FP3: How useful is it?

[sushifiesta]

Average FP3 position of the driver who set the fastest qualifying time in 2011 and 2012:

In 2011 there were only three occasions where the pole sitter wasn't in the top three in FP3. In 2012 Hamilton is bucking the trend by placing 16th and 9th in FP3 in Spain/Malaysia and then going on to set the fastest qualifying time.

 

[landogeorgelewis1]

As fans we probably don't understand FP3 because its not explained to us why it is needed. But to F1 teams it is vital for the drivers to get in an hour on the day for qualifying to get some knowledge of the circuit on that day. Because weather plays a big part in F1, should it rain overnight the track is known to be "green" and plus wind directions could have changed. Like i said it may not be understood by us fans why we need FP3.

 

[no-FIAt-please]

Didn't realise RBR almost had an FP3 lockout in 2011, Hamilton strikes again!

 

[Mezzer]

I'd like to see DRS calibration in FP3 so that it was totally blocked in quali ...

 

[tooncheese]

Didn't realise RBR almost had an FP3 lockout in 2011, Hamilton strikes again!

They didn't, the driver in the table is who got pole position, and where they were in FP3.

 

[no-FIAt-please]

 

[Galahad]

The teams used to say that the race day warm-up was essential, then it was taken away and, hey, it turns out they can manage without it after all.

The racing might be yet more unpredictable if the only practice was the parade lap to the grid. Somehow I doubt it, though.