Malaysian GP 2012 - Sepang International Circuit

[spadeflush]

is it sure Mercedes will suffer on both cars with excessive wear degradation? We have yet to see if Melbourne was a one off issue due to rosberg not finding a setup that helps the rears .
As I rmemeber Mercedes had exactly the same issues last year but overcame the rearwear worries after Monaco.I assume the fixes are well understood and it will be straight forward for them if the problem is related.
Michael clearly said they ONLY worked for race setup -contrary to melbourne - and he is surprised he still was that quick in Qualy.

Based on their long runs yesterday, their degradation rate was similar to that of the McLarens'...Their race pace seems to be slower than McLaren,Red Bull and even Lotus imho...but with a completely race oriented setup,they might be competitive.

[chepoi]

Pit » BUTTON: "Our analysis of Q1: the option was worth about 0.3s per lap and there was about 0.2s of track evolution. We're looking at a 1:37.0s for Q3."

[Websta]

Didn't Vettel do his first Q3 run on the medium tyres, then switch to the hard? Anyway, the performance difference is very close between the compounds so I would chalk this one up as Webber outqualifying Vettel again.

[cbbcisace]

I think that is why wily old Pedro is with the team, to exploit the potential of the car.

[raymondu999]

Didn't Vettel do his first Q3 run on the medium tyres, then switch to the hard?

My iPad app was telling me that he was on hards all the way. Mind you - like I said before; the tech is young and in its first year though. It's not infallible.

[Ferraripilot]

The Red Bull's are going to have a heck of a time passing anyone tomorrow with their only hope being to out-break the car in front of them. Their top speed is atrocious.

[raymondu999]

Their top speed is atrocious.

I think you mean hilarious.

[Dann]

After Q3, we watched Adrian Newey with his grumpy looking face and staring blank onto the PC screen, which we've not seen for a very long time.
He'll have to crack his head again.
Looking at the top speed stats, how come RB is not that slippery this year?

[dice782]

I think that is why wily old Pedro is with the team, to exploit the potential of the car.

Yes I know I am kind of disappointed that we still behind Marussia. I think HRT would be wise to give Tonio or even Dani just one practice session in the coming races. I think because Tonio drove whole year last year then he is in the best position to make comparisons on the performance and set up.

I was skeptical when they selected Tonio and Narain last year but Tonio did perform, in the short history of HRT Tonio is the best driver we've had so far so he does deserve our recognition as HRT fans. I wish he would get some Sponsors especially now when there are no Italian drivers. As for Pedro I think he needs more time with HRT his experience is very important on and off the track. I am sure he will show some pace soon especially after qualifying by just doing one lap.

The F112 seams reasonably reliable today so hopefully we will have a good race!

[Shrieker]

I think it goes along well with the assumption that their mega EBD was providing very efficient downforce.

[raymondu999]

Looking at the top speed stats, how come RB is not that slippery this year?

Never has been.

More videos!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bY8iBYdss-Q[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJDvqBaokLQ[/youtube]

[banibhusan]

Faking News: Seb Vettel is pretty optimistic going into this weekend's race after the car showed significant improvement in terms of straight line speed. He said, it's definitely a good sign that we are faster than the MRT.

[Blackout]

“The car was working well today. Unfortunately, I made a couple of mistakes on my fastest lap which probably cost a couple of tenths. Without that, we were in with a shout for pole today. I got a little bit sideways at the exit of turn nine and we lost some time, but that’s how it goes sometimes. We had some issues with KERS yesterday, but there was no repeat today; the car worked exactly as it should and it felt good”

So maybe I am a bit disappointed as I very well could have ended up in P3 - or even on pole position. But I made a small mistake and there you go

Raikkonen

[raymondu999]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEIT9GWYwdI[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBg8rYWrvYA[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50FzmYlsQkA[/youtube]

I have to say too - other than a small cockup into Turn 1 and a slightly bigger cockup into the last corner - mega lap from Lewis. I wonder if he will beat Seb's most poles/season record this year.

Paul Hembery on Twitter: “@Riz_F1: @PaulHembery Hi Mate, what is the estimated number of laps for the hard tyres?” 20/23 maybe less with full fuel

[boyracer94]

Not only does Vettel start on primes, but I believe he starts on the dirty side of the grid which was said to cost a fair amount at this circuit. He could stand to lose a few places at the start tomorrow.

I think it will be crucial for the McLarens to stay ahead of Schumacher, in order to build a gap early on and not get held up if his tyres fade as quickly as Rosberg's did in Australia.

Of course this is all assuming that the start is dry tomorrow