Apr 30 2017

Formula One 2017: Sochi

Well, what do we know about Formula One so far? The rule changes seem to have resulted in faster cars due mostly to the increased aerodynamic downforce and 25% wider tires which augment mechanical grip. Does it improve the prospects for passing? Not at the front according to the drivers who indicate the turbulence from the larger wings make it more difficult to trigger the Drag Reduction System, i.e. get within 1 second of the lead car.

Scuderia Marlboro is experiencing a resurgence. Mercedes still outpowers them by a mile, but their chassis seems to be more developed at this stage in the season, developed in this sense meaning that it’s easier to get the tires to proper temperature and keep them there. In positive news the new owners, Liberty Media, have persuaded them to give up the multi-million dollar bonus Ecclestone gave them for just being Ferrari.

Today’s tires will be Ultra Softs, Super Softs, and Softs. Sochi is a non-abrasive track and you could probably do it on just 2 sets of the Ultra Softs if the rules allowed it (which they don’t). In any event it will be a 1 stopper and likely the finish (barring accidents and breakdowns) in Pole order.

rustymancuso581

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  1. Vent Hole

  2. Pre Race Show

  3. Recon Lap

  4. Hmm…. Sauber moving to Honda Engines

  5. Formation Lap

  6. Alonso out. Electric side of the engine fails.

  7. Extra Formation lap

  8. We race

  9. Good start for Bottas

  10. Grosjean, Palmer, and Stroll tangle. Safety Car.

  11. All 3 out. Van Doorne pits.

  12. Werhline pits

  13. Back racing

  14. Hulkenberg also involved. Stroll back on track.

  15. Ricciardo Right Rear Brake on fire.

  16. Lpap 5 of 52

    Bottas
    Vettel
    Raikkonen
    Hamilton
    Verstappen
    Massa
    Perez
    Ocon
    Hulkenberg
    Magnussen

  17. Ricciardo pits

  18. Magnussen picked up a 5 second penalty at the start.

  19. Lap 10 of 52

    Bottas
    Vettel
    Raikkonen
    Hamilton
    Verstappen
    Massa
    Perez
    Ocon
    Hulkenberg
    Magnussen

  20. Sainz pits

  21. Vandoorne pits

  22. Lap 25 of 52

    Bottas
    Vettel
    Raikkonen
    Hamilton
    Verstappen
    Perez
    Ocon
    Hulkenberg
    Massa
    Stroll

  23. Getting ready for pits

  24. Ocon pits

  25. Stroll pits

  26. Bottas pits

  27. Perez pits

  28. Raikkonen and Verstappen pit

  29. Lap 30 of 52

    Vettel
    Hamilton
    Bottas
    Raikkone
    Verstappen
    Hulkenberg
    Massa
    Perez
    Ocon
    Sainz

  30. Hamilton pits

  31. Vettel finally pits at lap 34

  32. Lap 35 of 52

    Bottas
    Vettel
    Raikkonen
    Hamilton
    Verstappen
    Hulkenberg
    Massa
    Perez
    Ocon
    Sainz

  33. Lap 40 of 52

    Bottas
    Vettel
    Raikkonen
    Hamilton
    Verstappen
    Hulkenberg
    Massa
    Perez
    Ocon
    Sainz

  34. Hulkenber finally pits

  35. Massa pits

  36. Lap 45 of 52

    Bottas
    Vettel
    Raikkonen
    Hamilton
    Verstappen
    Perez
    Ocon
    Hulkenberg
    Massa
    Sainz

  37. Lap 50 of 52

    Bottas
    Vettel
    Raikkonen
    Hamilton
    Verstappen
    Perez
    Ocon
    Hulkenberg
    Massa
    Sainz

  38. Final

    Bottas
    Vettel
    Raikkonen
    Hamilton
    Verstappen
    Perez
    Ocon
    Hulkenberg
    Massa
    Sainz

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