Chinese GP 2012 - Shanghai

[Maelstrom]

Qually:
1. HAM 2. BUT 3. MSC 4. ROS 5. VET 6. RAI
Race:
1. HAM 2. BUT 3. VET 4. WEB 5. RAI 6. SEN

You don't reckon the Mercs can make top 6 in the race, eh?

No, no I don't – I think they'll chew their tyres up and go backwards, as they have done twice now.

Well... with over three weeks to solve the issue if they still can't they don't deserve to win.

[raymondu999]

I'm not sure it's 3 weekends - add in shipping time (I think cars get shipped something like 3 or 4 days before FP1) and manufacturing lead times for upgrades

[Ferraripilot]

Qualifying:

Schumacher
Hamilton
Rosberg
Button
Raikkonen
Vettel
Grosjean
Alonso
Webber


race:

Schumacher
Rosberg
Button


Here's hoping Merc have their tires figured out. I just can't see anyone beating Merc at this track. Sectors 1, and 3 are Mercedes territory.

[prince]

Here's hoping Merc have their tires figured out. I just can't see anyone beating Merc at this track. Sectors 1, and 3 are Mercedes territory.

I reckon, you mean Sectors 2 and 3. Sector 1 is more curvish than sector 2 with turn 2, 3 and 4, which is typically high downforce sector.

[Maelstrom]

Qualifying:

Schumacher
Hamilton
Rosberg
Button
Raikkonen
Vettel
Grosjean
Alonso
Webber


race:

Schumacher
Rosberg
Button


Here's hoping Merc have their tires figured out. I just can't see anyone beating Merc at this track. Sectors 1, and 3 are Mercedes territory.

I think going from P10 to winning the race might be hoping for a bit too much. But I hope that you are right

[raymondu999]

I reckon, you mean Sectors 2 and 3. Sector 1 is more curvish than sector 2 with turn 2, 3 and 4, which is typically high downforce sector.

The Turn 2/3/4 is much more mechanical than it is downforce. What it does require is a good front for trail braking into 2. Turn 4 is so slow downforce makes little to no difference there; except maybe under traction.

Turn 7 and 8 are the ones that require downforce.; and maybe the 9-10 complex

[Ferraripilot]

I reckon, you mean Sectors 2 and 3. Sector 1 is more curvish than sector 2 with turn 2, 3 and 4, which is typically high downforce sector.

The Turn 2/3/4 is much more mechanical than it is downforce. What it does require is a good front for trail braking into 2. Turn 4 is so slow downforce makes little to no difference there; except maybe under traction.

Turn 7 and 8 are the ones that require downforce.; and maybe the 9-10 complex

Agreed Raymond. I believe W03 has a solid front as it was incredibly quick in S1 Malaysia. Turns 7-10,16 seem to be the only downforce heavy sections at this course. Everything else is mechanical grip and balance.

[raymondu999]

Tbh - I think Turn 2 China is closer to Turn 14 Sepang. Turn 3 in both are practically the same corner though.

[Mestrades]

Pole:
1.Schumy 2.Rosberg 3.Hamilton 4.Button 5. Vettel 6.Webber

Race:
1.Hamilton 2.Button 3.Vettel 4.Webber 5.Alonso 6.Kimmi

[raymondu999]

Quite a Noah's ark grid you got there.

[Mestrades]

I am convinced that Mercedes will degrade the car tires again and they won't be able to solve the problem (it requires a full redesign of the car) during the season. It would be nice if they will increase the poles of Michael's career.

[banibhusan]

And what makes you say that Mercedese needs a full redesign of the car? I don't think their issues are so apparent like that of the Ferraris.

[Lycoming]

You can't really say that they require a total redesign without a clear idea of why they chew through tyres.

[clipsy1H]

will be a big shame for Mercedes if Michael is on pole and in the race doesn't finish in the top 3.
I prefer a win this year without pole or top 3 in qualifying. I don't think so Mercedes can be on podium in China or next race but in Barcelona. Monza or Spa they can be there

[ParanoiD]

Anyway, anybody remember that Shanghai Cicuit was foggy?

Just a quick correction its not Fog its Smog...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smog

I think Hamilton will qualify well however race is basically anyones to win at this present stage of the 2012 pecking order.

Oh sorry,
Yeah it's smog