup, despite it being slower. This is the problem with car development - although a particular part or setup may be fastest in one driver's hands, it might not be in another's simply due to driving style or preference. Sometimes a fast car may be an unstable setup, so a driver may prefer to run a slower but more drivable setup because it would be easier to drive fast despite losing out in ultimate pace.
The f-duct setup may be better for the race too, if he can run more downforce for the corners, it perhaps gives him an extra edge to overtake or at least keep closer to the car in front on exits.
 
Ardius
Although Button may prefer the charateristics of the f-duct setup, despite it being slower. This is the problem with car development - although a particular part or setup may be fastest in one driver's hands, it might not be in another's simply due to driving style or preference. Sometimes a fast car may be an unstable setup, so a driver may prefer to run a slower but more drivable setup because it would be easier to drive fast despite losing out in ultimate pace.
The f-duct setup may be better for the race too, if he can run more downforce for the corners, it perhaps gives him an extra edge to overtake or at least keep closer to the car in front on exits.
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This is true. I'll be interested to see what way he goes and I hope to see some nice moves under brakes if Button, or Hamilton for that matter (you never know), if either of them decide they prefer the higher downforce F-duct route.


EDIT: Apparently (not confirmed) they're both happy with their wing setups. http://adamcooperf1.com/2010/09/10/hamilton-and-button-set-to-race-different-wings/
 
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I think Hamilton and Button are very close this weekend. I think it will come down to qualifying as to who beats the other in the race. If Button can get on the front row he's as good as won the race. He's excellent at getting off the line (One of the best on the grid IMO) but he always gets caught up in traffic due to his poor qualifying pace.

The Ferraris look to be in good shape, with Red Bull seemingly doing better than expected (Well, better than I expected based on their pace at Spa). Massa FTW :sly:
 
This race looks like it's going to be between McLaren, Ferrari, Renault, Red Bull, and possibly Force India. Best bet for victory is Hamilton, with Alonso and perhaps Vettel wrapping up the top 3. Ferrari 1-2 FTW
 
Peter
This race looks like it's going to be between McLaren, Ferrari, Renault, Red Bull,
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captain-obvious.jpg


Hey dude I was wondering on your thoughts for next month, do you think it will be October?
 
Seismica
I think Hamilton and Button are very close this weekend. I think it will come down to qualifying as to who beats the other in the race. If Button can get on the front row he's as good as won the race. He's excellent at getting off the line (One of the best on the grid IMO) but he always gets caught up in traffic due to his poor qualifying pace.

The Ferraris look to be in good shape, with Red Bull seemingly doing better than expected (Well, better than I expected based on their pace at Spa). Massa FTW :sly:
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Really? (regarding the bold) What if Lewis is lined up next to him w/o the F-duct and a straightline speed advantage? :sly: Button would still have the win in his back pocket then?

That would be fun to watch regardless.
 


PRACTICE TEST 3 RESULTS

1 Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 1:22.498
2 Sebastian Vettel RBR-Renault 1:22.545
3 Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1:22.644
4 Felipe Massa Ferrari 1:22.648
5 Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 1:22.724

6 Nico Rosberg Mercedes GP 1:22.946
7 Mark Webber RBR-Renault 1:23.082
8 Nico Hulkenberg Williams-Cosworth 1:23.129
9 Robert Kubica Renault 1:23.209
10 Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes 1:23.303

11 Rubens Barrichello Williams-Cosworth 1:23.450
12 Sebastien Buemi STR-Ferrari 1:23.673
13 Michael Schumacher Mercedes GP 1:23.896
14 Kamui Kobayashi BMW Sauber-Ferrari 1:23.908
15 Jaime Alguersuari STR-Ferrari 1:23.909

16 Vitaly Petrov Renault 1:23.967
17 Pedro de la Rosa BMW Sauber-Ferrari 1:24.191
18 Vitantonio Liuzzi Force India-Mercedes 1:24.439
19 Jarno Trulli Lotus-Cosworth 1:25.788
20 Heikki Kovalainen Lotus-Cosworth 1:25.925

21 Timo Glock Virgin-Cosworth 1:26.434
22 Lucas di Grassi Virgin-Cosworth 1:26.682
23 Bruno Senna HRT-Cosworth 1:27.471
24 Sakon Yamamoto HRT-Cosworth 1:28.730
 
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Webber's car did break down again though in the final practise. I think it was too close to call who will get pole. It just seemed that whoever did the last lap got the fastest time as the track temperature rose and it rubbered in. Qualifying is going to be sweet.
 
This qualifying will be brilliant. I'm hoping for Kubica as usual. The Mclaren's and Red Bull's are fastest in practice but that doesn't mean anything. I'm kind of surprised about the Force India's not up there but like I say that could change.
 
Alonso under 1:22 !

1 Alonso
2 Button
3 Massa
 
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QUALIFYING RESULTS

1 Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1:21.962

2 Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 1:22.084

3 Felipe Massa Ferrari 1:22.293

4 Mark Webber RBR-Renault 1:22.433

5 Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 1:22.623

6 Sebastian Vettel RBR-Renault 1:22.675

7 Nico Rosberg Mercedes GP 1:23.027

8 Nico Hulkenberg Williams-Cosworth 1:23.037

9 Robert Kubica Renault 1:23.039

10 Rubens Barrichello Williams-Cosworth 1:23.328


11 Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes 1:23.199
12 Michael Schumacher Mercedes GP 1:23.388
13 Kamui Kobayashi BMW Sauber-Ferrari 1:23.659
14 Sebastien Buemi STR-Ferrari 1:23.681
15 Vitaly Petrov Renault 1:23.819

16 Jaime Alguersuari STR-Ferrari 1:23.919
17 Pedro de la Rosa BMW Sauber-Ferrari 1:24.044
18 Jarno Trulli Lotus-Cosworth 1:25.540
19 Heikki Kovalainen Lotus-Cosworth 1:25.742
20 Vitantonio Liuzzi Force India-Mercedes 1:25.774

21 Timo Glock Virgin-Cosworth 1:25.934
22 Lucas di Grassi Virgin-Cosworth 1:25.974
23 Bruno Senna HRT-Cosworth 1:26.847
24 Sakon Yamamoto HRT-Cosworth 1:27.020
 
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Button is going to win then. ^^

What's the bet Vettel will take out Hamilton and/or Webber at turn 1? :lol:
 
By looking at their pace, no doubt Ferrari could be up there. Quite surprising I think that Vettel didn't really pull on something to be on the front row of the grid... I think Petrov is going to get a penalty for blocking Glock but we'll see.

I watched the FP3 and I saw some green paint-like at the rear of the Red Bull cars. I wonder what was that for?
 
Seismica
Button is going to win then. ^^

What's the bet Vettel will take out Hamilton and/or Webber at turn 1? :lol:
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Dont think it would be worthwhile betting on. The odds would be too short :sly:
 
InvincibleM5
I watched the FP3 and I saw some green paint-like at the rear of the Red Bull cars. I wonder what was that for?
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It's aero dye - it allows them to analyse airflow patterns over the car when it's in motion. In this case, the Red Bulls had a new bar on their rear wing that was being tested.
 
I hope Alonso's engine blows on the formation lap.
 
Famine
It's aero dye - it allows them to analyse airflow patterns over the car when it's in motion. In this case, the Red Bulls had a new bar on their rear wing that was being tested.
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Now I know.. Thanks mate :)

So it seems like we might have a dry race tomorrow.. I wish it'd be wet to have some more action, fun and mix all over the place.
 
Because he's a bit of an arse to be honest, I can see why people would say it.
 
I hope Alonso wins comfortably.
 
I like Alonso. I took his side in the Mclaren thing however I want to punch Jonathan Legard square in the nose.

Repeatedly.
 
interludes
I hope Alonso's engine blows on the formation lap.
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As I hope the 4 ahead of him hand him the championship.

I don't really care who drives for Ferrari so long as they are quick and they win championships whether its drivers or constructors.

Anyway as for Alonso I never disliked him. I admire his spirit. Same reason I like Hamilton after he had a difficult season last year and he to me proved hes got some fight in him even when things aren't going his way.

Vettel I like as well hes just a bit young still. Webber and Button I just cant like. Not really sure the reasons but I can admire Webbers ability to block and Button being a smart driver.
 
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One question why is Lewis not running the F-duct at monza of all places.
 
haitch40
One question why is Lewis not running the F-duct at monza of all places.
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Because Hamilton is running a low downforce setup. Theres no point stalling the rear wing when theres hardly any wing to begin with (or thats their reasoning behind it anyway).
 
But even with the low downforce setup if he stalled it as well he would have almost no drag.
 
Peter
Umm, why?
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Because he's a Button fan.

haitch40
One question why is Lewis not running the F-duct at monza of all places.
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Because the advantage the f-duct gives versus a low-downforce setup is negated.

haitch40
But even with the low downforce setup if he stalled it as well he would have almost no drag.
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Indeed but the advantage is not as great, and there is still drag, just not as much drag (compared to an un-stalled high downforce wing).

During practice, Lewis was faster in the speed traps and faster overall. However, it appears he couldn't put the lap together when it counted which I alluded to in an earlier post with the compromise of a fast, possibly unstable setup versus a slower, more stable setup.

Before qualifying, it looked like Jenson was the fool not to pick a low downforce setup.
 
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