F1 Round 7 - European GP

[Deckard]

This weekend we're off to Germany for the European GP.
Thought I'd start a poll to see if we can guess who the Williams boys will crash into.

[DarkPhenix]

Panasonic Toyota Racing has started the Nurburgring weekend in a positive manner, with drivers Olivier Panis (1m31.910s), Cristiano da Matta (1m30.531s) and Ricardo Zonta (1m30.949s) all achieving promising midfield times in the first session of free practice. Compared with other venues, Nurburgring, with its location in Germany's Eifel mountains, has ambient temperatures that can be relatively low, especially early in the day. That can bring even bigger change in chassis performance between say, an early Saturday morning session and race conditions by 2pm Sunday.

"The variation can make it even more difficult to choose the tyres," Zonta explained, "I focused more on the longer runs than on qualifying performance. I managed to do some good assessment of the performance and the degradation and in the end I think we have found a good balance for the race."

Panis, meanwhile, was satisfied with his and the team's on track performance, but not with the behaviour of some of his fellow drivers.

"We had some small problems early in the day but the team responded well," he reported. "I was doing a very quick lap later on, when I came across Bas Leinders in the Minardi doing some very strange things... I know that sometimes cars can be hard to drive, but people really do need to look in their mirrors!"

For Da Matta, Friday practice was also positive: "The balance is good, but we do need to find a little more grip. If I have one slight concern though, it is the relatively high levels of tyre degradation."

West McLaren Mercedes driver Kimi Raikkonen, last year's Nurburgring pole-winner, set the fastest lap of the day (1m29.355s), marginally quicker than BAR Honda third driver Anthony Davidson (1m29.447s). Michael Schumacher was third fastest for Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro (1m29.631s), ahead of Ralf Schumacher's BMW Williams F1 Team entry (1m29.671s), David Coulthard (1m29.700s) in the second McLaren and Rubens Barrichello (1m29.865s) in the other Ferrari.

Technical Director Engine, Luca Marmorini, said: "The main task has been to try to overcome a general lack of grip as well as looking at the degradation that the drivers have mentioned. But on the engine side, there have been no worries at all."

With the Nurburgring track around 500m above sea level, there is something approaching a 5% power loss, which means that the track is not one of the more stressful on F1's power units.

Olivier Panis (Car 17, Chassis TF104/07)

First Session Classification: 12th, 10 laps completed
Lap Time: 1m31.910s (+2.463s)
Second Session Classification: 13th, 24 laps completed
Lap Time: 1m30.497s (+1.142s)

"I think it was a positive day. We worked quite well and we seem to have found a clear direction with selection of the tyre compounds, which is one of the most critical things about Friday's practice sessions. This morning I was not really confident with the car but the team reacted quickly to make improvements in time for the afternoon session. At the end of the second practice, I was on a very quick lap, but I lost at least four-tenths through the driving of Leinders in the Minardi. I know it can't be easy for him, but he should really learn to use the mirrors."

Cristiano da Matta (Car 16, Chassis TF104/04)

First Session Classification: 16th, 15 laps completed
Lap Time: 1m32.915s (+3.468s)
Second Session Classification: 14th, 25 laps completed
Lap Time: 1m30.531s (+1.176s)

"We didn't expect anything special in terms of the car performance around the Nürburgring this weekend. On a positive note, the car is quite well balanced, even if it is bumping much more over the asphalt compared to last year. We still need to find more grip, but we know that already. Something that concerns me, though, is the high rate of degradation on the tyres. We have to look into this more closely because it will be important when it comes to preparing for the race in tomorrow's practice sessions."

Ricardo Zonta (Car 38, Chassis TF104/03)

First Session Classification: 5th, 23 laps completed
Lap Time: 1m31.587s (+2.140s)
Second Session Classification: 15th, 33 laps completed
Lap Time: 1m30.949s (+1.594s)

"Generally I am happy, although it was actually quite difficult to choose the tyres today. We did two very long runs in the second session to contrast and compare the performance and the degradation from each of the two compounds. In the end, we did a very good run and we found a good balance for the race, but at the moment it is difficult to tell how well we will run in qualifying. The team has another 90 minutes of practice tomorrow morning to fine-tune the car from the solid base we have set today."

Luca Marmorini - Technical Director Engine

"It has been a busy but productive day, starting with some difficulties with lack of grip on the track. All three drivers did an excellent job to find a good set-up and balance on the TF104s. They are still complaining a bit about tyre degradation and the general lack of grip, but I would say that what we have achieved today is positive. From the engine point of view, we have brought the same spec engine that we used in Monaco and we have experienced no serious issues today, so we hope to continue in this way for the rest of the weekend."

Grand Prix of Europe - Practice Session 1

Pos. Driver Team Time Gap Laps kph
1 A. Davidson Lucky Strike BAR Honda 1:29.447 19 207.193
2 M. Schumacher Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro 1:29.631 0.184 14 206.767
3 R. Barrichello Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro 1:29.865 0.418 12 206.229
4 M. Webber Jaguar Racing 1:31.448 2.001 6 202.659
5 R. Zonta Panasonic Toyota Racing 1:31.587 2.140 23 202.351
6 K. Raikkonen West McLaren Mercedes 1:31.643 2.196 4 202.228
7 F. Massa Sauber Petronas 1:31.673 2.226 9 202.162
8 R. Schumacher BMW WilliamsF1 Team 1:31.680 2.233 14 202.146
9 F. Alonso Mild Seven Renault F1 Team 1:31.768 2.321 16 201.952
10 J. Button Lucky Strike BAR Honda 1:31.770 2.323 11 201.948
11 J. Montoya BMW WilliamsF1 Team 1:31.782 2.335 10 201.921
12 O. Panis Panasonic Toyota Racing 1:31.910 2.463 10 201.640
13 D. Coulthard West McLaren Mercedes 1:32.301 2.854 5 200.786
14 T. Sato Lucky Strike BAR Honda 1:32.500 3.053 10 200.354
15 J. Trulli Mild Seven Renault F1 Team 1:32.696 3.249 15 199.930
16 C. da Matta Panasonic Toyota Racing 1:32.915 3.468 15 199.459
17 T. Glock Jordan Ford 1:33.925 4.478 15 197.314
18 N. Heidfeld Jordan Ford 1:33.971 4.524 10 197.218
19 C. Klien Jaguar Racing 1:34.402 4.955 11 196.317
20 G. Pantano Jordan Ford 1:34.488 5.041 15 196.139
21 B. Wirdheim Jaguar Racing 1:35.043 5.596 9 194.993
22 Z. Baumgartner Wilux Minardi Cosworth 1:35.186 5.739 13 194.700
23 G. Bruni Wilux Minardi Cosworth 1:35.455 6.008 17 194.152
24 B. Leinders Wilux Minardi Cosworth 1:37.609 8.162 15 189.867
25 G. Fisichella Sauber Petronas 2

Grand Prix of Europe - Practice Session 2

Pos. Driver Team Time Laps Gap kph
1 K. Raikkonen West McLaren Mercedes 1:29.355 18 207.406
2 J. Button Lucky Strike BAR Honda 1:29.618 0.263 16 206.797
3 R. Schumacher BMW WilliamsF1 Team 1:29.677 0.322 28 206.661
4 D. Coulthard West McLaren Mercedes 1:29.700 0.345 17 206.608
5 J. Trulli Mild Seven Renault F1 Team 1:29.919 0.564 23 206.105
6 R. Barrichello Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro 1:29.943 0.588 24 206.050
7 A. Davidson Lucky Strike BAR Honda 1:30.028 0.673 32 205.855
8 F. Alonso Mild Seven Renault F1 Team 1:30.163 0.808 22 205.547
9 M. Schumacher Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro 1:30.227 0.872 9 205.401
10 T. Sato Lucky Strike BAR Honda 1:30.283 0.928 17 205.274
11 J. Montoya BMW WilliamsF1 Team 1:30.337 0.982 20 205.151
12 M. Webber Jaguar Racing 1:30.466 1.111 29 204.859
13 O. Panis Panasonic Toyota Racing 1:30.497 1.142 24 204.789
14 C. da Matta Panasonic Toyota Racing 1:30.531 1.176 25 204.712
15 R. Zonta Panasonic Toyota Racing 1:30.949 1.594 33 203.771
16 G. Fisichella Sauber Petronas 1:30.974 1.619 26 203.715
17 B. Wirdheim Jaguar Racing 1:31.780 2.425 26 201.926
18 T. Glock Jordan Ford 1:32.080 2.725 29 201.268
19 C. Klien Jaguar Racing 1:32.217 2.862 15 200.969
20 F. Massa Sauber Petronas 1:32.310 2.955 12 200.766
21 G. Bruni Wilux Minardi Cosworth 1:32.643 3.288 19 200.045
22 Z. Baumgartner Wilux Minardi Cosworth 1:32.986 3.631 18 199.307
23 N. Heidfeld Jordan Ford 1:33.175 3.820 20 198.903
24 G. Pantano Jordan Ford 1:33.393 4.038 17 198.438
25 B. Leinders Wilux Minardi Cosworth 1:34.538 5.183 19 196.035

[motorsportnerd]

Well, with pre-qualifying finished, its Takuma Sato on top! Bet no one predicted that. Michael Schumacher was second, Ralph Schumacher third and Jeson Button fifth. David Coulthard was fourth, but he stopped on the slow down lap and this brought out the red flags on the session. As a result he is likely to start from the back. More than likely he'll have Mark Webber down the back with him for company. Webber will be penalised 1 second on his qualifying lap for igonoring yellow flags in the second practice session.

[NAZCA C2]

The Mclarens looked better than they have all year long which is good. Hopefully BAR or Renault can give the Ferrari's a run for their money this weekend. I still think MS will win.

[Homem de Gelo]

MS has everything to run away with the win. His time in qualifying was fantastic and it doesn't seem as if anybody out there has the car to challenge him, except for Barrichello, who has the car but doesn't have the driving.

The fight for the 2nd place should be exciting. Kimi and McLaren seem to have found more pace and already have both Williams behind. Sato is in a good position to challenge for the podium, however one can never be so sure about his reliability, and we don't know if he can keep his cool while fighting for a good position during an entire race. We also have Button doing a good job, maybe some nice pit strategy and some good in laps can help him. Last race he was back in 4th when things turned around and he inherited the 2nd place. I don't expect much from the Williams, it seems is if their car simply hasn't developped at all after Sepang.

And then there is the rest of the bunch, hoping for some good luck and point finishes. They'll only be noticed if things go wrong or happen in a very unpredicted manner.

[Coventrysucks]

The Mclarens are looking good this weekend, only one engine failure so far, but that is to be expected.

Kimi is fourth, and Martin Brundle described them as looking "mighty" in one of the practice sessions.

If they genuinely have this level of performance, and it isn't a fluke, and that Mercedes engine can stay the distance, I think the MP4/19B will be a competative car.

Predictions:
(my dreams): Button 1st, Coulthard 2nd, Kimi 3rd. M. Schumacher taken out by Ralf/ Montoya in the first corner

reality: Micheal leads the entire race, apart from pit stops. Both Mercedes engines grenade 2 laps in, Ron punches Norbert.

[Fieldor]

Chances are really high that Michael is gonna win, but besides that I think it will be an interresting race. I hope renault has a podium finish and the same for Takuma, because he has been performing really well this weekend.

We'll see tomorrow at 14.00.

[Homem de Gelo]

The Mclarens are looking good this weekend, only one engine failure so far, but that is to be expected.

Kimi is fourth, and Martin Brundle described them as looking "mighty" in one of the practice sessions.

If they genuinely have this level of performance, and it isn't a fluke, and that Mercedes engine can stay the distance, I think the MP4/19B will be a competative car.

Predictions:
(my dreams): Button 1st, Coulthard 2nd, Kimi 3rd. M. Schumacher taken out by Ralf/ Montoya in the first corner

reality: Micheal leads the entire race, apart from pit stops. Both Mercedes engines grenade 2 laps in, Ron punches Norbert.

Speaking of dreams and reality, it would be perfect if Rubens won and Schumacher DNFed. Then RB would be only 2 points behind Schumacher and for the first time they'd really be fighting for the title.

[Coventrysucks]

Speaking of dreams and reality, it would be perfect if Rubens won and Schumacher DNFed. Then RB would be only 2 points behind Schumacher and for the first time they'd really be fighting for the title.

Except the rules would suddenly change, stipulating that the race ends on the last lap that Schumacher, M. was leading, with a sub clause that all of Ruben's points be deducted if he overtakes Schumacher, M.

Have you seen that after Michael failed to qualify on pole at Monaco, the qualifying format has been changed to an aggregate time over two sessions.

That way if Michael is beaten in one of the sessions, he can still take pole with a good lap in the other.

[motorsportnerd]

Really, you guys are a bunch of cynics when it comes to Michael Schumacher's driving ability

[fpv_gtho]

Im worried for Webbers sake, its only a week after he had a DNF for mechanical/electrical fault so i dont know whether Jaguar have had the chance or time to try and fix any problem. Too many more DNF's and people will stop thinking he's any good

[SlickHolden]

Im worried for Webbers sake, its only a week after he had a DNF for mechanical/electrical fault so i dont know whether Jaguar have had the chance or time to try and fix any problem. Too many more DNF's and people will stop thinking he's any good

That's right it's the car that makes him look bad not him but when they get on someone they get on someone even if it's not his fault, Come on mark lets go to williams in a hurry before your reputation suffers at jag

[fpv_gtho]

the dissapointing thing is Ford has plenty of money to throw into the Jaguar team to make the R5 much more reliable, yet it seems on a global scale theyre more interested in putting the money in WRC

[SlickHolden]

Maybe if mark leaves for williams and they can't get half good drivers then maybe they might hit rock bottom like minardi and then come to there sences, But might be to late then, Someone should tell them nothing is bigger then F1

[fpv_gtho]

well on viewings, i think WRC is a fair bit higher. F1 is a good parade of technology but alot of people see it as too far from cars on the road. WRC still look like the hatches and small sedans people drive around in anyday. unless you live around alot of Lotus 7's, F1 might be too exotic for some, but thats just how i see it