Australian GP 2011 - Albert Park, 24-27 March

[myurr]

Just seen two attempts to use the DRS to overtake - Vettel on Alonso and Alonso on Alguersuari, and neither of them worked out. Alonso's attempt was ruined somewhat by spitting rain, and it looked like he forgot to deploy it initially. However Vettel's attempt looked like a genuine overtake attempt and the DRS didn't get him anywhere near enough to make a move. Could we be looking at a flop?

[mx_tifoso]

Hispania rolling out! Finally! Those guys need a pat on the back for their hard work.

[CHT]

Just seen two attempts to use the DRS to overtake - Vettel on Alonso and Alonso on Alguersuari, and neither of them worked out. Alonso's attempt was ruined somewhat by spitting rain, and it looked like he forgot to deploy it initially. However Vettel's attempt looked like a genuine overtake attempt and the DRS didn't get him anywhere near enough to make a move. Could we be looking at a flop?

Was Alguersuari using his DRS when Vettel tried to pass him?

[Dragonfly]

No, they were under race simulation.


A question to the gurus: Is the DRS remotedly controlled by RC? Under wet race simulation "DRS disabled" message was shown by RC.

[CHT]

1.26,014 by Vettel without ARW. ..can that be...?

The RBRs were obviously doing race simulation runs on both prime and option tyres.

It will be interesting to find out how many sets of tires each driver use over the course of FP2.

[Shrieker]

So McLaren one AND two. What should we make of that ?

Nice lap by fred. Greetings all I'm out of prison

Thanks again mate

[CHT]

No, they were under race simulation.


A question to the gurus: Is the DRS remotedly controlled by RC? Under wet race simulation "DRS disabled" message was shown by RC.

Rosberg got the message over team radio, so I guess no.

This DRS thing is making F1 look like some kind of PS3 now. I am guessing drivers who grew up with PC game will likely to fair better.

[nipo]

Hong Kong does not broadcast practices, and I'm at work anyway, can somebody give and update of what's it like with the DRS / KERS / Pirelli's?

Also has times gone below 26s?

[Mr Alcatraz]

I think RB and Ferrari showed that they are very close running with more fuel at the end of the sesion. What's up with Renault! The $100,000.00 question is can McLaren preserve the rubber to stay close with heavy fuei? Anyway great job by The Boss, and JB
It looks like Fred is going to:




This season as well. I really hope Massa can at least get the odd podium!

[Shrieker]

Hong Kong does not broadcast practices, and I'm at work anyway, can somebody give and update of what's it like with the DRS / KERS / Pirelli's?

Also has times gone below 26s?

Button and Hamilton are the only ones to dip below 26s, with 25.854 and 25.986 respectively. Alonso is on 26.001, Vettel 26.014 with Webber 26.283.

I really couldn't see the KERS in action. The interface had no indicators about it. Last half our of the 2nd practise was in 'race mode' where people could only deploy the rear wing coming within 1 second from the guy in front. It didn't seem to make a huge difference (no overtakes, but it also should be stated that the last 10-15 minutes or so was under drizzle). About the tyres... I can only tell the hard one is a lot slower than the soft one (was over 2 secs a lap slower IIRC).

One last thing about the DRS. People were playing with it the whole time. Deploying it whenever possible, and the tendency was (from the onboard shots) to lower the rear wing shortly before arriving at the braking points (looks like they want full df when braking has started - which only makes sense).

[raymondu999]

Vettel's 26.014 was done without DRS

[Mr Alcatraz]

No, they were under race simulation.


A question to the gurus: Is the DRS remotedly controlled by RC? Under wet race simulation "DRS disabled" message was shown by RC.

Rosberg got the message over team radio, so I guess no.

This DRS thing is making F1 look like some kind of PS3 now. I am guessing drivers who grew up with PC game will likely to fair better.

If it is disabled by remote control that is just one more thing to screw up. I'm pretty sure it's the teams call after they get the word!

[raymondu999]

It's by remote AFAIK. The drivers are just told, so that they won't be surprised when they push the button and nothing happens

[bomz_za]

[univex]

I wouldn't be surprised if it turns out DRS had some influence in Macca topping the charts.

What was telling was the first 20min of the final 30min before the rain started (pause) which was DRS only. In this period the Red Bulls where siginificantly, and consistantly faster (almost 1 sec per lap!). This was a time when all the top guys where doing long runs with little to no DRS as under race conditions. Given the cricumstances it is resonable to presume similar fuel loads and strategies at this point an ideal start of the race simulation after some fast qualifying laps.

I am hoping to see some data charts soon from F1 Fanatic for the practice session to confirm this.