2016 Russian Grand Prix - Sochi, Apr. 29 - May 01

[ME4ME]

Conditions are going to be very similar to Melbourne, except it's going to be a beautiful weekend. I think a two stopper is going to be necessary for one reason. The cars are almost 1.5-2 seconds faster than last year even on the "same" tire, and given how hard sector 3 is on the rear tires I wouldn't be surprised if we see a SS SS S play itself out.

I noticed you said something similar in the Mclaren thread about the MP4-31 being in the championship hunt if it had competed last year. Personally, i just don't see it. Where is the evidence that the cars are 1.5-2 seconds faster on the same compound than last year?

Comparing Rosbergs Q2 lap at the Chinese GP on soft tyres this year was actually slower than his lap on the same compound last year. This can be explained by track conditions. And tyre pressures. But were are those 2 seconds?

[godlameroso]

Don't just take my word for it. Here's the final stint of Lewis Hamilton on medium tires in 2015, below it you'll see Alonso's final stint in 2016 also on the medium tires. If you notice the times are very similar.

1:43.595[1]
36 1:43.697[1]
37 1:43.064[1]
38 1:43.125[1]
39 1:42.763[1]
40 1:43.816[1]
41 1:43.249[1]
42 1:42.948[1]
43 1:43.382[1]
44 1:42.766[1]
45 1:43.230[1]
46 1:42.954[1]
47 1:42.788[1]
48 1:43.339[1]
49 1:43.459[1]
50 1:43.047[1]
51 1:43.493[1]
52 1:43.050[1]
53 1:42.668[1]
54 2:11.653[1]
55 2:40.586[1]

1:42.833[14]
35 1:42.304[13]
36 1:42.226[13]
37 1:42.789[13]
38 1:42.424[13]
39 1:42.853[13]
40 1:43.542[13]
41 1:43.300[13]
42 1:42.882[13]
43 1:42.690[13]
44 1:42.904[13]
45 1:42.573[12]
46 1:42.585[12]
47 1:42.484[12]
48 1:42.935[12]
49 1:42.622[12]
50 1:42.623[12]
51 1:43.078[12]
52 1:42.780[12]
53 1:42.958[12]
54 1:43.248[12]
55 1:43.061[12]
56 1:43.523[12]

[Juzh]

Sectors and traps

http://imgur.com/a/AGpPo

[Phil]

IMO I think Rosberg will be hard to beat this weekend. He seems to go well at Socchi - last year he was hampered by the throttle defect and the year before, he had ruined his tires by being a little too aggressive, then having to pit and drive for damage limitation. It's going to be a tough weekend for Hamilton I think.

On the other hand, I think starting from 2nd here has it's advantages. With the straights, and if you're close enough, you could get into the slip stream. Front row and a good start is going to be a must though.

[Vasconia]

IMO I think Rosberg will be hard to beat this weekend. He seems to go well at Socchi - last year he was hampered by the throttle defect and the year before, he had ruined his tires by being a little too aggressive, then having to pit and drive for damage limitation. It's going to be a tough weekend for Hamilton I think.

On the other hand, I think starting from 2nd here has it's advantages. With the straights, and if you're close enough, you could get into the slip stream. Front row and a good start is going to be a must though.

Nico is doing an impressive job, I hope he can achieve the pole beacuse the race will be better.

[WaikeCU]

Maybe Lewis isn't showing his hands yet or he could still have some work to do setup wise or he's just slower. Still early, but a strong a beginning for Nico. I think by FP3 we'll have a clear image on how close the gap really is.

[f1316]

I didn't see the session but am I correct in saying the Mercedes ran the SS and Ferrari didn't?

If so then the gap is about right, particularly if sky are correct in saying the new PU not used yet.

Gotta think Hamilton made a mistake from the times but, as I say, didn't see it.

[Nuvolari]

I didn't see the session but am I correct in saying the Mercedes ran the SS and Ferrari didn't?

If so then the gap is about right, particularly if sky are correct in saying the new PU not used yet.

Yep. Rosberg was doing low 39s in his run on the Softs, as did Hamilton I might add.

[f1316]

I didn't see the session but am I correct in saying the Mercedes ran the SS and Ferrari didn't?

If so then the gap is about right, particularly if sky are correct in saying the new PU not used yet.

Yep. Rosberg was doing low 39s in his run on the Softs, as did Hamilton I might add.

Cheers (btw my avatar is also nuvolari )

[digitalrurouni]

I think since the pressures have been set ridiculously high Haas is suffering a lot. Pirelli really need to get their act together and let the tire pressures back down. Low to mid 20 psi in F1 tires at least to me is just unheard of!

[Sevach]

Vettel's stoppage in FP2 confirmed as eletrical issues.

[tomazy]

I have a hard time beliving Williams long run simulation to be representative. They were just so quick compare to the quali simulations. I hope I am wrong tho.

http://www.fia.com/file/40947/download?token=EAdIAC6B

[Nuvolari]

@f1316

I have a hard time beliving Williams long run simulation to be representative. They were just so quick compare to the quali simulations. I hope I am wrong tho.

http://www.fia.com/file/40947/download?token=EAdIAC6B

I think it follows from last year's race quite nicely (see the 1st stint data I posted in the first page). I would say, Williams and Bottas in particular were the closest challengers to Mercedes then. Who knows, with these tyre pressure changes and everything, maybe Williams can challenge Mercedes?

[dans79]

Glad to see Lewis got some good time in. has any one seen and videos or photos of him this weekend? I'd be interested to see what his demeanor is like, as he has to do something to cut into Nico lead, or it's going to be a boring season!

[giantfan10]

@f1316

I have a hard time beliving Williams long run simulation to be representative. They were just so quick compare to the quali simulations. I hope I am wrong tho.

http://www.fia.com/file/40947/download?token=EAdIAC6B

I think it follows from last year's race quite nicely (see the 1st stint data I posted in the first page). I would say, Williams and Bottas in particular were the closest challengers to Mercedes then. Who knows, with these tyre pressure changes and everything, maybe Williams can challenge Mercedes?

I highly doubt it ..... Williams will more than likely be in their usual spot fighting with Force india and to a lesser extent with red Bull