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[nish2280]

I'm really starting to like Paul:

[andrew]

Andrew, I think you're missing the point. This wasn't just "one bad showing" and this is not at all akin to abandoning a car after the first race. Vettel/RBR dominance has been a trend throughout this whole season, and changed very little today, and even their closest competitor was severely set back.

Anyway, I don't think they'll completely give up on 2011. Maybe they'll accept that they can't win, but the amount of money they get from F1 profits depends on how strongly hey finish, right? So they're still battling Ferrari and Mercedes for that. I'm sure they will start splitting their attention between this year's car and 2012 if they haven't already.

I'm not missing any point. McLaren have been second to Red Bull all year. So far, this race is their only low point their season as they are out of their normal placing. You are right that Red Bull have dominated the whole season but McLaren have been the only ones to consistently take the fight to them. To give up on that would be extremely disappointing. Whilst I am happy with Vettel running away with the title, I still want another team to push him and Red Bull. McLaren are the only ones to do this consistently.

Giving up on 2011 is a huge risk. Not only do they risk loosing 2nd this year to Ferrari, there are no guarantees about next year. Look at Merc. Longest development period and they are no where.

I think the next 2 races will be key to deciding what to do next as the rules should be stabilised and clear by then.

I'm really starting to like Paul:

Yep, he's a good level headed loon.

[Ri21]

I think this weekend has been a farce really...going back and forth about the blown diffuser saga...i seriously think the FIA have badly messed up this weekend...the way things have panned out over the last two days have in my eyes been kinda pathetic....none of the teams knew where they we're and things were not made very clear even before qualifying.

I think someone mentioned earlier that if things are not sorted out properly before the race tomorrow then which ever teams that havent really benefitted from it (e.g. Mclaren) can probably protest against what has happened this weekend

Anywhoo enough talk of that

It was a real shame to see Lewis down in 10th (annoyed me that they sent him out on used soft tyres - comes back to me questioning Mclarens strategy again)

Nice to see Paul Di Resta in 6th and Jenson didnt do too badly in 5th although he seemed off pace for my liking

BUT tomorrow is a new day and who knows whats gonna happen (it is F1 afterall)

Would like to see all 3 British drivers do well but im guessing its highly unlikely ....i think Alonso has got a good chance of winning it (that actually hurt writing that)

Anyway ill be happy if someone other then Vettel wins the race (i dont dislike Vettel i just wanna see a closer championship)

AND for ALL who are there - i hope you are all having a great time (im not jealous one little bit )

[f1ea]

Its shaping up to be a great race. While Ferrari are ahead of Button, there's no way to discard him at keeping the fight for the podium happening. Weather could play up a bit, so it will definitely be interesting. But it looks like Alonso can definitely take the win.

Vettel is finally showing some flesh and bones... and yet he's P2. LOL

The rookies look great. This is definitely the best group of young drivers in a looooong time.

Hamilton P10 should be a bit worrying. The midfield is tough and Mclaren hasnt really looked solid this weekend, which means Lewis is quite possibly pretty anxious. Good advice would be to keep it calm. But since he doesnt give a toss.... he'll probably crash in a fight with the likes of Kobayashi, Di resta et al.

[FerrariFan63]

I've only now just seen the qualifying session.

Having been overwhelmed by work all week, there was no way I could keep track of what was happening with the blown diffuser thing and really don't know what the current situation is. But, even given that, I'm not sure I understand why McLaren seem to be the team that has suffered most from the changes.

With Red Bull's supposed biggest advantage nullified, and with us still having a Red Bull 1-2, surely that means they're going to steamroller the championships. Good chance for Ferrari to take the fight to them tomorrow though

Brilliant result for Di Resta.

[acosmichippo]

2011 WDC = Sebastian Vettel

Maybe someone should go on record and tell Mclaren to start working on their 2012 car...it seems the more they mess with this car with updates, the more backwards it goes. Rule change or not, its no excuse to go from where they were in Melbourne to being solid 3rd best in Valencia onwards.

I've been thinking about this... their performance gain between winter practice and Australia was mainly due to the exhaust system, right? I guess it only makes sense that if it's nullified, they'd suffer a huge setback.

[Crawf]

Poor Ricciardo! Why on earth did Hispania send out Liuzzi and not Ricciardo for a 2nd run if they knew weather was on the way?!? Ricciardo has been a few tenths ahead of him all weekend....he coulda pushed d'Ambrosio for P22 IMO

[darwin dali]

Poor Ricciardo! Why on earth did Hispania send out Liuzzi and not Ricciardo for a 2nd run if they knew weather was on the way?!? Ricciardo has been a few tenths ahead of him all weekend....he coulda pushed d'Ambrosio for P22 IMO

Does it matter?

[Herbs]

Poor Ricciardo! Why on earth did Hispania send out Liuzzi and not Ricciardo for a 2nd run if they knew weather was on the way?!? Ricciardo has been a few tenths ahead of him all weekend....he coulda pushed d'Ambrosio for P22 IMO

Does it matter?

It does to us!

[Crawf]

Poor Ricciardo! Why on earth did Hispania send out Liuzzi and not Ricciardo for a 2nd run if they knew weather was on the way?!? Ricciardo has been a few tenths ahead of him all weekend....he coulda pushed d'Ambrosio for P22 IMO

Does it matter?

Woulda been nice to see Ricciardo ahead of Liuzzi like he has been most of the weekend.

Race will be interesting. What's the forecast?

[spankyham]

A few SF pics for the Tifosi

[Hammer278]

2011 WDC = Sebastian Vettel

Maybe someone should go on record and tell Mclaren to start working on their 2012 car...it seems the more they mess with this car with updates, the more backwards it goes. Rule change or not, its no excuse to go from where they were in Melbourne to being solid 3rd best in Valencia onwards.

I've been thinking about this... their performance gain between winter practice and Australia was mainly due to the exhaust system, right? I guess it only makes sense that if it's nullified, they'd suffer a huge setback.

It was a last minute back up plan which let them back in the fight. They had a car which was a last minute put together which was actually 'close' to Redbull. From there onwards, they've either been stagnant or going backwards...and this regulation change has got them going even more backwards, sorry but exhausts are only 1 significant part of the car, the overall aero has many many sectors for improvement...exhaust reg changes aren't good enough for McLaren to justify their serious lack of pace.

[acosmichippo]

so why WERE they so off the pace in qualifying?

[Coronis]

so why WERE they so off the pace in qualifying?

Well Hamilton was 10th because he didn't go all out on his lap, one the used softs, which wouldn't have been that far off. In general though, Mclaren seem to be slipping, and this new regulation doesn't seem to have helped. Renault seems to be the most affected, both of them were so far down. I really hope Ricciardo does well tonight, at least beating Liuzzi. Toro Rosso also seems to be a bit behind the ball. Great to see Heikki in Q2 again though he really should be with a better team.

[Ri21]

Well good morning everybody....tis race day today

And of course im hoping for a MIRACLE that somehow enables Lewis/Jenson and Paul to all do really well today..(yes wishful thinking i know but you never know )

For everyone whos actually at Silverstone i hope its a cracking race and that you all really enjoy yourselves whilst i watch it on the bbc with a nice sunday dinner

i would be happy with anyone winning (well out of the top 6 drivers in the championship) other then Vettel (not a hater just want a closer competition)