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RACES 3 & 4 PREVIEWS
SHEEPIE UK Mon Dec 03, 2012 6:50 am
As the teams head towards the next races we take a look at what they can expect.
RACE 3 - CHINA
Previous Winners :
SEASON 1 = Bannbino
SEASON 2 = Squeak83
SEASON 3 = Bannbino
Although yet to truly capture the imagination of Formula 1 fans either locally or afar, the Chinese Grand Prix has become an established, and commercially important, stop on the calendar since the space-age Shanghai International Circuit hosted its first race in 2004.
The most populous country in the world had been something of a glaring omission for F1 ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone before then and it was no surprise that a contract extension up until 2017 was signed last year, despite the event having run at a loss amid disappointing ticket sales in more recent times.
What wasn't in doubt when the Shanghai circuit welcomed the F1 community nearly eight years ago was that the venue - which had staggeringly taken just 18 months to construct despite the site sitting directly above swampland - boasted facilities that set a new standard for future tracks to match.
Team personnel were immediately wowed by the purpose-built paddock buildings situated on a lake in the infield, while spectators sitting in the futuristic-looking main grandstand - which has a capacity of almost 30,000 - had the rather novel experience of being able to see nearly 80 per cent of the track from their seating positions.
The Hermann Tilke-designed circuit was also given an authentic local flavour with the twisty layout shaped like the Chinese character 'shang', meaning 'high'. The vision translates into a 3.4-mile layout that consists of seven left-hand and seven right-hand corners, punctuated by two long straights.
Turns one and two are virtually the same corner, before a switchback for three and four, and require a strong front end to prevent understeer mid-corner, as well as a strong rear, as the first part requires a quick entry speed.
Further round the lap and another long right hander, classed as two corners at turns 12 and 13, leads onto what was, before Korea's debut in 2010, the longest straight in F1. Measured at a trifling 1170 metres, its length is the equivalent of 11 football pitches being put end-to-end and really gives the opportunity for a car to stretch its legs.
The most obvious overtaking spot on the lap is therefore in the braking zone for the following hairpin, while the subsequent short run to the final corner also gives drivers the chance to fight back before the main straight - particularly in slippery conditions.
More info on Shanghai here
RACE 4 - BAHRAIN
Previous Winners:
SEASON 1 = Bannbino
SEASON 2 = R0ckeye
SEASON 3 = NO RACE DUE TO CIVIL UNREST
The most controversial destination on the 2012 schedule, the Hermann Tilke-designed Bahrain International Circuit has endured a troubled reputation ever since it was opened for its first grand prix in 2004.
The circuit is based in the middle of the desert and, by common consent, lacks character. Due to the inevitable intense heat, any fans in attendance have to be housed in one of the grandstands meaning that vast swathes of the track remain eerily quiet throughout a grand prix weekend except for the roar of a Formula 1 engine.
Large asphalt run-off areas also tend to mean mistakes go unpunished, while the problem of sand blowing on to the circuit is an ever-present concern despite organisers trying to spray glue the sand to the desert.
For some, the cancellation of the race in season 3 was somewhat of a relief regardless of the political machinations, with the circuit branded 'a supermarket car park with cones'.
Whilst such a description is a little harsh, it is fair to state that the circuit has served up a disproportionate share of processional races during its time on the calendar.
An extension to the circuit for 2010 arguably only served to prolong the tedium of the lap, and organisers have decided to revert back to the layout used between 2004 and 2009 for this season's grand prix.
If overtaking does occur, expect it to be at the turn one hairpin at the end of a long pit-straight (a common feature on Tilke designs), at turn four providing the car has good KERS to power up the hill, or at turn 11 following the back straight.
More info on Bahrain here
So with Bannbino and DanTheMan tied on 43 points, and Katie Price GP on 70 for the team title who will get the wins? Satak0 was the surprise last time out for Katie Price GP. Reigning champs Easy Target will be hoping for better from current world champion R0ckeye and that Squeak makes the grid. Technical problems prevented new boys Master Chiefs from the start grid last time out and it's unknown if they will be ready in time for China. DBA's are hoping setup problems with the car can be resolved for Villa John to mount their challenge and Scuderia Sheepwash hope there is more brotherly love come China
CU Next Time!
RACE 3 - CHINA
Previous Winners :
SEASON 1 = Bannbino
SEASON 2 = Squeak83
SEASON 3 = Bannbino
Although yet to truly capture the imagination of Formula 1 fans either locally or afar, the Chinese Grand Prix has become an established, and commercially important, stop on the calendar since the space-age Shanghai International Circuit hosted its first race in 2004.
The most populous country in the world had been something of a glaring omission for F1 ringmaster Bernie Ecclestone before then and it was no surprise that a contract extension up until 2017 was signed last year, despite the event having run at a loss amid disappointing ticket sales in more recent times.
What wasn't in doubt when the Shanghai circuit welcomed the F1 community nearly eight years ago was that the venue - which had staggeringly taken just 18 months to construct despite the site sitting directly above swampland - boasted facilities that set a new standard for future tracks to match.
Team personnel were immediately wowed by the purpose-built paddock buildings situated on a lake in the infield, while spectators sitting in the futuristic-looking main grandstand - which has a capacity of almost 30,000 - had the rather novel experience of being able to see nearly 80 per cent of the track from their seating positions.
The Hermann Tilke-designed circuit was also given an authentic local flavour with the twisty layout shaped like the Chinese character 'shang', meaning 'high'. The vision translates into a 3.4-mile layout that consists of seven left-hand and seven right-hand corners, punctuated by two long straights.
Turns one and two are virtually the same corner, before a switchback for three and four, and require a strong front end to prevent understeer mid-corner, as well as a strong rear, as the first part requires a quick entry speed.
Further round the lap and another long right hander, classed as two corners at turns 12 and 13, leads onto what was, before Korea's debut in 2010, the longest straight in F1. Measured at a trifling 1170 metres, its length is the equivalent of 11 football pitches being put end-to-end and really gives the opportunity for a car to stretch its legs.
The most obvious overtaking spot on the lap is therefore in the braking zone for the following hairpin, while the subsequent short run to the final corner also gives drivers the chance to fight back before the main straight - particularly in slippery conditions.
More info on Shanghai here
RACE 4 - BAHRAIN
Previous Winners:
SEASON 1 = Bannbino
SEASON 2 = R0ckeye
SEASON 3 = NO RACE DUE TO CIVIL UNREST
The most controversial destination on the 2012 schedule, the Hermann Tilke-designed Bahrain International Circuit has endured a troubled reputation ever since it was opened for its first grand prix in 2004.
The circuit is based in the middle of the desert and, by common consent, lacks character. Due to the inevitable intense heat, any fans in attendance have to be housed in one of the grandstands meaning that vast swathes of the track remain eerily quiet throughout a grand prix weekend except for the roar of a Formula 1 engine.
Large asphalt run-off areas also tend to mean mistakes go unpunished, while the problem of sand blowing on to the circuit is an ever-present concern despite organisers trying to spray glue the sand to the desert.
For some, the cancellation of the race in season 3 was somewhat of a relief regardless of the political machinations, with the circuit branded 'a supermarket car park with cones'.
Whilst such a description is a little harsh, it is fair to state that the circuit has served up a disproportionate share of processional races during its time on the calendar.
An extension to the circuit for 2010 arguably only served to prolong the tedium of the lap, and organisers have decided to revert back to the layout used between 2004 and 2009 for this season's grand prix.
If overtaking does occur, expect it to be at the turn one hairpin at the end of a long pit-straight (a common feature on Tilke designs), at turn four providing the car has good KERS to power up the hill, or at turn 11 following the back straight.
More info on Bahrain here
So with Bannbino and DanTheMan tied on 43 points, and Katie Price GP on 70 for the team title who will get the wins? Satak0 was the surprise last time out for Katie Price GP. Reigning champs Easy Target will be hoping for better from current world champion R0ckeye and that Squeak makes the grid. Technical problems prevented new boys Master Chiefs from the start grid last time out and it's unknown if they will be ready in time for China. DBA's are hoping setup problems with the car can be resolved for Villa John to mount their challenge and Scuderia Sheepwash hope there is more brotherly love come China
CU Next Time!
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