2010 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix

[VioletPingu]

Sutil is the only driver in the top 10 to have hard tyres on, he could be fast in the beginning of the race.
Barrichello could also have a chance of getting in there with fresh hard tyres.
Hamilton could leapfrog a Ferrari or two at the start but I don't know if he's fast enough to keep the position.
Vettel will run away with it I think.
Well done Massa by the way...

[steph90]

Yep. Definately. I'm over the moon at Ferrari. Ok it's only the start but they've clearly done a terrific job. Alonso back in a top car is brilliant for the sport and of course Massa doing so well is very emotional for me but I'm just delighted at Ferrari. Whatever happens tomorrow, no matter who ends up ahead, I just hope Ferrari get a good result.
What do you make of Ferrari and the other teams so far Rampante?

[rampante]

I think most teams have performed pretty much as I expected. Mclaren have been a surprise with their 1 lap pace so it will be good to see what they do in a race. I would be amazed if they remain 1 sec behind. I do think they may have a tyre issue and were being very conservative trying to protect them. Red Bull are where they left off at the end of the season but then again we will have to see what they do during a race.
I think I've said enough about the new teams and what can be expected from them. I am very much against teams allowed to go on a track without even starting an engine before hand. We saw today issues with wheels and even Mclaren having loose parts. If they can make mistakes it shows everyone could.
Looking forward to the race and I am not getting ahead of myself but I think we may be in for a good day.

[steph90]

Thanks very much Rampante. Love hearing from you.
I was surprised at Mclaren too and to some extent, Red Bull as I didn't think they would be so strong. Lewis complained about lack of downforce but I'm sure they will still be strong too this year.
I've never really seen races without refuelling so I don't know what to expect on that front.
I agree about the safety issue. Maybe I'm a little sensitive over last year but it's not acceptable for parts to simply fall off. I don't want to go over the top and I'm sure the FIA are making sure everything as safe as possible but I'll admit I am slightly concerned.
"Looking forward to the race and I am not getting ahead of myself but I think we may be in for a good day."
I really hope so. Massa won from p2 in 2008 I think so hopefully the dirty side won't be too much of a problem but I know the conditions change. Alonso is a very clever racer so I'm sure he'll work out strategy straight away. Still trying to keep feet on the ground though

[rampante]

Ferrari have a good record here and I can't see that changing even though the track has. I do remember pre refuelling days all too well! The main difference now will be the time it takes to change tyres. One of the biggest changes to F1 is how the pit stops have gone from 6 guys walking about a car to a team of 24 or so engineers working so well that now most hospital operating theatres have copied the work system. I find it difficult to see sub 3 sec pit stops but that’s what they are saying.
Keep up the good work Steph your honorary citizenship must be in the post by now.

[RobFerrari]

Chuffed with 2nd and 3rd, ahead of McLaren enough but Vettel is causing us trouble! Quiet session for Schumi, interested to see how he deals with the race tomorrow.

Keep an eye on Rubens too, 11th means he gets fresh tyres

[Andy Shaw]

Sutil gets fresh tyres too. Could be a good shout for a top 5 finish. Red Bull haven't been strong on long runs in testing but they might well have been keeping something in reserve - who knows? Should be a fight between Vettel and the Ferraris for the win, but anything could happen. The running order isn't clear by any means.

[VioletPingu]

Mclaren have been a surprise with their 1 lap pace so it will be good to see what they do in a race. I would be amazed if they remain 1 sec behind.

I agree, although I am shocked at how slow they are on a 1 lap pace, I think their car is faster with more fuel on-board...

[rampante]

Both ferrari drivers have had new engines today before the race. Several news sites here have spoken about the reasons for this. Ferrari have said that it was only a precaution and the older engines will be sent to the factory for testing. If all is ok they will be re used in quali at other races. It seems that the main concern is the heat during the race and they are only trying to secure the good start this weekend.

[RobFerrari]

Wahoo! Great win for Alonso and a 1-2 for the boys - shame for Vettel.


Anyone else find it painfully boring though? Lack of refuelling hasn't been a good move in my opinion.