Indian GP Thread - Contains Spoilers of all sessions - Sponsored by Sebastien Vettel's Title Polish

[Fernando]

If Japan’s Suzuka, scene of Sebastian Vettel’s strategically astute ninth win of the season last time out, is regarded as one of the greatest of Formula One’s ‘classic’ circuits, this weekend sees the championship move to a track that has been widely praised as one the finest recent additions to the calendar – India’s Buddh International Circuit.

The location for round 16 of the 2013 F1 World Championship features good changes of elevation, two long, fast straights and a technically challenging middle sector that features the tricky multiple apex Turn 10. The circuit has quickly proved popular with the sport’s drivers, who appreciate it having the second highest average speed of the year after Monza, but also the skill required to hook up a good lap around its 5.125km length.

Getting that perfect lap requires a car that treads a very fine line in balancing the speed needed to get the best from the long straights and good aerodynamic grip and balance for the middle sector.

Vettel’s victory in Japan, his fifth win in a row this year, has given him a 90-point advantage over Fernando Alonso in the Drivers’ Championship and with the Ferrari driver all but conceding defeat in the wake of the race at Suzuka, this weekend could see Vettel crowned champion. The Red Bull driver needs fifth place or better here to become just the fourth driver in F1 history to win four titles and only the third to win four in a row – alongside Juan Manuel Fangio and Michael Schumacher.

Meanwhile, in the Constructors’ Championship, Red Bull Racing have 445 points, compared with 297 for nearest rival Ferrari, so the Milton Keynes-based team can this weekend also conceivably wrap up the manufacturers’ title. prvw-flag-india.jpg

CIRCUIT DATA

BUDDH INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT

Length of lap: 5.125km
Lap record:
1:27.249
(Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Racing, 2011)
Start/finish line offset: 0.251km
Total number of race laps: 60
Total race distance: 307.249km
Pitlane speed limits:
80km/h throughout the weekend.

CHANGES TO THE CIRCUIT SINCE 2012
► Other than routine maintenance there have been no changes of significance.

DRS ZONES
► There are two DRS zones at the Buddh International Circuit. The detection point of the first is 16m before Turn Three and its activation point is 350m after Turn Three. The second zone’s detection point is 10m after Turn 15, with the activation point 36m after Turn 16.

Indian GP
Fast Facts
► This will be just the third running of the Indian Grand Prix. The race joined the F1 calendar in 2011.
► Sebastian Vettel has not only taken pole position and victory in the two Indian GPs staged so far, he has also led every lap of each race. Last year he also finished in P1 in every practice session. Red Bull Racing have locked-out the front row at both grand prix, with Mark Webber second on the grid in 2011 and 2012.
► At this season’s most recent race, in Japan, Vettel recorded his fifth victory in a row this season. The last time a driver recorded five or more successive wins was in 2004, when Michael Schumacher won the opening five races of the season. The Ferrari driver then went on to win seven in a row between the European and Hungarian GPs that year, so Vettel will need to win here and in Abu Dhabi to match that feat. ► Depending on your view, the outright record for consecutive wins belongs to Alberto Ascari, who recorded nine in a row between the Belgian Grand Prix of 1952, the third of eight races that season, and the same event the following year, when it was fourth on a calendar of nine races. On the way to that tally, however, he did not compete in the 1953 Indianapolis 500, which formed part of that year’s F1 World Championship. To match Ascari’s tally, Vettel will need to win all the remaining rounds this season.
► Vettel’s 2011 pole position gave Red Bull a record 16th in a single season. It was the 28th of Vettel’s career. Since then he has been on pole a further 14 times.
► Apart from Vettel, the only other driver to feature on both Indian GP podiums is Fernando Alonso. The Ferrari driver was third in the inaugural race and second last year.
► Jaime Alguersuari scored the last points of his F1 career to date in the first grand prix here. Over a 46-race career, beginning at the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix, the Spanish driver racked up 31 points in total driving for Toro Rosso. The final four points of that tally came with eighth place at the Buddh International Circuit in 2011.
► This will be the first Indian GP without an Indian driver involved. Narain Karthikeyan raced in 2011 and 2012 for HRT, while Karun Chandhok participated in free practice for Team Lotus (now Caterham) in 2011.
► To cope with the demands of the Buddh International Circuit, F1 tyre supplier Pirelli is this weekend bringing its Soft and Medium tyre compounds. This is a change from the previous two years, when the company brought its Soft and Hard configurations. Soft and Medium tyres have been used this season in China, Germany and Hungary.
► Despite being built on relatively flat land, the track has had plenty of undulations built in, with more than four million tonnes of earth moved during the construction of the circuit. The track rises 14 metres between Turns One and Three alone.

[bogbrush]

I suspect the RB will look even further ahead as everyone is now on the 2014 season.

[MIG]

I play F1 manager where you pick two drivers, an engine and a chassis and are awarded points etc etc.
I have a dilemma for this race, can someone help me please?  Which is the stronger line up?

Ricciardo, Vettel, Red Bull, Marussia
Grosjean, Vettel, Mercedes, Marussia
Grosjean, Vettel, Lotus, Marussia.

I'm leaning towards option 2 currently, I think you get more points for the drivers over the engines and chassis'  Otherwise I would just stick with Red Bull.  But I think Grosjean is the form driver at the moment.

[dyrewolfe]

Can't see this being anything other than a 60-lap celebratory parade for Red Bull and Vettel.

This is the first race of the season that I'm seriously wondering whether to watch or not.

I probably will anyway, just to see who's in contention for the runner-up spots. I think finishing 3rd in the drivers' standings still represents a good first season at Mercedes for Hamilton, if he can overhaul Kimi. The team are also in with a shout of securing 2nd place in the constructors standings, if they can finish ahead of Ferrari in a couple of the remaining races.

As with the last few races, its not the winner that will be the focus of interest, but the battles going on further down the grid.

[Guest]

RB on the prime in the race will be untouchable in clean air. The battles are for second & in the constructors. 10am race start, definitely watch it but yeah, everyone else is really on holiday now thinking about 2014.

[Fernando]

Well John in time you turn on for the race Vettel will be in the distance  

[Guest]

Well John in time you turn on for the race Vettel will be in the distance  

What time is the race? Vettel won't dominate because he's tyre limited, front limiting track. RB don't look special on the softer option but look immense on the prime.

[Fernando]

9:30 start

[Bull]

The great Bull predicts a Vettel win.

[Guest]

That was a terrible qualifying session, everyone just wants to pack up & go home. Vettel was more than dominant, still not sure why they are letting drivers have all four wheels off track though. As for the race, it might be quite interesting now RB have split strategy. Vettel will pit early, while Webber will stay out. Mercedes will be there but expect them to go backwards.

Prediction - Vettel - Webber - Raikkonen or Hamilton

[beninho]

I hope red bull produce a dog of a car next year. It's all so boring and predictable isn't it?? Either that or someone knee caps vetell.

[Bull]

Kinda extreme measures don't you think Beninho?

[beninho]

From watching more I doubt it would be extreme enough. I reckon a kneecapping would not keep him out the whole season. As things stand he could win the title racing half a season. Just hope for some challenges in the race.

What was the point in taking f1 to India. Need to concentrate on European races more.

[CaledonianCraig]

Hamilton summed things up pre-race when if asked if they could challenge Red Bull today. He said:'On race pace - no way.' Also commented that the rest were in different cars to Red Bulls which to me is a clear hint that he knows Red Bull are on a different planet.

[bogbrush]

As is Vettel.

[bogbrush]

I hope red bull produce a dog of a car next year. It's all so boring and predictable isn't it?? Either that or someone knee caps vetell.

Well one thing we know for sure is that if Vettel wins next year it'll be declared due to his car.

[beninho]

Well it is the car isnt it? It's not only the car but when the car is so much better then all the others it is a massive help. When the driver is so much better then his teammate then it's the ultimate package for that person. I just don't like the way the tyre changes ended the championship.

[bogbrush]

The car is great, nobody thinks otherwise.

It's just a bit silly to try to discredit the driver.

[bogbrush]

Jeez Webber gets nothing good does he?

[Bull]

Poor Mark! =(
Again its the wrong car!!

[bogbrush]

[bogbrush]

Sutil attempting to make the end running on the carcass.

[beninho]

I havent discredited the driver, hence the kneecapping joke. Vetell and red bull is a match made in f1 heaven. They work perfectly together. Its just not a great spectacle for the viewers apart from vetell fans. Personally I would like to see some closer racing between the big teams not domination by one guy.

Gotta feel for Webber.

[CaledonianCraig]

The car is great, nobody thinks otherwise.

It's just a bit silly to try to discredit the driver.

Who is discrediting him? All I am guilty of is not wishing to over-credit him.

We can only judge Vettel against Webber as Red Bull are streets ahead of the rest. And the facts are:-

1. Vettel is a faster driver.

2. Lets not kid ourselves - this Red Bull is geared chiefly towards Vettel's style as well. All Webber can do is tweak a few settings or alter aerodynamics but as sure as eggs are eggs Red Bull have built the car to suit Sebs strengths not Webber's. And yyes before you say anything the same goes for Alonso at Ferrari.

3. Webber is now past his best and hampered by a serious of DNF's.

[bogbrush]

So would I beninho, so would I.

Webber must have run over a gypsy woman walking her black cat.

[bogbrush]

The car is great, nobody thinks otherwise.

It's just a bit silly to try to discredit the driver.

Who is discrediting him? All I am guilty of is not wishing to over-credit him.

We can only judge Vettel against Webber as Red Bull are streets ahead of the rest. And the facts are:-

1. Vettel is a faster driver.

2. Lets not kid ourselves - this Red Bull is geared chiefly towards Vettel's style as well. All Webber can do is tweak a few settings or alter aerodynamics but as sure as eggs are eggs Red Bull have built the car to suit Sebs strengths not Webber's. And yyes before you say anything the same goes for Alonso at Ferrari.

3. Webber is now past his best and hampered by a serious of DNF's.

And using some judgement and imagination, the guy is a really great driver.

It's your difficulty in facing up to that which kind of lets you down. Still, if you really believe the only assessment possible is Vettel v Webber (who you then run down), and pretend he's spent the last 4 years in a much superior car all the time, that's your business.

[CaledonianCraig]

BB, not sure what you mean. I have said before that Vettel is a great driver as four world titles in succession can't be sniffed at but as I read it you are bemused that people aren't kissing his ass on here (sorry not my style). Great driver - but an all-time great in my eyes - not at this time.

[beninho]

I don't like drs. I think have either degrading tyres or drs you do not need both.

I hope riciardo gets s good start next season I fear he could become a second driver whipping boy which ruins drivers. Like massa and Webber.

[bogbrush]

The ATG strawman is overdone. We really need to ask around who us saying he is, not sure anyone is on here.

He will be though, when the career is done, I think.

[beninho]

Grosjean is surprising me and really looking like a good driver for the future. Hope lotus have some cash to build a decent car for him next year.

[CaledonianCraig]

The ATG strawman is overdone. We really need to ask around who us saying he is, not sure anyone is on here.

He will be though, when the career is done, I think.

That depends though. Sporting greats in any sport are judged on their achievements that much is true but the aficienados also judge on entertainment value/great race drives/competitiveness etc and in those area is where the question marks will remain until either Red Bull lose Newey or next year's change of regs shake things up (which I doubt) or until other teams can find a more competitive car or until Seb moves on and proves to be an out and out winner in a lesser car or against a more competitive team-mate.

[Bull]

Good stuff from Perez.

[CaledonianCraig]

Congratulations to Seb Vettel on four successive world titles and Red Bull on another title - simply untouchable and streets ahead of the rest.

[bogbrush]

The ATG strawman is overdone. We really need to ask around who us saying he is, not sure anyone is on here.

He will be though, when the career is done, I think.

That depends though. Sporting greats in any sport are judged on their achievements that much is true but the aficienados also judge on entertainment value/great race drives/competitiveness etc and in those area is where the question marks will remain until either Red Bull lose Newey or next year's change of regs shake things up (which I doubt) or until other teams can find a more competitive car or until Seb moves on and proves to be an out and out winner in a lesser car or against a more competitive team-mate.

Oh, it's obvious this guy will add to his achievements. It's inevitable, he's getting better every year, making less mistakes, being more intelligently aggressive.

He's going forward, unrecognisable from the lad who won in 2010.

[GSC]

Great drive from Vettel, an another fantastic world champion. Nobody can take that away from him.

Great drives from Grosjean and Perez.

As for Kimi, he needs to grow up a little bit. How many times has Grosjean played 2nd fiddle to him. Dummy out

[SteveG]

Hamilton has been absolute garbage this weekend. He's already running with more wing than Rossberg to help with his tyres and this has cost him on the straights - and still can't manage the tyres as well as his teammate. Assuming Pirelli are in the sport for the long haul then he/Merc needs to do some serious analyzing during the winter otherwise will never win annother WDC.

On a sidenote - the pundits express that it's great when there is a big gap between the two tyres because of early pitstops followed by overtaking. Well so what when you have DRS!! In the end its all artificial b****cks.

[Bull]

Well done to Seb and Red Bull on winning the Championship once more.

[bogbrush]

Great drive from Vettel, an another fantastic world champion. Nobody can take that away from him.

Great drives from Grosjean and Perez.

As for Kimi, he needs to grow up a little bit. How many times has Grosjean played 2nd fiddle to him. Dummy out

Going to be something to look forward to next year. Rainkonnen / Alonso - marriage made in Hell.

[CaledonianCraig]

Yes I think he will add to his achievements and I don't think anyone here would argue with that but under what circumstances? More walkovers in the most superior car by a distance does him no favours - he needs something else. Not in terms of titles though - I mean he needs to show his class in a competitive scrap and as things are at the moment it just isn't happening.

[GSC]

He's not going to hold off Grosjean for 4 laps, let him through and hold up Massa to ensure his podium. Grosjeans done it in reverse.

Instead he runs Grosjean off the road and allows Massa to close up.

Great move by Perez on Hamilton and Raikonnen. Very good under pressure from him, hope he sticks at McLaren

[bogbrush]

He really needs nothing. None of the greats went looking for cr@p cars, quite the reverse.

It killed poor Senna, going looking for the best car. Prost, all if them chased the best car. Only arguable exception was Scumacher, who created it.

[GSC]

Pretty much every WDC on the grid bar Kimi won their titles in the best car. Who cares?

[SteveG]

Pretty much every WDC on the grid bar Kimi won their titles in the best car. Who cares?

would argue that Ferrari had the best car in 2008.

[CaledonianCraig]

To you he needs nothing but I am talking about what he needs to win doubters over and yes they will always exist if things carry on as they are. The paying public pay for entertainment/wheel-to-wheel scraps/overtaking in difficult circumstances and such-like - that is how fans rate the greatest drivers.

[CaledonianCraig]

Pretty much every WDC on the grid bar Kimi won their titles in the best car. Who cares?

Highly debatable that Hamilton had the best car in 2008. And I can certainly name more who won in cars that weren't in manufacturers title winning cars either.

[GSC]

Kamui Kobayashi is an ATG then

[bogbrush]

To you he needs nothing but I am talking about what he needs to win doubters over and yes they will always exist if things carry on as they are. The paying public pay for entertainment/wheel-to-wheel scraps/overtaking in difficult circumstances and such-like - that is how fans rate the greatest drivers.

No, the point I'm making is he doesn't need to win doubters over. I doubt they matter to him. I doubt he gives a monkey, people will always carp, you can't change that and it's not worth thinking about.

Seeking the approval of the masses isn't what winning mentalities go looking for.

[CaledonianCraig]

No he doesn't need to win doubters over but he says being booed hurt so it does affect him that he feels he is not getting the credit and so does give a monkeys in my opinion.

[Bull]

Kamui Kobayashi is an ATG then

What do you mean?

[Guest]

Well done vettel, predictable title win, predictable Webber failure n predictable borefest really. Agree steveG, once again Hamiltons setup was shocking. More rear wing, drs basically ineffective. I was hoping Hamilton blew up just to end the misery. Great drives from grosjean/perez, kimi`s basically on holiday.

Roll on 2014. Also vettel will win every remaining race, the difference between rb n the rest is huge.

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