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Post by René on Sept 20, 2023 16:46:25 GMT
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Post by mikael on Sept 20, 2023 19:48:47 GMT
But whatever happens, the race at Suzuka is always a joy to watch. Any plans Mikael? 
Hi René
I fully agree: always a joy to watch.
I will have a trip to Japan in mid-October, so not in time for the GP, unfortunately.
Yeah, that was one benefit of being based in Japan - that it was quite easy to go to Suzuka.
Yea, one cannot have everything ... Best,
Mikael
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Post by Carl on Sept 20, 2023 20:01:43 GMT
An alltime highlight was when Fernando Alonso passed Michael Schumacher on the outside of the notorious 130R in 2005, signaling to me a much needed changing of the guard and the beginning of the end of Schumacher's ruthlessness.
F1 Management may block this video, but it's accessible on YouTube
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Post by mikael on Sept 20, 2023 20:57:36 GMT
Yes, an amazing corner! Another thing which has amazed me is that the Formula One cars go "full throttle" through Turn 1 (coming up just after the "home straight") - they have to brake only for Turn 2 (with reference to the map René posted).
A Porsche (911) Carrera (as used in the Japanese "Porsche Cup") cannot go through Turn 1 with full throttle; they have - at the very least - to "blip" on the brakes. Turn 1 is really showcasing the unbelievable cornering speeds of the F1 cars - it is really amazing ...
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Post by René on Sept 21, 2023 9:04:52 GMT
But whatever happens, the race at Suzuka is always a joy to watch. Any plans Mikael? Hi René
I fully agree: always a joy to watch.
I will have a trip to Japan in mid-October, so not in time for the GP, unfortunately.
Yeah, that was one benefit of being based in Japan - that it was quite easy to go to Suzuka.
Yea, one cannot have everything ... Best,
Mikael
Then you should move that trip forward! We expect a race report with photos! But seriously, this is definitely a track I would love to visit. Don't know if it will ever happen but one can dream. |
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Post by René on Sept 21, 2023 9:07:47 GMT
An alltime highlight was when Fernando Alonso passed Michael Schumacher on the outside of the notorious 130R in 2005, signaling to me a much needed changing of the guard and the beginning of the end of Schumacher's ruthlessness.
F1 Management may block this video, but it's accessible on YouTube
I remember that pass as if it was yesterday! Goosebumps.. even if it meant a Ferrari being passed. One of the overtakes ever. |
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Post by René on Sept 22, 2023 8:57:39 GMT
Max back on top in both FP1 and FP2. Ferrari and McLaren up there again and a bit closer in FP2. Still quite a margin for the Red Bull, or should we say Max? FP1 - Verstappen, Red Bull, 1'31.647
- Sainz, Ferrari, +0.626
- Norris, McLaren, +0.745
- Leclerc, Ferrari, +0.927
- Tsunoda, AlphaTauri, +0.950
- Alonso, Aston Martin, +1.003
FP2 - Verstappen, Red Bull, 1'30.688
- Leclerc, Ferrari, +0.320
- Norris, McLaren, +0.464
- Sainz, Ferrari, +0.549
- Russell, Mercedes, +0.640
- Alonso, Aston Martin, +0.804
Pérez in 9th, a second slower than Max. Why is he a second slower? Is the car tailor made for Max to an extend that Sergio loses out this much? Ah well, it's only free practice.
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Post by René on Sept 23, 2023 8:20:45 GMT
Dominant pole position for Max Verstappen. More than half a second faster than second placed man Piastri. The McLarens were really on form though with that strong lap from Oscar, beating Lando who ended up third. Charles Leclerc not far off in fourth, Checo in fifth and Sainz in sixth. Great lap from Yuki Tsunoda putting the AlphaTauri on p9 in front of his home crowd. Aston Martin seem to be falling further back by the race. If Max gets a good start, he'll probably run off in the distance but the fight for the other podium positions could be very exciting. McLaren and Ferrari close in pace, Sergio in the second RB and maybe Mercedes.  |
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Post by Carl on Sept 24, 2023 17:29:40 GMT
Motorsport Magazine's brief summary says Verstappen clung to his lead at the start. He swerved hard, first right and then left, to discourage both McLaren drivers, but all's fair in Fuschl am See, Salzburg.
Any demonstration of speed on the wonderful Suzuka circuit bears watching and several fierce challenges and some impressive passes, notably one by George Russell, enlivened the event, but yesterday was more a contest of tyre compounds than of drivers....and that's goddamned boring.
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Post by René on Sept 24, 2023 18:02:03 GMT
An extremely dominant demonstration from Max Verstappen. He drives fantastic of course, flawlessly, but as he himself said on the on-board radio, the car is a rocket ship also. A rocket ship, however, that Pérez doesn't know what to do with! It's slowly starting to get a bit embarrassing.
Strong race from McLaren who have really taken huge steps. Impressive indeed. Lando Norris is still better in the race, that is also experience, but Oscar Piastri is really very talented.
Beautiful overtaking maneuver by Charles Leclerc on George Russell on the outside! It seemed like he was facing a 'leaving the track' penalty, but fortunately it was withdrawn.
Max and Red Bull are in a different league at the moment and I agree with Carl that the whole tire farce shouldn't be like that. You need tires that last the distance and free choice what types to use.
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Post by chrisb on Sept 25, 2023 9:15:22 GMT
followed what was happening whilst watching the superb Indian MotoGP - not a good day for the Brits- another story- and as soon as Max was out front, knew unless mechanical problem that was that, as much as it irritates me to say the fizzy drinks lot are doing a great job, and as with the previous dominance it is up to the others to break it up.
As for Checa is this the end? I always felt he would be fabulous in WEC and maybe Ferrari should offer him a seat next year
well driven by the McLaren boys - they really have risen from the ashes
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Post by René on Sept 25, 2023 17:54:19 GMT
As for Checa is this the end? I always felt he would be fabulous in WEC and maybe Ferrari should offer him a seat next year Now that’s an idea! Checo may be a bit lost at the moment but he’s a very good driver of course. And a master on keeping his tires alive. He could be very good in endurance and Ferrari needs a driver upgrade as I mentioned in another post. Furthermore, he was one’s a member of the Ferrari academy so the connection is there.  |
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Post by René on Sept 27, 2023 18:11:04 GMT
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Post by René on Sept 27, 2023 18:16:47 GMT
This is a super nice interview with Carlos Sainz. It may seem a bit goofy at first but it is really nice. Carlos is so relaxed and 100% genuine and charming in a way you never see with the interviews during a race weekend.
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