F1 China: Noahs Ark again.

[wombat666]

I caught qualifying and I might even watch the race in the hope that Bottas will do another number on Hamilton.
Without going into complete detail Bottas is on pole and the grid is Mercedes 1-2, Ferrari 3-4, RBR 5-6, Renault 7-8 and HAAS 9-10, or something like that.
As I mentioned, my main interest is wanting to see Bottas go for gold!

[speedy70]

This time however there can be no Mercedes team orders and I really think Bottas has the bit between his teeth.

Vettel appears to be totally demoralised.

[huub vink]

Well qualifying wasn't very surprising, but I'm curious to see the race pace of the cars. I think engine power of the top 10 cars in qualifying is much closer during the race.

Cheers,
Huub

[Panther_99FS]

This time however there can be no Mercedes team orders and I really think Bottas has the bit between his teeth.
Vettel appears to be totally demoralised.

They've never had team orders - go back to the Nico/Lewis fights.....
Ricciardo was a the first to get inside Vettel's head....

[speedy70]

last years russian grand Prix Bottas was instructed to let Hamilton pass which he duly did.

Panther you owe me an apology which then makes us even hehe.

Cheers chris

[Panther_99FS]

last years russian grand Prix Bottas was instructed to let Hamilton pass which he duly did.

Panther you owe me an apology which then makes us even hehe.

Cheers chris

LoL one race....
But out of the COMPETITIVE teams, you could argue that no team lets their drivers race more than Mercedes....Not Ferrari, Not Red Bull.....

[wombat666]

Way more than one race Ed.
Let's not overlook the fact that Louise is paid a vast amount of $$$ compared to Valteri as well, so MB do have a pecking order.
As for Vettel, he should retire, he appears to have a fragile psyche and I doubt FIAT will put a leash on their young French charger, unless he threatens a sure 1-2 finish.
Caught a snippet of silliness with the 'Iceman' (the usual R/C car racing segment) and he's very relaxed and chatty, perhaps Vettel could take lessons.

[Panther_99FS]

Way more than one race Ed.

What were the other "way more" races that Bottas had orders?

[huub vink]

Hamilton obviously was faster than the rest, including his team mate.

Ferrari ruined Charles Leclec's race, at least in my opinion. It seemed to me that the young Frenchman was faster than Vettel, but became victim of Ferrari's somewhat odd tire strategy. Even after allowing Vettel to pass, Ferrari should have been able to keep him in front of Verstappen.

For the rest the race was quite boring.................... (well both drivers from Torro Rosso provided some excitement ).

Cheers,
Huub

[Roxane-21]

I doubt FIAT will put a leash on their young French charger

It seemed to me that the young Frenchman was faster than Vettel

Charles Leclerc is not French. He is from Monaco.

But I agree Ferrari ruined Leclerc's race to let Vettel try to chase the Mercedes, although it was obvious Vettel would never have been able to catch them.

[Panther_99FS]

- Tough to tell which power plant is faster between Renault and Honda since Red Bull obviously have the better chassis and aero...
- One driver takes out BOTH McLaren's!

- Gasly?

[huub vink]

Charles Leclerc is not French. He is from Monaco.

Oops................ You're correct of course. He is one of the few drivers living in Monaco who was actually born there.

@Panther_99FS

- Looking at the pace of the Torro Rosso's, I think the Honda is the faster engine.

- Daniil Kvyat claims he had a moment of "over steer" and couldn't avoid the McLarens. There is some discussion whether he really deserved the drive through penalty.

- Gasly is young in experience and has just arrived in a top team. I'm convinced when Helmut Marko allows him some time, he will find his way.

Cheers,
Huub

[wombat666]

And after the last few seasons of Honda struggling to get the power plant sorted it appears to have grunt and reliability!
Gasly is quick, I loved the late stop for soft rubber and his subsequent reward of the fastest race lap point.
STR obviously are benefiting from Honda power as well, despite Danill's 'racing incident' he managed to put in some quick laps before retiring, while his teamate was outstanding starting from the pit lane and driving into the points.
Kvyat should not have been penalised, watching replays he received a little 'help' when he tangled with the McLarens but the muppets who comprise race control seem to be obliged to penalisea driver or drivers......