Abu Dhabi GP 2011 - Yas Marina

[atanatizante]

On other forums people are speaking that with so many spins (Vettel, Alonso ...) it seems like RB and Ferrari are testing with 2012 engine mapping in mind ...

[raymondu999]

That's a possible thought. A lot of it has been oversteer on entry, which is probably the biggest effect of not running the EBD mapping. (you won't get exit oversteer as you're on the power on exit anyways). I think another cause could just be that they were using too much entry kerb, and so they had less grip on the right-side tyres

[Richard]

We saw both RB and Ferrari struggling with snap oversteer, the rear end suddenly flipping around. It caused Webber to do a 180 on the straight while Alonso, Vettel and Massa managed to get to the end of the straight before the rear flipped on the braking zone for turn 1 and sent them off track.

Odd that both cars for both teams had very similar problems with rear stability for the same corner.

Glock also went off at turn 1, but that wasn't as dramatic, it was more of a sideways slide once he was halfway around the corner.

[raymondu999]

richard I think I know the spin you're talking about with MW. That happened on Turn 18 rather than a straight.

[doink]

Button says that he's been practicing overtakes and even with 2 DRS zones it's very, very difficult here still.

[raymondu999]

Very difficult to judge from practice I would've thought - it was possible the other guy was on light fuel and Button on heavy, or perhaps the other guy also had his DRS open, but yes, it's not looking good right now

[beelsebob]

Also, the McLarens were setting their fast times in sectors 1 and 3 – they're obviously set up for slightly more df & drag than everyone else, so that could contribute too.

[raymondu999]

Beelsebob don't forget they have one of the most powerful DRS wings around now

[beelsebob]

Beelsebob don't forget they have one of the most powerful DRS wings around now

Yep, but that doesn't help any if they set their gear ratios to be slower down the straights and quicker in the acceleration zones, given the sector times from P1/P2 that seems to be exactly what they've done.

[Richard]

Repeat of Spa?

[Mr Alcatraz]

Hamilton looks mighty. I will be very surprised if he doesn't get the front row. I'm looking forward to an epic fight for pole between The Bulls, and McLaren!

[TheArchitect]

Just noticed Lewis do his practice start:
A-from P2 on the grid
B-he launched in 2nd gear not first???

Why would they not simply lengthen 1st as it cannot be used much other wise then pulling out of the garage

[beelsebob]

The McLarens in S3 are absolutely unbelievably mighty. Hamilton was 0.45s faster than any other car in P3 through there.

[godlameroso]

If the maccas are crushing sector 3 rb should be worried

[raymondu999]

Maybe it's such a case that he would lose more time actually shifting from 1st to 2nd at the start of the race? Also maybe they found a new RPM sweet spot for the launch?