F1 2019 Pre-Season Testing Thread

[aleshondas]

What is going on with the bulls??

[godlameroso]

What is going on with the bulls??

Transmission issues.

[JPBD1990]

The problem is, the people Toto is appealing to with his patently misleading claims are not the majority of F1 fans. People who like f1 are, in general, a little more engaged in the finer detail

I think you are giving the average fan far to much credit. Imo, the average fan isn't as well informed, I mean just look at the ridiculous tire naming scheme we have this year, that was put in place for the average fan who couldn't remember the difference between a handful of compounds.

I’ll pay that, because I do hate the new naming scheme. I also hate the idea of standardised parts (current gearbox tender).

I think liberty, frankly, doesn’t understand f1. They see a product, Motorsport, compare it to their domestic market, and think “LOOK AT ALL THE THINGS WE CAN DO”. So far, my favourite change in recent history (2017 aero changes) were seen through by Bernie and Co. I haven’t specifically appreciated anything done by Liberty so far.....

[Phil]

The problem is, the people Toto is appealing to with his patently misleading claims are not the majority of F1 fans. People who like f1 are, in general, a little more engaged in the finer detail

Or Toto is just being plain honest and open about what their current numbers and analysis is suggesting; That Ferrari have started very strong and are at this point faster by their own assessment.

Even track side observers are saying that Ferrari looks extremely strong and tight through the corners. We also know from last year that they are also on-par where engine performance is concerned. It should be no surprise that Ferrari could simply be ahead [at this point].

This however doesn't mean that come Melbourne (which is a completely different track) that Ferrari will be ahead too or that the season is set in stone or anything.

[dans79]

That's my point, most of the stuff done in f1 over the last decade or so has been to benefit low brow individuals.

No more ridiculous than the previous tyre naming scheme which also got blasted on here for being dumbed down nonsense.

[WaikeCU]

Vettel just caused a red flag...

Stopped at turn 3

[JPBD1990]

The problem is, the people Toto is appealing to with his patently misleading claims are not the majority of F1 fans. People who like f1 are, in general, a little more engaged in the finer detail

Or Toto is just being plain honest and open about what their current numbers and analysis is suggesting; That Ferrari have started very strong and are at this point faster by their own assessment.

Even track side observers are saying that Ferrari looks extremely strong and tight through the corners. We also know from last year that they are also on-par where engine performance is concerned. It should be no surprise that Ferrari could simply be ahead [at this point].

This however doesn't mean that come Melbourne (which is a completely different track) that Ferrari will be ahead too or that the season is set in stone or anything.

Agree with everything you said! I just want to say, though, my point was about the media strategy and not the information. I just appreciate Mattia’s more. Full stop.

I absolutely and categorically doubt that Toto would share any 100% accurate information obtained through detailed analysis with the media. I’m sure, on consideration, you would agree that it’s incredibly unlikely that they would in this sport - period? I assume you’re a long time fan to be here, so you know full well that it just. Doesn’t. Happen.

So it raises the question - why would he be so specific? It’s loaded. It’s transparent. It has a purpose, other than just to innocently speculate in the name of sportsmanship.

Of course this is my own speculation, and this obviously informs why I appreciate Mattia’s approach more. But

[dans79]

Vettel just caused a red flag...

Stopped at turn 3

I will be interested to hear what the cause is.

[WaikeCU]

Vettel just caused a red flag...

Stopped at turn 3

I will be interested to hear what the cause is.

Looks like it just stopped, so perhaps some technical issues. That's my first thought

[MtthsMlw]

Anyways here is his 2nd stint on C2
Outlap - 1:21.2 - 1:22.4 - 1:21.9 - 1:21.9 - 1:21.8 - 1:22.1 - 1:22.8 - 1:24.1 - 1:21.7 - 1:21.9 - 1:23.0 - 1:22.0 - 1:21.9 - 1:21.7 - 1:22.0 - 1:21.9 - 1:22.0 - 1:22.7 - Inlap

[motobaleno]

it seems loose wheel for vettel

[MtthsMlw]

Avg of Vettels 2nd stint without traffic affected laps:
1:21.89
Leclerc yesterday was 1:22.19 and Bottas with 1:22.64

[Phil]

So it raises the question - why would he be so specific? It’s loaded. It’s transparent. It has a purpose, other than just to innocently speculate in the name of sportsmanship.

IMO, I think Mercedes have in the past exaggeratedly downplayed their own position because they were far too dominant between '14 and '16. Anyone in their situation would have. But given how close the last two seasons have turned out between them and Ferrari, I really do believe that Mercedes (Toto) have faced an extremely tough and challenging time competing as well as they did against what only can be described as an extremely tight battle with Ferrari. In both years, Ferrari had a legitimate claim to the championship and lost both for different reasons.

Having said that, with that engine advantage gone, I do think both Ferrari and Mercedes are a bit more realistic given their own claims and expectations in regards to their own performance. In 2018, Toto on numerous accounts was visibly on edge prior to races where it was a toss up between them and Ferrari or where they indeed felt they were underdogs. I kind of get a similar vibe from this years pre-testing too. Comparing lap times is one thing and perhaps judging by the long-run pace, things seem pretty close between both, but simply judging by on-track commentators and how the Ferrari camp seem rather comfortable, the narrative of Ferrari being currently ahead by a bit more than just a little seems to add up...

Just my 2 cents.

[TAG]

Avg of Vettels 2nd stint without traffic affected laps:
1:21.89
Leclerc yesterday was 1:22.19 and Bottas with 1:22.64

I don't see how Vettel can lose the championship this year.

[Jozsusz]

Avg of Vettels 2nd stint without traffic affected laps:
1:21.89
Leclerc yesterday was 1:22.19 and Bottas with 1:22.64

I don't see how Vettel can lose the championship this year.

Hope he can. Just has to give himself