Round 5: Austria - Red Bull Ring (6May17)

[jeromef1]

 
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[ul]
[li]Qualifying starts at 7:00pm  (UK time) - followed by the race[/li]
[li]Session host is Ne-yo1993[/li]
[/ul]
​

Fact File: Last weeks driver of the day was Ne-yo1993 for an incredible performance, particularly under the 2nd restart. 
- Neyo maybe be the championship leader, but he is yet to qualify on the front row of the grid this season.
- The Sauber team of ibbopaul and RacingAtHome have gained the most positions from their qualifying position to their end of race position. RacingAtHome having a net gain of 17 out of Sauber's 23 across the season so far.​

Pre-Race Questions: ​

[ul]
[li]4 races in, there has been 19 different point scorers. At this stage who has been the suprise of the season? Has a driver impressed you so far? And who would you consider your rival in the drivers championship?


[/li]
[li]Austria, a track where there is a reasonable chance of rain, would you prefer a dry race, wet race or a mix of both and why?


[/li]
[li]This season we have seen a safety car in every race. This shown the drivers ability of making the right strategy call. How have your strategy calls been so far this season, any you regret?[/li]
[/ul]
​

 

[Liamtsh96]

4 races in, there has been 19 different point scorers. At this stage who has been the suprise of the season? Has a driver impressed you so far? And who would you consider your rival in the drivers championship?

For the surprise of the season I would say Mcr. He's always been quick but it seems like he's improved his pace even more. I'd also give an honourable mention to macca who looks quicker and is challenging for points. Of course neyo has been very impressive this season. My rival in the championship would honestly be all the drivers currently in the top 10.

Austria, a track where there is a reasonable chance of rain, would you prefer a dry race, wet race or a mix of both and why?

For me to have an advantage then I'd like a dry race with no safety cars which is highly unlikely round Austria. The tyre wear is very high which is what I prefer so hopefully I can get a good result. Last season I struggled with my pace and overtaking is a challenge so it'll be interesting.

This season we have seen a safety car in every race. This shown the drivers ability of making the right strategy call. How have your strategy calls been so far this season, any you regret?

I have to be one if the worst at making strategy calls. I think it's because I concentrate on how much can be lost instead of what can be gained so I play it very safe.

 

[Smithy]

[ul]
[li]4 races in, there has been 19 different point scorers. At this stage who has been the suprise of the season? Has a driver impressed you so far? And who would you consider your rival in the drivers championship?

For me surprise of the season definitely has to be MCR, i knew he was fast, but i didnt expect him to be 3rd in the championship, and showing such good pace, he's definately one to keep an eye on. 2 drivers have impressed me so far one being Garydonegon and the other being Rikkurich, both new to the league, and they have taken to it very well, both seem clean and fast. Also ive been impressed by both Haas drivers, as much as the safety cars have always helped them, they have always been there to take advantage of the safety cars, they have shown great defending and good pace as a team.
Its hard to pick one rival given the top 10 are very closely matched, but if i had to say i would probably say Liam or MCR, i beat MCR well last season, but his pace at the start of this season has been up there, and Liam is always fast and consistent, and i think me and him have very similar pace, even if his driving style is so much nicer than mine  :lol: .[/li]
[/ul]


[ul]
[li]Austria, a track where there is a reasonable chance of rain, would you prefer a dry race, wet race or a mix of both and why? 

I would prefer a dry race, as my pace in dry on this track is better than in the wet, but Canada showed me my pace is quite strong in changeable conditions - during the switch over periods.[/li]
[/ul]

[ul]
[li]This season we have seen a safety car in every race. This shown the drivers ability of making the right strategy call. How have your strategy calls been so far this season, any you regret?

I'd say my strategy calls have been perfect, Bahrain i think i was very unlucky to not get 2nd or at least the win, especially given MCR didnt get a puncture at 7% more worn tyres. The only other race i took part in was Canada, of which i think my first decision was spot on, but my second decision was not very good. Overall id say my strategy calls are quit good, it would be nice to have a normal race though, just to see a true reflection of driver pace.[/li]
[/ul]

 

[light-e44]

4 races in, there has been 19 different point scorers. At this stage who has been the suprise of the season? Has a driver impressed you so far? And who would you consider your rival in the drivers championship?

I have to agree with Liam and Smithy. Mcr is the surprise of the season so far. He is consistent, scoring points in every race. That is the key for a good position in the championship at the end of the season. He's doing it well so far. Also RAH, good points from him.
I'm my own Rival at the moment. In the races I attended, except of Baku, I was fighting for a good position in the leader group, In Canada a long time on P2 for a podium, but my own mistakes held me up from scoring any points. In Bahrain I decided to switch to Mediums as the saftey car came out and go to the end, that was the wrong decision, and in Canada at both restarts after the saftey car I wanted too much. Last season I was unlucky getting involved in first lap crashes, this season I'm doing the mistakes by my self so far. If I turn that off from now on, I'm pretty sure I can score some very nice points for me and McLaren, the pace is there.

Austria, a track where there is a reasonable chance of rain, would you prefer a dry race, wet race or a mix of both and why?

I prefer a dry race. I had really good pace last year in the race and now I'm feeling even more confident and faster, I had one more stop last year in the race, but yeah a dry race would be cool.

This season we have seen a safety car in every race. This shown the drivers ability of making the right strategy call. How have your strategy calls been so far this season, any you regret?

Wrong decision as I said in Bahrain, I think my strategy was okay in Canada, but after I kicked myself out of the race, I couldn't follow my original strategy.

 

[ne-yo1993]

1. The biggest suprise for me is, that we're leading the constructors championship. Since day one. I knew we are very competitive but I never expected to lead the constructors at this point. A result of good teamwork I guess.

2. Never mind tbh. I'm feeling strong in every conditions. Just need to reduce the break pressure in future wet races. The strategy will be more important this weekend so I need to make sure to nail it. I finished P5 in last seasons race because I crashed with grelo when the VSC was ending. I really like the track. My goal is to win of course

3. The only strategy mistake I did was last weekend. I should've followed carre in the pits for inters during the second SC. I stayed out on W. One lap later I realised, it was a mistake. I pitted then and was behind RAH on P16 or 17. Don't know what could've been possible but finishing on P3 was more or less the maximum

 

[XxCarrexX06]

4 races in, there has been 19 different point scorers. At this stage who has been the suprise of the season? Has a driver impressed you so far? And who would you consider your rival in the drivers championship?

Mcr is consistent rikkurich has a lot of pace but he's a bit risky.
Anyway, If I wouldn't missed the first 2 races my objective would be fighting for the championship, so ne-ho and michemery.

Austria, a track where there is a reasonable chance of rain, would you prefer a dry race, wet race or a mix of both and why?

Absolutely a dry race. I'm fast in both condiciones but I think I have an extra pace in dry comparing with other drivers and also I'll probably start at the front so what i want is a "boring race".

This season we have seen a safety car in every race. This s
hown the drivers ability of making the right strategy call. How have your strategy calls been so far this season, any you regret?

I did a mistake when I was on rain tyres last race( don't remember what happened) but I think my strategy my first race (3rd round) was perfect because I won and last race going to pit for US was also the correct option. I'd have been 3rd if it wasn't for my last corner last lap crash.

 

[ne-yo1993]

- Neyo maybe be the championship leader, but he is yet to qualify on the front row of the grid this season​

FAKE NEWS!

 

[Macca]

4 races in, there has been 19 different scorers. At this stage who has been the surprise of the season? Has a driver impressed you so far? And who would you consider your rival in the drivers championship?
I agree with many people's comments MCR has really impressed, he was always a safe bet to finish top 10 and now he seems to be even faster. Smithy has been my surprise of the season he was always quick and in contention for a podium however now when you talk about potienal race winners he's a serious contender in that conversation. I think my rival will be Dave

Austria, a track where there is a reasonable chance of rain would you prefer a dry race, wet race or a mix of both and why?
I would prefer a mix as I'm not expected to be strong in Austria 

This season we have seen a safety car in every race. This shown the drivers ability of making the right strategy call. How have your strategy calls been so far, any you regret?
In Baku there wasn't a strategy call to be made. 
In Bahrain staying out was the correct call. 
In Malaysia I wanted to pit under the SC and go to the end on H tyres but I couldn't as I started on H tyres and had pitted 4 laps earlier for my 2nd set
In Canada I got my calls right everytime which moved me from last into the points (with a few overtakes) before I crashed out.
No regrets although I would have had points in Malaysia for sure without the SC or if I fitted M at my first stop but what can you do its racing 

 

[Macca]

4 races in, there has been 19 different point scorers. At this stage who has been the suprise of the season? Has a driver impressed you so far? And who would you consider your rival in the drivers championship?

For the surprise of the season I would say Mcr. He's always been quick but it seems like he's improved his pace even more. I'd also give an honourable mention to macca who looks quicker and is challenging for points. Of course neyo has been very impressive this season. My rival in the championship would honestly be all the drivers currently in the top 10.

Thanks Liam

 

[Smithy]

4 races in, there has been 19 different scorers. At this stage who has been the surprise of the season? Has a driver impressed you so far? And who would you consider your rival in the drivers championship?
I agree with many people's comments MCR has really impressed, he was always a safe bet to finish top 10 and now he seems to be even faster. Smithy has been my surprise of the season he was always quick and in contention for a podium however now when you talk about potienal race winners he's a serious contender in that conversation. I think my rival will be Dave

Thanks Macca  

 

[RacingAtHome]

Well done MCR. I know I made contact with you and admit that it was my fault. No need to take me out deliberately.
https://youtu.be/ZLbUfGTNcCM?t=1h3m20s

 

[Smithy]

Qualifying: 10th, well a rookie error, i forgot to check the weather for the race, so i qualified on SS not US, definitely didnt help my race there.

Race: My start was compromised by Carrex having such an awful start. I think yhyy123 drove into me, he put his nose down the inside into turn 1, i couldnt leave anymore room because i had cars on my outside. My race pace was ok, i felt i was very level with agony and gary. 
Safety Car came out, that brought me back into the pack. Then after i went in the pits (got a weird speed lmiter glitch before i got into the pits) i cameout with agony, followed him for a few laps, and i ended up missing my breaking point and hitting the back of him, losing parts of my front wing. 
Then i was in a battle with agony, gary, liam, and my teammate light towards the end. I ended up 6th, which im ok with.

Overall im annoyed it was a wet race, as i think i might have won the dry race, because in practice sessions i could actually do a 1 stop, which is the fastest strategy . Oh well, move onto spain and hope i can get my first podium of the season

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CSCdTm2DcE

 

[Liamtsh96]

Q- 4th
I had the pace for pole but I messed up on the middle sector on my last run but I was pleased with 4th.

R- 3rd
Got a good start and was up in to 3rd by turn 2. The car felt really good to drive but that ended up not working in my favor because I ended up tagging neyo at turn 3 and on the next lap I hit dearagony which sent me spinning. I was at the bottom of the pack but thankfully the SC came out and I could replace my front wing. After that it was a case of making my way through the field. I made some nice overtakes and everyone was clean and fair with their driving. Pitted for wets mid way through and came out behind gary. I then got past smithy and dearagony and also managed to get past gary and keep him behind. His pace was impressive. Came across the line 3rd and I really enjoyed the race.

https://youtu.be/Hh0zPevBWgM

 

[ne-yo1993]

Q: P1 - 1:07,4xx
Wasn't happy with my quali performance. I've set 1;07,0xx on thursdays practice lobby, never thought it would be enough for the pole position. Anyway, messed up my first try on US. Lost the car in S3. A shame because it felt like it was my best lap yesterday. Was just too careful on my second attend.

R: P2
Like smithy, I forgot to check the weather for the race. I was running with 5-4 wings and 100% break pressure on my dry setup. That's not what you need in wet conditions. So my start was good BUT I completly missed turn2. I was off the track and lost the lead to dearagony. It felt like I had no breakes on my car. A lap later, the same problem. I was again off the track at turn2. Lost a position to liam. Liam made a mistake some seconds later, so I regained the position. I Don't know in which lap it was but dearagony made the same error into turn2 like I did. He was off the track. I was able to overtake him there, was leading for a few meters, till carre uses his great performance out of turn2 and took the lead. From that point, it was a boring race. I was trying to stay close to carre for the whole race but he was like 0,3-0,4sec per lap faster when he was pushing. Our pace was equal in S1 but S2 & S3 was his strength yesterday.

A shame we had a wet race. I knew I was the fastest in dry conditions and I felt super strong. Was ready to deliver my best possible performance but that's the way it is. Congrats to carre & liam. Also, 19 points for ferrari again. Another step closer to our target. Next up is catalunya. A track I really like. It's time for my second win of the season ;-)

 

[Macca]

Q - P11
Went with a wet setup and lower break pressure me so 11th was a good lap considering

R - 10
Made a good start but got boxed in by Carre and Light who ran wide otherwise I probably would have been up an extra 2 positions. Had no pace and quickly dropped back through the field however found myself 9th as others made mistakes then the SC came out lap 5 and I had a free stop so I pitted and 7th on the restart. On the restart I had no pace and dropped down to 10th with Dave behind who was struggling to get past then I made mistake out of the last corner and as a result he illegally passed me into T1. Lost about 5 seconds to Dave and he then pitted then while he was in the pitlane the VSC came out so I decided the only wait to get 10th was go to the end. Dave caught up with 3 laps to go however the engineer had said he had penalty so I wasn't bothered about fighting him as I knew he had a penalty and I would get the position.

Don't think I've ever worked so hard for a point  but I'll take it! Congrats to Carre on his win and NeYo, Liam on their podiums. See you all in Spain next week!

 

[RacingAtHome]

Q - P11
Went with a wet setup and lower break pressure me so 11th was a good lap considering

R - 10
Made a good start but got boxed in by Carre and Light who ran wide otherwise I probably would have been up an extra 2 positions. Had no pace and quickly dropped back through the field however found myself 9th as others made mistakes then the SC came out lap 5 and I had a free stop so I pitted and 7th on the restart. On the restart I had no pace and dropped down to 10th with Dave behind who was struggling to get past then I made mistake out of the last corner and as a result he illegally passed me into T1. Lost about 5 seconds to Dave and he then pitted then while he was in the pitlane the VSC came out so I decided the only wait to get 10th was go to the end. Dave caught up with 3 laps to go however the engineer had said he had penalty so I wasn't bothered about fighting him as I knew he had a penalty and I would get the position.

Don't think I've ever worked so hard for a point  but I'll take it! Congrats to Carre on his win and NeYo, Liam on their podiums. See you all in Spain next week!

I went for a wet setup as well but looked like Parc Ferme was off.

 

[ne-yo1993]

Sorry jake but parc ferme was on.

 

[Smithy]

Sorry jake but parc ferme was on.

When the weather changes from qualy to the race. You get to change your setup i think.

 

[Macca]

Sorry jake but parc ferme was on.

When the weather changes from qualy to the race. You get to change your setup i think.

I think it could be a glitch because in Baku I could change my setup during full Q after I had already gone out but other drivers couldn't

 

[RacingAtHome]

Sorry jake but parc ferme was on.

Weird. Must be a bug then.