Korean GP - Thread contains spoilers of Race/Qualifying & Practice Sponsored by Typhoon Fitow

[Fernando]

Formula One has not made life easy for itself as it tries to establish a foothold in South Korea. In three years the race promoters have squandered over £100m on the event.

It’s not difficult to see why. The Korea International Circuit, a typical dreary Hermann Tilke clone, is stamped on the indifferent countryside almost 200 miles from the capital Seoul.

A telling sign of the lack of local enthusiasm for the event is that for F1′s fourth visit there remains just a single category on the support bill. Local fans report there is little in the way of promotion.

If that is unlikely to raise your anticipation for the weekend ahead, the championship situation is not likely to help matters. Sebastian Vettel’s hat-trick of wins since since the summer break has realistically destroyed his rivals’ hopes of beating him.

Another win this weekend could see him head to Japan ready to clinch the crown. That being the case, thoughts are increasingly turning to preparing for next year.

Weather Forecast: http://www.myweather2.com/Motor-Racing/South-Korea/Yeongam-Circuit-Korean-International-Circuit.aspx?sday=3

Korea circuit information
Lap length 5.621km (3.493 miles)
Distance 55 laps (309km/192 miles)
Lap record* 1’39.605 (Sebastian Vettel, 2011)
Fastest lap 1’35.585 (Sebastian Vettel, 2010)
Tyres Medium and Super-soft

[Fernando]

Jules Bianchi signs on for 2014 @ Marussia.

[Bull]

Go Bianchi!

[GSC]

The latest conspiracy theory is that Vettel has traction control.

Beggars belief

[Guest]

Here's my weekend thoughts:

Minardi's interview is pretty stupid really. The differing engine noise was stated way back in testing & even Alonso stated this way back. Fact is the RB is a great package that is 'legal', it probably does have superior systems in place throughout the car, that are the envy of it's rivals, but that's what Newey brings to the table. End of story.

As for the race, huge typhoon expected to hit south of Korea on race day. Basically if there's any hint of heavy rain, expect numerous radio calls of, 'It's too dangerous, I can't see anything', being played out, closely followed by Hamilton saying, 'Let's race'.

The rain should probably hit the two or three spectators that actually turn up.

Dry Race - Vettel wins
Wet/Typhoon Race - Doubt it will even go ahead & getting up at 7am is a tough, tough ask for a possible abandonment. If it does get cancelled, they should just give Vettel the trophy now.

[dyrewolfe]

As for the race, huge typhoon expected to hit south of Korea on race day. Basically if there's any hint of heavy rain, expect numerous radio calls of, 'It's too dangerous, I can't see anything', being played out, closely followed by Hamilton saying, 'Let's race'.

I won't be watching unless there is rain (enough to make things interesting, but obviously not so much the race is abandoned).


Actually, just had a thought.

The teams should all bring a pair of small, single-seat hovercraft, to be used instead of cars, in the event there is torrential rain. That way the race can still go ahead regardless.

[GSC]

I like Korea. Track has a bit of everything, needs a good all round car. Stupid placement though.

[Guest]

Mercedes looked good but RB holding back you imagine. I think the drag down to the third corner will be fascinating & who can correctly set their rear wing up. Would imagine Alonso is already focusing on being fast in the straights because they are way off pace for pole.

[SteveG]

Have high hopes for Merc and Hami this weekend after practice - mainly because they tend to run with higher fuel (often this season out-sandbagging the ultimate sandbaggers that are RBR). My problem (and F1s) is it doesnt mean anything anymore. Will just have to 'pretend' that its a good old battle between Alonso and Hami for the title. Sigh.

[Fernando]

It'll be worse Steve when Alonso is in the Mclaren next season.

[Hulking_up]

Vettel on pole *yawn*

[beninho]

Any point in watching the race now? Vetell to have 2 second gap by end of ffirst lap and race pretty much over. Hope it rains!

[Guest]

+ Hamilton did a pointless extra lap in improving from third to second, when he could of just stayed in the garage because of Webber's penalty. Also, Mercedes were actually faster in sector 2 than 1 & 3, therefore their going to be vulnerable at the start & in the straights from Alonso on high fuel due to their setup. Hoping for rain, otherwise Vettel has dominated this. Expect Alonso to be at least third going into turn 4.

Prediction if dry - Vettel, Alonso, Hamilton borefest
Prediction if wet - Exciting, action packed & unpredictable

You can tell the majority of the drivers just want this season over. Kimi & Button making it truly obvious.

[SteveG]

Thought Hami was gonna get pole today but should've known better. Brundle commented on how the back end of the RB just doesnt move when hurtling thru the corners compared to the Merc which means there's probably more time in the bag should Vettel feel the need to put his cigar down and drive anywhere near the ragged edge. Really can't be dealing with very much more of this season!!

[GSC]

That's more due to the RBs immense downforce.

Interesting thing from Gary Anderson I saw, apparently RB haven't really taken a step forward, everyone else has regressed

[Guest]

Anyone getting up for the race? In theory, Vettel is going to be a sitting duck down that straight from Hamilton. I reckon Alonso is going to be flying down that back straight like a rocket. First couple of laps could be insane, then there's the weather aspect, which is still an unknown.

[GSC]

The RB was faster on the straights and Mercedes in sector 2. Straight line speed hasn't been an issue for RB recently

[Guest]

Yeah, I know because of the RB setup but the tow will be huge going down the back straight, especially for Alonso. The only one who has anything to lose now is Vettel. Can see some late breaking into turn 3. Think I'll get up for the race. If I get up & it's wet, even better.

[Fernando]

It's going to rain overnight there so will be damp track but expect to stop before the race starts

[GSC]

Probably wont be worth Inters then. Be an interesting first corner if its damp

[Guest]

rain stopping is good, means none of this bull**** safety car starts. mercedes go good in wet, should be a good first few laps, anything could happen. be interesting to see webber coming through the field, having opted for faster straight line speed. just got a feeling this could be a cracker. certainly of the two 7am races, this and japan, this is the one to get up for.

[Fernando]

I quite like Korea as a track unfortunately it's in the wrong place. It was in say France/Spain it would be excellent commercially.

[GSC]

I agree Nando. Has a bit of everything, needs an all round car.

[GSC]

It's much better than Hungary.

[GSC]

Anyone got F1 2013 btw. Penalty system still sucks online

[Guest]

Don't look very wet to me. All about this drag race, if Vettel leads going into turn 4, it might be an early return to bed for me.

[Guest]

Impressive defence from Grosjean today. Not looking great for Alonso. Top 3 close together, could get interesting.

[Guest]

Rosberg`s nose failed. Mercedes having a shocker, self destructing. Hamilton struggling massively. Di Resta`s career over? Vettel controlling the pace.

[Guest]

All kicking off, Perez tyre failure on the straight. Safety car

[bogbrush]

Reset then, all start again.

This SC will take absolutely ages now.

[bogbrush]

Mark Webber having another wonderful day.

They'd better take his laces off him.

[Guest]

Haha this is shocking, some random fire truck just rushed on for Webber's fire. Pure comedy. This race was a stinker, now its come alive

[bogbrush]

Mental.

Red Bull recruiting Sutil to take out Webber really must be the last straw.

[Hulking_up]

Haha this is shocking, some random fire truck just rushed on for Webber's fire.

Made me sit up and go huh?
Surreal.

[beninho]

Some interesting battles. But again a pretty dull race.

[Hulking_up]

The casual fan might as well just tune in to the first and last 10 laps.
Seems this is when all the action is.

[Guest]

Roque shut up about vettels tyres. Watching Hamilton, hulkenberg is what pushing tyres is all about, not running in clear air. Infuriates me. Vettel has won, strolled again in the best car. Hulkenbergs just got great traction n straight speed, nothing lewis can do really.

Yeah, dull first half of race, improved slightly, few comical moments, Webber luckless again, Di resta probably saying goodbye to f1. Championship definitely over.

[Bull]

Dreadful race.
Vettel wins the 2013 Championship!

[beninho]

Great drive but the hulk. Suaber looks good especially as both made top 10 in qualifying. Another easy win though. F1 needs to get more interesting next year.

[bogbrush]

Do you actually think Roque is doing that for fun? He knows his driver has a leaning to setting new lap records when it's not needed, he's just trying to keep him safe.

[bogbrush]

Apparently Vettel suffered from water bottle reliability problems. They kept it off the radio though, only revealed after the race.

[SteveG]

With hindsight this race was over for Merc when they failed to address their obvious straight line speed difficiency during practice. Isnt this what practice sessions are all about? Once they realised that RB were always half a second quicker in sector1 - where all the action was going to be then why didnt they take some wing out?? Sector 1 was killing Hamilton all thru the race. And Speaking of Hamilton he's definately not braking as late as he used to suggesting that he still has issues which Merc must address for next season if they're going to get the best out of their star man.

Great drive from the Hulk - looks like Sauber have progressed massively and the timing couldn't be better for him with some major seats still up for grabs. Mclaren coud do worse then take a look. Agree about Diresta - the fact he's p****d his team off a good few times this season won't help either.

As for the race - well its the same old same old - some good battles so long as you forget that none of them are for first place.

[Fernando]

Ive said this for many seasons Paul Di Resta is distinctly average driver these last few race have been pretty basic errors. With a lot of talent out of seats next season Hulkenburg/Massa. Plus the guys trying to get back into F1 Kovalainen/Kobayashi/Petrov with their wonga he could be in stick.

[dyrewolfe]

Ive said this for many seasons Paul Di Resta is distinctly average driver these last few race have been pretty basic errors. With a lot of talent out of seats next season Hulkenburg/Massa. Plus the guys trying to get back into F1  Kovalainen/Kobayashi/Petrov with their wonga he could be in stick.

Unless they're looking to offload him, I think Hulk could do worse than stay with Sauber. With most of the top drives accounted for, his next best option is to stick with a mid-grid team who look to be making progress.

As for Di Resta, he is definitely struggling at the moment. maybe he knows his place is up for grabs and is trying too hard? Still, if you want to make the grade in F1 you have to learn to deal with that kind of pressure. Wouldn't mind seeing what Kobayashi or Petrov could do in a Force India.

Didn't think Kovaleinen brought much money with him...hence why he was ditched in favour of VDG at Caterham?

[dyrewolfe]

Apparently Vettel suffered from water bottle reliability problems. They kept it off the radio though, only revealed after the race.

Goodness gracious! Thank goodness he made it to the end of the race okay.

All Webber had to deal with was a puncture and Sutil running into the back of him, turning his car into a fireball in the process. Guy doesn't know how lucky he is...

[bogbrush]

Apparently Vettel suffered from water bottle reliability problems. They kept it off the radio though, only revealed after the race.

Goodness gracious! Thank goodness he made it to the end of the race okay.

All Webber had to deal with was a puncture and Sutil running into the back of him, turning his car into a fireball in the process. Guy doesn't know how lucky he is...

I think they both obviously had their issues, Seb's were just manageable through to the line.

[dyrewolfe]

Well, I said I wasn't going to watch unless there was rain, but did anyway. Wish I hadn't as it was as dreary as I'd feared...apart from the safety car incidents and the last 10 laps or so.

Hamilton sadly didn't even come close to passing Vettel into the first corner and after that there was only ever going to be one winner. Seb drove an immaculate and untroubled race...yawn. Handled the restarts well enough - about the closest he came to having a real problem.

Poor old Webber though. As Brundle commented, if it wasn't for bad luck, he'd have none at all.

Great race for Lotus. Actually surprised Grosjean finished where he started, after being promoted to 3rd on the grid, following Webbers penalty, but fair play he drove a good race - only bettered by his team mate. Raikkonen for the second race in a row is my drive of the day. Again made light of a poor showing in qualifying, eventually overtaking Romain and hanging on to his 2nd place, despite pressure from his team mate.

Fantastic drive by Nico Hulkenberg, starting 1 place ahead of his team mate in 7th, he pulled off the biggest surprise of the race, overtaking some much bigger names and fending off some a determined Lewis Hamilton in the closing stages to finish 4th. Quite telling that Gutierrez eventually finished a distant 11th.

Another below-average weekend for Ferrari, with Alonso unable to pull off one of his trademark banzai starts. He had a couple of interesting tussles with Hamilton but was ultimately unable to make up any ground, finishing 1 place down from where he started in 6th. Good recovery drive by Massa, who got clipped and spun round by a Force India early on, putting him at the back. He fought back through the field to finish 9th.

Disappointing race for Mercedes, with Hamilton starting 2nd and Rosberg 4th, their lack of race pace saw them overtaken by the Lotuses, Alonso and Hulkenberg's Sauber, eventually finishing 5th and 7th.

Too much downforce or wrong gear ratios (or a combination of both), saw Hamilton frustrated in his repeated attempts to pass Hulkenberg. he was clearly quicker through the slower sections, but the Sauber had equal or better straight-line speed, plus better traction out of corners, rendering DRS ineffectual. The Mercs also seemed to suffer particularly high tyre wear.

Also worth noting Rosberg may have finished higher, had his nose not come loose, dragging on the track and necessitating an extra pit stop to replace it.

The last race probably can't come quick enough for McLaren, with Perez failing to improve on his qualifying position of 10th. Button at least managed to move up 3 places from his 11th place grid position, eventually finishing 8th.

So, all that means is that if Vettel wins in Japan and Alonso fails to finish at least 8th, Red Bull will wrap up their 4th consecutive titles.

[dyrewolfe]

Apparently Vettel suffered from water bottle reliability problems. They kept it off the radio though, only revealed after the race.

Goodness gracious! Thank goodness he made it to the end of the race okay.

All Webber had to deal with was a puncture and Sutil running into the back of him, turning his car into a fireball in the process. Guy doesn't know how lucky he is...

I think they both obviously had their issues, Seb's were just manageable through to the line.

Funny - I never noticed Seb having any issues, other than the odd radio message to look after his tyres. If he had any issues, they weren't serious enough to stop him cruising to the chequered flag. Engine fires, on the other hand, quite often spell the end of your race...

[Alessandro Ciambella]

Bonjourno!

Long time reader, first time poster.

I don’t want to summon the usual tin hat brigade but, do you knowledgable people of F1 think its feasible that red bull are manipulating cold air and blowing this into their diffusers as opposed to the banned hot air?

I could bore you with the science of it, but assume that you guys will know what I am talking about. Red Bull are the masters of pushing the limits of rules and regulations and I believe this could be why they cope with the max traction out of all corners so well.

Your opinions on this would be appreciated. I’m not afraid to be proven wrong and feel that I have a duty to this dying sport to find out how red bull are crushing the opposition souls!

[dyrewolfe]

Bonjourno Senorina Ciabatta! Good to see you here again.

My two cents' is I don't think Red Bull are doing anything illegal, despite recent rumours to the contrary. Just that Adrian Newey is an evil genius, whose mastery of the dark art of aerodynamics is unequalled in the sport.

That, plus they have a fairly decent driver to make the best use of their car.

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