Formula 1 General Chat & Discussion

DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER 16 RACES :

1. L. Hamilton GBR Mercedes 291 points
2. N. Rosberg GER Mercedes 274 points
3. D. Ricciardo AUS Red Bull 199 points
4. V. Bottas FIN Williams 145 points
5. S. Vettel GER Red Bull 143 points
6. F. Alonso ESP Ferrari 141 points
7. J. Button GBR McLaren 94 points
8. N. Hulkenberg GER Force India 76 points
9. F. Massa BRA Williams 71 points
10. K. Magnussen DEN McLaren 49 points
11. S. Perez MEX Force India & K. Raikkonen FIN Ferrari 47 points
12. J. E. Vergne FRA Toro Rosso 21 points
13. R. Grosjean FRA Lotus & D. Kvyat RUS Toro Rosso 8 points
14. J. Bianchi FRA Marussia 2 points

Result of the qualifying :
1. Lewis Hamilton - Mercedes GP 1:38.513
2. Nico Rosberg - Mercedes GP 1:38.713 +0.200
3. Valtteri Bottas - Williams 1:38.920 +0.407
4. Jenson Button - McLaren 1:39.121 +0.608
5. Daniil Kvyat - Toro Rosso 1:39.277 +0.764
6. Kevin Magnussen - McLaren 1:39.629 +1.116
7. Daniel Ricciardo - Red Bull Racing 1:39.635 +1.122
8. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari 1:39.709 +1.196
9. Kimi Räikkönen - Ferrari 1:39.771 +1.258
10. Jean-Eric Vergne - Toro Rosso 1:40.020 +1.507
Q2
11. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull Racing 1:40.052 +1.539
12. Nico Hulkenberg - Force India 1:40.058 +1.545
13. Sergio Perez - Force - India 1:40.163 +1.650
14. Esteban Gutierrez - Sauber 1:40.536 +2.023
15. Adrian Sutil - Sauber 1:40.984 +2.471
16. Romain Grosjean - Lotus 1:41.397 +2.884
Q1
17. Marcus Ericsson - Caterham 1:42.648 +4.135
18. Felipe Massa - Williams 1:43.064 +4.551
19. Kamui Kobayashi - Caterham 1:43.166 +4.653
20. Pastor Maldonado - Lotus 1:43.205 +4.692
21. Max Chilton - Marussia F1 Team 1:43.649 +5.136

Qualifying Time : 1:38.513
Pole : Lewis Hamilton
Team Bat. : Nico Hulkenberg > Sergio Perez
Grid Pos. D.Kvyat : 5th place


Hamilton on pole for inaugural Russian GP :
Lewis Hamilton claimed pole position for the inaugural Russian Grand Prix at Sochi Autodrom, getting the better of Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg and Williams driver Valtteri Bottas, who made a costly error. Hamilton, who had controlled practice and the previous two qualifying phases, set a 1:38.513 in Q3 to finish two tenths clear of Rosberg. Bottas had been fastest of all through the first two sectors of his final lap, but he slid wide at the final corner and had to settle for third. Jenson Button put McLaren on the second row, ahead of home driver Daniil Kvyat, who charged to a personal best fifth in his Toro Rosso. Kevin Magnussen had qualified sixth in the second McLaren, but he drops five places for his gearbox change. Daniel Ricciardo was the lead Red Bull after team-mate Sebastian Vettel failed to progress from Q2, with Ferrari drivers Fernando Alonso and Kimi Räikkönen and the Toro Rosso of Jean-Éric Vergne completing the top 10. Vettel classified 11th in the second segment, ahead of Force India pairing Nico Hülkenberg and Sergio Pérez. Hülkenberg, however, is another to lose five grid positions post-qualifying for a gearbox swap of his own. Esteban Gutiérrez bounced back from his FP3 difficulties to out-qualify Sauber team-mate Adrian Sutil, while Lotus driver Romain Grosjean was the last of the timed runners in the second qualifying segment. Marcus Ericsson was close to making it through to Q2 with the 17th fastest time, just a tenth adrift of Grosjean, beating Felipe Massa's Williams which suffered a suspected fuel pressure issue. Kamui Kobayashi, Pastor Maldonado and Max Chilton brought up the rear, although Maldonado will start from the back with his penalty.

Kind Regards
Shaky - Schumi

Result of the 3rd practice session :

1. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes GP 1:38.726
2. Nico Rosberg Mercedes GP 1:39.016 +0.290
3. Valtteri Bottas Williams 1:39.097 +0.371
4. Daniel Ricciardo Red Bull Racing 1:39.755 +1.029
5. Felipe Massa Williams 1:39.954 +1.228
6. Daniil Kvyat Toro Rosso 1:40.009 +1.283
7. Kimi Räikkönen Ferrari 1:40.011 +1.285
8. Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1:40.151 +1.425
9. Jean-Eric Vergne Toro Rosso 1:40.205 +1.479
10. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull Racing 1:40.338 +1.612
11. Jenson Button McLaren 1:40.355 +1.629
12. Nico Hulkenberg Force India 1:40.669 +1.943
13. Sergio Perez Force India 1:40.699 +1.973
14. Adrian Sutil Sauber 1:41.146 +2.420
15. Esteban Gutierrez Sauber 1:41.520 +2.794
16. Romain Grosjean Lotus 1:41.915 +3.189
17. Kevin Magnussen McLaren 1:42.436 +3.710
18. Marcus Ericsson Caterham 1:43.109 +4.383
19. Kamui Kobayashi Caterham 1:43.975 +5.249
20. Max Chilton Marussia F1 Team 1:44.737 +6.011
21. Pastor Maldonado Lotus : no time

Hamilton stays on top in final practice :
Lewis Hamilton held on to his position at the top of the timesheets during Saturday's final practice session for the Russian Grand Prix at Sochi Autodrom, three tenths clear of Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg. While Rosberg controlled the early Medium-tyre runs, Hamilton again displayed superior pace on the Soft rubber, producing a time of 1:38.726. Hamilton could have lapped even faster, but he lost control of his car under braking for the penultimate corner, only just avoiding the barriers. Rosberg was part of a group of late improvers as Hamilton returned to the pit lane, narrowly beating Williams driver Valtteri Bottas to second place. Over three quarters of a second back, Daniel Ricciardo led Red Bull's charge, with Felipe Massa taking fifth. Home driver Daniil Kvyat finished sixth, ahead of Ferrari duo Kimi Räikkönen and Fernando Alonso, while Toro Rosso team-mate Jean-Éric Vergne and the remaining Red Bull of Sebastian Vettel completed the top 10. After starring on the first day, McLaren endured a more challenging session; Jenson Button wound up over 1.5 seconds off the pace in 11th, and Kevin Magnussen completed just four laps before a car problem struck. Nico Hülkenberg edged out Force India team-mate Sergio Pérez for 12th, while Adrian Sutil finished the best part of half a second ahead of fellow Sauber driver Esteban Gutiérrez after the Mexican's early throttle problems. The final driver to finish ahead of the sidelined Magnussen was Romain Grosjean, whose Lotus team-mate, Pastor Maldonado, finished at the bottom of the order – without a time – as a result of a battery issue. Ahead of Maldonado, Caterham pair Marcus Ericsson and Kamui Kobayashi outpaced the Marussia of Max Chilton, who lost a considerable amount of track time as the team worked to fix a driveshaft problem.

Kind Regards
Shaky - Schumi

Result of the 2nd practice session :

1. Lewis Hamilton - Mercedes GP 1:39.630
2. Kevin Magnussen - McLaren 1:40.494 +0.864
3. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari 1:40.504 +0.874
4. Nico Rosberg - Mercedes GP 1:40.542 +0.912
5. Valtteri Bottas - Williams 1:40.573 +0.943
6. Jenson Button - McLaren 1:40.718 +1.088
7. Felipe Massa - Williams 1:40.731 +1.101
8. Daniil Kvyat -Toro Rosso 1:41.108 +1.478
9. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull Racing 1:41.396 +1.766
10. Jean-Eric Vergne - Toro Rosso 1:41.531 +1.901
11. Kimi Räikkönen - Ferrari 1:41.630 +2.000
12. Nico Hulkenberg - Force India 1:41.677 +2.047
13. Daniel Ricciardo - Red Bull Racing 1:42.061 +2.431
14. Sergio Perez - Force India 1:42.090 +2.460
15. Adrian Sutil - Sauber 1:42.233 +2.603
16. Romain Grosjean - Lotus 1:42.892 +3.262
17. Pastor Maldonado - Lotus 1:42.905 +3.275
18. Esteban Gutierrez - Sauber 1:43.055 +3.425
19. Marcus Ericsson - Caterham 1:44.135 +4.505
20. Max Chilton - Marussia F1 Team 1:44.530 +4.900
21. Kamui Kobayashi - Caterham 1:44.952 +5.322

Hamilton dominates second Sochi practice :
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton dominated Friday afternoon's second Russian Grand Prix practice session at Sochi Autodrom, finishing more than eight tenths clear of Kevin Magnussen's McLaren. After trailing team-mate Nico Rosberg in FP1, Hamilton produced a clean run on Pirelli's Soft compound tyre to work his way down to a 1:39.630. Magnussen ultimately emerged as the faster of the two McLaren drivers, while Fernando Alonso rose to third position with a late improvement. Rosberg controlled the early Medium tyre phase but had to settle for fourth when the switch to the Option rubber arrived, missing out on a representative time after taking to the vast run-off area at Turn 17. Williams drivers Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa sandwiched Button's McLaren, while Toro Rosso pair Daniil Kvyat and Jean-Éric Vergne surrounded the Red Bull of outgoing World Champion Sebastian Vettel.
Vettel's team-mate, Daniel Ricciardo, finished 13th after sparking a late red flag period; the Australian was helpless to prevent his smoking car from grinding to a halt before it reached a designated recovery point. Kimi Räikkönen could place his Ferrari no higher than 11th, more than a second adrift of team-mate Alonso, while the Force Indias of Nico Hülkenberg and Sergio Pérez were separated by the aforementioned Ricciardo. Adrian Sutil ended comfortably clear of struggling Lotus drivers Romain Grosjean and Pastor Maldonado, while Sauber team-mate Esteban Gutiérrez was the last of the midfield runners in his first session of the weekend. At the back, Max Chilton's Marussia finished between Caterham duo Marcus Ericsson and Kamui Kobayashi.

Kind Regards
Shaky - Schumi

Result of the 1st practice session :

1. Nico Rosberg - Mercedes GP 1:42.311
2. Lewis Hamilton - Mercedes GP 1:42.376 +0.065
3. Jenson Button - McLaren 1:42.507 +0.196
4. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari 1:42.720 +0.409
5. Kevin Magnussen - McLaren 1:43.026 +0.715
6. Sergio Perez - Force India 1:43.129 +0.818
7. Daniil Kvyat - Toro Rosso 1:43.164 +0.853
8. Kimi Räikkönen - Ferrari 1:43.212 +0.901
9. Jean-Eric Vergne - Toro Rosso 1:43.327 +1.016
10. Valtteri Bottas - Williams 1:43.542 +1.231
11. Felipe Massa - Williams 1:43.741 +1.430
12. Daniel Ricciardo - Red Bull Racing 1:43.821 +1.510
13. Nico Hulkenberg - Force India 1:43.976 +1.665
14. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull Racing 1:44.506 +2.195
15. Adrian Sutil - Sauber 1:44.625 +2.314
16. Pastor Maldonado - Lotus 1:44.876 +2.565
17. Sergey Sirotkin - Sauber 1:45.032 +2.721
18. Romain Grosjean - Lotus 1:45.190 +2.879
19. Roberto Merhi - Caterham 1:46.782 +4.471
20. Marcus Ericsson Caterham 1:46.922 +4.611
21. Max Chilton - Marussia F1 Team 1:47.284 +4.973


Rosberg leads first practice in Russia :
Nico Rosberg set the standard during Friday morning's first practice session for the inaugural Russian Grand Prix at Sochi Autodrom, edging out Mercedes team-mate and championship leader Lewis Hamilton. In what was a sombre affair, as the thoughts of the Formula 1 community remain with Jules Bianchi following his horrific accident, Rosberg posted a time of 1:42.311 to finish six hundredths of a second clear of Hamilton. Both drivers suffered vibrations on their cars, while Hamilton was denied a request to sacrifice some of his longer running in the second half of the 90-minute session for another hot lap, after an error-strewn run.
Jenson Button was the early pace-setter as the field got to grips with the 5.848-km semi-permanent street circuit, located in and around the Olympic Park, but the McLaren driver dropped to third as the session wore on. Ferrari's charge was led by Fernando Alonso, while Kevin Magnussen put two McLarens in the top five. A late improvement saw Force India driver Sergio Pérez jump up to sixth position, just ahead of home driver Daniil Kvyat, while Kimi Räikkönen, Jean-Éric Vergne and Valtteri Bottas rounded out the top 10 positions. Bottas lost time due to a tyre blanket damaging a set of tyres, but he still outpaced team-mate Felipe Massa.
Red Bull drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel made a quiet start to the weekend in 12th and 14th. Sergey Sirotkin finished two places and four tenths behind Sauber regular Adrian Sutil as he made his first F1 weekend appearance, while Roberto Merhi beat Marcus Ericsson on his third practice outing with Caterham. Max Chilton was the final timed runner in the sole Marussia machine, with the team ultimately deciding not to field a second car at the event out of respect for Bianchi, who remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital.

Kind Regards
Shaky - Schumi

oberon wrote:many times, too many times, serious accidents have been avoided just by luck in recent years.
Sunday there were none and nothing to help Jules.

agree with most everything you say - except there was a bit of luck - Bianchi wasn't killed outright...
and I hope he makes a full recovery

But you're right about money - its the sponsors & tv who dictate the terms
so in some ways its unfortunate - there's nothing like a fatal accident, live on tv to focus the minds of the money men

it took the death of Ayrton Senna before the current safety regulations were introduced
and the history of safety in F1 can be traced through a line of tragedies.

Drivers are pawns (well paid pawns but pawns all the same) - that's what Jackie Stewart realised so many years ago - the formation of the drivers union and the boycotting of a race they considered unsafe was what drove F1 into the modern age.
And its up to the drivers now - if conditions, the track or the car aren't safe STOP! That's the only way to force change.

On another note - I really don't know about cockpits as these cars don't have doors - How many more drivers would have burned in their cars if something went wrong with the cockpit or the crash jammed it? Niki Lauda might have a view...

Marussia decided not to replace poor Jules Bianchi in the Russian GP "as a sign of respect"
"It' s the most appropriate measure in the difficult conditions of this week-end" said the team.

Gp of Russia at the Sochi circuit :

Friday :
Free Practice 1: 08:00 - 09:30 CET
Free Practice 2 : 12:00 - 13:30 CET

Saturday :
Free Practice 3 : 10:00 - 11:00 CET
Qualifying : 13:00 - 14:00 CET

Sunday :
Race : 13.00 CET

Kind Regards
Shaky - Schumi

first Russian GP – Sochi circuit (10-11 and 12 October)
of course everything takes a back seat, after the incident of Jules Bianchi
so this time no words and no stats on the GP
I would write some of my thoughts to increase the safety on the circuits
I have found the following three points for the future

1) In 24 h Le Man and others races, there is this simply rule called “the slow zone”, why not in F1?
In this zone, speeds is limited to 60 or 80 km/h in order to facilitate the work of intervention teams. Approaching the neutralization zone the cars must reduce their speed so as to enter the named "Slow" zone at no more than 60 or 80 km/h. All overtakings are forbidden. The end of this zone is marked by a blinking green light.
The F1 cars already have the button of the speed limiter, which pilots push in the pit lane
they could use a similar procedure also for safety problems on the circuits

2) At Suzuka the qualifying session took place in dry condition, while the race took place under the rain.
but due to the” park ferme” it was not possible to change the set-up of the cars.
perhaps a different set-up for wet race, it could be helpful.
For me this rule of “park ferme” is wrong and should be changed.
while i have some doubt about the closed cockpits, for me; they would do more harm than good.

3) Everyone knew that the weather forecast was bad; so why not anticipate the start time of the race with the incoming typhoon?
Probably television reasons, sponsor reasons and money reasons are too important for someone.
And probably for the same “persons” Jules Bianchi is only a poor guy very unlucky.

many times, too many times, serious accidents have been avoided just by luck in recent years.
Sunday there were none and nothing to help Jules.

And this is another story


[Versteckter Link - Registrierung notwendig]

schubert

Maybe , a better conclusion , now...

Michael Schumacher is 'fighting' in recovery, says former Ferrari boss Jean Todt

[Versteckter Link - Registrierung notwendig]

FIA president Todt says Schumacher's condition is improving following a skiing accident in France last December
Michael Schumacher will be able to live 'a relatively normal life', says former Ferrari boss Jean Todt
Improving: Michael Schumacher is currently recovering at his home in Switzerland Photo: AFP

By Telegraph Sport, and agencies

11:15AM BST 08 Oct 2014


Michael Schumacher is "fighting" in his recovery, according to former Ferrari boss and current FIA president Jean Todt who believes the world champion's condition will improve.

The Formula One legend suffered serious head injuries following a skiing accident in France last December, which left him in a medically-induced coma.

Todt, who became close friends with Schumacher during their time at Ferrari, delivered the promising news after recently visiting the seven-time world champion at his home in Switzerland.

“He will probably no longer be able to drive in Formula One. Voilà, that’s what we can say,” Todt told the broadcaster RTL.

When asked if Schumacher would be able to live a normal life again Todt said: “we have to hope for that”.

Todt went on to add that Schumacher and his family should be left so treatment and recovery can continue in private.

He said: “I believe that what is important is that he is living, that his family is close to him, that we really believe that things will improve,” he said. “He needs time and then to be left in peace.”

Schumacher left hospital in Lausanne, Switzerland, in September.

• This article has been amended. The original headline and copy said that Todt was confident Schumacher could lead a “relatively normal life again” when he had said that he "hoped" he would be able to

schubert



..

OK , the last time for today

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Extent of Jules Bianchi's Japanese GP crash injuries revealed
Tuesday, October 7th 2014, 14:20 GMT


Jules Bianchi

Jules Bianchi's family has revealed the extent of the head injuries he suffered in a crash during the Japanese Grand Prix.

While the 25-year-old Frenchman remains in intensive care at the Mie General Medical Center in Yokkaichi in a critical but stable condition, it has been confirmed that he has suffered a diffuse axonal injury.

Such an injury is usually the consequence of the forces of a rapid acceleration or deceleration of the head and affects the nerves in the brain.

Its severity can vary over a wide range.

"This is a very difficult time for our family, but the messages of support and affection for Jules from all over the world have been a source of great comfort to us," said Bianchi's family in a statement.

"We would like to express our sincere appreciation.

"The hospital will continue to monitor and treat Jules and further medical updates will be provided when appropriate."

GARY ANDERSON: The lessons of Suzuka

The family thanked FIA Medical Commission president Professor Gerard Saillant for his presence at the hospital, and also Professor Alessandro Frati, neurosurgeon of the University of Rome La Sapienza, who has travelled to Japan at Ferrari's request.

"They arrived at the hospital today and met with the medical personnel responsible for Jules' treatment, in order to be fully informed of his clinical status so that they are able to advise the family," the statement added.

"Professors Saillant and Frati acknowledge the excellent care being provided by the Mie General Medical Center and would like to thank their Japanese colleagues."


I hope the best for you , Jules

schubert

[Versteckter Link - Registrierung notwendig], taken from Marussia official site.
No other statements will follow untill there are changes in his conditions

Sadly to post ...the only News I found about Jules is ....that he is still in critical condition ,stable ...but critical

Regards
Shaky - Schumi

[Versteckter Link - Registrierung notwendig] , taken from Autoblog.it (text is in Italian, please wait 20 seconds before it starts).
Let' s all keep on praying for him