2013 "There's no Kobayashi" Japan Grand Prix

[Jocke1]

I'm giving a nomination to Rachel1990 for underestimating Max Chilton's mega talent

now I WILL JUST NOMINATE FREEZE O KIMI FOR THE SAME THING1!!!!!

http://youtu.be/9QGQtJL7hSk

[Jocke1]

Qualifying quotes:

Nico Hulkenberg

Compared to yesterday, the wind changed so we had a tail wind on the straights and this makes you really quick.
That means we have a head wind in sector one, which gives you a lot of grip.

Max Chilton

The track conditions had also shifted in that time and the wind made things more difficult in sector one for sure.

[mario]

Qualifying quotes:

Nico Hulkenberg

Compared to yesterday, the wind changed so we had a tail wind on the straights and this makes you really quick.
That means we have a head wind in sector one, which gives you a lot of grip.

Max Chilton

The track conditions had also shifted in that time and the wind made things more difficult in sector one for sure.

To be fair, both quotes can have a certain amount of truth to them - the tail wind on the straights would upset the balance of the car on the entry phase to the first corner, but, through the faster complex of corners that follow, the change to a head wind would have some benefit. It's also possible that, due to the relative difference in development between Sauber's and Marussia's cars, that the Marussia is more sensitive to cross winds than Hulkenberg's car, so it might have had a more noticeable negative impact for Chilton rather than Hulkenberg.

[Jocke1]

Pic handed drive-through penalty
http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/ ... 15097.html

Caterham's Charles Pic has been issued with a drive-through penalty for Sunday's 2013 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix for passing through a red light at the pit exit during the first part of qualifying in Suzuka.
The stewards found that Pic, who already had a 10-place grid penalty for picking up his third reprimand of the season in Korea, exited the pit lane five seconds after the light had turned red - a contravention of article 31.3 of the sporting regulations.

"Car #20 crossed the pit exit line at 14:17:10. The red light was at 14:17:05,” read the stewards’ report.
"It is noted this is the second consecutive event in which the driver has driven through a red light."

Pic must serve his drive-through penalty within the first five laps of Sunday’s race.

[Alextrax52]

My ROTQ goes to Ferrari's 2014 drivers, Kimi and Alonso, for being completely outpaced by your team mates + Hulkenberg.

Also, Rosberg was clearly frustrated when he see your lap time.

I'm giving a nomination to Rachel1990 for underestimating Max Chilton's mega talent and future world champion status. (I've been waiting to do that since i accepted the ChiltonCraze)

But yeah Ferrari were poor and Hulk has probably sewn up a Lotus Drive if he hasn't done already. Also Jean-Eric Vergne's luck and Adrian Sutil deserve nominations too.

IIDOTQ: Chilton Nuff Said

I was going to make a comment this afternoon about Chilton managing to finally to beat bianchi but now I WILL JUST NOMINATE FREEZE O KIMI FOR THE SAME THING1!!!!!

It's just sarcasm Rachel. In reality we all know Max Chilton isn't going to be a world champion and might only get 1 more season if he keeps the money. I got lambasted for saying exactly what you said about Chilton (CHILTONLASTLOL) and saying that he wasn't talent so anyone who doesn't think he's talent gets the same.

[rachel1990]

Pic handed drive-through penalty
http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/ ... 15097.html

Caterham's Charles Pic has been issued with a drive-through penalty for Sunday's 2013 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix for passing through a red light at the pit exit during the first part of qualifying in Suzuka.
The stewards found that Pic, who already had a 10-place grid penalty for picking up his third reprimand of the season in Korea, exited the pit lane five seconds after the light had turned red - a contravention of article 31.3 of the sporting regulations.

"Car #20 crossed the pit exit line at 14:17:10. The red light was at 14:17:05,” read the stewards’ report.
"It is noted this is the second consecutive event in which the driver has driven through a red light."

Pic must serve his drive-through penalty within the first five laps of Sunday’s race.

Fair enough - He can hardly be punished by sending him to the back of the grid since A- He would be there anyway and B- he already had a '10' (SIGH) place grid.
If Pic thinks its funny it really isn't since the team desperately needs a 12th place

[good_Ralf]

Highlights video of easily the best Suzuka GP.

What's weird about that vid is the awful commentary right up to the point Alonso arse-rapes Schumi, just a classic piece of commentary that sticks into my mind...

The commentators were Maurice Hamilton (the author of the ridiculously expensive McLaren: 50 years book), Ian Phillips (a Jordan man) and Ant Davidson, the only true professional of the three.

[rachel1990]

Right

Sunday could see a change for once in a race winner-
While Webber is still on pole you have to remember that A- He is running out of engines and B he never has a good start anyway- BUT it will be unlikely that we see any team orders this weekend because I highly doubt Red Bull will want that publicity/Vettel wouldn't want to win it that way/Mark wouldn't listen. I still believe that a Red Bull will not win this weekend.

Everytime you think Mercedes are going to do well at the moment BANG our old friends the tyres issues will come up. Maybe a Mercedes will get on the podium but don't hold your breath.

I still believe Romain Grosjean will win this GP. He is in a prime stop with Mercedes Tyre issues, Vettel's KERS and Webber's usual misfortune to do well. If only Kimi could improve quali then he could fight for wins.

The Hulk (I cannot believe I am saying this) needs ANOTHER good weekend. Could a Podium be on the cards?? you never know. Hopefully in the same car Gutierrez will get a point or two.

Ferrari cannot be embarrassed by Sauber again- They are losing too much ground to Mercedes and Maybe even Lotus??? What has happened to Alonso in quali?? another dreadful result. Massa is driving for his future and maybe Sauber isn't such a bad idea after all?

Mclaren are in dead mans land. Stuck in 5th now and no-one to compete with apart from the Hulk. Yes a few points but if someone happens at the top a podium isn't as far away as they think....

On the other hand there is Force India- They must be grateful that Toro Rosso have fallen off the pace. Another Double DNF weekend was not what VJ ordered and Di resta in particular must MUST have a points (note the plural) weekend to keep his drive alive- Sutil not getting out of Q1 is embarrassing for the team and takes them back to the dark days of 2009 when they were the slowest team.

Toro Rosso have fallen off the pace that last few races- No points AGAIN in Korea has let Sauber overtake them in the constructors. Japan is unlikely to change things will both cars looking pretty dire.

Talking of which- Give Williams there due- they out qualified both Toro Rossos and could be outside bets for a point or two. Bottas looks more sharp than Maldonado and could be fighting with Gutierrez for the last few points. Tasty!!

Chilton out qualified Bianchi on Merit (without the ten place drop) Chilton knows he is fighting... Who Am I kidding- If his dad pays more money he will be in f1 next year. Hopefully Marussia can have a great race and do Maria proud.

Caterham have not done themselves any favours this weekend. Pic is almost favourite to come last know because of the drive through and Van De Garde needed to get ahead of Chilton to have at least a prayer of getting that magical 12th place- But it still could happen.

So as I mentioned before I think Grosjean will be this weekends winner with his ( Hopefully) future teammate the hulk joining him on the podium- Which means Vettel won't be world Champion officially this weekend. How typical he will probably get it at everyones favourite track India !!!

I just hope its a good clean race.

For Maria.

[Alextrax52]

Right

Sunday could see a change for once in a race winner-
While Webber is still on pole you have to remember that A- He is running out of engines and B he never has a good start anyway- BUT it will be unlikely that we see any team orders this weekend because I highly doubt Red Bull will want that publicity/Vettel wouldn't want to win it that way/Mark wouldn't listen. I still believe that a Red Bull will not win this weekend.

Everytime you think Mercedes are going to do well at the moment BANG our old friends the tyres issues will come up. Maybe a Mercedes will get on the podium but don't hold your breath.

I still believe Romain Grosjean will win this GP. He is in a prime stop with Mercedes Tyre issues, Vettel's KERS and Webber's usual misfortune to do well. If only Kimi could improve quali then he could fight for wins.

The Hulk (I cannot believe I am saying this) needs ANOTHER good weekend. Could a Podium be on the cards?? you never know. Hopefully in the same car Gutierrez will get a point or two.

Ferrari cannot be embarrassed by Sauber again- They are losing too much ground to Mercedes and Maybe even Lotus??? What has happened to Alonso in quali?? another dreadful result. Massa is driving for his future and maybe Sauber isn't such a bad idea after all?

Mclaren are in dead mans land. Stuck in 5th now and no-one to compete with apart from the Hulk. Yes a few points but if someone happens at the top a podium isn't as far away as they think....

On the other hand there is Force India- They must be grateful that Toro Rosso have fallen off the pace. Another Double DNF weekend was not what VJ ordered and Di resta in particular must MUST have a points (note the plural) weekend to keep his drive alive- Sutil not getting out of Q1 is embarrassing for the team and takes them back to the dark days of 2009 when they were the slowest team.

Toro Rosso have fallen off the pace that last few races- No points AGAIN in Korea has let Sauber overtake them in the constructors. Japan is unlikely to change things will both cars looking pretty dire.

Talking of which- Give Williams there due- they out qualified both Toro Rossos and could be outside bets for a point or two. Bottas looks more sharp than Maldonado and could be fighting with Gutierrez for the last few points. Tasty!!

Chilton out qualified Bianchi on Merit (without the ten place drop) Chilton knows he is fighting... Who Am I kidding- If his dad pays more money he will be in f1 next year. Hopefully Marussia can have a great race and do Maria proud.

Caterham have not done themselves any favours this weekend. Pic is almost favourite to come last know because of the drive through and Van De Garde needed to get ahead of Chilton to have at least a prayer of getting that magical 12th place- But it still could happen.

So as I mentioned before I think Grosjean will be this weekends winner with his ( Hopefully) future teammate the hulk joining him on the podium- Which means Vettel won't be world Champion officially this weekend. How typical he will probably get it at everyones favourite track India !!!

I just hope its a good clean race.

For Maria.

Rosberg has stated he has sacrificed qualifying speed for the race so we must wait to see if that's right. I find it a mixture of amusement and shock that Mercedes's tire wear issues mostly seem to affect Lewis only (Spain and Korea for instance). It could be to do with Lewis's driving style as he one of those flat out kind of racers that chews the tires. I hope both Grosjean and Hulkenberg have solid races and the Caterham/Marussia fight has an extra twist to it as well

[Dj_bereta]

I'm the one who finds Pic's penalty wrong? It was an incident during the qualify and the best thing is punishing him in qualify, or at least, in the next qualify.

Also, I hope Mark gets a good start, because he always play tough with Vettel. We could see another Sepang battle.

[good_Ralf]

I'm the one who finds Pic's penalty wrong? It was an incident during the qualify and the best thing is punishing him in qualify, or at least, in the next qualify.

The fact that the DTP is given to him before the race even begins is showing once again how ridiculous the stewarding and penalty system is getting. Pic also got a pre-race time penalty in Singapore last year didn't he?

[mario]

I'm the one who finds Pic's penalty wrong? It was an incident during the qualify and the best thing is punishing him in qualify, or at least, in the next qualify.

The fact that the DTP is given to him before the race even begins is showing once again how ridiculous the stewarding and penalty system is getting. Pic also got a pre-race time penalty in Singapore last year didn't he?

He did indeed receive a pre race time penalty for passing another driver during a red flag period in the final practise session.

It is harsh, but I can see some logic to what the stewards are doing - Pic will already start from the back of the grid due to a grid penalty earned for the very action he is now being reprimanded for and there probably was not enough time for the stewards to apply a penalty during the qualifying session itself. It's not entirely satisfactory, but I can see why the stewards would want to apply a harsher penalty during the same event where he breached that regulation.

[watka]

I'm the one who finds Pic's penalty wrong? It was an incident during the qualify and the best thing is punishing him in qualify, or at least, in the next qualify.

The fact that the DTP is given to him before the race even begins is showing once again how ridiculous the stewarding and penalty system is getting. Pic also got a pre-race time penalty in Singapore last year didn't he?

He did indeed receive a pre race time penalty for passing another driver during a red flag period in the final practise session.

It is harsh, but I can see some logic to what the stewards are doing - Pic will already start from the back of the grid due to a grid penalty earned for the very action he is now being reprimanded for and there probably was not enough time for the stewards to apply a penalty during the qualifying session itself. It's not entirely satisfactory, but I can see why the stewards would want to apply a harsher penalty during the same event where he breached that regulation.

Agreed, there is no point letting Pic get away with it by applying an ineffectual penalty for a clear rule breach.

[good_Ralf]

It is harsh, but I can see some logic to what the stewards are doing - Pic will already start from the back of the grid due to a grid penalty earned for the very action he is now being reprimanded for and there probably was not enough time for the stewards to apply a penalty during the qualifying session itself. It's not entirely satisfactory, but I can see why the stewards would want to apply a harsher penalty during the same event where he breached that regulation.

Agreed, there is no point letting Pic get away with it by applying an ineffectual penalty for a clear rule breach.

OK, I understand the meaning of the penalty and it is justified. But the main reason why I was annoyed is that this appears to be yet another type of penalty being introduced and I believe that this kind of penalty has existed only since last year. The FIA just keep on finding new penalties for drivers. Can't they just stick to a reasonable list?! Imagine how chaotic races would have been in the old days if these penalties existed back then!

[Jocke1]

The commentators were Maurice Hamilton, Ian Phillips and Ant Davidson, the only true professional of the three.

I disagree. I used to love listening to Maurice and Ian's post-race show 'Guardian Unlimited: The Formula One Show', back in 07-08.
Phillips was a Spyker man at the time. They were always knowledgeable, had great behind-the-scenes-insight into the teams and drivers and
had a little bit of humour as well.

Ok, their favoritism for U.K. drivers sometimes shone through quite a bit, but seeing as I'm not that interested
in favouring nations, either for or against, I didn't mind their periodic patriotism.
It was hilarious, though, how they frequently scolded Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli for being too old and too slow.

I miss that show actually. I still have all the episodes from '07, but all '08 episodes are lost however.

[AustralianStig]

Am I the only one that thinks a grid penalty should still apply even if you qualify at the back? The cars should be lining up in 30th and 26th or whatever it works out to.

Obviously it's not as much of a penalty because last is still last (and you'll catch up on the pack with the cars all banked up pretty quickly), but it'd still actually penalise the backmarkers. At the moment, someone who qualifies last can effectively change their gearbox for free.

[Jocke1]

Am I the only one that thinks a grid penalty should still apply even if you qualify at the back? The cars should be lining up in 30th and 26th or whatever it works out to.

That would be awesome at Monaco.
21 drivers starts the race as normal on the start/finish straight. And one penalized driver starts at Rascasse.


Ted's Qualifying Notebook today was one of the best ever in my opinion.
Did anyone else see that fan dressed up as the Stig? Just randomly walking with a B.A.R fan.

[Jocke1]

"Car #20 crossed the pit exit line at 14:17:10. The red light was at 14:17:05,” read the stewards’ report.
"It is noted this is the second consecutive event in which the driver has driven through a red light."

[Ataxia]

Charles Pic
You don't have to look at the red light
Your team will tell you
At least I rather think they might

Chaaaarles Pic
You don't have to drive that car tonight
On the track for money
You don't know if it's left or right

Chaaarles Pic
You don't have to look at the red light
Chaaaaaaarles Pic
You don't have to look at the red light

Charles Pic! (Look at the red light!)

And so on and so forth...

[Londoner]

Charles Pic
You don't have to look at the red light
Your team will tell you
At least I rather think they might

Chaaaarles Pic
You don't have to drive that car tonight
On the track for money
You don't know if it's left or right

Chaaarles Pic
You don't have to look at the red light
Chaaaaaaarles Pic
You don't have to look at the red light

Charles Pic! (Look at the red light!)

And so on and so forth...

You sir, are awesome.

[sswishbone]

*Marks out for Picxanne*

[AxelP800]

Race about to go. Hope Webbeh get a great start

[apple2009]

I predict... a Vettel-Webber-Hamilton podium.

[apple2009]

Big crash at the first turn... Van der Garde and Bianchi.

Trouble for Hamilton.

[apple2009]

Go, Romain, go!

[roblo97]

What a start from Grosjean

What a fail from Hamilton with that puncture

[Londoner]

GROSJEANWINSLOL? I'm very much OK with this.

Looks like it's gonna be a long afternoon for Vettel and Hamilton. Both are really struggling out there.

[apple2009]

Hamilton is out.

[sswishbone]

Biggest train since the trulli era, but awesome from Hulkenberg!

[apple2009]

Choo choo.

[mediocre]

"Multi 3" for Webber.. whatever that means.

[sswishbone]

Dear oh dear, speeding in the pit-lane, massively reject worthy!!

[SgtPepper]

Webber screwed on strategy, just like I predicted.

Disgusting.

[apple2009]

Webber screwed on strategy, just like I predicted.

Disgusting.

No, take off your fanboy glasses por favor.

[SgtPepper]

Webber screwed on strategy, just like I predicted.

Disgusting.

No, take off your fanboy glasses por favor.

Are you actually watching the race, por favor?

[apple2009]

Webber screwed on strategy, just like I predicted.

Disgusting.

No, take off your fanboy glasses por favor.

Are you actually watching the race, por favor?

¡Sí!

[Cynon]

Booooooooooooooooo get out Wibbah.

[sswishbone]

Great drive from Vettel to make this strategy work, he had some help from Grosjean's awesome driving but can't take that away from him. Webber will be disappointed but still a great drive to second, also props to sauber double points finish, Button did well to overturn a truly awful first two stints to nab 9th and also big props to Hulkenberg, once again outdriving the machinery and definitely showing size does not bloody matter!

Jenson has been teaching the Japanese to Vettel it would seem!

Whoa!! Talk about driving to the end, not sure Maldonado's finish will be technically legal but entertaining!

[Cynon]

Great drive from Vettel to make this strategy work, he had some help from Grosjean's awesome driving but can't take that away from him.

'

Yeah. Great drive from Vettel, hope he keeps it up so he can take Schumacher's name out of the record books. He just took him out of the Most Career Points (a stupid stat anyway) total, so that's 1 down and many more to go!!

...also big props to Hulkenberg, once again outdriving the machinery and definitely showing size does not bloody matter!

It's not about size, it's about how you use the car!

[tommykl]

Great drive from Vettel to make this strategy work, he had some help from Grosjean's awesome driving but can't take that away from him.

'

Yeah. Great drive from Vettel, hope he keeps it up so he can take Schumacher's name out of the record books. He just took him out of the Most Career Points (a stupid stat anyway) total, so that's 1 down and many more to go!!

Only it was Alonso who took that record, not Vettel