30/03/2014
NEWS STORY
Following yesterday's ultra-soggy qualifying session, conditions are wholly different today, the Sepang circuit bathed in bright sunshine. Then again, we know how quickly things can change here, how quickly conditions can deteriorate and then improve.
That said, Mercedes have proved the class of the field in just about all conditions here and there is nothing to suggests that the German team won't take a resounding win today. The question is, will it be Lewis Hamilton or will Nico Rosberg further extend his championship lead?
While Red Bull has clearly made improvements, Sebastian Vettel's cause no doubt helped by the weather yesterday, there is the small issue of the fuel flow meter and whether the team will continue with its own version and thereby risk further penalties. That said, Vettel and teammate Daniel Ricciardo should be strong today, the Austrian team having apparently got over most of the problems that plagued it in pre-season testing.
Ferrari also looks stronger here, and while Fernando Alonso was ahead of teammate Kimi Raikkonen yesterday, the Finn appeared to have the edge in the previous sessions.
As in FP3, Nico Hulkenberg proved to be the spanner in the works, the rain master, having ruined the 'Noah like' symmetry of FP3 once again popping up among the more established teams in qualifying to take a fine seventh which could see him leave here with another decent point haul. Unfortunately his teammate, Sergio Perez, could only manage 14th, but should do better today.
It was all a bit of a mess for McLaren, the podium result of Melbourne seemingly a lifetime ago. Both drivers suffered sensor issues that seriously compromised running in FP3, while in qualifying erratic tyre choice saw the pair struggle. Nonetheless, we expect an altogether better performance today.
Another team that made some curious calls in terms of tyres yesterday was Williams, Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas both ultimately paying the price as the team continues to disappoint... certainly when compared to its pre-season form. To add to its misery, not only is the Finn demoted three places for impeding Ricciardo, he has the dubious honour of being the first driver to have penalty points (two) applied to his superlicence.
The dark horses here could be Toro Rosso. Having got both cars into the points in Australia, the Faenza team looks likely to add more to its tally today. Other than the clear talent that is Daniil Kvyat, Jean-Eric Vergne appears to have rediscovered his old (pre-F1) form.
Sauber struggled, though Adrian Sutil's lowly grid position was more about failing to get out on track before conditions deteriorated in Q3, leaving the German behind the Lotus duo. On the other hand a strong performance from teammate Esteban Gutierrez.
Following the nightmare of Friday, things were a little better for Lotus come qualifying. That said, we're talking about sixteenth and seventeenth for a team challenging for wins, and indeed the title, just twelve months ago. Both drivers, along with Sutil, benefit from Bottas' grid penalty.
At the very back the Marussia/Caterham squabble continues, the Russian team appearing to lose its edge as the conditions deteriorated.
Though it is currently bright and sunny there is talk of a seventy percent chance of rain around an hour into the race. In which case we could have a race of two halves and all bets are off. While some drivers and teams will be hoping that the weathermen (and women) have got it wrong, others will no doubt look forward to any downpour with relish.
The pitlane opens and one by one the drivers make their way to the grid. The last to take their places being the Mercedes duo... indeed the pair are worryingly late. Though they both eventually arrive, no such luck for Sergio Perez who will need to start from the pitlane.
Naturally, strategy will naturally depend on the weather. Theoretically, the quickest strategy is three stops, starting on the medium, change to the medium again on lap 15, medium once more on lap 29 and a final stint on the hard from lap 43.
Air temperature is 32 degrees C, while the track temperature is 51 degrees. Humidity is 61 percent.
Ahead of the start, the drivers make their way to the front of the grid where the assembled inhabitants of the rarefied micro-system that is Planet Paddock pay tribute to the victims of the Malaysian Airlines (flight MH370) tragedy.
Moments before the field heads off on the warm-up lap, Force India tweets: "Sergio is still in his garage - our crew is working hard to solve some tech issues on his car."
As the field heads off all are on the option (medium) rubber as opposed to the prime (hard). As it was wet - an understatement - yesterday, no dry tyres were used, consequently everyone has a free choice.
The grid takes ages to form, but finally everyone is in place... everyone bar Perez.
They're away! Strong starts from both Mercedes as Vettel moves over on Rosberg but to no avail. A great start from Ricciardo also who is soon challenging his teammate for third, finally passing the world champion. Further back Maldonado and Bianchi clash.
At the end of lap one, it's: Hamilton, Rosberg, Ricciardo, Vettel, Alonso, Hulkenberg, Raikkonen, Magnussen, Button and Massa.
Hulkenberg is battling Alonso, while Raikkonen has slowed with a punctured rear. Replay shows the Finn touching Magnussen's McLaren as they battle.
Button is battling his teammate, the Englishman making short work of the Dane. Elsewhere, Raikkonen and Vergne both pit while Perez is listed as a non-starter.
Magnussen is clearly struggling, losing out to Massa and now under pressure from Bottas. Meanwhile, Vettel retakes third from Ricciardo heading into T1.
Undaunted by the pressure from Bottas, Magnussen passes Massa to take back 8th.
After four laps, Hamilton leads Rosberg, Vettel, Ricciardo, Alonso, Hulkenberg, Button, Magnussen, Massa and Bottas.
Kvyat makes a bold move on Gutierrez to take 11th, a great move from the Russian.
Some epic fights in the midfield, Magnussen with the Williams duo, Gutierrez with Grosjean and Sutil and the Caterham duo.
Though he has been told to watch his tyres, Hamilton posts a new fastest lap (47.445) as he builds a 4.190s lead. Moments later Rosberg goes quicker (47.321).
As the stewards announce that they are investigating the Raikkonen/Magnussen incident, Bianchi is handed the first 5-second stop/go penalty of the year.
"Did you see what he did," screams Massa, claiming that teammate Bottas hit him. The team advises the Finn to 'cool it', but he is clearly not happy.
Maldonado is told that he has to pit and retire, the Venezuelan's season going from bad to worse. After Perez, he becomes the second retirement of the afternoon.
Magnussen is told to pit at the end of lap 9, the Dane taking on a new nose assembly and option tyres. 37.1s later he's back on track, albeit down in 17th.
At which point the McLaren driver is advised that he needs to return to the pits, this time to serve a 56-second penalty for the clash with Raikkonen.
Kvyat, Gutierrez and Chilton all pit, as does Bianchi for his penalty.
At the end of lap 11, Alonso pits from 6th, Sutil also. The Spaniard rejoins in 10th behind Grosjean. Bottas continues to shadow teammate Massa.
Next time around Ricciardo pits (from 4th), as does Massa. Ricciardo rejoins just ahead of Alonso who does his very best to pass the Australian but goes too deep into T1.
As Kvyat posts a new fastest lap (46.923), Vettel pits. The world champion rejoins just ahead of his Red Bull teammate and behind Hulkenberg. Button also pits.
Despite his best efforts, Bottas is unable to hold off Alonso who takes sixth, while Rosberg makes his first stop of the day. He rejoins comfortably ahead of Vettel.
As Bottas pits, Hamilton is told to "box this lap". As Vettel goes quickest in S3, Hamilton duly pits, rejoining in second behind Hulkenberg who has yet to stop.
As Kobayashi pits, Vettel posts a new fastest lap (46.334), as he remains 10.14s behind the race leader.
Hulkenberg finally pits at the end of lap 16, handing the lead back to Hamilton who has an 8.756s advantage over Rosberg. Vettel remains third, ahead of Ricciardo, Alonso, Hulkenberg, Button, Massa, Kvyat and Bottas.
Raikkonen, currently 18th, loses even more time as he gets caught up in the rather undignified battle between Ericsson and Vergne.
Told to ease off, Ricciardo says that if something happens up ahead he wants to be part of it. Elsewhere, Bianchi has retired.
Raikkonen pits from 18th, the Finn having a thoroughly miserable day after such a promising start to his weekend.
Vergne having pitted at the end of lap 18, returns to the pits next time around but this time drives straight into his garage his race over.
Bottas is now hounding Kvyat who is 7.8s down on Massa, the Brazilian keeping a watching eye on 7th placed Button.
As Bottas passes Kvyat, Rosberg is told to that the team is making a change to his engine mode as he maintains his lead over Vettel. Meanwhile, Kvyat clearly hasn't given up on 9th place as he continues to shadow Bottas.
Hamilton is told that his team is also going to change his engine mode, turning it down "a little", but stressing that there is no problem. The Mercedes driver currently leads his teammate by 9.710s who is 2.930s ahead of Vettel.
At the end of lap 22, Kvyat makes his second stop of the day.
As Christian Horner reveals that the fuel flow meter on Ricciardo's car is not working, it appears the Australian's fuel use is highest thus far, whilst race-leader Hamilton has used the least.
Magnussen pits at the end of lap 24, as does Sutil. The Dane serves his stop/go penalty at the same time.
As Button pits (end of lap 25), Kobayashi, who had no running on Friday, is battling Kvyat for 11th. If he keeps it up this could be a game changer for the Japanese and his team. Elsewhere, teammate Ericsson is battling the other Sauber.
As one would expect, Kvyat eventually puts Kobayashi in his place, passing the Caterham on the pit straight to take back tenth place.
Alonso and Massa both pit at the end of lap 27, the Spaniard rejoining in sixth, the Brazilian in ninth.
{inmgr}Magnussen, currently 12th, posts a new fastest lap (46.110) as he closes to within 1.1s of Kobayashi.
Ricciardo pits at the end of lap 28, rejoining in fifth behind Hulkenberg. Elsewhere, Magnussen passes Kobayashi.
Rosberg is advised that there is "rain in the area". It is not imminent but it is "in the area".
Bottas pits at the end of lap 29, as Kobayashi is now hunted down by Grosjean. However, the Japanese, using the same Renault power unit, is having none of it.
Now Hamilton is warned about the dark clouds that should arrive around the end of the race. "We'll keep you informed," he is told.
Ricciardo posts a new fastest lap (45.831) as he remains 11.9s down on Hulkenberg. Grosjean, with the help of DRS, finally nails Kobayashi.
Vettel makes his second stop at the end of lap 31, rejoining behind Hulkenberg but ahead of his Red Bull teammate.
A new fastest lap from Bottas (45.475) as Rosberg makes his second stop, the German now 10.7s down on his teammate. Kobayashi also pits.
Next time around, as Vettel goes quickest (44.779), Hamilton pits, rejoining still in the lead as Vettel closes right in on Rosberg.
Having complained that he has no rear grip, Hulkenberg is told to pit. Meanwhile Sutil has stopped on the main straight just after the final corner.
2It's raining a little bit on the back of the circuit," warns Raikkonen who is currently 14th.
"Hit the beeps," Ricciardo is told, "hit the beeps". This is thought to refer an agreement with the FIA in terms of the fuel flow meter.
"Small drops of rain on my visor in T9," warns Hamilton". "It's on our radar," comes the response, "looks like a very light shower. Keep us posted."
It's all gone wrong for Sauber, moments after Sutil stops on track, Gutierrez pulls into the pits smoke pouring from his front brakes. The Mexican shakes his head.
"Rosberg is losing either oil or water for the last couple of laps," advises Vettel. Meanwhile Alonso is closing in on Ricciardo.
After 37 laps, it's: Hamilton, Rosberg, Vettel, Ricciardo, Alonso, Hulkenberg, Button, Massa, Bottas and Magnussen. Rosberg, Ricciardo and Button all under threat.
"Speak up when you talk," demands Vettel, sounding very, very Germanic. The world champion is advised that there is rain in the air - particularly in T14 - and it is this that he could be mistaking as an issue for Rosberg.
Button and Magnussen pit almost as one, with Ricciardo also stopping shortly after. However, the Australian leaves his slot before his front-left is correctly fitted, as he discovers moments later when he gets to the end of the pitlane. His crew run to rescue him and push him back to his garage. Disaster for the Australian who rejoins in 14th and is immediately lapped by Alonso.
To add insult to injury the incident is being investigated as an "unsafe release".
Alonso pits at the end of lap 42, as the camera picks up on Ricciardo's front wing which is totally askew. "What shall I do," pleads the Australian, who also has a puncture. It never rains...
He gets back to the pits, where a new nose assembly is fitted. Back on track, a new fastest lap from Hamilton (44.329).
After 44 laps, it's: Hamilton, Rosberg, Vettel, Hulkenberg, Alonso, Bottas, Button, Massa, Magnussen and Kvyat.
Grosjean is eleventh, ahead of Raikkonen, Kobayashi, Ericsson, Chilton and Ricciardo.
To add to his misery, Ricciardo is hit with a ten-second stop and go for his unsafe release. Replay shows that the damage to his front wing was probably incurred by riding one of the kerbs.
As Chilton pits, Massa closes right in on Button, the former Ferrari driver sensing that sixth is up for grabs. They battle like the veteran fighters that they are, much to Claire Williams obvious concern.
Having used less fuel than his McLaren rival, Massa can now turn up the wick. Meanwhile, Bottas is just 3.2s behind the squabble.
Over seven seconds down on Hulkenberg, Alonso posts a new fastest lap (44.185).
With just 6 laps remaining, Vettel makes his final stop, Rosberg follows suit a lap later.
At the end of lap 50, Hamilton also pits as attention switches to Hulkenberg who, if he pits, will lose out on a fine fourth. Meanwhile Ricciardo makes yet another pit stop, sadly this time it's permanent.
Alonso is all over Hulkenberg whose tyres must be totally shot.
"Valtteri is faster than you," Massa is told, "do not hold him up". Different team, same s**t.
As Alonso finally nails a hapless Hulkenberg, Bottas, having been given the green light, closes in on his Williams teammate.
Three laps remaining and Hamilton posts a new fastest lap (43.066), as Massa is told again that he must allow Bottas to pass. "He has better tyres," the Brazilian is told. The pair are just 1s down on a struggling Button.
"You are the fastest man on track," Hamilton is told, "you can now back off."
As Hamilton begins his final lap, Bottas continues to hound Massa while Raikkonen closes in on Grosjean.
Hamilton leads home Rosberg to take an "awesome" 1-2 for Mercedes, thereby giving the German team the world championship lead.
Vettel takes a convincing third, telling his team that while "there is much to improve, we will get there".
Alonso takes fourth on a difficult day for the Scuderia ahead of Hulkenberg who has to be one of the true stars of the race.
While Melbourne seems a lifetime away, McLaren will be thankful that Button and Magnussen managed to pull something out of the hat, the Englishman benefitting from the Williams in-house squabble.
Talking of which, while Massa is sure to be in the dog house, there were times during the scrap when Bottas seemed unsure of what he was meant to do as though expecting his teammate to stop the car and wave him past.
For the second successive races Kvyat takes points for Toro Rosso, while Grosjean, who holds off Raikkonen for eleventh, will be delighted to have made it to the flag, the Enstone outfit finally completing a race distance.
All in all we could have done with an appearance, even a brief one, from the weather gods, just to spice things up. Which is more than we can expect next week in Bahrain.
Chris Balfe
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