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2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Thread

Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2019 4:13 pm
by UnlikeUday
Image
Source - Imgur

Image
Source - Imgur

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2019 6:26 pm
by M44
That seemed like the quickest summer break in memory.. maybe I'm just getting old! Looking forward to this.. will be interesting to see what upgrades people bring and what the status quo is going into the final races.

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Tue Aug 27, 2019 12:41 am
by Todd
Looking at this chart, one might conclude that Gasly is still at RedBull.

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Tue Aug 27, 2019 2:14 am
by Exediron
Todd wrote:Looking at this chart, one might conclude that Gasly is still at RedBull.
He was, when Red Bull made their tyre selections. Those are made weeks or months in advance.

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Tue Aug 27, 2019 3:18 am
by UnlikeUday
Exediron wrote:
Todd wrote:Looking at this chart, one might conclude that Gasly is still at RedBull.
He was, when Red Bull made their tyre selections. Those are made weeks or months in advance.
Months infact as recently I saw Abu Dhabi tyre selections. I believe Albon's tyre choice will shift with him to Red Bull too.

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Tue Aug 27, 2019 11:18 am
by JN23
Lando Norris enjoyed his holiday so much that he has injured his foot and it is in a protective boot. Fortunately nothing serious and it's just a precaution.

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Tue Aug 27, 2019 11:49 am
by pokerman
M44 wrote:That seemed like the quickest summer break in memory.. maybe I'm just getting old! Looking forward to this.. will be interesting to see what upgrades people bring and what the status quo is going into the final races.
I think they shortened it by a week?

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Tue Aug 27, 2019 12:12 pm
by JN23
pokerman wrote:
M44 wrote:That seemed like the quickest summer break in memory.. maybe I'm just getting old! Looking forward to this.. will be interesting to see what upgrades people bring and what the status quo is going into the final races.
I think they shortened it by a week?
No four weeks between races this year, same as last year.

In 2008 the break was just three weeks (possibly the same for other years)

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Tue Aug 27, 2019 1:05 pm
by Todd
Exediron wrote:
Todd wrote:Looking at this chart, one might conclude that Gasly is still at RedBull.
He was, when Red Bull made their tyre selections. Those are made weeks or months in advance.
I suppose that makes sense for the sake of Pirelli. Thanks for clearing it up for me.

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Tue Aug 27, 2019 4:27 pm
by UnlikeUday
Last year's mega start which gave good attention to Force India. This was the 1st race after Stroll bought the team. pa usually is a favorable track for for FI/RP!

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Wed Aug 28, 2019 11:55 am
by Tufty
Pretty sure tyre selections stick with the car, not the driver, but I could be wrong. I can't remember what happened with the Kvyat/Verstappen swap.

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Wed Aug 28, 2019 12:02 pm
by pokerman
JN23 wrote:
pokerman wrote:
M44 wrote:That seemed like the quickest summer break in memory.. maybe I'm just getting old! Looking forward to this.. will be interesting to see what upgrades people bring and what the status quo is going into the final races.
I think they shortened it by a week?
No four weeks between races this year, same as last year.

In 2008 the break was just three weeks (possibly the same for other years)
There's clearly only 3 weeks between Hungary and Spa.

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Wed Aug 28, 2019 12:05 pm
by pokerman
Tufty wrote:Pretty sure tyre selections stick with the car, not the driver, but I could be wrong. I can't remember what happened with the Kvyat/Verstappen swap.
Yeah it sticks with the car same as engine rotations etc.

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Wed Aug 28, 2019 12:13 pm
by mikeyg123
pokerman wrote:
JN23 wrote:
pokerman wrote:
M44 wrote:That seemed like the quickest summer break in memory.. maybe I'm just getting old! Looking forward to this.. will be interesting to see what upgrades people bring and what the status quo is going into the final races.
I think they shortened it by a week?
No four weeks between races this year, same as last year.

In 2008 the break was just three weeks (possibly the same for other years)
There's clearly only 3 weeks between Hungary and Spa.
Poker, there has been 4. :lol:

4th of August to 1st of September. 28 days. 4 weeks.

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Wed Aug 28, 2019 1:08 pm
by Covalent
pokerman wrote:
JN23 wrote:
pokerman wrote:
M44 wrote:That seemed like the quickest summer break in memory.. maybe I'm just getting old! Looking forward to this.. will be interesting to see what upgrades people bring and what the status quo is going into the final races.
I think they shortened it by a week?
No four weeks between races this year, same as last year.

In 2008 the break was just three weeks (possibly the same for other years)
There's clearly only 3 weeks between Hungary and Spa.
Yes, clearly :uhoh:

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Wed Aug 28, 2019 1:28 pm
by pokerman
mikeyg123 wrote:
pokerman wrote:
JN23 wrote:
pokerman wrote:
M44 wrote:That seemed like the quickest summer break in memory.. maybe I'm just getting old! Looking forward to this.. will be interesting to see what upgrades people bring and what the status quo is going into the final races.
I think they shortened it by a week?
No four weeks between races this year, same as last year.

In 2008 the break was just three weeks (possibly the same for other years)
There's clearly only 3 weeks between Hungary and Spa.
Poker, there has been 4. :lol:

4th of August to 1st of September. 28 days. 4 weeks.
Oops total maths fail. :blush:

Wow that's been a quick 4 weeks.

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Wed Aug 28, 2019 2:35 pm
by UnlikeUday
Anyone knows what the weather will be like during the weekend?

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Wed Aug 28, 2019 6:19 pm
by JN23

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Wed Aug 28, 2019 6:35 pm
by painless
UnlikeUday wrote:Anyone knows what the weather will be like during the weekend?
NO!!
One year in particular went to Spa (the town) and could not sit in the sun at a cafe because of the heat. At the circuit next day it absolutely pee'd down. Of the times I've been to Spa it seems it has rained more often than not. Suffice it to say Spa weather mighty unpredictable

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Wed Aug 28, 2019 7:01 pm
by Asphalt_World
UnlikeUday wrote:Anyone knows what the weather will be like during the weekend?
It will be like normal Ardenne weather. Totally random and unpredictable.

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2019 6:20 am
by JN23
Rumours that Marcus Ericsson will be back for Alfa Romeo this weekend.

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2019 6:46 am
by JN23
And the latest rumours suggest the above is incorrect.

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2019 7:36 am
by UnlikeUday
Not officially confirmed. If any, today the news should come though of many rumours which were born during the silly season!

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2019 7:44 am
by UnlikeUday
Here it's different. It's been assumed Raikkonen may not be able to take part in this weekend's grand prix due to some issue. If Ericsson will take part, he will be replacing Raikkonen & not Giovinazzi.

https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/14561 ... lfa-at-spa

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2019 8:17 am
by UnlikeUday
Honda will be introducing Spec-4 engine at the back of Albon & Kvyat. Due to this, both will receive grid penalties.

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2019 9:36 am
by Covalent
UnlikeUday wrote:Here it's different. It's been assumed Raikkonen may not be able to take part in this weekend's grand prix due to some issue. If Ericsson will take part, he will be replacing Raikkonen & not Giovinazzi.

https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/14561 ... lfa-at-spa
Reminds me of the Lotus days... have Alfa Romeo not paid Kimi?

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2019 11:59 am
by UnlikeUday
Mercedes & their customer teams will be running an upgraded engine at Spa.

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2019 12:54 pm
by wolfticket
UnlikeUday wrote:Here it's different. It's been assumed Raikkonen may not be able to take part in this weekend's grand prix due to some issue. If Ericsson will take part, he will be replacing Raikkonen & not Giovinazzi.

https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/14561 ... lfa-at-spa
Seems Raikkonen is expected to be okay to race, but Ericsson has been called up just in case:
As for how Kimi injured himself: Seems it was probably during some sporting activity, but definitely not drinking :) :
Kimi wrote:"I always said sport is more dangerous – drinking is probably safer. Usually you don’t get injured, you just get a hangover"

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2019 2:03 pm
by F1 MERCENARY
Kimi out!… Ericsson in!

I always felt Ericsson was solid but many felt he was only there because of his sponsorship money. Let's see if this doesn't shake things up in peoples' minds and helps him get back to F1.

https://racer.com/2019/08/28/ericsson-g ... -portland/

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2019 2:42 pm
by Herb
F1 MERCENARY wrote:Kimi out!… Ericsson in!

I always felt Ericsson was solid but many felt he was only there because of his sponsorship money. Let's see if this doesn't shake things up in peoples' minds and helps him get back to F1.

https://racer.com/2019/08/28/ericsson-g ... -portland/
This has already been debunked. In the post immediately before yours.

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2019 2:43 pm
by Black_Flag_11
F1 MERCENARY wrote:Kimi out!… Ericsson in!

I always felt Ericsson was solid but many felt he was only there because of his sponsorship money. Let's see if this doesn't shake things up in peoples' minds and helps him get back to F1.

https://racer.com/2019/08/28/ericsson-g ... -portland/
Not a sure thing as of yet unless I've missed something. Kimi thinks he will be able to race in the quotes I've seen and Ericsson is just there in case.

Sucks for him that he could end up missing IndyCar for nothing though.

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2019 3:28 pm
by F1 MERCENARY
Herb wrote:
F1 MERCENARY wrote:Kimi out!… Ericsson in!

I always felt Ericsson was solid but many felt he was only there because of his sponsorship money. Let's see if this doesn't shake things up in peoples' minds and helps him get back to F1.

https://racer.com/2019/08/28/ericsson-g ... -portland/
This has already been debunked. In the post immediately before yours.
I saw that but I only posted this once a few other reputable journalists "confirmed" it via social media.
With these things you never know and wouldn't be surprised to learn Kimi will be driving, but I thought it was worth posting.
I find it rather curious that Ericsson was called up and flown in by the team.

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2019 3:51 pm
by UnlikeUday
Racing Point's new nose. No more nostrils & new slots in the pylons.
Image
Source - https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EDJgNasXkAA ... ame=medium

A new aerodynamic addition on the nose as well:
Image
Source - https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EDJd9wbWkAI ... ame=medium

https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/14563 ... car-design

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2019 3:53 pm
by pokerman
F1 MERCENARY wrote:
Herb wrote:
F1 MERCENARY wrote:Kimi out!… Ericsson in!

I always felt Ericsson was solid but many felt he was only there because of his sponsorship money. Let's see if this doesn't shake things up in peoples' minds and helps him get back to F1.

https://racer.com/2019/08/28/ericsson-g ... -portland/
This has already been debunked. In the post immediately before yours.
I saw that but I only posted this once a few other reputable journalists "confirmed" it via social media.
With these things you never know and wouldn't be surprised to learn Kimi will be driving, but I thought it was worth posting.
I find it rather curious that Ericsson was called up and flown in by the team.
Ericsson is the reserve driver.

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2019 6:22 pm
by F1 MERCENARY
Yes, I'm perfectly aware. But hes got a deal to race elsewhere so to fly him out should serve to show how serious they are about having Kimi sit this one out.

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2019 7:35 pm
by Exediron
UnlikeUday wrote:Racing Point's new nose. No more nostrils & new slots in the pylons.
Image
Source - https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EDJgNasXkAA ... ame=medium
Did they spraypaint a 2018 McLaren nose pink, or does it just look identical?

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2019 7:45 pm
by F1 MERCENARY
I think you mean 2016-2017, but no, not at all.

They share similarities, but it is considerably different. Theirs looks neat and tidy whereas the McLaren nose looked a bit unkept and sloppy.

Image
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/tech ... 3/3054140/


As for the added winglets… Oh no, the UGLY tidbits that were banned somehow ONCE AGAIN creep right back in and the FIA allow it!
What's the point of changing the regs so drastically in order to do away with all that crazy ugly stuff, enforce it strictly for one year and then lazily allow it all to make its way back. In 2009 the wings were supposed to be simple with a maximum area and maximum width and then towards the end of that season the wings began to change ever so slightly and then in 2010 the wings were back to dawning a few little intricate additions, then each year after that the wings featured no less than 147, 682 elements and were once again the opposite of simple and a complete departure from what the regs mandated when the 2009 rules were implemented.

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Fri Aug 30, 2019 9:23 am
by Clarky
Hamilton lost power temporary, back in the pits.

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Fri Aug 30, 2019 9:25 am
by Clarky
IMO:

Qualifying: Expect Ferrari to be on pole with the power advantage
Race: Expect is to the closer as the power advantage is not the same.

Re: 2019 Belgium Grand Prix Free Practice & Qualifying Threa

Posted: Fri Aug 30, 2019 9:36 am
by da4an1qu1
Listening to the Sky coverage for FP1. I don't know who the Scottish man that is with Croft, but he mentioned that Honda had set a target of gaining more points than Renault did with Red Bull, to decide their future participation.

I started a thread railing against Red Bull being over reliant on their drivers program, and how basically their decision to go with Gasly had cost them the win in Hungary. This just compounds the mistake... imagine losing Honda because they were not ambitious with their second driver.

And IMO, they are still making it. I don't mind Albon, but Red Bull had the strongest driver lineup... replace Ricciardo with someone experienced. Even if you have to pay out a contract. I don't know... though he hasn't been great, even Grosjean might have been worth a gamble. Gamble on experience this time!