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[spankyham]

Lap times from second practice

[pdfview]http://miascuderia.com/media/2014/10-Germany/2014_10_GER_F1_P2_Timing_SecondPracticeSessionLapTimes_V01.pdf[/pdfview]

** EDIT ** I was thinking about how the German GP alternates between the 2 tracks so I created a poll about which one is preferred, if you like share why you made your choice

[sagi58]

OK... I've made no secret of the fact that I don't like statistics.
((Yes, that's the understatement of the year... ))

But, I also appreciate that a lot of people do like statistics, so this one if for them!!
A lot of focus has been put on the fact that even though he has 2 DNFs to Rosberg's
single non-finish, Hamilton is only four points behind him in the championship race.
Considering that Hamilton lost between 18-25 points (assuming a first/second place
finish) in the one more DNF, that's quite a feat!

I was reading Hamilton reveals why title battle with Rosberg is so close this year,
last night and something struck me. There is another way to look at this!! Even though
Hamilton has 5 wins to Rosberg's 3, Rosberg is still four points ahead! And, considering
that's a loss of about 14 points (2 races with a second instead of a first place finish),
that's also quite a feat!

Is the "wise man" right? Is it a case of it being 6 of one, half dozen of the other??
Or did I get my numbers mixed up?

[spankyham]

Rosberg has done a great job, maximizing the points he can harvest from each race. That backs up your thoughts Sagi. But, for me, I believe Lewis is a level above Nico as a driver. In the end I expect him to win the WDC comfortably this year.

[sagi58]

Probably... then again, stranger things have happened, eh?

[spankyham]

Bottas to win in Germany?

If the Mercedes cars lasts the distance it looks like a Rosberg win and Hamilton should be able to get on the podium. If one or both of those fail Williams will benefit, so Bottas is in the box seat to benefit. IMO he should ignore the Mercedes and drive like he is leading the race. For Fernando probably 5th is a realistic position to aim for, but again if the Mercedes fail he might sneak a podium. Kimi still doesn't look comfortable so I think 7th may be his mark. I also think the RB's could come into their own because of tire wear. With the RB10's good df levels helping tire deg management perhaps they will gain some advantage. It looked to me like they cranked up the df which will also help them a lot if it rains.

[spankyham]

For me Nurburgring is a way better circuit than Hockenheim. I don't rate Hockenheim both before and after its last redesign.

[sagi58]

Bottas to win in Germany?...
...For Fernando probably 5th is a realistic position to aim for...
...Kimi still doesn't look comfortable so I think 7th may be his mark...

Nope... Alonso for the win...
Nope... Bottas 3rd...
Nope... Kimi 5th...

At least, those were my picks for this race...
I think...

[spankyham]

You didn't pick your preference on German race track .... in the poll here?

[spankyham]

I love your optimism Sagi, but, if I was on the pit wall today, I'd consider a long shot strategy. Perhaps short fuel one of the cars by say 15 laps and bank on a long SC period - they are saying 50% chance of rain.

[Ferrari man 009]

Hopefully we get some wet/changeable conditions as this will benefit Alonso. The playing field will be levelled more and Alonso can use his driving skill to get the Ferrari up towards the podium.

As for the actual race, in the best interests of a race at the front I hope Bottas gets Rosberg off the start. Otherwise Rosberg is going to run and hide, wet or dry!

[sagi58]

You didn't pick your preference on German race track .... in the poll here?

Honestly... I am not very good at choosing a better track based on its characteristics...
the only characteristic I recognize is.........fast.....

[sagi58]

I love your optimism Sagi, but, if I was on the pit wall today, I'd consider a long shot strategy. Perhaps short fuel one of the cars by say 15 laps and bank on a long SC period - they are saying 50% chance of rain.

Mai dire mai!!!

That's the "one" thing I've learnt about F1...
You just never know... even a "sure shot" is open to failure!!
Even a "long shot" can succeed!!

[spankyham]

Hehe, I think I'm gonna remember this as the "lift and coast" F1 season.

[spankyham]

Just watching the GP2's, some seriously good racing and the drivers going at it from start to finish.
Still 8 laps to go and they are doing 1 27s. These guys are providing some great racing and passing everywhere ..... with no drs - yeah baby! !

[spankyham]

I'm staying up to watch watch race 2. Track wet, but it's spotted raining. Half the field on slicks. Looks too wet to be on slicks