More race sim data from today's not quite finished testing.

Conspiracy Theory:
Also, I think Red Bull is going to come to Australia and post a top 5 time. They are basically saying they have no problems with the Renault engine, but have their own cooling issues. They are probably using it as n excuse to sandbag this year.

I think they have no reason to sandbag this year. They need data. Then can not prove the car with out it. Everyone looks genuinely frustrated at redbull.

But all in all I like Vettel a bit, everyone gets in a uproar about using team orders. Everyone is like if I was Masa I wouldn't move over. But when Vettel says screw this I'm faster than Mark , I'm passing! All you guys act like he's the bad guy

RBR posts a 1:35.x today. Still running very few laps though.

Merc is out due to a gearbox issue.

Also, Alonso is doing a race sim today, so we should have more data there.

Lotus and Caterham catch fire...interesting day for Renault engine'd teams!

This is why I don't think RBR are sandbagging. None of the Renault engine teams are doing well with it. Teams like Lotus and Caterham can't afford to miss track time like this.

Riccardo was 3rd fastest today.

Perhaps Newey figured out a compromise from the packaging/cooling standpoint.

The sandbagging thing was just more an idea to stir things up a bit. Today proves that RBR actually has a lot of pace as it sits today. The questions really lie in whether they can keep that pace up for the race.

I have no doubt in my mind that one of RBRs is going to be in the top 7 qualy spots for Melbourne. I can't make any claims for the race though.

I would laugh if the alternator issue is coming back to bite them with all the increased heat.

Yeah Redbull is going to have some pace, no doubt i think there chassis will be very good once they get the power train worked out. But Im not sure that they have the reliability to go into the first race with confidence. I think Merc and Mclaren were working on durability testing today both with gearbox issues.

Jenson said that tomorrow they will be working on Setup with the car. They have a very good understanding of the power train and drivability. But they need to work on balance and performance setup.

I can't wait for Q1

RBR has completed no laps today. Renault still on the low end. With Sauber completing 1 lap?

Laptimes are slower today due to conditions. Also...
Alonso:
"“I’d say that there are not huge differences in how you manage a race distance: without going into too much detail I can say that many things have stayed the same. Last year we had to manage tyres from the first lap and this year it’s the same, with the extra point that the car seems slower thanks to the increased weight and the reduction of the available aerodynamic downforce. You also have to manage fuel consumption and the batteries. There are therefore few big changes even if the time to complete the race distance will inevitably go up. The biggest differences this year will probably be seen between the race and qualifying because you will really be able to push hard on Saturdays.”

I can see the fia raising the fuel load available next year. Say 125kg and raising the min weight

Oh that'll make the teams happy...more weight.

Since we're speculating, how 'bout a return to fueling during pit stops?

No, the teams lobbied to get rid of it because of the heavy expensive equipment and how much danger it adds to a pit stop. Singapore and Massa, anyone?

I would love to see refueling, even if it was a limited fuel load, they could make 75kg tanks with 1 allowed refuel

Make them use dump tanks like NASCAR

If NASCAR can do it then Bernie can do it better!! :giggle:

Helmet Marko says RBR is TWO MONTHS behind schedule thanks to the problems during pre-season testing.

"The opening race comes at least two months too early for us," Marko told Servus TV. "This is a very serious matter. At the moment we do not know in what time frame it will be possible to catch up, or if it is possible at all."

Anyone have thoughts on Carl Haas trying to put together a F1 team in 2015?

I would love to see an american team, I think that most americans who watch would love to see an american team/driver. But i get the feeling that the Haas team is going to get a lot of resistance from the FIA and Bernie.

After the disgraceful USF1 team, i don't think that they are keen to allow another US team in. And i don't think that many US racing team realize the investment and commitment thats is F1. But i guess there is plenty of aerospace engineers in the US to take up the aero department.

^I think there has already been a statement that either the FIA or Haas has already put this off. He has an advantage in that he already has a wind tunnel, but I'm not sure he understands the top teams: Mercedes/McLaren/Ferrari/RBR are all around $400 million a year.......and that doesn't include all the necessary infrastructure.

Toyota spent BILLIONS in there failed attempt at F1.

It's yet another reason I'd like to see a real RRA, in reality, I'd like to see just a set spending cap.

Its my understanding that Gene Haas has already made his "bid" for an F1 grid slot. I think there is another team that is applying also.

Its definitely a good thing. I hope is more prepared than the USF1 team.

I disagree with that in general.
1) F1 is not really in any danger of losing its current position. One way to make that a reality though is upset the largest teams by implementing a spending cap.
2) Part of the challenege (and intrigue) in F1 is in the survival aspects of it.
3) I like the fact that back marker teams tend to get dropped. survival of the fittest type thing.
4) <speculative> spending caps are more likely to affect the employees of teams than the money being spent on stupid shit anyway.