2017 F1 general testing thread

[Vasconia]

But we can only accuse Alonso for being lured by some brighty promises from Honda and McLaren. He was naive perhaps because he was desperated to leave Ferrari and the be part of the glorious history of McLaren-Honda.

Wrong (the highlighted). He was desperate to win another championship, which he was convinced that he can't do with Ferrari. He was probably, falsely inspired by Lewis' decision to leave McLaren, go to Mercedes, while they were in transformation.

Well, that desperation came from the lack of wins, but yes.

Going back to the topic:

Hamilton first with super softs 1:20.626. Ferrari is back to normality with Vettel doing more tan 20 laps and the second fastest lap. Not many impressive times so far.

Vandoorme with 9 laps is following the trend doing few laps. At least there is no sign of big problems so far.

[Henne]

The onboard view from Bottas' 1:19.3 lap, he's looking on it I'll give him that.

https://youtu.be/n0_4bmK5v08

Updated link for those who haven't seen it (original video was taken down it seems)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJnFqmRo700

Actually for me, this look sad. This drive is so perfect. This car isn't driving, it's on rails (yeah I know, it is driven to this perfection). It just look so easy (and I'm sure its not).

Merc still looks a lot better on track then Ferrari. Ferrari seems to be more stable in the first part of the corner. I think Mercedes is driving at 90%, Ferrari probably at 95%.

[Vasconia]

I am happy to see that Stroll is making a good job during this second test, 50 laps so far though without making fast laps.

[3jawchuck]

What tyres was Hamilton's time (1:20.626) set on? Autosport shows SS, F1today shows M.
Obviously I'm leaning towards SS. Who has the more reliable coverage?

[Matt_Pag]

Vettel 1.19.3 on softs! Seems like they start pushing a bit more

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[Vasconia]

After a cool-down lap, Vettel clocks another rapid time: 1:19.434

[Juzh]

Good laptime by Vettel.

[supermarine]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNC52nU5LN0

Pretty interesting interview with Andrew Green (Findia's TD) at the beginning.

[BosF1]

Ferrari indeed looking strong!

[aleks_ader]

But according F1today Live timing. Speed at the start finish strait is 9 kph down.
Hamilton 292.6
Vettel 283.4

And i m sure that speed wasn't achieved in that quick SOFT runs. (i took a look onto numbers from there to there)

[Jef Patat]

MCL 27 laps, it's about time for the mandatory engine switch

[BosF1]

MCL 27 laps, it's about time for the mandatory engine switch

And they need US to get in the 1:21's. Ouch!
I hope this only shows how much they have to detune the engine, because I don't like the alternative..

[santos]

They aren't pushing what they could do. I guess they could be in lower 1:18.00 or even 1:17.00. Vettel made purple on S1 and S2 but lifted on the S3, without improving.

[ripper]

VET did 1:19.341 with soft tyre, then did another 4 laps run again on soft where he did record in S1 and S2, then slowed down in S3... so those cars can go much quicker than this. I would really like to see a proper qualy lap with SS and engine in qualy mode!

[jonas_linder]

Your negativity is totally killing pre-season testing for me, thank you!