2017 Japanese Grand Prix - Suzuka, 6-8 October

[GPR-A duplicate2]

FIA is still sleeping. Have not updated the FP3 lap times yet on their site.

Red Bull altered setup for both drives. Max with more downforce and Ric with less. The difference in the end was less than half a tenth between them.

Very little demand for A LOT OF mechanical grip and Ferrari falls behind, on a circuit that is all about flowing high downforce. Red Bull should realize that, Malaysia they looked great because of higher temperatures and messed up setup from Mercedes. You don't get 1 full second from engine power alone. You need to be 200 BHP down to be so far behind and Renault is lagging around 30-40 BHP at the max. The fact that Bottas came so close (3 tenths is close considering his struggles of late) to Hamilton, shows the car has regained good balance.

[Restomaniac]

I wonder how much yesterday affected Ferrari (if at all did) regarding setup wise. Ferrari seems to make big step from friday to saturday. But nevertheless gap is too big for possibility of pole today.

I hope that RB wont step between Vettel and Hamilton. Just want to watch those 2 hunting each other

My concern is that young buck with nothing to lose is close behind a guy desperate for a race win again.
The Mercedes starts have been good due to the 'finger holes' thing. Just can everyone get away clean please.

[matt_b]

Mega lap from Lewis and a new lap record around an iconic track, looking forward to the pole on board later.

[FrukostScones]

Track temps will be much higher than those 26/27 C today... Ferrari will gain.

[F1NAC]

I wonder how much yesterday affected Ferrari (if at all did) regarding setup wise. Ferrari seems to make big step from friday to saturday. But nevertheless gap is too big for possibility of pole today.

I hope that RB wont step between Vettel and Hamilton. Just want to watch those 2 hunting each other

My concern is that young buck with nothing to lose is close behind a guy desperate for a race win again.
The Mercedes starts have been good due to the 'finger holes' thing. Just can everyone get away clean please.

That as well. Vettel reverted to clutch paddle without finger holes (He said that didn't make any difference).

I just hope for warmer condition tomorrow, and Ferrari - Merc fight without interruptions

[Shrieker]

This is for sure one of the best Formula 1 cars ever built, when it's behavin'. Watching it in the esses on it's fastest lap - was just mesmerizing the way it drove.

Other cars didn't stand a chance today.

[LionKing]

setup from Mercedes. You don't get 1 full second from engine power alone. You need to be 200 BHP down to be so far behind and Renault is lagging around 30-40 BHP at the max. The fact that Bottas came so close (3 tenths is close considering his struggles of late) to Hamilton, shows the car has regained good balance.

It would take ~ 60bhp to give away a second.

[Restomaniac]

Track temps will be much higher than those 26/27 C today... Ferrari will gain.

Weather forecast has a peak of 26 tomorrow.

[simieski]

Track temps will be much higher than those 26/27 C today... Ferrari will gain.

Weather forecast has a peak of 26 tomorrow.

Track temp is normally significantly hotter than ambient temp.

http://www.mclaren.com/formula1/f1-play ... mperature/

[atanatizante]

Lewis said on Sky interview that the S`s turns are the rear tyre killer ...
So what conclusion could we draw from the above data took at the end of Q3?

[Shrieker]

Lewis said on Sky interview that the S`s turns are the rear tyre killer ...
So what conclusion could we draw from the above data took at the end of Q3?

Have Ferrari dialed understeer into the setup to look after the rears ?

[Restomaniac]

Track temps will be much higher than those 26/27 C today... Ferrari will gain.

Weather forecast has a peak of 26 tomorrow.

Track temp is normally significantly hotter than ambient temp.

http://www.mclaren.com/formula1/f1-play ... mperature/

So the track will be 4 degrees hotter then. Seeing as the weather is supposed to peak 4 degrees hotter.

[Restomaniac]

Lewis said on Sky interview that the S`s turns are the rear tyre killer ...
So what conclusion could we draw from the above data took at the end of Q3?

Have Ferrari dialed understeer into the setup to look after the rears ?

They way the back kept stepping out in the Degner 2 didn't look like understeer. Unless I misunderstand Understeer.

[Shrieker]

Vandoorne should be happy he's starting in 9th and has a free choice of tyres.

[Shrieker]

Lewis said on Sky interview that the S`s turns are the rear tyre killer ...
So what conclusion could we draw from the above data took at the end of Q3?

Have Ferrari dialed understeer into the setup to look after the rears ?

They way the back kept stepping out in the Degner 2 didn't look like understeer. Unless I misunderstand Understeer.

Maybe they were overzealous with the throttle out of Degner 2 ? Esses are very different, they are faster corners where aero balance matters a lot more.