[Gibbo]

I know some of you are F1 experts and I would like to know 2 races in how the new rule changes have effected lap times? In both qualifying or race conditions how have the times changed say compared to the last year and over say 3 years. I do not think either Oz or Sepang has changed layout over this time but happy to be corrected on this one.

Are the cars the same speed or are they down a couple of seconds a lap? If they are will they be able to narrow the gap over the course of a season? or will the gap remain the same as last yrs cars would of equally improved over the course of the year.

[dxb335d]

They look slower thats for sure. But going on 2008-2009 Fastest lap times it seems there are just as quick.
For Melbourne

2008 the Fastest Lap was a 1:27.418.

This year it was 1:27.706


Speang last year 1:35.366 and this year 1:36.641


Go back to 2005- the Fatest LaP was 1:35.483

The layout has not changed.


They look slower, or maybe its just they have more mechanical grip that makes them look slower.

[Gibbo]

Thanks Carlos, is that the fastest lap of the race or qualifying? I guess weather could be a factor but lets assume similar for both yrs although if traditionally the fastest race lap is near the end when the track has bed in that could explain why sepang is down compared to Melborne.

They do look a bit slower which is why I guessed about 2 seconds a lap. If they are the same speed with less downforce and driver aids the slicks must make a fair difference or the engineers have done a fantastic job on the 09 cars.

[dxb335d]

Yes that was from Fastest lap of the race.

I hate the current qualifying format. Its a waste of time IMHO.

I prefer the old 1 hour Friday and Saturday with 12 laps per driver.

Was a much better system.

Was great watching the last 5 mins of each session.

[M3-FAST]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

Was great watching the last 5 mins of each session.

I agree Carl, but you have hit the nail on the head on why it was changed!

[DaveC]

Originally Posted by Gibbo

They do look a bit slower which is why I guessed about 2 seconds a lap. If they are the same speed with less downforce and driver aids the slicks must make a fair difference or the engineers have done a fantastic job on the 09 cars.

At the time they bought the grooved slicks in didn't they say they'd cost about 4 seconds a lap? Might be remembering wrong but that figure sticks in my head.

[dxb335d]

Originally Posted by redE93cab

I agree Carl, but you have hit the nail on the head on why it was changed!

Yes ok have 2 10 min sessions, not this ''knock out'' bollox.