Abu Dhabi GP Thread sponsored by tempur mattresses lets face it we're all going to sleep through it - Contains Race/Qualifying Spoilers

[Fernando]

First topic message reminder :

Abu Dhabi hosts the 18th round of the 2012 Formula One World Championship with teams making the short trip from India to the Yas Marina Circuit. F1’s only day/night race has been a great success in its three previous runnings, with the organisers entertaining the crowd with a good selection of support races and other attractions. Inside the F1 paddock, the Yas Marina Circuit has developed a good reputation – both for its compact arrangement and convivial atmosphere but also with the quality of its garage and circuit facilities, which have been instrumental in it becoming a venue for the young drivers’ test which will take place in the days following the Grand Prix.

YMC has three very different sectors. High-speed turns dominate the start of the lap, down to the chicane and hairpin at Turn Seven. After that, the middle part of the lap has two very long straights separated by a heavy braking zone into a slow-speed chicane. The end of the lap around the harbour has been deliberately designed to mimic Monaco, and like that circuit is mostly slow speed and highly technical.

YMC demands a little bit of everything in terms of set-up. It has the second-longest straight in F1 so demands good top speed; it features heavy braking and a varied selection of cornering speeds requiring good traction and high downforce. It suggests a wider array of set-up options, though compared to the last three races it does not place such a premium on high-speed cornering ability.

Famously the 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix saw Sebastian Vettel crowned after a tense season finale into which he went lying third in a championship, 15 points behind Fernando Alonso and seven behind Mark Webber. The finishing order in India last week ensured the Drivers’ Championship cannot be claimed at Yas this year – but Red Bull go into the race with a good chance of taking the Constructors’ Championship.

Length of lap:

5.554km

Lap record:

1:40.279

(Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Racing, 2009)

Start line/finish line offset:
0.115km
Total number of race laps:
55
Total race distance:

305.355km
Pitlane speed limits:
60km/h during practice and qualifying, 100km/h during the race



Changes to the circuit since 2011

► Higher kerbs, similar to those on the apex of turns eight and nine, have been installed on the apexes of turns five, six, 12, 13, 14, 18 and 19..


Abu Dhabi GP
Fast Facts

► Abu Dhabi is unique on the F1 calendar being a (scheduled) twilight race. Beyond the aesthetic impact of a race which starts in sunshine and finished under artificial light, the primary effect on racing is that track temperatures typically fall as the race progresses – which presents an unusual variable for tyre strategists to consider.
► When the lights are turned on, Yas Marina becomes the largest lit permanent sports venue in the world. Unlike some other sports where lighting will be switched on as required during a day/night event, for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the lights are on from the start of the later sessions to ensure a consistent level of illumination for the drivers.
► Unique among F1 circuits, Yas Marina features a run-off area that extends under a permanent spectator viewing area. Cars approaching Turn Eight brake from above 300kph down to less than 100kph and for those that don’t managed this successfully, the escape road extends out under the West Grandstand.
► The Yas Viceroy hotel, under which the track passes, is very difficult to miss. Its distinctive illumination is the product of 5,389 pivoting LED panels.
► Sebastian Vettel’s victory in India last week was his fourth in succession. He previously managed that feat between the Brazilian Grand Prix of 2010 and the Malaysian Grand Prix of 2011. Of the current field, Jenson Button won four in a row between the Bahrain and Turkish Grands Prix of 2009. Fernando Alonso managed four straight wins in 2006 and Michael Schumacher had a run of seven (and another of five) in 2004, six across 2000/1 and four in 2002 and 1994. Discounting the Indy500, Alberto Ascari managed nine straight wins across 1952/3.
► Vettel has now led grands prix for 205 consecutive laps, taking the lead of the Singapore Grand Prix on lap 23 and leading from the end of lap one to the chequered flag in Japan, Korea and India. He is exactly 100 laps behind Ascari’s all-time record.
► Fourth and fifth in India saw McLaren score points for the 55th consecutive race, equalling the record held by Ferrari. McLaren’s run started at the 2010 Australian Grand Prix. A top-ten finish at Yas Marina will see it set a new benchmark.
► Renault recorded their 150th victory as an engine supplier in India. They have 35 victories in the back of Renault’s own cars; 64 with Williams; 12 with Benetton; 5 with Lotus and now 34 with Red Bull.
► Red Bull can win the Formula One Constructors’ Championship this weekend. They currently lead Ferrari by 91 points and McLaren by 101. They need to leave Abu Dhabi with a lead of 86 points (or 87 points if McLaren win the race) to be confirmed as champions. Of the many permutations possible, the minimum result Red Bull need to be guaranteed the Championship is first/eighth or second/third.

Source:fia

[GSC]

Just confirms why Lewis wants to move teams - having the car fail when in a commanding position once may be considered unfortunate, twice is just unbelievably careless! McLaren don't deserve wins

Good thing Mercedes won't deliver a car capable of being in a commanding positions then.

[GSC]

Poor from Webber, where was he expecting Maldonado to go.

His tyres were dying, just wait for it.

[Dave.]

Webber needs to calm down.

[mystiroakey]

wow- vettel doing some top work here!

[mystiroakey]

come on button get past alonslow

[GSC]

Vettel's going to be in real trouble at the end. Driveb through this wave of pit stops

[Dave.]

Now this is drama! And the Vettel I like to see.....

[harryspiv]

Everything falling into place for the finger. A complete joke.

[21st Century Schizoid Man]

Perez is a lunatic. What the hell are McLaren thinking about ?

[GSC]

Everything falling into place for the finger. A complete joke.

Its happened plenty of times for Alonso. Can't remember an unlucky championship winner personally

[harryspiv]

My issue is that for a car that challenges at the front and a track with 2 large drs zones. Starting from the pits is clearly not a big enough penalty

[SteveG]

Another safety car - this whole calamity of a race has panned out nicely for Vettel from the very start. There's more cars out then in. If Vettel fell into a barrel of turd he'd come out smelling of roses.

Only Kimi's radio messages are keeping me tuned in

[GSC]

Vettel has to start from the airport next race.

The rules are the same for everybody. Yes Vettels got fortunate but these things even out.

Kimi , he's the one thats really gotten unlucky

[Dave.]

Now, more of that please Seb.

[GSC]

Vettel into 3rd.

Can Fernando salvage a win? Come on Kimi!

[GSC]

KIMI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Vettel settled down after a silly start. Alonso might consider only taking 2nd a poor result in the circumstances.

[dyrewolfe]

The Iceman winneth!

Great drive by Kimi - a worthy winner.

Unlucky for Grosjean, getting caught up in that 4-way incident with Perez, Webber and Di Resta. He looked to be on for some decent points. That said, I thought Perez's stop-go penalty was a bit harsh...looked to me like all of them were only guilty of racing harder than their abilities allowed (witness Vettel's pass on Button at the same point...very close but clean).

Typically good drive by Alonso, making up places early on and keeping Raikkonen honest until the end. Well deserved 2nd place that keeps the title battle alive.

Much as I hate to say it, my driver of the day has to be Vettel. Humungous effort by him, starting from the pit lane following his DQ, getting up to 12th before having to pit for a new nose, then doing it all over again to finish 3rd. The 2 safety cars obviously helped a great deal, but he did very well to put himself in position to take advantage of them.

Couldn't have been a more different race for Webber. Went backwards from the start and was evidently rattled, botching 2 overtake attempts before being taken out in the same incident that put Grosjean out.

Absolutely GUTTED for Hamilton. Looked imperious all weekend and on course for a routine win. Absolutely fuming that he was let down by his car yet again. I think I'm now actually glad he's moving to Mercedes. Decent drive from Button. Looked on course for another podium for much of the race, but couldn't hold off the charging Vettel.

Think Fernando might have to consider renaming this thread. Funny that what should have been a boring race turned out to be one of the most incident-packed.

[liverbnz]

Vettel was 21st when the 1st SC went in. The 2nd probably gained him 1 place max. All the rest has been his own good work and with a broken end plate for half the race. He certainly got no more luck than Alonso did for his victory in Valencia which everyone went crazy about.

Also, Kimi is a legend. F1 is a greater place with him in.

[dyrewolfe]

Vettel was 21st when the 1st SC went in. The 2nd probably gained him 1 place max. All the rest has been his own good work and with a broken end plate for half the race. He certainly got no more luck than Alonso did for his victory in Valencia which everyone went crazy about.

Also, Kimi is a legend. F1 is a greater place with him in.

What race were you watching? Vettel was in midfield for the 1st safety car. He nearly ran into Ricciardo and had to swerve into a marker board (further damaging his front wing). He was behind Button during the 2nd safety car. He made up over 30 seconds from the first one and something like 9-10 seconds from the second one.

LAP NINE

Wow. Rosberg launched his Mercedes off the back of the HRT of Karthikeyan as the Mercedes as he misjudged how early the Indian driver would brake for the corner. There was smoke coming from the back of Karthikeyan's car so that might explain why he was slowing. The closing speed between the two cars was frightening. It was a huge crash - similar to when Schumacher hit Coulthard in the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix - and both drivers are lucky to walk away without injury. Out comes the safety car.

LAP EIGHT

There's a huge accident at Turn 15. Nico Rosberg finds himself in the barriers while Narain Karthikeyan's HRT is pointing the wrong way.


Nico Hulkenberg on his early exit: "I think I just had quite a bad start bad run into turn one and got sandwiched and I was halfway between the cars and there was no way out and there was contact."

LAP SEVEN

Sebastian Vettel is told by his team that he's showing good pace. Moments larer, the Red Bull driver puts a move on Heikki Kovalainen for P13. Points are certainly on the cards.

[GSC]

Vettel had a touch of fortune but he still drove very well. Once he settled down and realised he didn't have to throw the car all over the track to pass he was very good.

[SteveG]

Vettel was 21st when the 1st SC went in. The 2nd probably gained him 1 place max. All the rest has been his own good work and with a broken end plate for half the race. He certainly got no more luck than Alonso did for his victory in Valencia which everyone went crazy about.

Safety cars played a huge part in bringing the cars ahead to him (saved 20 seconds alone when changing a front wing) - as did teammates who were pitted against their will and sister teams falling over themselves to move aside. And unlike Alonso's move of the day on Groj in Valencia the only memorable move by Vettel was into the bollard. Driver of the day - Hamilton for 23 laps.

[liverbnz]

Vettel was 21st when the 1st SC went in. The 2nd probably gained him 1 place max. All the rest has been his own good work and with a broken end plate for half the race. He certainly got no more luck than Alonso did for his victory in Valencia which everyone went crazy about.

Also, Kimi is a legend. F1 is a greater place with him in.

What race were you watching? Vettel was in midfield for the 1st safety car. He nearly ran into Ricciardo and had to swerve into a marker board (further damaging his front wing). He was behind Button during the 2nd safety car. He made up over 30 seconds from the first one and something like 9-10 seconds from the second one.

LAP NINE

Wow. Rosberg launched his Mercedes off the back of the HRT of Karthikeyan as the Mercedes as he misjudged how early the Indian driver would brake for the corner. There was smoke coming from the back of Karthikeyan's car so that might explain why he was slowing. The closing speed between the two cars was frightening. It was a huge crash - similar to when Schumacher hit Coulthard in the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix - and both drivers are lucky to walk away without injury. Out comes the safety car.

LAP EIGHT

There's a huge accident at Turn 15. Nico Rosberg finds himself in the barriers while Narain Karthikeyan's HRT is pointing the wrong way.


Nico Hulkenberg on his early exit: "I think I just had quite a bad start bad run into turn one and got sandwiched and I was halfway between the cars and there was no way out and there was contact."

LAP SEVEN

Sebastian Vettel is told by his team that he's showing good pace. Moments larer, the Red Bull driver puts a move on Heikki Kovalainen for P13. Points are certainly on the cards.

When the 1st safety car went in, Vettel was 21st after pitting for a new front wing.

[GSC]

Vettel was 21st because he damaged his FW under the safety car

[beninho]

Who doesnt love Kimi?? Vettel finishing position flattered him a bit I think. Though great move on button. Vettel got a bit lucky, everything went his way. He did well in overtaking those marrussia and caterhams though.

And someone mentioned Perez as unlucky. It was terrible driving he was off the track and just drove back on straight into grosjean. Some pretty poor driving today.

Well done kobayashi though.

[liverbnz]

Vettel was 21st when the 1st SC went in. The 2nd probably gained him 1 place max. All the rest has been his own good work and with a broken end plate for half the race. He certainly got no more luck than Alonso did for his victory in Valencia which everyone went crazy about.

Safety cars played a huge part in bringing the cars ahead to him (saved 20 seconds alone when changing a front wing) - as did teammates who were pitted against their will and sister teams falling over themselves to move aside. And unlike Alonso's move of the day on Groj in Valencia the only memorable move by Vettel was into the bollard. Driver of the day - Hamilton for 23 laps.

Jesus, you really are a bitter man when it comes to Vettel. I'll remind you of your driver of the day award next time Vettel takes a pole to flag victory.

[CaledonianCraig]

Yes Hamilton's race was ruined by mechanical issues with the McLaren but hell where was the nearest Mercedes in this race? Lewis is going from a team always competitive to a team rarely competitive.

[GSC]

Yes Hamilton's race was ruined by mechanical issues with the McLaren but hell where was the nearest Mercedes in this race? Lewis is going from a team always competitive to a team rarely competitive.

Exactly. I get everybody hates McLaren with a passion because everybody posterchild Lewis Hamilton doesn't have a free ride like Vettel did last year, but at worst they delivered the 2nd/3rd best car this year.

Mercedes? not in the conversation. Good luck Mercedes, you're next in line to be panned weekly if Hamilton isn't dominating the championship.

[SteveG]

Vettel was 21st when the 1st SC went in. The 2nd probably gained him 1 place max. All the rest has been his own good work and with a broken end plate for half the race. He certainly got no more luck than Alonso did for his victory in Valencia which everyone went crazy about.

Safety cars played a huge part in bringing the cars ahead to him (saved 20 seconds alone when changing a front wing) - as did teammates who were pitted against their will and sister teams falling over themselves to move aside. And unlike Alonso's move of the day on Groj in Valencia the only memorable move by Vettel was into the bollard. Driver of the day - Hamilton for 23 laps.

Jesus, you really are a bitter man when it comes to Vettel. I'll remind you of your driver of the day award next time Vettel takes a pole to flag victory.

Although Hami was in a league of his own until his unfortunate retirement that was slightly tongue in cheek. Kimi was probably driver of the day. Drove a flawless race - ulike Vettel. There how's that.

Vettel also drove a decent race and of course any driver who goes from the back to 3rd warrants a shout but for me the headline in this case doesnt tell the full story as everything that could fell into place today. But at times he got too hot under the collar when frustrated - driving off the track and smashing into the marker board whilst ranting and raving. All that could easily have cost him alot more than it did but paradoxically it actually helped him.

[CaledonianCraig]

Personally, I think it is a crazy move by Lewis. Ill-thought out and one I suspect he will be regretting very soon.

The team's pan out like this:-

Top tier of teams are those that are always at the business end of qualifying and race results and fighting for titles at the end of the season. Those are Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari.

The second tier of teams I would say are those that fair well in qualifying and have been consistent point scorers. In this group I'd put Lotus and Sauber.

The third tier of teams I would say are Williams and Mercedes. Spells of decent results but not consistent enough to make the second tier.

The fourth tier of teams for me would be Force India and Torro Rosso. Team with fleeting moments of promise and have ended up mopping up many points with finishes mainly from 6th to 10th in races.

The fifth and final tier is the also rans of Caterham, Marussia and HRT.

So you see Lewis is taking a big drop and I am still stunned. I'd go as far as to say it is the craziest career move by a F1 world champion I can ever recall.

[GSC]

I'd suggest everybody else in the 1st tier said no thanks so he took the best paid option. Possibly has an out if Vettel goes to Ferrari

[CaledonianCraig]

I'd suggest everybody else in the 1st tier said no thanks so he took the best paid option. Possibly has an out if Vettel goes to Ferrari

Yes that is how it looks to me. Take a season of pain, signing a less binding contract with Mercedes and by 2014 it is quite conceivable that there will be one or possibly two seats up for grabs at Red Bull as Vettel is being linked to Ferrari and Webber is nearing the end of the road.

[beninho]

Isn't the main selling point to Hamilton. The massive changes implemented for 2014. And mercmerc have heavily recruited and a pinning a lot of hopes on bring ahead of the rest come thus season. I am sure next season isn't the be all abducted end all of the move. Remember when Schumacher left Benetton to join Ferrari. Benetton had been the best team around. And Ferrari where pretty rubbish. Wicked out well for him. Would not be surprised if this works out for Lewis. Also brand Hamilton getting linked with Mercedes cannot be a band thing personally.

[GSC]

brb, putting that into google translate

[CaledonianCraig]

Sorry ben but whatever happens for me for Lewis 2013 is a write-off and to take a season of pain and then hold out hope that Mercedes are going to suddenly, from nowhere pounce to become championship contenders is wishful thinking at best. As for likening the move to Schumacher going from Benetton to Ferrari I have to disagree. Benetton were not of the same stature or standing of McLaren and Mercedes are not in the same league as Ferrari who have always had the money and the passion for the sport to make it big whereas Mercedes don't.

[beninho]

Bloody typing on a phone with predictive text....

[CaledonianCraig]

Bloody typing on a phone with predictive text....

I'd guessed as much. The same thing has happened to me many times.

[beninho]

I agree that 2013 will not be great for merc. But if they put enough resources into the changes for 2014. They could get somewhere. Have to remember the merc team has won a world champ more recently then McLaren. Word of caution for McLaren Perez has looked poor recent races. And today he was downright terrible.

[CaledonianCraig]

So you agree 2013 will be far more fruitless than if he had remained at McLaren and cling to a very faint hope that they can transform from an ugly duckling to a beautiful swan in a year? Yup Perez was bad but still managed to be far more competitive than the Mercedes team who Lewis is heading for. Hmm perhaps Lewis should have went to Sauber instead?

[CaledonianCraig]

It does make me laugh when people (not you ben) come out and say how terrible McLaren have been this year. Really? I'd bet Mercedes would have loved to have had half as good a season as McLaren that is how far they are off the pace.

If we look closer as well Mercedes have went backwards this year compared to last and have been overtaken by Lotus, Sauber and even Williams in my opinion. Not a team I'd be expecting or wanting to see a potential world champion contender driving for.

[bogbrush]

A great race to have a laugh at the Vettel haters.

The 1st safety car saw him get damaged and need a nose job, the 2nd gained him 3rd instead of 4th.
The move from last to 4th was all his own work.

Not bad for a guy who's only good from the front

[beninho]

Merc are not competing with McLaren this year. So you will assume next year will be tough. .but he is a better driver then merc have this year. And he could get more out of the car. He gets more out of the McLaren then button has. But merc started off looking good. So you never know. Don't think many tipped Renault to have a top 3 driver this season. So anything could happen...

[GSC]

Next year not much is changing so I don't think we'll see a massive change.

Rosbergs pretty good all the same, the car just isn't competitive.

[GSC]

The difference is, we're pretty sure McLaren will be a contender next season and going forward.

Mercedes might be, but its very unlikely.

[beninho]

McLaren have not been terrible. Though they have underperformed. They started off with potentially the best car. Is still the best looking. McLaren should have done better..but they have not won a title for a while now so naybe exoectations are to high. Start of the season all teams looked close..just red bull cracked on better then the rest.

[beninho]

Vetell did well but of course he was helped by the safety cars. Without them he would not have come 3rd. Helped him to change his front..his fault initially. And stay within touching distance. He was also helped by the mid range drivers having shockers. Vetell is good..but his performance has not convinced me yet that he is a great racer.

[CaledonianCraig]

By the way ben, Mercedes have never won the world title. That was when it was competing under the Brawn name.

[GSC]

Also the driver that won that title is at McLaren.

[beninho]

I am aware it was brawn. But that went to be the base of the merc team.

[bogbrush]

Vetell did well but of course he was helped by the safety cars. Without them he would not have come 3rd. Helped him to change his front..his fault initially. And stay within touching distance. He was also helped by the mid range drivers having shockers. Vetell is good..but his performance has not convinced me yet that he is a great racer.

His nose job was caused by the safety car situation; quite how the safety car rescued him from a position that only happened because of the safety car is a bit confusing.

[CaledonianCraig]

No bogbrush. His nose was damaged prior to the safety car coming out in a collision with Grosjean. The team had radio contact with Seb, looked at telemetery, and despite him losing four tenths a lap they decide to not bring him in. During the safety car period he damaged the nose further driving into a polystyrene sign or something and damaged the nose further and they decided to then pit him which did benefit him as there was still the safety car out.

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