2018 Bahrain Grand Prix - Sakhir, April 6-8

[Fulcrum]

What is the degradation looking like? 1-stop race again, or is the 2-stop more realistic?

[GPR-A duplicate2]

They haven't given them anything yet

Apart from the win in the last race? I thought it was well established that they could have gone quicker after their first stop covering a Vettel stop under (V)SC but they did not because their strategists --- up

The grid penalty for lewis throws a lot of valuable points out the window, and the vsc fiasco cost 7 last race.

Hasn't this been the way for Lewis to win his titles? Except for 2015, he has always chased in his title fights. Considering the performance difference between Mercedes and others, this is the only way the others can stay competitive. The season start flyaways haven't been kind to Lewis either. I was actually thinking that something might crop up like this! Baku would be another one where you can expect some sh** to come up. Canada would be where he puts his fight together.

[Vanja #66]

According to f1.com, race pace is pretty even for Top3. Do we have some lap times and info about tyres used?

[Wass85]

Hamilton seemed to be struggling yesterday, more so than Bottas. It was the same last year here, when the car was struggling with the tyres and acting a diva Bottas was more sure footed wheras Lewis was struggling for traction. Toto mentioned yesterday it was something to do with the smooth surface, can anybody explain why?

[ripper]

According to f1.com, race pace is pretty even for Top3. Do we have some lap times and info about tyres used?

I found this italian article, the graphs should be understandable even if not translated. Anyway "simulazione gara" means race simulation.

http://www.f1analisitecnica.com/2018/04 ... e-una.html

[johnny comelately]

Just watched the dusk FP2 highlights and despite all the faults with F1 status quo, they are magnificent looking cars.

[matt_b]

What is the degradation looking like? 1-stop race again, or is the 2-stop more realistic?

2 stop looks likely for those starting on the Super softs (SS S S). Those starting on the softs could be adventurous with a 1 stop (S M) (thats what mercedes were looking at in light of the penalty) or a (S S SS).

[TheFluffy]

What is the degradation looking like? 1-stop race again, or is the 2-stop more realistic?

2 stop looks likely for those starting on the Super softs (SS S S). Those starting on the softs could be adventurous with a 1 stop (S M) (thats what mercedes were looking at in light of the penalty) or a (S S SS).

The softs look a much better race tyre. Sebastian's race pace on those tires were great, much better than supersoft. I do not think Mercedes would risk doing the 1 stop with the horrible medium. However, it may work with teams such as Force India, especially Carlos, who is famous for his tyre management and with their car not being competitive its worth a risk. They could also count on getting a free pit stop if there is a safety car to get on the softs later in the race!

Also I think that extending the DRS would make overtaking a lot easier! It was like Spain last year when the DRS was extended 50 metres (i think) I hope it will be an overtaking galore Another reason why Mercedes would not consider the 1 stop strategy.

[Vanja #66]

I found this italian article, the graphs should be understandable even if not translated. Anyway "simulazione gara" means race simulation.

http://www.f1analisitecnica.com/2018/04 ... e-una.html

Thanks!

[Juzh]

Bottas FP2 Onboard Lap (1:30.380)

[astracrazy]

Sounds like an ebd

[Vanja #66]

The drag and increased downforce in the cars have become a hindrance on this track for everyone except Ferrari it seems.

Well, they have been doing a lot to reduce the drag with SF71-H, it's not surprising.

[ferkan]

All Ferrari engined cars have coped relatively well in straight line speed in comparison to competition given downforce and weight increase this year. Ferrari probably gained most performance compared to last year, at least that is my impression.

[johnny comelately]

Bottas FP2 Onboard Lap (1:30.380)

https://streamable.com/bwtzl

Did Hamilton have the same?

[johnny comelately]

FP3 bottas 1.30.781 @ half time
kimi 1.29.868 full time