Hungarian GP discussion

noisebox · Post by **noisebox** » 23 Jul 2009, 14:32

OK, I'll start the ball rolling on this one. The weather forecast looks interesting for the weekend - hot and sunny on Friday and Sunday with rain possible on Saturday. So we could have a mixed up grid with conditions that will suit Brawn in the race. Throw in the jokers of McLaren and Ferrari likely to be on or near the front running pace then we have the makings of an interesting weekend.

I'm going to stick with one of my earlier predictions and go for a win for Lewis Hamilton...

shinji · Post by **shinji** » 23 Jul 2009, 14:37

I'm not getting my hopes up weather-wise - I did for the last race and was disappointed. So what I'm expecting is a race of 2004 levels of boredom, so that if anything remotely exciting happens I'll be happy. Another good reason to expect boredom is the likelihood of it being a nice oppurtunity for a snooze. Brawn will dominate if it's hot (or so we're led to think), and it will probably be a hot day. So it is highly likely that the race will be a Button benefit.

Osiris13 · Post by **Osiris13** » 23 Jul 2009, 14:52

I'm not convinced Brawn will have it their own way despite the hot weather - I think Red Bull have made some advances. I'd like to see Button win to keep his title hopes on track. It could also be an indicator as to Rubens' state of mind after his recent outburst. And I agree - Lewis for a wildcard.

Captain Hammer · Post by **Captain Hammer** » 24 Jul 2009, 05:48

I think this is Red Bull's race to lose. Vettel and Webber need to sort themselves out championship-wise, and soon. They're racing each other just as much as they're racing Button. While Button can't count on Barrichello to back him up, it's not imperative that he beats the Brazilian the way it is that Vettel and Webber have to. Given the similarities between Monaco and the Hungaroring, Raikkonen and Massa could be wreaking hell on the standings, and given their recent form, Rosberg will certainly be in the mix and Hamilton will threaten for a podium if he doesn't try and win the damn thing at the first corner. Temperatures should suit Brawn, and will be a real test for Red Bull. This race - and Valencia - will be where the championship is won. Desperation, combined with difficulty in passing may cause drivers to do stupid things. A messy start may be in order. Tyre wear will also be a factor, as it's the same allocation as at Monaco. Combined with similar track conditions, the RB5 may decide to cannibalise its tyres again.

And watch out for Nelson Piquet and Jamie Alguersuari engaging in some synchronised spinning, followed by a double pike and twist into the barriers.

thehemogoblin · Post by **thehemogoblin** » 24 Jul 2009, 07:08

If they had a fat-ex-Formula-One-driver double feature at the Hungaroring, could they call it "Hungary Hungary Hippos"?

Debaser · Post by **Debaser** » 24 Jul 2009, 07:58

Lets count how many spins or crashes Alguersuari has in practice today. I predict 3 (2 spins and a crash).

thehemogoblin · Post by **thehemogoblin** » 24 Jul 2009, 09:32

Really surprising bits about first practice:

Sutil had no pace

Alguersuari didn't write off a chassis

Really unsurprising bits about first practice:

A Williams topped the charts

STR has the Red Bull update from a couple of races ago

CarlosFerreira · Post by **CarlosFerreira** » 24 Jul 2009, 09:42

Times for FP1 are in. McLaren, from Williams, from another McLaren. Sounds like 1996.

The question for the fans is: New Order or Joy Division? In other words, does this mean the McLarens and Williams are in form, or are they showboating?

Trouble with tyres for all the championship contenders. This might be fun!

Debaser · Post by **Debaser** » 24 Jul 2009, 09:47

Joy Division or New Order? I prefer Joy Division. Hang on, this is an F1 forum and I thought Alguersuari did very well. He was only 0.23 slower than Buemi and only 2 seconds off the fastest time, and seeing as he's not only done straight line testing that's some feat.

CarlosFerreira · Post by **CarlosFerreira** » 24 Jul 2009, 09:51

Debaser wrote:Joy Division or New Order? I prefer Joy Division.

Me too.

I can't really tell of Alguersuari impressed me a lot of Buemi failed to make any impression. What Toro Rosso has there is pretty much the car Red Bull used to wipe the floor with everyone's face 5 weeks ago, in Silverstone, and then again in the Nurburging. The team doesn't know the car well enough, both drivers are inexperienced and the track layout and conditions are different - so they get mauled and left for dead in the bottom of the time sheets.

I maintain a more experienced driver now would help.

Captain Hammer · Post by **Captain Hammer** » 24 Jul 2009, 10:05

CarlosFerreira wrote:The question for the fans is: New Order or Joy Division? In other words, does this mean the McLarens and Williams are in form, or are they showboating?

It's hard to tell. Remember, Jenson Button has usually been nowhere in sight of the leaders in early practice sessions right up until Q3, when he's suddenly everywhere.

CarlosFerreira · Post by **CarlosFerreira** » 24 Jul 2009, 13:40

Right, FP2 is up, and it's 1991 galore again: McLaren, from McLaren, from Williams. Webber fourth, Nakajima fifth and Vettel sixth.

Button is either stalking or just slow.

The car in flames is a Toyota - looked like a blown engine, but Trulli came back really quick. Alguersuair battling it out with Heidfeld - for 19th position. Ferraris, likewise, were nowhere to be seen.

We'll see what happens tomorrow. Imagine that, a McLaren victory on the cards. How long has it been?

alvaro3d · Post by **alvaro3d** » 24 Jul 2009, 13:52

Is McLaren using KERS?

Because if Hamilton manages to get forth or higher there are good chances that he get to the first corner leading, it's a slow chicane let's hope he don't fail like in Germany.

CarlosFerreira · Post by **CarlosFerreira** » 24 Jul 2009, 14:02

alvaro3d wrote:Is McLaren using KERS?

Because if Hamilton manages to get forth or higher there are good chances that he get to the first corner leading, it's a slow chicane let's hope he don't fail like in Germany.

I heard both McLaren and Ferrari are using the stuff this weekend.

LukeB · Post by **LukeB** » 25 Jul 2009, 02:17

alvaro3d wrote:Because if Hamilton manages to get forth or higher there are good chances that he get to the first corner leading, it's a slow chicane let's hope he don't fail like in Germany.

Are you sure you're on the right website...?

Captain Hammer · Post by **Captain Hammer** » 25 Jul 2009, 04:04

CarlosFerreira wrote:Button is either stalking or just slow.

My money is on stalking. He might be thirteenth, but he says he's happy with the progress that has been made. He's been in almost exactly the same situation before, and he's come up with the goods. Brawn tend to concentrate on race setup rather than qualifying; I think they've found a way to work out qualifying setup based on their race settings rather than have to do both separately.

alvaro3d wrote:Because if Hamilton manages to get forth or higher there are good chances that he get to the first corner leading, it's a slow chicane let's hope he don't fail like in Germany

Actually I hope he does **** it up off the startline again. He needs to be taken down a peg or three.

CarlosFerreira · Post by **CarlosFerreira** » 25 Jul 2009, 10:12

All right, FP3 is done and dusted. Hamilton takes it again, and by a good margin (close to 0.4s, IIRC). He always seemed in charge, quick and sure. I wonder if it's fuel weight related, didn't seem so.

Hanna Montana was second, can't quite understand how. Rosberg looked on the pace again.

Best Red Bull was Buemi. Webber narrowly beat Vettel, they both beat Barrichello and Button was nowhere to be seen, only beating Alguersuari and both Force Indias.

Piquet beat Alonso. :lol:

Nando only beat Alguersuari by a tenth or so. There's probably one very furious Spaniard in a box somewhere in Hungary right now...

Debaser · Post by **Debaser** » 25 Jul 2009, 10:43

I tip for pole...Mark Webber. He's been faster than Vettel all weekend and I don't think Hamilton or the Brawns are quick enough. But if Hamilton isn't on the dirty side of the grid he could throw a spannerinto the works tomorrow.

CarlosFerreira · Post by **CarlosFerreira** » 25 Jul 2009, 10:48

Debaser wrote:I tip for pole...Mark Webber. He's been faster than Vettel all weekend and I don't think Hamilton or the Brawns are quick enough. But if Hamilton isn't on the dirty side of the grid he could throw a spannerinto the works tomorrow.

Agreed. My concern with Hamilton is that all that eagerness he's been showing might result in him throwing the whole damn car into the works come the race...

TomWazzleshaw · Post by **TomWazzleshaw** » 25 Jul 2009, 10:53

Great Job from Usually Quick Nick to put that beast of car up there... probably a light fuel run however so don't read too much into it. Also good job Buemi... is this a return to early season form? You would expect to see Brawn in the midfield in practice but 13th and 17th is a real reason for concern. Correct me if I'm wrong but is that the worst result in a FP session all year for Brawn so far? Looks like it's back to the back for the Force sadly

but let's hope the rain arrives.
If it does it'll probably wash the track green and almost throw the usual Hungaroring "Clean Side, Dirty Side" grid out the window. Now that is an interesting prospect

Many Blue Flags · Post by **Many Blue Flags** » 25 Jul 2009, 11:46

I expect Rosberg and the Maccas to be very fast. Remember that the MP4/24 is good in slow circuits like Monaco, and Budapest is Monaco without the barriers. My money on Kovalainen for pole, Rosberg for a race win though.

Henrique · Post by **Henrique** » 25 Jul 2009, 12:20

Alguersuari's debut will not be remembered

Debaser · Post by **Debaser** » 25 Jul 2009, 13:13

Looks like Massa is alright, was hit by a suspension part from Barrichello's car from the looks of things. I was terrified though especially after last week.

Henrique · Post by **Henrique** » 25 Jul 2009, 13:29

Wow, the return of Alonso and Hamilton.

Salamander · Post by **Salamander** » 25 Jul 2009, 13:36

I wouldn't say return of Hamilton as much as Alonso, because we knew he'd be up there for Hungary, improved McLaren or not. Shame for Webber, though, from what I could tell, it looked like perhaps he aborted his lap or had something go wrong on his last lap. I think he's about 4th or 5th on the grid, right in front of both McLaren's. I think.

Enrique Bernoldi · Post by **Enrique Bernoldi** » 25 Jul 2009, 13:36

Henrique wrote:Alguersuari's debut will not be remembered

Rejectdom bekons.... :lol:

Many Blue Flags · Post by **Many Blue Flags** » 25 Jul 2009, 13:38

I loved how absolutely none of the drivers knew who was on pole. They were all going up to each other and asking 'what did you do?'

Debaser · Post by **Debaser** » 25 Jul 2009, 13:44

I hope Alonso has enough fuel to exit the garage tomorrow, he'll need ropes to stop the car flying away its so light.

Ed24 · Post by **Ed24** » 25 Jul 2009, 13:45

yes, its fantastic to see Massa is mostly ok, it looked awful for the first few minutes.

However, the latest reports suggest Massa has a skull injury, so if he does miss a few races, i would love to see (despite being perhaps against the very ethos of this site) Luca Badoer have a go, and finally get that elusive point.

crazydude1992 · Post by **crazydude1992** » 25 Jul 2009, 13:47

lol 1973 Canada all over again :mrgreen:

Good to hear Massa's OK, but if he wont race tomorrow, I wonder who will replace him? Maybe Luca Badoer?

Debaser · Post by **Debaser** » 25 Jul 2009, 13:50

You declare who your drivers are after free practice, if Massa is injured only one Ferrari will race and the 10th grid spot will be empty. But Badoer driving for Ferrari in Valencia? Its possible...

Enrique Bernoldi · Post by **Enrique Bernoldi** » 25 Jul 2009, 13:54

Debaser wrote:You declare who your drivers are after free practice, if Massa is injured only one Ferrari will race and the 10th grid spot will be empty. But Badoer driving for Ferrari in Valencia? Its possible...

Massive gap in between the Hungarian and European Grand Prix though, Felipe might just recover in time.

eytl · Post by **eytl** » 25 Jul 2009, 13:57

Enrique Bernoldi wrote:Massive gap in between the Hungarian and European Grand Prix though, Felipe might just recover in time.

Yeah I was just about to say the same thing. And as much as I'd like to see Luca being given his chance, that's not a discussion for now.

Captain Hammer · Post by **Captain Hammer** » 25 Jul 2009, 14:07

It's going to be an uphill battle for JB tomorrow. He's on the dirty side of the circuit and there's three KERS cars - plus Rosberg - between him and the Red Bulls. Let's hope some of Ross brawn's tactical genius will come to the fore here.

alvaro3d · Post by **alvaro3d** » 25 Jul 2009, 14:34

I'm going for Hamilton let's hope KERS help at least one time this year

Debaser · Post by **Debaser** » 25 Jul 2009, 15:04

19) CHANGES OF DRIVER
19.1 a) During a season each team will be permitted to use four drivers. Changes may be made at any time before the start of the qualifying practice session provided any change proposed after 16.00 on the day of scrutineering receives the consent of the stewards.
Additional changes for reasons of force majeure will be considered separately.

Apologies for saying Ferrari would have one car, maybe Badoer will race tomorrow.

WeirdKerr · Post by **WeirdKerr** » 25 Jul 2009, 17:17

Debaser wrote:19) CHANGES OF DRIVER
19.1 a) During a season each team will be permitted to use four drivers. Changes may be made at any time before the start of the qualifying practice session provided any change proposed after 16.00 on the day of scrutineering receives the consent of the stewards.
Additional changes for reasons of force majeure will be considered separately.

Apologies for saying Ferrari would have one car, maybe Badoer will race tomorrow.

Don't think they will be able to run a replacement driver after qualifying has taken place......

CarlosFerreira · Post by **CarlosFerreira** » 25 Jul 2009, 17:37

Glad Massa's all right.

Passing Nando after he qualifies with no fuel at all will be complicated. Two KERS cars right behind... I wonder if Alonso and Hamilton will end their races punching each other in the middle of the corner 1 run-off! :lol:

We sort of need Brawn's tactical genius to take the weekend off, and Webber to win this. It'd be great to see a close battle for the Championship up to the end of the year.

Rain, anyone?

shinji · Post by **shinji** » 25 Jul 2009, 19:08

I was at a barbecue in Wicklow (don't ask) all day, and had the qualifying recorded on my TV. It didn't record the delayed Q3 though, so can someone explain what the timing kerfuffle was?

Edit: found this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ob0nVLquGew

Paul Hayes · Post by **Paul Hayes** » 25 Jul 2009, 19:50

I don't wish to alarm anybody unduly, but AP are now reporting Massa's condition to be life threatening.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/art ... wD99LLKR80

Let's keep our fingers crossed.