[Official] Round 18: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

[Razzzor]

Yeah I'm wondering now that they're removed from parc ferme what RB can/will do to the car. Certainly need to focus on a setup that'll enable him to pass down the straights now.

Engine change, gearbox change, change everything!

With the way Alonso sat behind Petrov watching his championship drift away a couple years ago, even with DRS I don't see Vettel surging through the field when it's that hard to pass.

I also think if they didn't intentionally short fill the car and there's some technical issue that caused them to lose it, then it's a very harsh penalty. The penalty should only be applied to teams that shortfilled intentionally. Maybe they did, in which case that's one helluva dangerous risk to have taken - it may yet cost them the championship if Alonso takes another podium and Vettel can't crack the points.

[JamesH]

They can do whatever they like to the car once out of Parm Ferme - new engine, downforce changes, new tyres, new gear ratios etc.

Which is exactly what they will do I expect!

[321Go]

Yep, RBR can change the car set up but not sure if they can change gearbox. Can change engine as long as it's not Vettel's 9th brand new engine. He can use any of the 8 used engines available and will not get penalised. Wish they would change the gearbox rule to the same as the engines rule. Given a certain number of new gearboxes per season and if you use more than that only then will you be penalised.

Also, is there more to why RBR chose to start Vettel from pitlane than the obvious set up change?? Can he gain an advantage here in Abu Dhabi by starting from pilane because it re-joins the track at turn two and not turn one like most others?? If he is let out of pit exit line as the last car passes this line, he could possibly be ahead of a few cars when he joins the track!

[Knowlesy]

Originally Posted by FAS33

I wouldnt be surprised if he has another DNF, the ghosts of last year will come back to haunt him!

seriously wish him the best but Vettel will come screaming thru the field to maybe not take the win but get a top 5 finish, im hoping. sry to all the british fans of british drivers, but Vettel's gonna win the Championship today

Their are no British drivers in championship contention silly!

[321Go]

FIA confirms that car #1 has had pretty much everything on and in it changed bar the engine. Gearbox, ratios, suspension, aero, etc, etc.

Vettel is on his 8th and last new engine. He has to manage these used engines 'till end of season. If he has to have a new engine he will drop 10 spots. Wouldn't that make it interesting in Brazil?!

[nicanary]

Originally Posted by johngee

I guess this post may make me somewhat unpopular but the words 'cynical' 'theatrical' and 'manipulation' come to mind.

I'm a bit late to the party. When does a sport become an entertainment?

BCE - " Nah, Christian, people are gettin' a bit worried-like, cos Seb's gonna walk the title. Sorry, mate, but we're gonna 'av to do summit abart it. Gotta keep the public 'appy."

Bit like Frank's 70th, and the very fortunate win.

I'll get me coat.

[FAS33]

Originally Posted by Knowlesy

Their are no British drivers in championship contention silly!

shows you how much I know about F1!!!

sorry it was just a comment/joust towards a member on here

Hamilton for this race/Vettel for the WDC

[johngee]

Originally Posted by nicanary

BCE - " Nah, Christian, people are gettin' a bit worried-like, cos Seb's gonna walk the title. Sorry, mate, but we're gonna 'av to do summit abart it. Gotta keep the public 'appy."

Bit like Frank's 70th, and the very fortunate win.

If you were a fan of the TV series 'The House of Cards' - "You may think that - I couldn't possibly comment"

[Nicholosophy]

Originally Posted by 321Go

FIA confirms that car #1 has had pretty much everything on and in it changed bar the engine. Gearbox, ratios, suspension, aero, etc, etc.

Vettel is on his 8th and last new engine. He has to manage these used engines 'till end of season. If he has to have a new engine he will drop 10 spots. Wouldn't that make it interesting in Brazil?!

From the sporting regs:

Originally Posted by 2012 Sporting Regulations

28.4 a) Unless he drives for more than one team (see 28.4(b) below), each driver may use no more than eight engines during a Championship season. Should a driver use more than eight engines he will drop ten places on the starting grid at the first Event during which each additional engine is used. If two such additional engines are used during a single Event the driver concerned will drop ten places on the starting grid at that Event and at the following Event.

My reading is that if he used his 9th engine this race he would need to drop 10 places at this race. Starting from pit lane he should have used his 9th engine today.

[JohnSSC]

Originally Posted by MCWB

Given that they have removed the car from parc ferme conditions (and therefore that he's starting from the pitlane anyway), can they not change this? Actually for that matter, is there any reason why they wouldn't put in a brand new engine (his 9th = penalty) and gearbox?

I think RBR would prefer to start up front, but being as they are at the back of the grid then yes, they can (and are, I understand) working on the car. Whether they make all of those changes remains to be seen but they can certainly make some major "tweaks."

[Born Racer]

Rubbing my hands with glee. Let's do it.

[bjohnsonsmith]

Damn, missed the start. I see Alonso is 4th and Kimi 2nd!

[mattt]

and vettel has a damaged front wing

[Born Racer]

Webber had a shocker again. Raikkonen was quick off the startline I think.

[G.Walker]

Kimi should be leading , he missed a golden chance to pass hamilton

Vettel own fault for front wing damage imho

Blimy Nico that was a big one.

[Bononi]

Ouch... poor Nico.

[Maelochs]

Rosberg missed Karthekeyan's head by inches.

There goes Hamilton's lead ... and what a break for Vettel.

[bjohnsonsmith]

I think Vettel's going to have to come in after further trashing his front wing.

[Born Racer]

Ricciardo at fault? Not sure. It's a risky time.

[mattt]

And vettel takes out the DRS zone card due to Ricciardo slowing too much. Ricciardo may have just screwed his future over

[Maelochs]

He will hold out until his tire stop---he can still drive it, I'd wager.

[G.Walker]

Another mistake from Seb ! Lack of concentration or Pressure getting to him

[bravo]

Originally Posted by Maelochs

Rosberg missed Karthekeyan's head by inches.

There goes Hamilton's lead ... and what a break for Vettel.

You mean the break against the marker board?

[Maelochs]

Vettel's new martial art: wing chun, with a focus on board-breaking.

[Born Racer]

Originally Posted by G.Walker

Kimi should be leading , he missed a golden chance to pass hamilton

Unfortunately Lotus have been there or thereabouts all year but haven't capitalised this year as they shoiuld.