Qualifying has always been interesting since second half of last season. In fact, Ferrari was faster than Red Bull at the closing stages of last year. Race is where we would see how things stack up for this year.
This assumes that FP2 stint was on full race fuel. Which it probably was, or very close to, but still we can,t be sure. He could have been even lighter than last week.
Historically, the fuel load for a FP2 race sim is believed to be the actual race fuel load. Data usually corroborate it. The only difference is the engine mode and the engine life as teams use older PU components on Fridays. For the first race, it's only engine modes.
True - but atm its looking like the gap has closed a little. but none of us really know fuel loads, engine mods outside some of the teams themselves.
I think the weather is also playing a role in bringing competition closer. Is it not very cold in Bahrain?Watto wrote: ↑01 Mar 2024, 05:02True - but atm its looking like the gap has closed a little. but none of us really know fuel loads, engine mods outside some of the teams themselves.
Would like it to be a closer season
I think RBR will be too strong. But would go good to see some more pressure on them in races, in quali teams were obviously close but in race trim no one really bothered them , makes for far more interesting racingf1isgood wrote: ↑01 Mar 2024, 13:25I think the weather is also playing a role in bringing competition closer. Is it not very cold in Bahrain?
I think it will be definitely closer than last season. How close depends on a lot of factors.
I think the Japan and Imola upgrades are the most important things to look forward to. If RB make a substantial step there (think 3 tenths or more a lap) it could be a repeat of 2023. This car is a base car from what we know.Watto wrote: ↑01 Mar 2024, 13:29I think RBR will be too strong. But would go good to see some more pressure on them in races, in quali teams were obviously close but in race trim no one really bothered them , makes for far more interesting racing
I don't know how true it is, but Helmut Marko said that Red Bull was running in "lowest engine mode" in practice.
Yesterday's wind and low temperature affected the RB20 more than the test.
The others will have upgrades too.f1isgood wrote: ↑01 Mar 2024, 13:36I think the Japan and Imola upgrades are the most important things to look forward to. If RB make a substantial step there (think 3 tenths or more a lap) it could be a repeat of 2023. This car is a base car from what we know.
It is strange to now say this, after claiming qualy would be close and that the gap in race pace is not as decisive as imagined.