Jul 28 2012

Formula One 2012: Hungaroring Qualifying

The big news is that Red Bull’s engine torque mapping has been ruled illegal in response to complaints by McLaren that it’s going to set off an expensive race to duplicate.  Unknown how much this will effect them.  Lotus and McLaren reworking their aero packages, McLaren with apparent success.

Vettel had to give up his place after putting all 4 wheels off passing Button at Hockenheim.

I’m not sure what the compounds are and it probably doesn’t matter yet.  It was damp both Practices and mostly all the running was on Inters (slicks had a tendency to slide).  Race day tomorrow they predict downpours that make Wets questionable, worst weather in 3 weekends (and that’s saying something).  Bring your paper boats to float in the gutters while you sit out the red flags damp.

Or not.  Today is supposed to be dry and I suppose one of the reasons the McLaren aero is working better is that they’ve been able to get the dry laps to test it.  Pirelli is still frustrated by it’s inability to test the new extreme hards they intend to introduce next season.

The Hungaroring is flat and twisty and reminds drivers of Monaco because it’s difficult to overtake, so the question of Qualifying vs. race setup could factor in.  It’s a great favorite of the Finns and they come in droves.  Expect them to be rooting for Raikkonen (actually picked as a potential winner by some of the commentators) and Kovalainen.

My last year’s coverage is here and here.  2010 is here and here.

rustymancuso581

16 comments

Skip to comment form

  2. I was working on other projects.

  4. 2:00 to play, 4 cars parked.

  7. Ricciardo

    Kovalainen

    Petrov

    Pic

    Glock

    de la Rosa

    Karthikeyan

  8. Most racers burning through them.

    Dry now, heavy rain forecast.

  11. Webber !

    di Resta

    Rosberg !

    Perez

    Kobayashi

    Vergne

    Schumacher !

  13. Everybody out.

    Everyone on Options.

  16. Hamilton

    Grosjean !

    Vettel

    Button

    Raikkonen

    Alonso

    Massa

    Maldonado

    Senna

    Hulkenberg

Comments have been disabled.