F1 Thread

[RichC]

Early predictions for this season then? Still expecting Vettel the man to beat although if Ferrari have got their act together from the get go Alonso will be a tough man to beat.

Hamilton is going to be interesting, if the car is half decent he'll be in the mix but although they've looked very quick in testing it doesn't really tell you a lot.

McLaren I fear are going to have another season where they make too many mistakes to win either title.

[Daniel 7]

Ok then, its like writing Wiliams - I'm sure we've had this conversation, but I've always had a soft spot for Williams - probably because of the whole Nigel, Red 5 thing from the 86 + 87 seasons (when I first got into F1) and then when he went back after Ferrari to the Newey designed car and they destroyed everyone. I'd love it if they could pick up some wins next season. I'm hoping Bottas is going to be an upgrade on Senna, because last season was probably their weakest driver lineup in years.

[Chazza]

Will i am's

[CJ]

Old news that one isn't it? Thats been doing the rounds since mid season last year. Be great to see them back together again, and another competitor rather than just Mercedes, Renault and Ferrari.

And its McLaren not (Shteve) McClaren - always bugs me that

Ok then, its like writing Wiliams - I'm sure we've had this conversation, but I've always had a soft spot for Williams - probably because of the whole Nigel, Red 5 thing from the 86 + 87 seasons (when I first got into F1) and then when he went back after Ferrari to the Newey designed car and they destroyed everyone. I'd love it if they could pick up some wins next season. I'm hoping Bottas is going to be an upgrade on Senna, because last season was probably their weakest driver lineup in years.

it was a weak driver line up but they have had some poor drivers in the lat 8 or so years

nakajima for one wurtz is another.

[CJ]

Really?

You never said.

shut up chazzahhhhhh

[Daniel 7]

Early predictions for this season then? Still expecting Vettel the man to beat although if Ferrari have got their act together from the get go Alonso will be a tough man to beat.

Hamilton is going to be interesting, if the car is half decent he'll be in the mix but although they've looked very quick in testing it doesn't really tell you a lot.

McLaren I fear are going to have another season where they make too many mistakes to win either title.

Can't read too much into Hamilton being quick, but he's there as number one. Rosberg only has a small fraction of his talent. Reckon a couple of race wins when conditions are levellers.

Vettel is going to be strong as ever.

Webber is number two, won't challenge and if he starts to, will mysteriously fall away

McLaren are effctively going to be running one set up for two similair drivers so should be able to maintain a challenge away from the track, whether the race management is up to scratch remains to be seen.

Alonso will be dogged and consistent in his pursuit.

[CJ]

and pastor is a god!

[RichC]

How have Williams faired in testing, not really seen or heard much about them.

[CJ]

only unvieled the car at the second test. some good mileage. had to change a part of the coanda effect exhaust though.

i would say 5th at the moment. So paster should be able to challenge and ram people off the track with it.

[RichC]

it's not go-karting

He's a good quick driver but needs to temper his style a bit if he wants to be consistently successful.

[CJ]

pastor decides what it is and it isnt!!

[RichC]

He's not the Norris!

[Daniel 7]

F1 buildup supplement in the Guardian today...

[RichC]

Looking at the first couple of practices Red Bull are yet again looking strong but McLaren are way off the pace - 9th & 11th & 11th & 13th for both 1st & 2nd practice

Hopefully they were just getting "to know" the car around Melbourne

[Pedenj]

McLaren really not looking strong. Problem is as well Button is a driver that if the car is right he will dominate but he can't get the most out of a bad car. So if they are weak this year it'll show how much they miss Hamilton.

Red Bull & Ferrari look good, Mercedes & Lotus in behind them possibly in the race.