F1 2014 Bahrain GP Thread - Spoilers of Practice/Qualifying & Race - Sponsored by the FIA's Faulty Fuel Sensor

[Fernando]

The first back-to-back of the season sees the F1 circus leave Malaysia and head to Bahrain. After Mercedes’ dominance in Malaysia, and with Sebastian Vettel fighting back after his DNF in Australia, how will the Bahrain Grand Prix contribute to the championship?

Mercedes grabbed their first 1-2 in Malaysia since 1955; Hamilton finished a full 17 seconds in front of his team mate Nico Rosberg. Malaysia also saw more controversy, but maybe a little bit less compared to 2013. Williams gave both drivers team orders, but Felipe Massa’s order to move over for the faster Valtteri Bottas hit home for the Brazilian, reminding him – and the majority of the fans – of the famous ‘Fernando is faster than you’ radio message in 2010.

Red Bull had a varied race, with Sebastian Vettel finishing 3rd after a DNF in Australia, and Daniel Ricciardo going through numerous problems before retiring at the end of the race. Force India was also a team that had split results, Sergio Perez didn’t start the race after having technical issues on his out lap, where as Nico Hulkenberg took the VJM07 to finish 5th behind Fernando Alonso.

How will these teams come back in Bahrain after a difficult race in the heat of Malaysia?

Bahrain was first held in 2004 and became the first ever Grand Prix to be held in the Middle East; now in it’s tenth year holding the Grand Prix, the organisers have decided to join Singapore and turn the Bahrain Grand Prix into a night race.

Bahrain has been shrouded in controversy through out the years. In 2011, during the Arab Spring, the race was originally planned to be held before Australia, but violent riots meant that the race was too dangerous to hold, and risked the security of those involved. Both 2012 and 2013 also saw protests continuing the the Gulf state; in 2012 members of Force India left Bahrain with concern of their safety after they travelled from the track to the hotel and was caught in an incident between protesters and police.

However, 2014 saw two of the tree pre-season tests happen at the Sakhir circuit. Testing saw the likes of Ferrari, Mercedes, Force India, McLaren and Williams do consistently well over the 8 days the teams tested there. It was also announced that the first turn of the circuit would be named after Michael Schumacher, the seven time World Champion, who is firmly in our thoughts as we head through the season.

The layout of the track has been described as ‘very stop/start’ by various mechanics and drivers because of the long straights ending with hard breaking. One of its most infamous corners is turn 9, where you will be certain to find even the most experienced of drivers locking up into the difficult left hander; the corner rises up before you turn, creating a blind apex, meaning the driver has to judge his braking zone. This can make a large difference in lap times.

The long straights are favourable for cars with minimal down force and good straight line speeds. Speed trap data from Malaysia and Australia (both situated at the end of straights) shows that teams with Mercedes power are consistently giving fast speed trap times through out sessions during race weeknds, suggesting that these teams will benefit from the long multiple straights in Bahrain.

Force India have had success at this track in the past few years. 2012 and 2013 saw ex-formula one driver Paul Di Resta, take some of his best F1 finishes at the Sakhir circuit. 2013 nearly saw him clench his first F1 podium as he ran in the top 3 for the majority of the race, however he was overtaken by Romain Grosjean at the end of the race seeing Di Resta finish 4th, his best finish in 2013.

Last year Bahrain provided us with an exciting weekend, it’s argued that we saw the first of the tyre problems that ended in Pirelli changing their tyres by the Hungarian Grand Prix, the delamination of Hamilton’s left-rear tyre during FP3 caused his Mercedes to suffer broken suspension, and subsequently have to change his gearbox, leading to a grid penalty. We also saw more of the feisty Mexican, Sergio Perez, who in an attempt to pass his then team mate, Jenson Button, saw him tap his rear wheel, causing frustration for the British driver over the radio.

It’s no doubt that the Bahrain Grand Prix will create close racing.

Friday 04 April
12:00 – 13:30 Practice 1
16:00 – 17:30 Practice 2

Saturday 05 April
13:00 – 14:00 Practice 3
16:00 Qualifying

Sunday 06 April
16:00 Race

Source: RaceDepartment.com

[CaledonianCraig]

However, 2014 saw two of the tree pre-season tests happen at the Sakhir circuit.

I never knew you had Irish blood in you Fernando?

[GSC]

Easy 1-2 for Mercedes if they can both finish.

God this circuit is boring.

[Guest]

Yeah, power circuit really & will be dry conditions, so Mercedes should be aiming for a 1-2. I don't understand the thinking of making this a night race. Under the lights, it isn't going to accentuate any buildings or surrounding features.....because all there is in Bahrain is sand. Even the timeline of the race being at 1pm usually wasn't a negative point, now we have to wait until 5 or 6pm. Makes no sense to me.

[GSC]

Boring circuit, boring race. Makes Ecclestone a tidy profit mind and keeps McLaren happy.

[dyrewolfe]

I might just give this one a miss and maybe catch the "highlights" instead, if I find myself with time to kill.

You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear, as they say...

 








...now we've all slagged it off, it'll probably turn out to be an enthralling, incident-packed event...

[Fernando]

However, 2014 saw two of the tree pre-season tests happen at the Sakhir circuit.

I never knew you had Irish blood in you Fernando?

   Top of the morning to ya

[GSC]

If its on the beeb ill watch it

[Fernando]

It's not on the Beeb they are showing the boat race More entertaining   

[Fernando]

Pos Driver Team Time Gap Laps
1. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1m37.502s 14
2. Nico Rosberg Mercedes 1m37.733s +0.231s 13
3. Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1m37.953s +0.451s 17
4. Nico Hulkenberg Force India-Mercedes 1m38.122s +0.620s 10
5. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 1m38.636s +1.134s 16
6. Kimi Raikkonen Ferrari 1m38.783s +1.281s 12
7. Kevin Magnussen McLaren-Mercedes 1m38.949s +1.447s 15
8. Daniil Kvyat Toro Rosso-Renault 1m39.056s +1.554s 24
9. Sergio Perez Force India-Mercedes 1m39.102s +1.600s 21
10. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault 1m39.389s +1.887s 16
11. Felipe Massa Williams-Mercedes 1m39.533s +2.031s 11
12. Jean-Eric Vergne Toro Rosso-Renault 1m39.862s +2.360s 26
13. Felipe Nasr Williams-Mercedes 1m40.078s +2.576s 14
14. Daniel Ricciardo Red Bull-Renault 1m40.406s +2.904s 19
15. Adrian Sutil Sauber-Ferrari 1m40.652s +3.150s 20
16. Pastor Maldonado Lotus-Renault 1m40.793s +3.291s 31
17. Jules Bianchi Marussia-Ferrari 1m40.$89s +3.387s 20
18. Giedo van der Garde Sauber-Ferrari 1m40.913s +3.411s 20
19. Romain Grosjean Lotus-Renault 1m41.036s +3.534s 24
20. Max Chilton Marussia-Ferrari 1m41.794s +4.292s 20
21. Robin Frijns Caterham-Renault 1m42.417s +4.915s 35
22. Marcus Ericsson Caterham-Renault 1m42.711s +5.209s 21

[GSC]

Shocking.

Hopefully someone lobs a Molotov cocktail at Ecclestones car so we don't have to come back

[Guest]

 

Bernie, Luca & Jean Todt meeting this weekend, with the Ferrari boss wanting major changes to the sport & less fuel conservation.

As for FP1, fairly predictable Mercedes dominance. In all fairness, at night, it doesn't look too bad.

[GSC]

Mercedes well clear already in FP2. Mercedes are the biggest threat to Mercedes this weekend by a distance.

[Fernando]

Rosberg to be investigated after incident with Perez in P2.

[GSC]

Rosberg under investigation post session for impeding Perez

[Fernando]

Keep up GSC   Probs get a penalty point or reprimand like most last year

[GSC]

Not my fault, I have work I'm trying to avoid doing

[Guest]

Domination, no other description that session. Q3 shootout 2moro between LH & NR, if they remain reliable up to that point.

Also a lowdown by Mark Hughes on the Mercedes power unit's innovative design & advantage over it's rivals.

http://www1.skysports.com/f1/news/12472/9243875/revealed-how-mercedes-packaging-of-their-turbo-engine-has-given-them-the-edge

[Fernando]

1. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1m35.324s 12
2. Nico Rosberg Mercedes 1m35.439s +0.115s 12
3. Sergio Perez Force India-Mercedes 1m35.868s +0.544s 10
4. Valtteri Bottas Williams-Mercedes 1m36.116s +0.792s 10
5. Felipe Massa Williams-Mercedes 1m36.364s +1.040s 8
6. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 1m36.394s +1.070s 8
7. Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1m36.454s +1.130s 12
8. Nico Hulkenberg Force India-Mercedes 1m36.455s +1.131s 11
9. Daniil Kvyat Toro Rosso-Renault 1m36.680s +1.356s 16
10. Kimi Raikkonen Ferrari 1m36.772s +1.448s 13
11. Kevin Magnussen McLaren-Mercedes 1m36.822s +1.498s 8
12. Jean-Eric Vergne Toro Rosso-Renault 1m37.030s +1.706s 11
13. Daniel Ricciardo Red Bull-Renault 1m37.119s +1.795s 11
14. Esteban Gutierrez Sauber-Ferrari 1m37.325s +2.001s 18
15. Adrian Sutil Sauber-Ferrari 1m38.089s +2.765s 24
16. Kamui Kobayashi Caterham-Renault 1m38.400s +3.076s 17
17. Jules Bianchi Marussia-Ferrari 1m38.736s +3.412s 15
18. Pastor Maldonado Lotus-Renault 1m38.880s +3.556s 21
19. Marcus Ericsson Caterham-Renault 1m38.971s +3.647s 18
20. Romain Grosjean Lotus-Renault 1m39.208s +3.884s 17
21. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault 1m39.225s +3.901s 8
22. Max Chilton Marussia-Ferrari 1m39.597s +4.273s 14

Turn 4 is being modified as the kerb threw Kimi & Pastor up in the air.

In GP2 news Stoffel Vandoorne won the feature race in his debut was the alternative to Magnussen at Mclaren.

[Fernando]

Grid

Rosberg
Hamilton
Bottas
Perez
Raikkonen
Button
Massa
Magnussen
Alonso
Vettel
Hulkenburg
Ricciardo (With Pen)
Kvyat
Vergne
Gutierrez
Grosjean
Pastor
Sutil
Kamui
Bianchi
Ericcson
Chilton

[AlciG]

Ricciardo is really outperforming Vettel sofar this year but is behind him in the championship. He has really been unlucky sofar.

[GSC]

Eh, hes had the rub of the reliability green in Aus and Bahrain.

[Guest]

Judging by the lack of posts on here post qualifying, I'm guessing no one is truly excited about this race. Although I'm pleased Hamilton has the equipment to mount a title bid, seeing a dominant car again frustrates me as a fan of the sport & which ever driver wins this title will just be labelled with the 'dominant car' label. Everyone else already looks truly deflated about this season's hopes & Mercedes' rivals look nowhere near to challenging. Renault will never make up the power deficit in my opinion either & the chances of an exciting battle for both championships, more so the constructors, looks slimmer than slim.

As for Ricciardo, he's impressing me but as you say, just no luck whatsoever. Straight shootout between the Mercedes pair tomorrow, other than that, nothing much to shout about. Hopefully we get to see some exciting racing but fuel conservation will no doubt deny us that action.

[GSC]

I think everyone knew what was coming at this track. Mercedes almost a second quicker in quali.

Hopefully Renault can make up enough of a deficit that RB superior aerodynamics bridge the gap around conventional tracks.

My thoughts on Bahrain clear already

[monty junior]

Ricciardo is really outperforming Vettel sofar this year but is behind him in the championship. He has really been unlucky sofar.

Not really they've had one race on similar terms and Vettel was comfortably in front after out qualifying Riccardo by a second. Having said that DR looks like he could genuinely have the measure of Vettel more often than Webber did, Vettel is a bit up and down when the car is off, it was similar at the beginning of 2012 then as soon as the car was up to speed he started hammering Webber again.

Good to see Kimi outqualify Alonso today and by a big margin, just a shame this potentially great partnership has another mediocre car.

[Fernando]

Jean Eric Vergne has admitted being put in hospital between the Australian & Malaysian GP's due to the diet that he's had to do to get down to the weight limit.

"The weight difference between myself and my teammate was making me lose four tenths (per lap)," Vergne, who was given a rare third consecutive season with the Red Bull junior team this year, told French media.
"I did a diet this winter but you get to certain limits that the body can no longer take.
"Actually, I was in hospital between the Grands Prix in Australia and Malaysia because of a lack of water and a little bit of lack of everything. I was very weak," the 23-year-old revealed.

[AlciG]

That was some nice racing between Hamilton and Rosberg

[GSC]

Mercedes wisely splitting strategies to separate them

[Guest]

Worried for Hamilton now on the slower tyre, could get nasty take 2 with Rosberg at the restart

Maldonado   

[GSC]

Maldonado crash shocker.

Safety car should allow Rosberg to win from here on softer tyres

[AlciG]

Should be easy win now for Rosberg thanks to Maldonado

[AlciG]

Damn... who said Bahrain was boring

[Guest]

Yesssssssss! Rosberg u failure, had all the advantages n you messed it up. Get in there Lewis! Fed up of Nico getting gifts.

Great race!

[GSC]

Damn... who said Bahrain was boring

I took one for the team

[GSC]

Anyway, Hamilton easily a class above Rosberg. SC closed it up, but I think Mercedes told them to stay in formation post SC

[Guest]

Big statement from Lewis. Nico was outclassed n out raced there.

Also mention Perez, easy to kick the boot in last year in that shocking McLaren.

[mystiroakey]

Lh winning on options in the end was something else. Showing he is in a different class to his team mate

[Guest]

More worrying for Nico is Hamilton was having issues n wasn't at his fastest but still couldn't beat him. In the exciting wheel to wheel racing Hamilton drove better & calculated better in terms of attack n defence. Rosberg had his chances & failed to capitalise, just showed his inferiority, even with superior tyres, DRS & the gift of the safety car. Psychologically Rosberg will be damaged.

Only issue to all this praise of the race was, what happens in future races when one of the Mercedes retires early, basically a straight forward uncontested win for the other Mercedes driver, as such is advantage they have. That would be boring as hell.

[mystiroakey]

What's the difference when before it was just vetel doing it?

[GSC]

It'll be interesting seeing the difference in plaudits given to Vettel and Hamilton

[Fernando]

Everyone will ass lick Hamilton because his British.  Same Poopie different season 1 driver with a failure as a teammate goes onto to win title etc.

[CaledonianCraig]

Perhaps difference is that Mercedes will let their drivers race and give each one a fair crack of the whip. At least it means two fastest cars will be battling away whereas last year Vettel walked it as Webber was just not competitive enough in that car and Ricciardo is already showing he can rattle Vettel's cage.

[GSC]

Rosberg can be clear to battle Hamilton. Doing so when he's 10 seconds behind is another story

[Nakatomi Plaza]

Maldonado's been given a five place grid drop for the Chinese Grand Prix. Guess that means the FIA think taking another driver out by dangerous driving is a lesser offence than an unsafe release.

[Fernando]

The problem is NP. Last you could T-bone someone and ud be fine but with these low scoop like wings it's an easy flip hazard so expect to see more of them during the season.

[Nakatomi Plaza]

I agree with you Fernando, I just think it's not right that Riccardo got a ten-place drop for something which wasn't his fault, and Maldonado gets a lesser penalty for a clear driver error.

[sportform]

It'll be interesting seeing the difference in plaudits given to Vettel and Hamilton

It depends if Mercedes let Hamilton and Rosberg race each other unlike Red Bull.

[banbrotam]

Everyone will ass lick Hamilton because his British.  Same Poopie different season 1 driver with a failure as a teammate goes onto to win title etc.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[banbrotam]

It'll be interesting seeing the difference in plaudits given to Vettel and Hamilton

It depends if Mercedes let Hamilton and Rosberg race each other unlike Red Bull.

Judging by today, then they'll be racing each other. I think people forget that Hamilton actually likes the wheel to wheel stuff and doesn't want or ever asked for protection. He performs far better in such circumstances as been outperformed by his rival just once in his career prooves

[CaledonianCraig]

Mercedes are way ahead of the field just like Red Bull have been way ahead of the field in recent seasons. The difference this season is that Hamilton V Rosberg will offer far more excitement than Vettel V Webber. Why? Well Mercedes will let them race as we saw yesterday whilst Webber always feels he never got a fair crack of the whip. Also Hamilton and Rosberg are much more evenly matched than Vettel V a never has been or over the hill and downtrodden Webber. We have already seen in the first three races that Ricciardo has the hunger and desire and raw speed to offer a proper challenge to Vettel to tell us Webber was not an ultra-quick driver.

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