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ESPNF1;The inside of turn nine is not the prettiest part of the Circuit de Catalunya but it does provide close up action of the cars in a high-speed corner. In qualifying trim it should be taken in sixth gear, but a downshift on entry is needed with heavier fuel loads. First up the Marussia and Caterham come through, both shifting down before the corner and waiting until the car is beyond the apex to get back on the throttle – they both appear to be on long runs so this is what a car with limited downforce looks like on a heavy fuel load. It’s a good starting point to judge the rest.
The Sauber and Force India also require a downshift but both are on race simulations so perhaps it isn’t a surprise, especially as the tyres suffer from degradation. They run in tandem suggesting they are fairly evenly matched and both are able to pick up the throttle well before the Caterham and Marussia. Then comes Vettel on a set of unmarked tyres - the difference is clear.
The throttle remains at least partially open throughout the corner and the car looks settled as it holds on to sixth. The extra downforce is visible, although he is also helped by fresher tyres. After his third flying lap the lift becomes more prevalent suggesting the tyres have already given their best, but the car is still hugely impressive compared to what’s gone before (and these weren’t even his fastest laps of the day, let alone close to Rosberg’s).
Rosberg now joins the fun on medium tyres and a heavier fuel load. There is a lift clear off the throttle, but he’s back on again soon after the apex without a downshift. Button also comes through but is clearly on a completely different programme. He has hard tyres and needs a downshift on entry. The positive to be drawn from it is that he is incredibly consistent and the car looks planted.
Last up it’s Alonso on unmarked tyres. On his first attempt he seems as committed as Vettel, but the Ferrari is not as flat and comfortable in the corner as the Red Bull. Unfortunately a second look never comes as he then gets bottled up behind Rosberg on the next lap who is starting to struggle with his much older medium tyres. Time to head back to the media centre.
Dude ate some street food and got poisoning.
Dude ate some street food and got poisoning.
A lot of teams seem to have completed a very healthy amount of laps today.
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