OK boys who do you think's going to win this one.

I pick Montoya; although I hope McLaren-Mercedes has resolved all of its engine troubles (the vibration from the new engine was also blamed for breaking a $2 part on Couthard's gearbox in Australia) and will be competitive. Of course, the in the days following the last GP, Wurz did a huge number of laps in testing with none of the engine woes that were encountered in Malaysia after only 20.

Last I checked, Ferrari is going to run one new car for MS with RB relegated to the 2001 model, this will probably allow Williams (and hopefully McLaren) to sneak by if the new car has reliablity issues (I expect RB will try too hard to win his home race and crash the more reliable 2001 car).

Cheers, BT

 

What? No Ralf? Have to agree with you on RB not finishing and McLauren maybe seeing a podium finish. Then again MS in the new car could make or break it.

I pick RS.

Norm

 

Didn't forget about Ralf, I figure he'll be in the top five - probably on the podium. Curious how the McLarens will end up if they finish, I think they were on a one-stopper (with an even later stop than Williams - they looked very heavy) in Malaysia and would have probably finished at least 2nd and 3rd if they had held together.

BT

 

Well the Friday practice sessions are over with Couthard 1st and Raikkonen 6th (these times were set in the second session - the best the McLarens could do in the morning was 11th - boy was I worried). The big surprise was McNish up in third with the Toyota. M. Schumacher had trouble keeping on the track with several spins in the new car - although he was quickest in the first session, but didn't improve on the time in the second.

Of course these numbers don't mean crap until they actually qualify.

Cheers, BT


P. No Driver Team - Engine Tyres Times Ave/Gaps laps
1. 3 COULTHARD McLaren Mercedes M 1'15"075 206.625 Km/h 35
2. 6 MONTOYA Williams BMW M 1'15"345 + 0'00"270 40
3. 25 MCNISH Toyota M 1'15"450 + 0'00"375 47
4. 5 R.SCHUMACHER Williams BMW M 1'15"477 + 0'00"402 46
5. 1 M.SCHUMACHER Ferrari B 1'15"627 + 0'00"552 35
6. 4 RAIKKONEN McLaren Mercedes M 1'15"883 + 0'00"808 26
7. 2 BARRICHELLO Ferrari B 1'15"933 + 0'00"858 26
8. 15 BUTTON Renault M 1'16"054 + 0'00"979 37
9. 11 VILLENEUVE BAR Honda B 1'16"183 + 0'01"108 45
10. 17 DE LA ROSA Jaguar Cosworth M 1'16"289 + 0'01"214 34

 

My Humble prediction:

1. Montoya
2. Coulthard
3. R. Schumacher

 

prediction
MS
RB
RS

 

trench, thanks for the update since I am out of town which means no Speedchannel. But I'll be watching <www.formula1.com> for updates. :P

Norm

 

Qualifiying ended up being interesting with MS spliting the Williams (with Montoya taking pole). The McLaren boys were fourth and fifth, but DC felt that the car was much better in race trim on heavy tanks, which might bode well for the race. Especially if MS and JPM can't keep out of each other's way at the start.

My biggest surprise has this year has been Renault, especially since last year they were getting their butts kicked by Minardi early in the season.

Hope everyone enjoys the race, BT

Position/Driver Team Fastest Lap
1 Juan Pablo Montoya Williams 1m13.114
2 Michael Schumacher Ferrari 1m13.241
3 Ralf Schumacher Williams 1m13.328
4 David Coulthard McLaren 1m13.565
5 Kimi Raikkonen McLaren 1m13.595
6 Jarno Trulli Renault 1m13.611
7 Jenson Button Renault 1m13.665
8 Rubens Barrichello Ferrari 1m13.935
9 Nick Heidfeld Sauber 1m14.233
10 Mika Salo Toyota 1m14.443

 

MS was on hard tyres in qualifying. The Michelin users, RS and JPM were on soft rubber. Should be interesting to see the team strategies. I think MS will let JPM or RS who may be on a two stop strategy to initially pull away. MS may be on a one stopper with the hard rubber. He'll real them in by the time he makes his stop. It will definitely be an interesting race from the pit side.
Goggles