Bahrain Grand Prix FP2 analysis
There's not much to choose between the two McLaren drivers so far
The second practice session at Bahrain brought further evidence of Ferrari’s long-run pace but Mercedes and McLaren are up there with the on one-lap performance.
We look set for an entertaining qualifying session tomorrow. Here’s how all the teams got on in second practice today:
McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari
FP2 times: McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull
The McLaren and Mercedes drivers set their fastest times on qualifying simulations, as did Felipe Massa. But it looks like Alonso hasn’t shown his hand yet with a low-fuel run.
Massa’s long run looks good compared with those of the McLaren drivers:
| Lap | Felipe Massa | Jenson Button | Lewis Hamilton |
| 1 | 2’00.153 | 2’02.481 | 2’01.793 |
| 2 | 2’04.201 | 2’02.189 | 2’02.543 |
| 3 | 2’00.613 | 2’05.157 | 2’02.274 |
| 4 | 2’00.331 | 2’01.963 | 2’02.085 |
| 5 | 2’06.368 | 2’02.509 | 2’02.439 |
| 6 | 2’00.087 | 2’02.464 | 2’03.036 |
| 7 | 2’00.347 | 2’02.351 | 2’02.890 |
| 8 | 2’00.792 | 2’02.782 | 2’11.859 |
| 9 | 2’00.377 | 2’03.268 | 2’34.349 |
| 10 | 2’04.929 | 2’03.537 | 2’01.617 |
| 11 | 2’00.031 | 2’02.242 | 2’01.668 |
| 12 | 2’00.615 | 2’02.405 | 2’01.937 |
| 13 | 2’01.123 | 2’06.497 | 2’10.953 |
| 14 | 2’00.810 | ||
| 15 | 2’00.877 |
Early in the session Hamilton aborted one run on the medium tyres having quickly destroyed them – a problem with tyre allocations so tightly restricted this year.
Mercedes one-lap pace looks promising, at least in the hands of Nico Rosberg. Although Michael Schumacher admitted afterwards to being “rusty”, his long-run pace compares favourable with Rosberg’s.
Red Bull, however, lost a lot of running the afternoon changing Mark Webber’s driveshaft and Sebastian Vettel’s brakes – the latter losing his car under braking for the final corner early in the session.
Williams, Force India, Renault, Toro Rosso and Sauber
FP2 times: Williams, Renault, Force India, Toro Rosso, Sauber
Although Force India topped the times in the first sector it was the VJM03′s pace over long runs that Vitantonio Liuzzi praised following the second session. He felt the car’s one-lap performance wasn’t quite there yet. Both his and Sutil’s long runs looked very consistent.
Sauber showed better pace than they did in the morning but Pedro de la Rosa complained of poor grip and described the turn seven bump as “dangerous”. Kamui Kobayashi suffered a puncture and had to curtail one of his runs.
Rubens Barrichello lost early running due to an electrical problem and finished both sessions almost one second slower than new team mate Nico Hülkenberg. Hülkenberg also looked quicker on his nine-lap stint than Barrichello did on his ten-lapper – of course we don’t know whether they were running the same fuel loads.
Renault said they were happy with the stability of their car under braking. As is to be expected Vitaly Petrov looks some way of Robert Kubica’s pace.
Jaime Alguersuari described the new section of track as “nothing special and very slow” – perhaps that was his revenge for being caught out by the complex where he spun in FP2. Team mate Buemi missed the entire session (apart from a single installation lap) due to car trouble.
Lotus, Virgin and HRT
FP2 Times: Lotus, Virgin, HRT
Bruno Senna logged 17 laps in the HRT and by the end of the session he’d finally managed to beat the best time set during the GP2 Asia practice session.
Worryingly, wheel nut failure brought his car to a halt at the first corner at the end of the session. Team mate Karun Chandhok didn’t do a lap at all despite hopes he would be out during FP2. He has just one hour to complete his first lap in the car before qualifying tomorrow.
Virgin were almost a second off Lotus’s pace in the second session but neither of their cars did low-fuel running and Timo Glock hasn’t tried the super-soft tyres yet.
Top 50 lap times
The top 50 times set during the session:
| Rank | Driver | Lap time | Lap |
| 1 | Nico Rosberg | 115.409 | 5 |
| 2 | Nico Rosberg | 115.555 | 2 |
| 3 | Lewis Hamilton | 115.854 | 7 |
| 4 | Michael Schumacher | 115.854 | 7 |
| 5 | Lewis Hamilton | 116.051 | 2 |
| 6 | Michael Schumacher | 116.051 | 2 |
| 7 | Jenson Button | 116.076 | 8 |
| 8 | Sebastian Vettel | 116.459 | 6 |
| 9 | Nico Hülkenberg | 116.501 | 17 |
| 10 | Jenson Button | 116.516 | 4 |
| 11 | Felipe Massa | 116.555 | 27 |
| 12 | Vitaly Petrov | 116.75 | 10 |
| 13 | Nico Hülkenberg | 116.799 | 2 |
| 14 | Felipe Massa | 116.81 | 29 |
| 15 | Sebastian Vettel | 116.924 | 3 |
| 16 | Jenson Button | 116.944 | 2 |
| 17 | Vitaly Petrov | 117.053 | 11 |
| 18 | Fernando Alonso | 117.14 | 24 |
| 19 | Pedro de la Rosa | 117.255 | 17 |
| 20 | Pedro de la Rosa | 117.287 | 16 |
| 21 | Kamui Kobyashi | 117.352 | 17 |
| 22 | Adrian Sutil | 117.361 | 7 |
| 23 | Fernando Alonso | 117.415 | 22 |
| 24 | Rubens Barrichello | 117.452 | 18 |
| 25 | Rubens Barrichello | 117.455 | 2 |
| 26 | Kamui Kobyashi | 117.661 | 16 |
| 27 | Adrian Sutil | 117.706 | 4 |
| 28 | Vitaly Petrov | 117.711 | 12 |
| 29 | Vitantonio Liuzzi | 117.833 | 7 |
| 30 | Adrian Sutil | 117.858 | 2 |
| 31 | Fernando Alonso | 118.013 | 19 |
| 32 | Robert Kubica | 118.155 | 25 |
| 33 | Vitaly Petrov | 118.214 | 6 |
| 34 | Robert Kubica | 118.226 | 27 |
| 35 | Vitantonio Liuzzi | 118.364 | 8 |
| 36 | Vitaly Petrov | 118.429 | 7 |
| 37 | Vitantonio Liuzzi | 118.533 | 2 |
| 38 | Vitaly Petrov | 118.952 | 4 |
| 39 | Pedro de la Rosa | 119.075 | 13 |
| 40 | Fernando Alonso | 119.087 | 10 |
| 41 | Vitantonio Liuzzi | 119.305 | 3 |
| 42 | Rubens Barrichello | 119.305 | 20 |
| 43 | Pedro de la Rosa | 119.495 | 12 |
| 44 | Robert Kubica | 119.54 | 16 |
| 45 | Jenson Button | 119.544 | 7 |
| 46 | Vitantonio Liuzzi | 119.581 | 4 |
| 47 | Fernando Alonso | 119.724 | 11 |
| 48 | Jaime Alguersuari | 119.799 | 9 |
| 49 | Robert Kubica | 119.826 | 14 |
| 50 | Fernando Alonso | 119.875 | 3 |
Fastest laps
Extended data on the times set by all the drivers.
| Pos. | Driver | Car | Fastest | On | Gap | Within 1% | Laps |
| 1 | Nico Rosberg | Mercedes | 1’55.409 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 23 |
| 2 | Lewis Hamilton | McLaren-Mercedes | 1’55.854 | 7 | 0.445 | 2 | 22 |
| 3 | Michael Schumacher | Mercedes | 1’55.903 | 6 | 0.494 | 3 | 23 |
| 4 | Jenson Button | McLaren-Mercedes | 1’56.076 | 8 | 0.667 | 3 | 28 |
| 5 | Sebastian Vettel | Red Bull-Renault | 1’56.459 | 6 | 1.05 | 2 | 18 |
| 6 | Nico Hülkenberg | Williams-Cosworth | 1’56.501 | 17 | 1.092 | 2 | 26 |
| 7 | Felipe Massa | Ferrari | 1’56.555 | 27 | 1.146 | 2 | 30 |
| 8 | Vitaly Petrov | Renault | 1’56.750 | 10 | 1.341 | 3 | 26 |
| 9 | Fernando Alonso | Ferrari | 1’57.140 | 24 | 1.731 | 3 | 25 |
| 10 | Pedro de la Rosa | Sauber-Ferrari | 1’57.255 | 17 | 1.846 | 2 | 24 |
| 11 | Kamui Kobyashi | Sauber-Ferrari | 1’57.352 | 17 | 1.943 | 2 | 27 |
| 12 | Adrian Sutil | Force India-Mercedes | 1’57.361 | 7 | 1.952 | 3 | 29 |
| 13 | Rubens Barrichello | Williams-Cosworth | 1’57.452 | 18 | 2.043 | 2 | 21 |
| 14 | Vitantonio Liuzzi | Force India-Mercedes | 1’57.833 | 7 | 2.424 | 3 | 29 |
| 15 | Robert Kubica | Renault | 1’58.155 | 25 | 2.746 | 2 | 29 |
| 16 | Jaime Alguersuari | Toro Rosso-Ferrari | 1’59.799 | 9 | 4.39 | 3 | 31 |
| 17 | Mark Webber | Red Bull-Renault | 2’00.444 | 6 | 5.035 | 8 | 12 |
| 18 | Heikki Kovalainen | Lotus-Cosworth | 2’00.873 | 21 | 5.464 | 2 | 23 |
| 19 | Jarno Trulli | Lotus-Cosworth | 2’00.990 | 13 | 5.581 | 1 | 14 |
| 20 | Timo Glock | Virgin-Cosworth | 2’02.037 | 2 | 6.628 | 1 | 3 |
| 21 | Lucas di Grassi | Virgin-Cosworth | 2’02.188 | 6 | 6.779 | 2 | 21 |
| 22 | Bruno Senna | HRT-Cosworth | 2’06.968 | 16 | 11.559 | 2 | 17 |
| 23 | Sebastien Buemi | Toro Rosso-Ferrari | 7’11.000 | 1 | 315.591 | 1 | 1 |
| 24 | Karun Chandhok | HRT-Cosworth |
NB. ‘Within 1%’ refers to the number of times a driver set a lap time that was within 1% of his best.
Analysing practice
This is a new series of articles analysing the lap times from practice. If you have any suggestions for improvements or changes you would like to see, please post them in the comments.
Lutz said on 12th March 2010, 18:57
great analysis!
Matthew Edwards said on 12th March 2010, 19:00
Hi Keith! I’m new to your site but as an F1 fan for, erm, 40 years am delighted to have found it. I am particularly enjoying your fascinating and objective analysis of the practice sessions: top stuff.
Looks like Ferrari then McLaren but looking after tyres will be crucial.
Thanks
Matthew
Pakelika said on 12th March 2010, 20:04
Yeah, I have a confession to make too. Younger generation here though. I’ve been lurking here for about 2 years and never dropped a single line, so I feel I should contribute a bit more than that. I’m simply in awe of what you’ve created, Keith. So much effort put into the site, yet it’s still growing. Truly a beautiful place to visit…
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine) said on 12th March 2010, 20:18
Always glad to hear from long-timers who haven’t commented before. Glad you’re enjoying the site Pakelika!
Salty said on 12th March 2010, 20:21
Clever and dedicated chap he certainly is. Have everything crossed for him that his bravery in doing this full time brings him, if not wild riches, at least a decent return on his love for this sport. Well done for stepping forward and hi!
Pakelika said on 12th March 2010, 21:45
Very well said, one has to realise just how driven by his passion this hell of a true gentleman is. Words fail me, honestly. Additionally, the fact that younger generation can mix some thoughts here with lads like Matthew above is just fantastic to me. As for the new season… Logical as it is, the fact that podium has only three steps, this year, brings a silly smile to my face like never before…
rampante said on 12th March 2010, 20:12
Good to see another fan of 40 years!
maciek said on 12th March 2010, 19:09
Fantastic stuff, Keith.
Victor said on 12th March 2010, 19:11
‘As is to be expected Vitaly Petrov looks some way of Robert Kubica’s pace.’
I don’t quite get that to be honest.
Calum said on 12th March 2010, 19:16
Do not think Hamilton will whip Button. Button is no slouch, 2009 proves that. Afterall Rubens Barichello, Seb Vettel and Mark Webber all had title winning cars but none of them could beat Button.
As much as I hate to say it, but Hamliton threw his first chance away in 2007, whereas Button took his chance and the Mclaren drive this year is his award. I wouldn’y be surprised if a proven world champion driver was humiliated this year by his teammate, but that driver won’t be Button.
Keith’s charts show it’s really close and it should be by Abu Dhabi.
mac v2 said on 12th March 2010, 19:18
Interesting that Alonso’s early laps are better than the later in the same stint. Graining?
DMW said on 12th March 2010, 21:48
Noticed that too. Looks like he cooked the tires. Button shows similar data. Massa and the Mercedes look very very consistent. And what’s going on with Lucious Liz? All over the place.
Alex White said on 12th March 2010, 19:21
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cRB9fhsyqE
it shows just how dangerous such a slow car can be :)
mac v2 said on 12th March 2010, 19:31
Good ilustration!
superunknown said on 12th March 2010, 20:32
My favourite description of that car was on the 5 live commentary: “It’s like going out onto the motorway on a mobility scooter!”
I really feel for bruno though, think what might have happened if he was given the brawn seat last year…
Hopefully he’ll get picked up by a faster team for next year.
Klon said on 12th March 2010, 21:57
I think it only shows that the only danger consists of drivers failing to properly put someone a lap down. You’d think Senna, Prost or “the old” Schumacher would’ve taken care of that HRT with way less fuss about it.
And don’t come with “modern drivers aren’t so bad” – I fully know that, but I only wanted to point out that the slow cars alone aren’t the threat
Westy said on 12th March 2010, 19:24
Good analysis, no one else is doing this.
We still dont know how much fuel is onboard. Too close to call. Roll on the race about 3/4 way through to gauge early season form.
Damon said on 12th March 2010, 19:39
Tomorrow the teams will finally test low-fuel/qualifying set-ups, so the best times in practice no. 3 will answer many questions.
Salty said on 12th March 2010, 20:04
Scarily clever graph. What it does illustrate is teams unwillingness to run their drivers on opposite strategies in testing at this early part of the season, which is in itself quite strange.
Yes, running both your drivers with similiar fuel during the same period does give a consistant baseline for each driver (and is probably better to keep the peace between drivers), but better sharing of information across the garage at this early stage could provide quicker setup direction for both drivers which could be better honed individually later in the FP sessions.
Truth be told, FiA’s testing prohibition is hurtful to the teams dev and gives us a weaker grid at the start of the season than we would like. The unknowns, whilst shaking things up, waters down the performance of these amazing machines and drivers.
In season testing might give Ferrari or McLaren a chance to improve by 6 tenths, but if HRT or Lotus could freely test in season as well, they would improve by seconds, not tenths and any concerns about 107% rules would be gone by mid-season.
John M said on 12th March 2010, 20:18
Here’s my quick take on the practice sessions:
It looks like McLaren and Mercedes have faster pace, but Ferrari may end up winning races by being more consistent over race distance.
My prediction, therefore, is that Hamilton is on pole, with Button, Schumacher, and Vettel rounding out the top four (in some order). Massa and Alonso on the third or fourth row. I think Rosberg won’t qualify as well and will also be in the third/fourth row.
Race win to Massa or Alonso, with McLaren, Mercedes and Red Bull rounding out the top 5 spots.
I can’t wait for Qualifying and the Race.
mac v2 said on 12th March 2010, 20:22
Some time ago Ron Dennis Said the cheapest way to develop a car was testing.
I tend to agree with that as of today’s standards in terms of cost of technology. But on the other hand, during the late 80′s and early 90′s the spreads between 1st and 3rd places was an amazing 2 seconds per lap!!!
I think that limiting the testing days, windtunnel time, and number of engines per car have been great ways to keep the entertaintment value of the sport. No one would like to see another ’88, ’89, ’92 or 2004 in the formula 1.
Yes, we can’t see the very best of autosport at it’s full potential, but we can see some racing.
K said on 12th March 2010, 21:05
The general evolutionary trend in F1 has seen the time gaps between cars get smaller and smaller. This trend pretty much goes all the way back through F1 history. Recently there have been anomalies due to significant rule changes particularly (if you’re looking at qualifying times) those that required cars to qualify on a single lap carrying race fuel. But as I said these are anomalies and the general trend for increasing competitiveness continues. The cause of this trend is affected by a lot of things but I’m not sure how much difference cost saving rules such as the ones you mentioned would make. I think mainly it is to do with the tightening of the rules and increasingly greater technological expertise. An example of this are the high standards of reliability we see today.
Fer no.65 said on 12th March 2010, 21:14
wonder if it wasn’t a good solution to let the new teams skip some races so they can test on their own and then compete…
HRT speacially… 11 seconds off the pace… they will be lapped once every 9 laps (and with such a tricky car to drive, i would say they’ll get lapped once every 7 laps).
HRT knoew nothing about the car, the tyres, the long runs, the reliability… is it really worth it to go racing like that?… surely it must be better for both the F1 and HRT to let them test a bit more?
John H said on 12th March 2010, 21:22
100% agree. They’ll be some sponsorship clause or something getting in the way I reckon, because I’m sure all the other teams would vote 100% to allow them to test and then start at Melbourne.
Lotus and Virgin have had structural failures in testing which they put right. It’s just needlessly endangering the other drivers and their own.
K said on 12th March 2010, 21:38
Contractual obligations and all that…
Still it would make more sense and they could probably find a solution if there were contractual obligations in the way.
Guelph35 said on 13th March 2010, 5:57
HRT won’t stay on track long enough to get lapped more than once or twice.
I expect they won’t get past the first round of pit stops.
John H said on 12th March 2010, 21:16
Hard to judge the long runs IMHO. Just how long is a ‘long’ run? Could be anything from 15 to 50 laps of fuel.
Sush Meerkat said on 12th March 2010, 21:18
“Although Michael Schumacher admitted afterwards to being “rusty”, his long-run pace compares favourable with Rosberg’s.”
I don’t believe that for one second, he felt like a child two days ago, a set up break through during testing gave him confidence.
because he hasn’t got a spare car and all the tyres in the world to use he isn’t on top form right now.
He’s getting beating by his team mate so far and because thats never happened before its messing with his confidence, saying he’s rusty is typical racer excuse.
David A said on 13th March 2010, 0:55
We are talking about him being beaten by the World Champion of Free Practice in a practice session, though ;)
K said on 12th March 2010, 21:23
Anywhere to get speed trap info from?
I know Hamilton with his fancy stalling blown rear wing was fastest but I’d like to see everyone’s results.