Grand Prix 2013 Indian Grand Prix Practice, Qualifying & Race Discussion

Here's CTA's discussion thread on the Indian GP, as F1 travels to New Delhi from October 25-27:

WDC:

Despite the best efforts of Webber and RoGro, Vettel needs only a fifth place finish to secure his 4th title, which means its all over in the WDC. But the drivers down the grid have more than pride at stake.

Alonso's lack of performance over the last 2 races, better pace from Hamilton and Kimi and the lack of any bad luck for Webber means that the 2nd to 5th positions in the WDC are yet to be settled. And good performances (or the lack of it) from several drivers (Hulkenberg, Massa, Sutil, Di Resta to name a few) could still determine where (and if) they are driving next season.

WCC:

RBR may be on the verge of winning the WCC, but only 33 points separate 2nd placed Ferrari from 4th placed Lotus, and the battle for 2nd position (very important from a monetary standpoint) is poised to go down to the last couple of races. Sauber and McLaren may have secured their respective positions from their rivals, but can McLaren get that elusive podium to avoid the record books from being rewritten.

Circuit and Race:

Despite having an interesting track layout, with each and every lap of the Indian GP being led by Vettel to date, its no wonder that the past races don't trigger too many memories. And with race not being held next year, a good race and crowd support will be essential for the race to return in 2015.

But throw in some encouraging signs from the Japanese GP (atleast Vettel didn't win it in Lap 1) and the tyre degradation battles in the last 2 races (tracks similar in nature to the BIC) and who knows, we could have an interesting Indian GP. But one things for sure, it will be a pleasant surprise if we dont see that finger....

 

[Kewee]

Kewee I almost never agree with you. But this is just spot on!

Thank you GermanF1, your comment means more than you can imagine. By the way, we've shared quite a few likes so we must agree more than you can remember.

 

[Kewee]

My sister in law is Thai, lives in Thailand, is a huge F1 fan and is super excited they are getting a GP.

I missed the part where F1 became a sport for the poor and only takes on new ventures if it's part of an economic development programme.

I'm not suggesting F1 should be part of an economic development plan though it seems like a good idea. I'm sure you haven't missed my point. F1 is awash with obscene amounts of money and it seems even more obscene that FOM can walk away from a country increasing its own wealth while leaving the country it visited poorer. It's simply a question of balance, both should benefit, in fact with the money involved there should be no losers. Of course there will be Thai's that are excited, I would expect many will be, that doesn't mean the country doesn't need help from abroad, which is why the government shouldn't be underwriting F1.

 

[Hamberg]

Kewee I genuinely do not disagree with you about the rights and wrongs of what's happening but... F1 is the sporting elite, it's not environmentally friendly, not economical, sponsorship is starting to matter more than talent, a lot of drivers live in tax havens and even in Britain working people can't afford to watch it live.

I've also worked in developing countries. Bernie may be opportunistic but if it wasn't F1 the governments would spend the money on some other capitalist venture rather than the poverty stricken regions.

I was amazed that I found a shack in E. Africa showing F1 and even more shocked at the amount of locals (probably also living without electricity and running water) watching it because LH was driving, even if they did insist he was Kenyan. I think we are underestimating the power, reach and joy of this sport.

 

[LJKSet]

I don't think a Thai GP is going to happen.

http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/story/109939.html

Incidentally, there is a whole lot of money in Thailand. Let us just say that it is not always used appropriately.

 

[Kewee]

LJKSet ...... I'm very aware there's a whole lot of money in Thailand. There's also a whole lot of money in India. I do regular business with a company in India that as far back as 20 years ago had a turnover of over US$300 million. I hope your sitting down, this is a privately owned family business run by three generations, their turnover has increased dramatically since those figures I've quoted. None of this of course makes a scrap of difference to the hundreds of millions who live in appalling poverty. I honestly couldn't make the money I do without trying to help those less fortunate. You can't put monetary value on the smile of a small child, my greatest regret is being unable to help more.

 

[Brogan]

This thread has been off topic for the last few pages.

Back to the race discussion please.

 

[LifeW12]

I will drag it back to the race itself.

Will Vettel actually let Webber win one before the end of the season?

 

[Greenlantern101]

What you mean actively pull over and let him pass. Maybe. I think Seb is a complex guy. Who knows whats in his mind.

But not until he has the championship in the bag.

 

[rufus_mcdufus]

Depends where their friendship is - I get the impression there's no love lost between them so I'm inclined to think Seb won't let Webber win one.

 

[sushifiesta]

I doubt that Vettel would let Webber win and also that Webber would want Vettel to let him win. Webber may win a race this year either courtesy of a problem for Vettel or on merit, but I don't think a win will be gifted.

 

[FB]

Maybe they could try and stage a dead heat

 

[MCLS]

I expect a Brazil 2011 style arrangement then

 

[Titch]

I will drag it back to the race itself.

Will Vettel actually let Webber win one before the end of the season?

I can't see it happening.

 

[Johnny Carwash]

Have a feeling at the end of the race Sebastian Vettel will be level with Alain Prost in World Championships that they have won.

 

[LifeW12]

Except Alain Prost did it the hard way, with unreliable cars & Senna

I got a lot of respect for Prost after watching the 1986 season and how he managed to beat the Williams Hondas straight up. Yeah he didn't have the personality or look fast on the circuit, but he delivered with the inferior car at the time.

 

[Westy]

I do believe that he had a hard road to his championships (not including 1993). He had some tough opposition but he had the FIA on his side. Just think of the ****storm if Vettel won a championship the way Prost beat Senna in '89. I think the internet would break.

 

[teabagyokel]

Westy - Yeah, and imagine the shitstorm had Senna beat Prost the way he did in 1990. I'll think about it after Nelsinho Piquet's next start.

 

[Westy]

teabagyokel - I completely agree, Senna should not have done what he did. He was good enough to beat Prost outright and shouldn't have sunk as low as he did. I just used Prost as he is who Vettel will equal this weekend. Not trying to say I agree with Senna's approach but not Prost's.

 

[RasputinLives]

Maybe we should start a "What past F1 events would have made Brogan's life a nightmare if CTA had been around"

James Hunt being disqualified after winning the British Grand Prix in 1976. Crumbs! Hang up your mod role quick.

 

[FB]

Given the variety of debate about anything other than the Indian GP I not sensing a lot of love for either the event or the potential result.

In the midfield "Slasher" Sutil wants a top ten finish but what struck me was this odd quote:

So far we have a good car but it is not like Red Bull or Ferrari. If we will have a engine like them we can also perform in seconds. Hope it will be more advanced car next year. But I am happy with the car I have.

Read more at: http://ibnlive.in.com/news/i-will-t...sutil/429906-5-24.html?utm_source=ref_article

If we have a engine like them? Is his car not using the same engine with which both Rosberg and Hamilton have both won races this season?