2011 Canadian Grand Prix Discussion Thread

TomWazzleshaw · Post by **TomWazzleshaw** » 10 Jun 2011, 08:56

I'll let Mario do the big introduction post about who's bringing what updates and the like but I only wanted to open the thread to bring your attention to this weather forecast.

Mister Fungus · Post by **Mister Fungus** » 10 Jun 2011, 09:11

And I certainly pray for rain, because the DRS zones look waaaaay over the top.

madmark1974 · Post by **madmark1974** » 10 Jun 2011, 09:23

Mister Fungus wrote:And I certainly pray for rain, because the DRS zones look waaaaay over the top.

Interesting, as most of the DRS overtakes have been made at the end of the straights so far, will there be a case for dropping behind and trying to pick up a slipstream from the DRS activated car once
it blasts past you? Not sure how following a car with the wing open affects the airflow - would the slipstream be greater?

Ferrim · Post by **Ferrim** » 10 Jun 2011, 09:43

DRS will clearly be over the top at this race. You usually can overtake in Montreal anyway; if they had to put a DRS zone it would have made more sense to do it between corners 7 and 8. That way you could get someone overtaking or pretty much side by side into turn 8, then the fight could continue into the hairpin. Or you could have someone very close before turn 8 so that he would have a good chance at the hairpin. And you could still overtake down the long straight -that's always happened.

This way you could get three overtaking spots with a single DRS zone, and none of them would be easy.

Post by **mario** » 10 Jun 2011, 09:53

Wizzie wrote:I'll let Mario do the big introduction post about who's bringing what updates and the like but I only wanted to open the thread to bring your attention to this weather forecast.

You must have read my thoughts - speaking of which, it looks like a few updates are being revealed. But, you're right to point out the importance of the weather forecasts - especially if both the qualifying session and the race are in wet conditions.
That would be a real challenge - it's been a few years since the last fully wet race in Canada (I think the last wet race was in 2000), most of the drivers haven't even driven in wet conditions with the new tyres, and we have not got that much of a clue how the Pirelli wet tyres will behave. OK, I think a few drivers did use them in the off season - I recall Webber did, and he seemed to suggest that the full wets were fairly durable (although the intermediate tyres are quite poor, since they can only clear away a small amount of water). At the very least, if both sessions are wet, then it'll be a real challenge for the teams to manage their tyres due to the relatively low number of wet tyres available to the teams.
Speaking of Pirelli, according to an article in Racecar Engineering, they are planning on bringing two sets of a new medium compound tyre that they are considering rolling out for the latter part of the season.

Before this race, Ferrari had announced that there would be a series of small updates to the diffuser, as well as a new rear wing (which is fairly standard, given that the teams generally run a lower downforce package for Canada). Thanks to scarbsf1, we've got a nice shot of the rear end of the car, showing a few of the modifications Ferrari have made (which seem to include a small tweak to the angle the exhausts enter the diffuser, as well as modifying the cover on top of the exhaust pipe for smoother airflow across the top of the floor).

In addition, scarbsf1 is reporting that Ferrari will not be running the Red Bull style engine cover (with the central cooling vent) since the ambient temperatures are likely to be much lower than Monaco was, so cooling is likely to be less of an issue.

Moving on, Williams are planning on running a fair few new parts for the practise sessions - a new front wing, brake ducts, barge boards and modified diffuser should be on the car at some point across the practise sessions. There are a few shots of the Williams front wing, suggesting that there might be a new small turning element on the end plate:

Unfortunately, the angle of the shot is hiding the rest of the wing, so we can't see whether there are any changes to the front wing elements.

Also, looking further down the grid, Team Lotus have a small tweak to the end plate of their front wing (again, a small change to the turning element)

And, perhaps a touch ironically, it seems that they have also adopted the same style brake ducts as used by the Renault team on the R31 - image link here http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3389/573 ... 349c_o.jpg (since it is a very large image). Basically, instead of the traditional duct we've seen (the semi circular one that most cars sport), Renault, and now Team Lotus, have gone for a tall, thin slot, seemingly aimed at improving the airflow around the front wheel (and possibly drag reduction, albeit with the increased risk of overheating front brakes due to a reduction in airflow).

Also, on the theme of modified end plates, Toro Rosso seem to have brought a new end plate here, with two turning elements

shinji · Post by **shinji** » 10 Jun 2011, 11:45

I was already looking forward to this race; that forecast has me practically erupting with anticipation.

Peter · Post by **Peter** » 10 Jun 2011, 11:52

If Red Bull can top McLaren and Ferrari here, then there's no hope.

johnston21 · Post by **johnston21** » 10 Jun 2011, 12:31

My wife & I have our ponchos packed, and it will not disapoint me to have to use them (Grandstand 1). Will take some pics and (hopefully) post throughout the weekend (got my SONY P with me). "...got to figure out how to post pics... :roll:

"

Edit: Also have my F1 Rejects tshirt & cap packed (been saving them since December for this weekend)! :mrgreen:

Faustus · Post by **Faustus** » 10 Jun 2011, 12:41

johnston21 wrote:My wife & I have our ponchos packed, and it will not disapoint me to have to use them (Grandstand 1). Will take some pics and post them next week.

Have fun! Please post some photos if you can.

AndreaModa · Post by **AndreaModa** » 10 Jun 2011, 12:48

By the looks of that picture Mario posted it seems Toro Rosso have gone away from the ghastly white endplates and stickers on the nose and sidepods from their new sponsor to a more in-keeping gold that should blend with the car better.

Just over an hour till FP1 too!

Ferrim · Post by **Ferrim** » 10 Jun 2011, 13:37

I fear rain could actually bring us a boring race. No DRS and the wet tyres are said to be way more durable than the slicks (it was the other way around with Bridgestones).

Valrys · Post by **Valrys** » 10 Jun 2011, 14:13

Is the BBC feed jerking around and not showing a smooth picture for anyone else?

Post by **mario** » 10 Jun 2011, 14:21

Valrys wrote:Is the BBC feed jerking around and not showing a smooth picture for anyone else?

I was wondering if it was just me - yes, I've noticed that the BBC feed is slightly stuttery.

Speaking of which, it's interesting that Kravitz mentioned that Todt might have been somewhat deceitful over the WMSC vote to reinstate Bahrain (before it was cancelled again) - he claimed initially the Domenicali voted in favour, but when speaking to Krativz earlier, he seemed to avoid answering the question, and some rumours in the paddock suggest that Domenicali might have actually voted against returning to Bahrain.

GwilymJJames · Post by **GwilymJJames** » 10 Jun 2011, 14:56

Vettel's in the WoC!

patrick · Post by **patrick** » 10 Jun 2011, 14:56

oh sebi
hilarious shot of Newey on the pitwall trying not to smile

S951 · Post by **S951** » 10 Jun 2011, 14:57

ooosssssshhh vettel splat

Valrys · Post by **Valrys** » 10 Jun 2011, 15:03

Lols at the Marshal falling over right in front of Vettels car :lol:

Ferrim · Post by **Ferrim** » 10 Jun 2011, 15:04

Vettel crashes in FP1.

Last time he did, he scored pole and won the race. Ouch.

jpm · Post by **jpm** » 10 Jun 2011, 15:12

Valrys wrote:Lols at the Marshal falling over right in front of Vettels car

The best marshal at an F1 event since the man who ran over Taki Inoue in Hungary in 1995!

S951 · Post by **S951** » 10 Jun 2011, 15:15

tonio 17th at the moment

Post by **mario** » 10 Jun 2011, 15:30

So, looks like McLaren have been having a few problems today - Button has had problems with his DRS not working correctly (and, if so, then McLaren look strong as he is still setting good times), whilst Hamilton's steering wheel display has failed completely.
In addition, Rosberg has been complaining of heat welling up inside the car and burning him - he has pitted pretty quickly (and in some discomfort, it seems), suggesting that something within the W02 is getting a little too hot for comfort. Perhaps he is suffering from the same problems that Schumacher did in Monaco (where its thought that the airbox fire was caused by an overheating wiring loom)?

Henrique · Post by **Henrique** » 10 Jun 2011, 15:32

Why was Kobayashi so slow? That's not normal!

Post by **mario** » 10 Jun 2011, 16:01

Henrique wrote:Why was Kobayashi so slow? That's not normal!

He seemed to do most of his laps in the early part of the session, when the track was especially dusty and slippery, so his times are inevitably going to look poor. I reckon that in FP2, when the track conditions begin to stabilise, the gap will begin to come down and he'll look more competitive.

IdeFan · Post by **IdeFan** » 10 Jun 2011, 16:12

Wall of champions claims another victim!

Sounds harsh, but hopefully it throws off Vettel this weekend, F1 needs someone to beat him this weekend.

DanielPT · Post by **DanielPT** » 10 Jun 2011, 16:49

Ferrim wrote:Vettel crashes in FP1.

Last time he did, he scored pole and won the race. Ouch.

Indeed. He doesn't seem to have a problem binning hit in FP just to recover and win the race...

Bleu · Post by **Bleu** » 10 Jun 2011, 17:41

jpm wrote:
Valrys wrote:Lols at the Marshal falling over right in front of Vettels car

The best marshal at an F1 event since the man who ran over Taki Inoue in Hungary in 1995!

There have been some good moments between

- Argentina 1997 one marshal was waving red flag when SC was circulating.
- Belgium 2000 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6xl-kV3RIo
- USA 2007 marshal threw blue flag to the track.
- Another marshal was running and guiding Rosberg to a safe place and wind knocked his cap off.

dr-baker · Post by **dr-baker** » 10 Jun 2011, 17:58

Just been announced on BBC FP2 coverage that Perez is to be replaced by PDLR for rest of weekend!

ADx_Wales · Post by **ADx_Wales** » 10 Jun 2011, 18:03

Its All very good that Sauber have found a stand-in for Perez, but what the hell happened to Perez in the first place?

Or is this Post-Monaco precautions?

Ferrim · Post by **Ferrim** » 10 Jun 2011, 18:10

He felt sick during FP1, and after his Monaco crash they've decided to take it safe.

Tomorrow we'll have The Ultimate Battle: Kamui Kobayashi vs. Pedro de la Rosa will put in their best efforts to break the qualifying draw between them. :mrgreen:

ADx_Wales · Post by **ADx_Wales** » 10 Jun 2011, 18:14

PDLR is the first "Replacement" of 2011

I was trying to remember when there was an F1 season without driver changes, however its not too long ago...

Klon · Post by **Klon** » 10 Jun 2011, 18:24

ADx_Wales wrote:PDLR is the first "Replacement" of 2011

If only Badoer's career would have been a year longer. He might sit in there. :cry:

DanielPT · Post by **DanielPT** » 10 Jun 2011, 18:28

De la Rosa for a fluke victory in the rain! You heard it here, first.

FullMetalJack · Post by **FullMetalJack** » 10 Jun 2011, 18:30

Personally I would have gone for a younger driver, maybe Pedro Lamy. :lol:

Ferrim · Post by **Ferrim** » 10 Jun 2011, 18:31

redbulljack14 wrote:Personally I would have gone for a younger driver, maybe Pedro Lamy.

He's actually younger than De la Rosa.

Maybe that's why you've said it? :lol:

DanielPT · Post by **DanielPT** » 10 Jun 2011, 18:32

redbulljack14 wrote:Personally I would have gone for a younger driver, maybe Pedro Lamy.

I would prefer that! That way Lamy unrejectified himself after winning Le Mans! :lol:

ADx_Wales · Post by **ADx_Wales** » 10 Jun 2011, 18:32

Ferrim wrote:
redbulljack14 wrote:Personally I would have gone for a younger driver, maybe Pedro Lamy.

He's actually younger than De la Rosa.

Maybe that's why you've said it?

That read as if you wanted to correct him?

dr-baker · Post by **dr-baker** » 10 Jun 2011, 18:33

De la Rosa is McLaren's reserve driver; Gutierrez (or however it's spelt) is Sauber's reserve but is not in Canada (according to BBC coverage). Sauber had to go and collect DLR from McLaren's hospitality suite!

BBC text coverage wrote:Team Principal Peter Sauber confirms Pedro de la Rosa will take over Perez's car for the remainder of the weekend, and adds: "This development hit us by surprise, because Sergio underwent thorough medical checks, first in the hospital in Monaco, then in a hospital in Zurich, and finally, the FIA doctors gave him the green light this Thursday in Montreal. Nobody could have foreseen that he would feel unwell. Maybe we are being overly cautious, but when it's about the health of our drivers we take zero risks."

And still just under an hour to adjust predictions in predictions thread I believe!

Ferrim · Post by **Ferrim** » 10 Jun 2011, 18:33

At first I wanted to correct him, but then I thought that it could be intended

ADx_Wales · Post by **ADx_Wales** » 10 Jun 2011, 18:34

DanielPT wrote:
redbulljack14 wrote:Personally I would have gone for a younger driver, maybe Pedro Lamy.

I would prefer that! That way Lamy unrejectified himself after winning Le Mans!

[buzz killington]It doesnt count for Bertrand Gachot and Volker Weidler, why should it count for Lamy[/buzz killington]

DanielPT · Post by **DanielPT** » 10 Jun 2011, 18:40

ADx_Wales wrote:
DanielPT wrote:
redbulljack14 wrote:Personally I would have gone for a younger driver, maybe Pedro Lamy.

I would prefer that! That way Lamy unrejectified himself after winning Le Mans!

[buzz killington]It doesnt count for Bertrand Gachot and Volker Weidler, why should it count for Lamy[/buzz killington]

I meant that if Lamy was to drive for Sauber he would leave his Peugeot in the lead in time (his team-mates would clinch it after) to fly for Canada for the race, starting last and ending up taking that fluke win instead of DLR.