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The Baron · 25th April 2012, 08:59 AM

Nice sentiment but there's a flaw in your optimism. For example why is McLaren and Mercedes suddenly on the back foot?

These two teams spent millions over the winter making their car as good as it could be. Because the teams are on fly aways there is very limited development that can be done not having access to the full factory.

Now, all of that work is negated, at least in China. These two teams in particular were punching way below their weight and it wasn't because all the other teams have developed their cars better, or the drivers having suddenly come awake (OK in Raikkonens case, maybe!)

The difference is in 4 black rubber circles. This kind of artificial manipulation brings nothing to the tech table - making a tyre deliberately wear out at an unpredictable rate. I am quite sure that Bridgestone said no to this strategy, which is why they pulled out - and I think they were right.

I hope you're correct about Raikkonen being able to maintain his streak, but if this 'lottery' continues, who's to say he will even make Q3 next time out?

You wouldn't mind if the tyres were predictable from track to track - it would at least enable some kind of benchmark.

Sorry, this sucks. Look out for a change of direction within the next few races.

25th April 2012, 08:59 AM	#148 (permalink)
The Baron Keith1 Spandex is Pants! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Albion Posts: 6,485	Re: F1 in 2012 Nice sentiment but there's a flaw in your optimism. For example why is McLaren and Mercedes suddenly on the back foot? These two teams spent millions over the winter making their car as good as it could be. Because the teams are on fly aways there is very limited development that can be done not having access to the full factory. Now, all of that work is negated, at least in China. These two teams in particular were punching way below their weight and it wasn't because all the other teams have developed their cars better, or the drivers having suddenly come awake (OK in Raikkonens case, maybe!) The difference is in 4 black rubber circles. This kind of artificial manipulation brings nothing to the tech table - making a tyre deliberately wear out at an unpredictable rate. I am quite sure that Bridgestone said no to this strategy, which is why they pulled out - and I think they were right. I hope you're correct about Raikkonen being able to maintain his streak, but if this 'lottery' continues, who's to say he will even make Q3 next time out? You wouldn't mind if the tyres were predictable from track to track - it would at least enable some kind of benchmark. Sorry, this sucks. Look out for a change of direction within the next few races.