Valencia Test

[Muddytalker]

McLaren may well be a lot less than delighted since this type of track is the very type that last years car thrived on. Giving them even more cause for concern than would usually be the case. If they still haven't sorted the fast corner deficiencies then there is going to be some restructuring going on and not necessarily with the car.

Possibly over-compensating the fast corner improvements in exchange for speed on the twisty circuits?

I'm still not convinced these times are too definitive, although the Ferrari looks to be quick. Has there been any relaxing on the engine freeze to allow for changes in the fuel consumption? If not, then they might just have swapped last year's lemon for a peach.

McLaren are very regimental in their approach, so they might just be following a strict testing pattern rather than going for a willy-waving contest. BMW Sauber? Possibly running light looking for sponsorship, or maybe they have done a Brawn, who knows?

 

[snowy]

Thanks for all the updates again today snowy, really appreciate it

Di nada.

 

[snowy]

McLaren are very regimental in their approach, so they might just be following a strict testing pattern rather than going for a willy-waving contest.

I know Lewis, and he would have wanted to lay down a marker for Jenson. It is possible that he has laid down a marker that only Jenson can see but some how I doubt it.

Added to that the mumblings coming from McLaren are very reminiscent of those at last years tests. They didn't panic then either, they just didn't express any real enthusiasm for the car. Compare that to the effulsive praise Jenson had for the Brawn last year and you get the picture. If tomorrow Jenson's face and expression light up and he starts giggling like a girl we'll know there isn't much to worry about.

Lewis Hamilton says he is satisfied with his first experience of McLaren's 2010 car

 

[snowy]

Day 1. F. Massa Ferrari F10 1:12.574
Day 2. F. Massa Ferrari F10 1:11.722
Difference: 0.852

Day 1. P. de la Rosa BMW Sauber C25 1:12.784
Day 2. K. Kobayashi Sauber C29 1:12.056
Difference: 0.728

Day 1. M. Schumacher Mercedes GP W01 1:13.449
Day 2. N. Rosberg Mercedes GP W01 1:12.899
Difference: 0.550

Day 1. R. Barrichello Williams FW32 1:14.449
Day 2. R. Barrichello WilliamsFW32 1:13.377
Difference: 1.072

Day 1. G. Paffett McLaren MP4-25 1:13.846
Day 2. L. Hamilton McLaren MP4-25 1:12.256
Difference: 1.590

Day 1. S. Buemi Toro Rosso STR5 1:16.333
Day 2. S. Buemi Toro RossoSTR5 1:13.849
Difference: 2.484

7. R. Kubica Renault R30 1:15.298 Day 1
4. R. Kubica Renault R30 1:12.426 Day 2
Difference: 2.872

(possibly more representitive)
Day 1. S. Buemi Toro Rosso STR5 1:16.333
Day 2. S. Buemi Toro Rosso STR5 1:14.862
1.471

Day 1. R. Kubica Renault R30 1:15.298
Day 2. R. Kubica Renault R30 1:13.659
Difference: 1.639

 

[cider_and_toast]

so it we are still not getting the complete picture here because it's clear to see that the day 2 times were quicker across the board.

Obviously the teams are getting a better feel for the cars, the track is rubbering in and perhaps the temperatures were more favourable.

It's going to be a few more days of testing yet before we get the real picture.

 

[Brogan]

It's going to be a few more days ... yet before we get the real picture.

Possibly about 38 or so

 

[snowy]

Oh ye of little faith.

 

[teabagyokel]

It's going to be a few more days ... yet before we get the real picture.

Possibly about 38 or so

Sometime on Saturday 14th March in the evening by my count...

 

[FB]

Did they get cushion for Rosberg to sit on for today's test? I read somewhere yesterday that he was slower than Schumie as he was too low in the cockpit so couldn't see where he was going. Pretty fundamental mistake for Rosss Brawn to make, unless he is already giving Schumie preferential treatment.

 

[teabagyokel]

That would not surprise me, Schu gets the high seat!

 

[cider_and_toast]

I wonder how long before Schumacher insists on his "lucky" contract.

You know the one where the car with the lowest number isn't allowed to be passed by the car with the higher number.

 

[snowy]

Valencia Test Day 3

Day 3

1. P. de la Rosa	Sauber	C29	1:12.298	 	6  	pit

2. J. Alguersuari	Toro Rosso STR5	1:13.527	+1.229	11 	pit

3. M. Schumacher	Mercedes GP W01	1:14.889	+2.591	5 	pit

4. F. Alonso		Ferrari	F10	1:15.351	+3.053	4 	pit

5. N. Hülkenberg	Williams FW32	1:17.723	+5.425	5 	pit

6. J. Button		McLaren	MP4-25	1:32.980	+20.682	3 	pit



1. P. de la Rosa	Sauber	C29 	1:12.298	 	6  	pit

2. J. Alguersuari	Toro Rosso STR5	1:13.527	+1.229	11 	pit

3. F. Alonso		Ferrari	F10	1:13.646	+1.348	6 	pit

4. M. Schumacher	Mercedes GP W01	1:14.889	+2.591	5 	pit

5. N. Hülkenberg	Williams FW32	1:17.723	+5.425	5 	pit

6. V. Petrov		Renault	R30	1:21.312	+9.014	5 	pit

7. J. Button		McLaren	MP4-25	1:32.980	+20.682	3 	pit   	



1. F. Alonso		Ferrari	F10	1:11.905	 	14  	pit

2. P. de la Rosa 	Sauber	C29	1:12.298	+0.393	6 	pit

3. J. Alguersuari 	Toro Rosso STR5	1:12.576	+0.671	17 	pit

4. M. Schumacher 	Mercedes GP W01	1:13.987	+2.082	11 	pit

5. V. Petrov		Renault	R30	1:17.425	+5.520	9 	pit

6. N. Hülkenberg 	Williams FW32	1:17.723	+5.818	5 	pit

7. J. Button		McLaren	MP4-25	1:32.980	+21.075	3 	pit

 

[fat jez]

Anyone know if Button's McLaren is missing 6th gear?

 

[snowy]

I think the set up for Lewis is so completely alien that they are busy changing every setting on the car.

 

[snowy]

1. F. Alonso		Ferrari	F10	1:11.905	 	14  	pit

2. P. de la Rosa	Sauber	C29	1:12.293	+0.388	6 	pit

3. M. Schumacher	Mercedes GP W01	1:12.546	+0.641	16 	pit

4. J. Alguersuari	Toro Rosso STR5	1:12.576	+0.671	21 	pit

5. N. Hülkenberg	Williams FW32	1:14.619	+2.714	20 	pit

6. V. Petrov		Renault	R30	1:15.240	+3.335	15 	pit

7. J. Button		McLaren	MP4-25	1:32.980	+21.075	3 	pit

 

[snowy]

Pedro brought out the red flag very early in the session after just 5 laps and hasn't been seen since. Jenson did an installation lap and has sat in the garage for over an hour twiddling his thumbs and biting his nails I imagine...

 

[Brogan]

What was the red flag for? Did he crash?

I bet Button's getting worried as this is his first chance of a test and he's only done 3 laps with half the day gone.

 

[fat jez]

He collided with Hulkenberg

Button has just gone back out.

 

[snowy]

11:50cet

1. F. Alonso		Ferrari	F10	1:11.905	 	14  	pit

2. P. de la Rosa	Sauber	C29	1:12.094	+0.189	11 	pit

3. M. Schumacher	Mercedes GP W01	1:12.450	+0.545	21 	pit

4. J. Alguersuari	Toro Rosso STR5	1:12.576	+0.671	32 	pit

5. N. Hülkenberg	Williams FW32	1:14.410	+2.505	33 	pit

6. V. Petrov		Renault	R30	1:15.240	+3.335	15 	pit

7. J. Button		McLaren	MP4-25	1:16.263	+4.358	6 	pit

 

[FB]

I don't want to pre-judge but is it fair to summarise testing so far as:

Ferrari - quick
Sauber - where the hell did that pace come from?
Merecedes - there, or there abouts
Torro Rosso - good job on your first car, might snaffle a few points.
Williams - mid grid medicority
Renault - why are you bothering?
Mclaren - Please, not again.

BTW, just checked on another F1 discussion board and there are no "Button chokes in testing" postings. Should I start one?