Alvin's Formula One Blog

This is a re-produced post by PlanetF1. I couldn't have put it better, so I'm just re-producing it here for your benefit. To read the original article, click HERE . Mercedes on top, Red Bull still struggling, Williams have two Felipes and everything's taking a lot more time... Number 1 When Marussia decided they needed to change the engine on Max Chilton's car after four laps on Friday, it wasn't the work of a couple of hours. That was it for the rest of the day. Although repairs and engine fixes are going to come down as teams learn to shortcut the time, such is the complexity of the new engine systems that everything is taking around double the time it took before. So if teams get engine problems in final practice (FP3) on a Saturday morning, it may be impossible to get the car ready in the time left before Qualifying. Number 2 Thus on Friday when Ferrari had some telemetry issues, what would have been a routine fix for the team in 2013 with telemetry ...

The good news is that Red Bull are having loads of problems and won't be stamping all over the championship come Melbourne. Hopefully, with all of Renault's problems, we'll see a more level playing field this year. Of course, they won't be behind forever, F1 teams have a knack for solving problems fast and getting back on performance. But personally, I'm grinning from ear to ear. After a whole year of boring-ness. So how bad are Renault teams anyway? Not that bad according to Rob White, Renault Sport F1 Deputy Managing Director. But then he would say that, wouldn't he? From what we can glean of this interview, they are a few weeks behind and that is bad in F1. The last 2 tests showed that when you are behind, when you can't use the time to test for speed and you waste time fixing problems here and there, you will be quite behind in terms of development. What were the key steps taken between Jerez and Bahrain ? We made a number of specification c...

The teams have been able to complete more testing distance with Pirelli's new 2014 range of tyres in Bahrain, as they begin to get a better picture of how the latest tyres interact with the radically different new cars. A number of teams were able to complete race simulations, as well as qualifying and pit stop practice, assessing every aspect of tyre usage. Weather conditions remained dry and warm, in the region of 20 degrees centigrade or higher: temperatures that are much more representative of the season as a whole. In accordance with the nominations they had made in advance, the teams were able to try out the entire 2014 range of P Zero tyres in Bahrain, as well as a special 'winter' hard compound, with a faster warm-up. Paul Hembery comments: The teams were able to learn more about tyres over the four days in Bahrain than they could in Jerez two weeks ago, thanks to increased running time and optimal weather conditions. Although the teams are still at a compa...

Testing at Barcelona is done. Barcelona is important as it is a track that is used in the championship, teams will race here later although in warmer weather than it has been at this test. This test at Barcelona is also important as it usually shows up which team will be strong come Melbourne but as always it is very difficult to tell during testing as each team has a different program compared to the rest. Some may be sandbagging or hiding their potential. The next test in Barcelona as well should tell us more as teams have no choice but to show their hand as Melbourne is so close after that. For this test however, there have already been some good pointers to which team or driver stands a good chance open it's open season. We as fans do have to make our own analysis as best we can, so any and all information is always good. Below is re-produced an analysis done by Pirelli on their tire range performance so far. This is critical information for any serious F1 fan as we know...

Infographics. Don't you just love them? They tell a whole lot of story in a simple, clear and easy to understand format. Plus they look nice. We all like nice looking things, don't we? I would like to have more infographics here personally, will have to find the time to make them. Below I have a nice one for you, to start off this season. It was made by my friend Emma from TicketHangar . You can find the link to this infographic here . It is an interactive infographic so if you mouse over some of the elements, there will be extra information that pops out. If you scroll your mouse over the map, it will zoom in and out too. I hope you enjoy this infographic. Hopefully I will have some more soon. In the meantime, enjoy testing #2 at Barcelona!! 2013 Formula 1 Season | Created by TicketHangar If you enjoyed this posting, please do share it with your network so more people can enjoy it as well. Also, check out my t-shirt designs for Formula 1 fanatics, click on...