2013 Shell Belgian Grand Prix

majidasadi · Post by **majidasadi** » 27 Aug 2013, 07:36

I wonder how a super-venue like Spa can host such a boring race. These days classic tracks host boring races (Monaco, Suzuka) and new Tilke designed tracks host exciting races (like last year's Singapore, Abu Dhabi and Valencia).

Post by **phil1993** » 27 Aug 2013, 07:44

Quite a lot of time it's when there's no first lap SC. Because you then get a large field spread which reduces the likelihood of incidents. It's a common thing in Melbourne as well.

Abu Dhabi last year was average until the SC, then it threw up different strategies, closed everyone up and put people out of position.

iceman1 · Post by **iceman1** » 27 Aug 2013, 07:53

More than 180 Hi-res pictures from Spa!

http://www.f1zone.net/news/gallery/2013 ... n-gp-2013/

mikhailv · Post by **mikhailv** » 27 Aug 2013, 08:44

Alonso didnt stand a chance even in 2nd. Vettel had over a second per lap in his pocket at will. He only finished 16 seconds ahead because he coasted for 35 laps out of 44.

Soren · Post by **Soren** » 27 Aug 2013, 13:16

phil1993 wrote:Quite a lot of time it's when there's no first lap SC. Because you then get a large field spread which reduces the likelihood of incidents. It's a common thing in Melbourne as well.

Abu Dhabi last year was average until the SC, then it threw up different strategies, closed everyone up and put people out of position.

Perhaps that could be an argument for instating 1 obligatory safety car period in the race? Sounds ridiculous, but that it what they do in NASCAR. (I hope they don't.)

It was a dull race considering it was Spa. But the backdrop helps a lot. And there were some memorable moments. Perez doesn't seem to learn. Maldonado neither. But perhaps Grosjean is finally learning.
Anyway, I did a review of the race complete with cheesy racing poetry and everything. It is with a main focus on Kimi, mind you. Shame about his retirement as I think it could have been avoided with swift interaction by the team.

Kimis Glory Run Comes To An End: http://f1bias.com/2013/08/26/spa-2013-k ... to-an-end/

F1EA · Post by **F1EA** » 27 Aug 2013, 16:07

phil1993 wrote:Ferrari had strong pace and had they not screwed up qualifying then they were in with a shout of the win. It was always unlikely but starting P3 or 4, Alonso would have had a much better chance.

Regarding Gutierrez, I believe it was when he passed Maldonado on the Blanchimont run off.

Should Ferrari have Qualified on the front row in Barcelona as well?

Fact is, Red Bull and Mercedes both have MUCH better Q cars than Ferrari. The conditions made it so that the battle was a bit more interesting, but Ferrari simply couldn't compete. When you have the pace, it opens up strategic options.

You are trying to say Alonso should have started second row, when the car has rarely been there all this yr, even if the race pace improves.

Oversteering at Eau Rouge, over steering in the last corner, taking kerb at Radillon... that's the limit. And the only driver who went there and beyond, while keeping clean and pulling off solid moves against better cars was Alonso. So some people are trying to say that because he was able to do that in the race, Ferrari should have qualified 2nd row... pffft.

Look at the top 5. The best two cars are Merc and RB. Webber simply failed. And so did Massa, who should have reasonably taken P4 or 5, given Webber struggled; and he should have beaten Jenson.

So again... there is absolutely no way Vettel or anyone drove a better race than Alonso in Belgium.

/end of.

Post by **phil1993** » 27 Aug 2013, 16:37

I gave him a nine, it's not a bad mark. I was there - Ferrari in the dry was much better than Mercedes, even over a lap. Both Mercedes drivers were getting poor traction exciting La Source.

My point being that Ferrari screwed up qualifying. Alonso was P9 but had he managed a top three of four (entirely possible, especially in changeable conditions) then he would have been in a much better position to challenge Vettel. By the time he got rid of the others, Vettel was long gone. Victory was always a long shot, but it was Saturday that cost them at least a chance of challenging Vettel.

F1EA · Post by **F1EA** » 28 Aug 2013, 01:50

Ah well...
9 +1 for gettin sideways ;)

Joey Zyla · Post by **Joey Zyla** » 28 Aug 2013, 02:41

I've never seen so much fuss over driver ratings.

F1EA · Post by **F1EA** » 28 Aug 2013, 04:31

Joey Zyla wrote:I've never seen so much fuss over driver ratings.

What fuss?

Joey Zyla · Post by **Joey Zyla** » 28 Aug 2013, 05:11

Several posts by various people over the last three pages of this very thread.

mikhailv · Post by **mikhailv** » 28 Aug 2013, 08:18

Joey Zyla wrote:I've never seen so much fuss over driver ratings.

Agree but its still unrivalled by half of what you come out with lol

mikhailv · Post by **mikhailv** » 28 Aug 2013, 09:25

This is a great little article. Loved the onboard against lewis. Didnt realise Alonso didnt use his KERS until on the straight so he could stay alongside lewis who had DRS and outbrake him to the point where almost losing the back end but still making it, even using KERS into the braking zone!!!! And lewis is one of the latest late brakers!

Didnt realise Alonso's wobble was lap 2 with a full tank of petrol. Even more impressive.

http://blog.axisofoversteer.com/2013/08 ... d-off.html

F1EA · Post by **F1EA** » 28 Aug 2013, 14:38

Again... to the limit and beyond, while staying clean and beating faster cars. 10.

With pretty much any other driver there would have been a stewards investigation... or carbon fibre to the wall.

Funny thing is.. this wasnt even his 'best' drive ever; but still, the kind of drive guys like... Vettel have NEVER come close to.

My position stands ;)

Post by **phil1993** » 28 Aug 2013, 14:39

Didn't Vettel do 11th to 2nd last year?

Funny world sometimes.

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