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Thanks for your reply raymondu999 :)
It looks like you’re saying that previously (when Mark and Seb were more closely matched) it was in fact Webber that was enjoying a technical advantage over Vettel. That is to say, he was better able to exploit the cars characteristics. What is unclear is if you still feel Webber has that advantage or if it’s no longer the case. It’s clear, however, that you believe the tyres are the primary reason for the pace difference. Your explanation was indeed thorough.
Your theory seems to hint that next year, with the new exhaust rule (thanks for clarifying that), Webber could be even more off the pace? I certainly hope not. I might cling on to my theory for a little while longer :)
Being Australian, I’ve closely followed Webber’s career since his name was first linked to a possible drive in F1 around 1999. Until this year, I’ve never had any doubt about his talent behind the wheel. Anyone who followed his path up the grid would feel the same. He frequently outperformed his car and teammate (*Cristian – “Rosberg…never was beaten by a teammate”??) – He earned his place in Formula 1.
When he signed with Williams in ’05, that was meant to be Webber’s time to shine. This was not to be, as Williams continued its heartbreaking decline.
Whilst I have had occasion to doubt Webber’s skill this year, more than anything it’s been a crystal-clear example of how a car is suited to a driver (or not) and how much of an effect this can have on individual performance. This has made me rethink the way I assess my opinion of a driver.
The difference in comparison to last year is astounding. From mere hundredths in 2010 to the best part of a second difference over a lap this year. Clearly something about this car doesn’t suit Mark, or REALLY suits Vettel, or a bit of both. I don’t subscribe to the “Vettel has super confidence champion power now” theory either. That’s not 5 or 6 tenths of a second.
I have a theory that I haven’t seen anyone else mention. It’s what I like to call my ‘couch theory’.
Vettel started really stretching his legs in mid-to-late 2010. Around about the time Red Bull might’ve started honing their secret off-throttle overrun. I believe one of Webber’s strengths over Vettel was in corner entry, and all the extra stability at the rear now effectively removes that advantage. Silverstone, if you remember, had an FIA-imposed limitation on the off-throttle wizardry; it also happened to be the closest Mark has been to Seb this year.
Webber dominated Spain and Monaco last year. This was put down to a crack in Vettel’s chassis. I have my doubts about that. There was also talk about how Red Bull had made a change to the car that didn’t suit Vettel, and that they’d be undoing that change. I can’t find any links about it now though, sorry. I remember it, because I always found it odd that two dominant wins by Webber inspired a step back in direction. I’ve found myself wondering if this was the early stages of their overrun experimentation.
Anyway, it’s just a theory, and it’s named after my couch for a reason. I’d love to know the thoughts of some of the more techy F1 Fanatics on this. Is there some merit to it, or am I just a sad Webber fan clambering for something to hold on to?
..and what the devil are the EBD/OTO rules next year? I never know if what I’m reading is the latest decision from the FIA, or the one before they changed their mind.
Oh yeah, and apparently Webber doesn’t like the Pirelli’s. I guess that contributes somewhat. ;)
So, as a Webber fan it’s no surprise that I’d still rate him in the top 5. Unfortunately, for some mish-mash of a million reasons, he’s unable to prove it. I suppose, though, that the same could well be said for half the grid.
Some corrections on the above:
KERS – Webber had no KERS for qualifying
FIA – The random check was after he was eliminated from qualifying. It was just speculation by Brundle and Coulthard that Webber was angry about that – this was corrected by Ted Kravitz a couple of minutes later. He was more likely angry at being 18th on the grid!
…and all the other reasons mentioned above.
I’m amazed this hasn’t been added yet. It’s so well done:
Jenson Button sings the hits
I’d like to add my voice to the growing anti-Legard chorus.
Most of my frustrations have already been mentioned above. One of the biggest factors that gets under my skin is that he really doesn’t seem to be a Formula 1 fan. It’s as though BBC grabbed an experienced ‘commentator’ from their commentator bag and allocated him to F1.
I imagine Legard studying up on F1… reading books and watching race replays so he can convince viewers that he has a right to be there. It’s probably enough for the casual fan, but for us fanatics he just sounds like someone who’s just beginning to follow the sport. I can’t help but feel a little insulted.
I still cringe when I remember James Allen’s painful Hamilton bias, but he clearly lived, loved and understood Formula 1.
Best scenario as far as I’m concerned is Croft, Brundle AND Davidson. It’s a shame we can’t get 5live in New Zealand, but I’d be reluctant to go without Brundle – I very much respect his input.
