Grand Prix 2011 European Grand Prix Practice, Qualifying & Race Discussion

Got your breath back yet?

After an exhilarating grand prix which lasted for record time, it seems as if there is renewed optimism that Sebastian Vettel can be caught after a last lap slip in the moist conditions in Canada allowing Jenson Button to take his first win for over a year despite a turbulent race which included crashes with Alonso and team-mate Hamilton, a puncture and a drive through.

However, a candidate for most improved driver since the season started is a certain Michael Schumacher. Ridiculed early on after a poor start, he seems to have found the groove again and if it hadn't have been for the last safety car, he arguably would have gotten his first podium since returning to the sport, indeed he was closing the gap to Vettel and could even have taken the win at one of his favourite circuits. Now that he has overtaken Rosberg in the standings, is it time for him to push on and show that he is worth the 7 world championships to his name?

Another name that has been bandied about the press recently is Lewis Hamilton, after a disappointing race in Monaco, he followed it with a worse showing at one of his most successful circuits. During the race he hit everything that moved, and seemed to take the blame for most if not all of the incidents, whether he deserves the current criticism is another thing entirely. He knows he needs a strong showing in Valencia where he has finished 2nd on every single visit so far to the Spanish circuit.

It is the second home race of the year for Fernando Alonso, but it looks like he is going to need more than home support to beat the Red Bulls here, however an improved showing in Canada was masked by a clumsy incident with Button which punted him out of the grand prix. Felipe Massa had an overall strong race and recovered form an impact in the wall to finish 6th after beating Kobayashi in a drag race to the line.

Williams claimed their first points of the year finally with Barrichello claiming a handful of points while Toro Rosso managed to get both drivers into the points which will go some way into relieving the pressure on the two embattled drivers who will no doubt be looking over his shoulder.

Looking ahead to Valencia, it is easy for people not to get their hopes up about any exciting racing as the European Grand Prix here hasn't been known for frantic racing, particularly as the 2009 race didn't have any overtaking whatsoever, yes, there were 0 overtakes. But with a combination of two long straights and the new dual DRS zones, we should be seeing tons of overtaking into the hairpin, remember Kobayashi's overtake on Alonso late on last year.

No doubt Mark Webber will want to eradicate last years memories where he found that Red Bull literally did give him wings when he flew 360 degrees in the air after tagging Kovalainens lotus at high speed, seeing as this happened in what will probably be a DRS zone this year, I sincerely hope we do not see a repeat, while Webber walked away unharmed, it is never nice to see that happen in any kind of motorsport.

For Galahads superb circuit write up, see here http://cliptheapex.com/pages/valencia-street-circuit/
 
When Sebastian Vettel starts on pole, this is where he finishes:

CTA.jpg
 
I'm glad that Lewis is starting from 3rd place rather than 2nd, hopefully at the start he will be able to get the jump on Mark.......but he must keep a wary eye on Fernando.
 
I think Lewis is in a pretty difficult position, actually. Obviously he wants to gain as many places as possible as that's his nature, but Fernando's starts have been pretty awesome, so he'll need to defend from him as well. Should be interesting to watch.
 
Its the same top 5 as last year's grid. (JB was 7th with Kubica 6th).

At the end of lap 1, Vettel lead with Hamilton 2nd and the two Ferraris in 3rd and 4th in their customary order.
Webber was in 9th place!
 
Strangled, Lewis is starting from the side whicih has more grip, and ideally positioned to take advantage if......if Sebastian and Mark create any problems for themselves, and throw in Fernando's recent excellent start, could make for a very exciting start to the first turn.
 
We can only hope the "Pirelli effect" will serve up an exciting race otherwise it could all be over by the end of lap one, or sooner.

I don't really expect that. In recent races Red Bull haven't had the fastest car. If Lewis can clear the backmarker i'd make him 50/50 for the win. It is only Quali that is ruining the season.

Either great or rubbish, sums up Hamilton rather well actually.

I see that as a good thing. I've always liked the all or nothing approach to sport and Hamilton is king of it and let's face it, most of the time it is all.
 
Looking at the more interesting parts of the grid...

- Heidfeld doing well to get through to Q3, at the expense of Petrov
- Sutil likewise turning the tables on di Resta
- Lotus still miles behind I'm afraid. You can complain about not having KERS; that was your choice
- Alguersuari must be able to see the sword of Damocles hovering into view around about now
- Don't talk about Williams. Just don't.
 
This is starting to get a bit predictable...

(The tyres are ruining qualifying also, they (the FIA) need to implement a rule to ensure everybody (if they are able to) takes part in qualifying)
 
I don't think that is the problem with quali though. If some people want to gamble on 10th place and fresh tyres - let them. It is the 1 run Q3's that have been bad, as well as the fact that only one car is capable of getting pole, and only 1 driver with that car is capable.

Also, the coverage of Q3 needs improving as well.
 
Following TBY's tubular bells graphics, the law of communicating vessels predicts Lewis will finish 4th,Vettel 5th,Fernando 6th.
 
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