2024 Bahrain Grand Prix

[FLRacingFan]

First two races are on Saturday due to Ramadan beginning next Sunday.

Anyone gonna be able to qualify within two tenths of Verstappen? I doubt it.

 

[Doc Austin]

I'm sure Red Bull hasn't shown everything they have, but FP2 looked encouraging: https://racer.com/2024/02/29/hamilton-leads-mercedes-1-2-in-second-bahrain-gp-practice/

 

[Greg]

I gotta say the landscaping around the track surface is unlike anything else. I am not sure if it is just more asphalt with some added sand coloring. I can't believe it is just the packed desert sand due to the blue colors designs or whatever the printed designs or supposed to be. It isn't awful just a different look.

Nothing is as hideous as the red ribbon around the COTA.

 

[Doc Austin]

Here's the P2 rundown: https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2024/races/1229/bahrain/practice-2.html

The two drivers who have consistently run fast and smooth through the test and P sessions are Alonso and Sainz. If you're looking for a mild upset, my guess is those are your best bet.

 

[donthaveanickname]

I gotta say the landscaping around the track surface is unlike anything else. I am not sure if it is just more asphalt with some added sand coloring. I can't believe it is just the packed desert sand due to the blue colors designs or whatever the printed designs or supposed to be. It isn't awful just a different look.

Nothing is as hideous as the red ribbon around the COTA.

It's asphalt. When they first went there in 2004 is used to be actual sand that they put spray on so it wouldn't be blown onto the track.

 

[Greg]

Here's the P2 rundown: https://www.formula1.com/en/results.html/2024/races/1229/bahrain/practice-2.html

The two drivers who have consistently run fast and smooth through the test and P sessions are Alonso and Sainz. If you're looking for a mild upset, my guess is those are your best bet.

A win by an old F1 driver like Alonso would be one the best feel good stories ever. I would love to see it happen.

 

[FLRacingFan]

I'm sure Red Bull hasn't shown everything they have, but FP2 looked encouraging: https://racer.com/2024/02/29/hamilton-leads-mercedes-1-2-in-second-bahrain-gp-practice/

Zak Brown thought Red Bull and Ferrari haven’t turned the engines up yet.

Not sure Red Bull have the outright qualifying pace, but they seem to be two or three tenths ahead in race pace.

 

[donthaveanickname]

It's always great to see the first race thread of the new season.
After three days of testing and two hours of practice I have no clue what to expect.

 

[Doc Austin]

Sainz is having a great weekend: https://racer.com/2024/03/01/sainz-puts-ferrari-ahead-in-final-bahrain-gp-practice/

 

[Kiante]

F2 with this new car, they follow a lot better than the previous car.

Please, watch F2 this season. This field is stacked.

 

[donthaveanickname]

All but one car within one second in Q1. Both Alpines in the last row. Ouch.

 

[Doc Austin]

At least Max had to work for it.

 

[Kiante]

Hulkenburg's qualifying pace never ceases to amaze me.

 

[Greg]

In Q2 if a car is in the top 5 with only a minute to go why would they run a final hot lap, They are already virtually locked in and are at no risk of missing Q3, unless they do something crazy like damaging their car during that final minute.

They might want the additional track time but that could still be saved for the early moments of Q3 when they could get a lap on the record for a real grid position.

 

[Greg]

I dont usually follow the off track dramas including stuff like contracts etc. But If I am Red Bull or Mercedes I would be wanting Sainz to replace Perez or to join Russell.

I am sure there are a lot of behind the scenes developments that would go into those decisions that I am unaware of, just a casual observation.

 

[donthaveanickname]

Günther Steiner is now a co-host for RTL's F1 telecasts.
Commenting on a Haas qualifying in the Top 10 the other host told him "Now that you're gone they're doing better."

 

[donthaveanickname]

In Q2 if a car is in the top 5 with only a minute to go why would they run a final hot lap, They are already virtually locked in and are at no risk of missing Q3, unless they do something crazy like damaging their car during that final minute.

Drivers staying in the pits thinking they're save has gone wrong multiple times.
The track develops a whole lot of grip over the course of a qualifying session.

 

[Hotrod]

Günther Steiner is now a co-host for RTL's F1 telecasts.
Commenting on a Haas qualifying in the Top 10 the other host told him "Now that you're gone they're doing better."

Please post any vids of that if you see any.

As far as quali goes, seems it may be a rinse and repeat of last year. Hope I am wrong.

 

[FLRacingFan]

Leclerc’s Q2 time would’ve been good for pole. That tow Max got from the end of Piastri’s lap may have helped as well. Overall, pretty tight qualifying session. Hopefully the race holds up fairly well.

 

[Reck]

Everyone is very close together. 2nd through 9th were separated by like 3 tenths. Crazy.

Max is in his own league. Even Checo in the same equipment is down with the rest.

 

[FLRacingFan]

F2 with this new car, they follow a lot better than the previous car.

Please, watch F2 this season. This field is stacked.

That got pretty wild towards the end. Draggy rear wing looks pretty wild, but they are awfully racey. I’d like to see Ritomo Miyata do well this year.

 

[Get That 88 Up There !!]

So ready for another year of Ferrari letting me down

 

[donthaveanickname]

Let's Go!!!!!

 

[donthaveanickname]

They're allowed to use DRS after just one lap now. Max doesn't care, he was already leading by more than a second.

 

[Get That 88 Up There !!]

Charles’ race pace continues to be abysmal

 

[FLRacingFan]

Solid work from Checo.

 

[donthaveanickname]

We're in for a fun season from Carlos.

 

[FLRacingFan]

Wow, Sainz is eating right now.

 

[Doc Austin]

Disappointing no one has anything for Max.

 

[Get That 88 Up There !!]

Sauber’s scheme is such a eye sore

 

[donthaveanickname]

Aston (Alonso) is quite a bit further behind than the practice sessions suggested.

 

[FLRacingFan]

Ferrari have to be feeling pretty good about their overall race pace right now. Degradation seems better than last year.

 

[donthaveanickname]

"Let Daniel pass for the championship."

 

[Doc Austin]

Mercedes hasn't gotten the race they were hoping for.

 

[Get That 88 Up There !!]

Ferrari isn’t a complete dumpster fire after one race at least. That’s a win in my book

 

[Doc Austin]

Man, is Alpine ever lost!

 

[Reck]

Checo’s job is safe. They’re not putting Ric on the main team ever again. Guy is literally washed.

But hey, everyone can now fight for P2. Checo barely finishing ahead of Sainz is hopeful for the rest I guess.

 

[aunty dive]

 

[Doc Austin]

Alpine didn't exactly help themselves by having a good race today.

 

[FLRacingFan]

Checo’s job is safe. They’re not putting Ric on the main team ever again. Guy is literally washed.

But hey, everyone can now fight for P2. Checo barely finishing ahead of Sainz is hopeful for the rest I guess.

"Let Daniel pass for the championship."

Pointless call to make, literally. Don’t know what the whole Red Bull infatuation with Ricciardo is.

Should’ve swapped them again at the end after he couldn’t pass anyone.