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There is it, folks, the 2013 Formula One season starts this weekend!

Albert Park, Melbourne



Lap data

Lap length: 5.303 km
Race laps: 58
Race distance: 307.574 km
Pole position: Left-hand side of the track
Lap record: 1’24.125 (226.934 kph) by Michael Schumacher, 2004
Fastest lap: 1’23.529 (228.553 kph) by Sebastian Vettel, 2011
Maximum speed: 312 kph
DRS zone/s (race): First and second straight
Distance from grid to turn one: 380 m


Car performance

Full throttle: 71%
Longest flat-out section: 843 m
Downforce level: High
Gear changes per lap: 54
Fuel use per lap: 2.5 kg
Time penalty per lap of fuel: 0.1s

The results of Friday's session:

Free practice 1:

1 S. Vettel (GER) Red Bull 1'27.211
2 F. Massa (BRA) Ferrari 1'27.289
3 F. Alonso (ESP) Ferrari 1'27.547
4 L. Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes 1'27.552
5 M. Webber (AUS) Red Bull 1'27.668
6 K. Räikkönen (FIN) Lotus 1'27.877
7 N. Rosberg (GER) Mercedes 1'28.013
8 A. Sutil (GER) Force India 1'28.426
9 J. Button (GBR) McLaren 1'28.440
10 R. Grosjean (FRA) Lotus 1'28.520
11 S. Perez (MEX) McLaren 1'28.597
12 N. Hülkenberg (GER) Sauber 1'28.786
13 P. di Resta (GBR) Force India 1'28.910
14 P. Maldonado (VEN) Williams 1'29.443
15 V. Bottas (FIN) Williams 1'29.928
16 E. Gutiérrez (MEX) Sauber 1'30.203
17 J.E. Vergne (FRA) Toro Rosso 1'30.729
18 D. Ricciardo (AUS) Toro Rosso 1'30.969
19 J. Bianchi (FRA) Marussia 1'31.263
20 M. Chilton (GBR) Marussia 1'32.176
21 C. Pic (FRA) Caterham 1'32.274
22 G. van der Garde (NED) Caterham 1'32.388


Free practice 2:

1 S. Vettel (GER) Red Bull 1'25.908
2 M. Webber (AUS) Red Bull 1'26.172
3 N. Rosberg (GER) Mercedes 1'26.322
4 K. Räikkönen (FIN) Lotus 1'26.361
5 R. Grosjean (FRA) Lotus 1'26.680
6 F. Alonso (ESP) Ferrari 1'26.748
7 L. Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes 1'26.772
8 F. Massa (BRA) Ferrari 1'26.855
9 A. Sutil (GER) Force India 1'27.435
10 N. Hülkenberg (GER) Sauber 1'28.187
11 J. Button (GBR) McLaren 1'28.294
12 P. di Resta (GBR) Force India 1'28.311
13 S. Perez (MEX) McLaren 1'28.566
14 D. Ricciardo (AUS) Toro Rosso 1'28.627
15 E. Gutiérrez (MEX) Sauber 1'28.772
16 P. Maldonado (VEN) Williams 1'28.852
17 J.E. Vergne (FRA) Toro Rosso 1'28.968
18 V. Bottas (FIN) Williams 1'29.386
19 J. Bianchi (FRA) Marussia 1'29.696
20 C Pic (FRA) Caterham 1'30.165
21 M. Chilton (GBR) Marussia 1'30.600
22 G. van der Garde (NED) Caterham 1'32.450

Glad to see Vettel still on top. It's only practice, though, qualifying might tell a very different story. I'm certainly hoping for a better showing from both Williams drivers in qualifying and the race. Every year I look forward to a new season with excitement and anticipation for a significant improvement from Williams, only to be disappointed ...  

Quoting CXB77L (Reply 2): Glad to see Vettel still on top.

Absolutely! I'm looking forward to see how Räikkönen performs too...if Vettel is not the WDC this year, then the Finn would be a worthy successor to the crown.

Sitting here at Albert Park in the pouring rain waiting for qual is not fun، might be an interesting session though!

Quoting GrahamHill (Thread starter): There is it, folks, the 2013 Formula One season starts this weekend!

Can't believe how fast time has passed! I am ready for a new season, and some exciting races. However, I hate to spoil it for you guys, but Alonso will win the 2013 WDC   

After several delays Q1 was eventful but the rain and wind returned in a big way and we finally decided to watch Q2&3 at home on tv.... if they have Q2&3 at all!!

Well, everyone still sleeping? lol

A very eventful Q1 with lots of carbon fibre flying around... Q2 and Q3 had to be postponed due to weather.

Fast forward to the race...

KIMI WINS!

Great race and a well managed race by the Iceman, I am happy to see the Ferraris with the pace and able to give the RBRs a good race.

Is it me or McLaren has gone down a bit, I know its the first race of the season and a lot can happen, but they did not seem to be ¨right there¨.

Hamilton did a good job with the Mercedes too.

Next week Malaysia!

MIAspotter.

Quoting MIAspotter (Reply 7): Well, everyone still sleeping?

Nope, I watched the race, and in an effort to concentrate on what happens in the race, naturally I don't post in the forums until after it's all over  

Well done to Raikkonen. I'm quite happy to see him win. Despite his detractors, I've always thought that, along with Vettel, Hamilton and Alonso, Raikkonen is also right up there as one of the best drivers on the current F1 grid.

If Vettel doesn't win his fourth straight title - which I admit probably won't happen - I'd like Raikkonen to win it. Anybody but Alonso, really.

Quoting MIAspotter (Reply 7): Well, everyone still sleeping? lol

The race started at 02:00 local time for eastern US, so yes, I was asleep!!

I enjoyed it a lot though, with the podium positions going to my favorite drivers in F1 at the moment. I second the comment regarding McLaren, I expected them to be closer to the top teams. Mercedes is still not quite at the RBR-Ferrari-Lotus level but this first race gave me the impression that they have closed (or maybe exceeded) the gap to McLaren.

And what about Massa and Sutil? They had great races (when compared to their previous performances). Webber, on the other hand...

Quoting CXB77L (Reply 8): If Vettel doesn't win his fourth straight title - which I admit probably won't happen - I'd like Raikkonen to win it. Anybody but Alonso, really.

As much as I'd like to see Vettel win the WDC, I would be happy if either Räikkönen or Alonso wins it...actually, anybody but Hamilton (sorry but can't stand him!).

Quoting CXB77L (Reply 8): I'd like Raikkonen to win it. Anybody but Alonso, really.

Ah come on, I am dying for another Ferrari title, as a tifosi, it´s been too long!

Quoting Charles79 (Reply 9): The race started at 02:00 local time for eastern US, so yes, I was asleep!!

Ha! well, I set my alarm up at 6:30 and watched the whole thing, otherwise its a long wait until 12pm when they do the re-run on the TV here. (no internet, facebook, newspapers in case they spoil it for me)

Quoting Charles79 (Reply 9): And what about Massa and Sutil? They had great races (when compared to their previous performances). Webber, on the other hand...

Indeed! Massa was right there delivering a strong performance, although he was a bit peed off at the end about the pit strategy, hey, suck it up and do the best you can with what you got.

Sutil was also pretty good, Force India is one of those teams that can bring a few surprises (once in a while) and Hamilton managed a nice result with what looks like a fragile Merc. (see Rosberg)

Not sure if the RBR´s have lost the edge, or maybe is a temporary thing while they mature the car some more, which seems to be the case in every season, they start a bit weak but then WHAM!

MIAspotter

Quoting MIAspotter (Reply 10): Ah come on, I am dying for another Ferrari title, as a tifosi, it´s been too long!

The last Ferrari title was in 2007. It's not that long ago!  

Spare a thought for this Williams fan who hasn't celebrated a championship win since 1997  

Quoting CXB77L (Reply 11): The last Ferrari title was in 2007. It's not that long ago!

Ohh too long! luckily FC Barcelona has been filling in quite nicely, but a Barça Liga (and maybe Champions) plus a Ferrari Title! hmmmmmm   

Quoting CXB77L (Reply 11): Spare a thought for this Williams fan who hasn't celebrated a championship win since 1997

you do have a point lol. 1997... that must have been... Villeneuve?

MIAspotter.

Quoting Charles79 (Reply 9): The race started at 02:00 local time for eastern US, so yes, I was asleep!!

Same here, but I could catch up in the afternoon.

I'm happy for Kimi. Though his car seems a bit behind in terms of pure performance compared to Red Bull or Ferrari, his strategy and tyre management were good. It looks like the Lotus is "softer" with its tyres than the other cars.

I'm a bit worried for McLaren. They've never been in shape throughout the whole weekend.

Quoting MIAspotter (Reply 12): luckily FC Barcelona has been filling in quite nicely

Yes! Hope to see them winning for many more years  

Quoting MIAspotter (Reply 12): that must have been... Villeneuve?

Indeed. 16 years already. It feels like an eternity!

Quoting CXB77L (Reply 8): If Vettel doesn't win his fourth straight title - which I admit probably won't happen - I'd like Raikkonen to win it. Anybody but Alonso, really.

Quoting Charles79 (Reply 9): As much as I'd like to see Vettel win the WDC, I would be happy if either Räikkönen or Alonso wins it...actually, anybody but Hamilton (sorry but can't stand him!).

Interesting how often I hear this- people seem to be less interested in who wins than who doesn't win!

I think I could rank my order of preference for the WDC:

Raikonnen
Alonso
Button
Marcus Winklehock, who wins every race after replacing Maldonado in Malaysia
Everybody else in the entire world
Sebastian Vettel

Quoting zckls04 (Reply 14): Interesting how often I hear this- people seem to be less interested in who wins than who doesn't win!

When Schumacher was racing, I was like that. Anybody but him. That's why I've been supporting Villeneuve, Hakkinen, Alonso... I was more lenient with the "second" Schumacher, the one who was driving for Merc.

Currenlty, there is no driver I'd like to see losing. I don't dislike anyone. It makes the races a bit more comfortable to watch!

Quoting zckls04 (Reply 14): Raikonnen

My preference would go for him too. Not only because he is a great driver, but I like his personality. He's so different from the rest. It's almost refreshing  

Quoting zckls04 (Reply 14): Marcus Winklehock, who wins every race after replacing Maldonado in Malaysia

What makes you believe Maldonado will be replaced?

Quoting GrahamHill (Reply 15): What makes you believe Maldonado will be replaced?

Not a question of if, but when. His race win was a fluke, and that was his only decent result in F1. He's not learning from his mistakes either.

Now Chavez is dead the money might not be so forthcoming. It's more in hope than expectation that it will come before Malaysia, but you never know!

Quoting zckls04 (Reply 16): His race win was a fluke, and that was his only decent result in F1

I disagree. While I know some paying drivers have nothing to do in F1 (Pedro Diniz was an example, but the list is huge), I think that Maldonado has enough skills to deserve a seat. He won a GP on a very average Williams. I know his results were not good overall, but he still managed to get a win. The first win for Williams in 8 years.

I'm not a supporter of Maldonado and I certainly do not back up his sponsorship, but I don't think he should be ditched. And if Lotus gave another chance to Grosjean after crashing 7 or 8 times during the first lap last year, Williams can very well give another chance to Maldonado!

Quoting GrahamHill (Reply 17): I disagree. While I know some paying drivers have nothing to do in F1 (Pedro Diniz was an example, but the list is huge), I think that Maldonado has enough skills to deserve a seat. He won a GP on a very average Williams. I know his results were not good overall, but he still managed to get a win. The first win for Williams in 8 years.

This is critical though- for a team like Williams points are crucial. Throwing them away by crashing every race costs them serious money, which for a small team is not good. Not only that but the cost of repairing the car every race adds up. He managed only 5 points finishes to Bruno Senna's 10 (and Senna isn't exactly highly rated).

I'd agree with you if he was learning from his mistakes, but he isn't on current evidence. Williams are well aware of this, and his bankroll is what's keeping him there I have no doubt.

Quoting GrahamHill (Reply 17): I'm not a supporter of Maldonado and I certainly do not back up his sponsorship, but I don't think he should be ditched. And if Lotus gave another chance to Grosjean after crashing 7 or 8 times during the first lap last year, Williams can very well give another chance to Maldonado!

I disagree with Lotus's decision too, but one could argue they have far more resources than Williams to spend. Plus Grosjean is the #2 to a resurgent Raikonnen (hooray!)- Maldonado is partnered with a rookie. He's supposed to be the points breadwinner.

Quoting MIAspotter (Reply 12): you do have a point lol. 1997... that must have been... Villeneuve?

Yes, it was. Scary to think that back in 1997, Villeneuve was considered to be the "kid" who dyed his hair peroxide blonde. I saw him being interviewed briefly on the Australian coverage of the Grand Prix and he's been unrecogniseable since he adopted a bald look. Or perhaps he lost all his hair ...

Quoting GrahamHill (Reply 15): When Schumacher was racing, I was like that. Anybody but him.

I was the same. Although that's more because I strongly dislike Schumacher and Ferrari. I am a Williams fan, and I will never forget or forgive what Schumacher did to Hill and Villeneuve in 1994 and 1997. For that reason, I was cheering for "anybody but him" every single race of every single year.

If it was a Williams driver that won five consecutive championships, you wouldn't see me complaining!

I like Vettel too. I hope he wins his fourth title in a row, even though I have a gut feeling that this year won't be his year. He is one of my favourite drivers, so him winning all the time doesn't bother me in the least. Quite the opposite, in fact. I'm enjoying watching the display of his skill and talent as he dominates year after year.

Quoting GrahamHill (Reply 17): I'm not a supporter of Maldonado and I certainly do not back up his sponsorship, but I don't think he should be ditched. And if Lotus gave another chance to Grosjean after crashing 7 or 8 times during the first lap last year, Williams can very well give another chance to Maldonado!

Me neither although he´s a fellow countryman and I was happy when he won last year´s Spanish GP, but he really must get his act together, I actually laughed during Qualifying, they told him on the radio ¨ please keep the car on the track ¨ and what´s the first thing he did? spun off the track... ah well..

As for his sponsorship, I am actually not against it, and I think if the country does get a proper new government soon, he may still be supported, you know... ¨the Gov supports local talent¨.

MIAspotter.

Quoting zckls04 (Reply 18): his bankroll is what's keeping him there I have no doubt.

No doubt about it, but again I've seen paying drivers a lot worse than him.

Quoting CXB77L (Reply 19): Or perhaps he lost all his hair

He started to lose some, but he was not entirely bald. That is a picture of him prior to his new look:

Quoting CXB77L (Reply 19): Although that's more because I strongly dislike Schumacher and Ferrari

Me too. Worst of all is that I did not dislike Ferrari before. But when Schumacher came, it became different. I also did not like the way Todt was managing the team. I mean, it was logical in a way, and history proved him right, but I did not like his methods.

Quoting zckls04 (Reply 14): Interesting how often I hear this- people seem to be less interested in who wins than who doesn't win!

Well to be honest it sometimes comes down to personalities. In my case, I can't stand Hamilton, so I'd rather not see him being bestowed with the glory of winning a Grand Prix. As long as he's out of the picture, I can enjoy a victory from pretty much any other driver provided that they worked hard for it.

Quoting CXB77L (Reply 19): I like Vettel too. I hope he wins his fourth title in a row, even though I have a gut feeling that this year won't be his year.

As a Vettel fan, I think I'd be ok with him not winning a fourth title in a row. With 3 titles he has already shown how good he is and he has now been included in the history books as one of the greats forever. There are other massively talented folks in the grid this year and a Champion Alonso or Raikkonen would be as deserving. Last year I was always on the edge of my seat sweating that moment when Vettel's alternator decides to pack up for the day. This year I'm just enjoying the display of talent and engineering, which makes watching the races a much more relaxed affair. That and the knowledge that Hamilton in a Mercedes won't be that big of a factor in the races!  

Finally, an interesting F1 race and the Ferrari start was impressive. I do hope this is just a teaser of what is waiting for us in this season.