F1 fans all over the world have been waiting for what seems like an eternity to see this year’s all-new, wider, faster, more aggressive cars driven in anger. The wait is almost over as the 2017 Formula 1 season kicks off this weekend in Melbourne.
No one is quite sure what to expect from McLaren Honda in Australia after what can only be described as dismal pre-season testing. In addition to running the fewest miles of any team, the new car and power unit were hampered by issues like severe vibrations, oil starvation, and breaches in electrical insulation which together caused, at worst, frequent stoppages and, at best, heavily de-tuned running. Despite the issues McLaren Honda claim to be on top of the problems while at the same time bracing for a rough weekend. The hope is that the fundamental issues have been corrected and more performance will be extracted from the car over subsequent grands prix.
Mercedes and Ferrari are set to pick up where they left off in 2016 with with the latter appearing to make a step forward in both performance and reliability. Williams also appears to have made a step in performance over the off-season. Perhaps using Mercedes’ works maps was part of the deal for Mercedes to secure Valtteri Bottas? Red Bull are expressing confidence in their ability to contend for the title despite a pre-season test that didn’t entirely suggest they’re in the mix for wins. Some of this may be down to Renault’s all-new power unit which did prove problematic for all three teams using it (Red Bull, Renault, and Toro Rosso) due to ERS issues. Force India hopes to pick up where it left off in 2016 and are confident they can do so. Sauber will hope for a better season than last year but with a 2016 spec. power unit there is only so much they can do. Newcomer HAAS had a decidedly good preseason test and with an enhanced driver lineup, enhanced Ferrari power unit, and solid Dallara chassis we can hope for good things in 2017 for the American squad.
WEEKEND
TV
SCHEDULE
(US):
Thursday March 23rd, Free Practice 1, 9:00PM ET,
NBC
Sports Live Extra
Friday March 24th, Free Practice 2, 1:00AM ET,
NBCSN
Friday March 24th, Free Practice 3, 11:00PM ET,
NBC
Sports Live Extra
Saturday March 25th, Qualifying, 2:00AM ET,
NBCSN
Sunday March 26th, Australian Grand Prix, 12:00AM ET,
NBCSN
CIRCUIT
INFO:
Lap data
Lap length: 5.303km (3.295 miles)
Race laps: 58
Race distance: 307.574km (191.118 miles)
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: 312kph (193.868 mph)
DRS
zone/s (race): First and second straight
Distance from grid to turn one: 380m
Car performance
Full throttle: 71%
Longest flat-out section: 843m
Downforce level: High
Gear changes per lap: 54
Fuel use per lap: 2.5kg
Time penalty per lap of fuel: 0.1s
Strategy
Quickest complete pit stop: 2012 21.91s by Ferrari
2017 prime tyre: Super-soft, Soft (2016: Medium, Soft)
2017 option tyre: Ultra-soft (2016: Super-soft)
2016 V6
TURBO
ERA
RESULTS:
Race laps: 57
Pole sitter: Lewis Hamilton – Mercedes – 1:23.827
Fast race lap: Daniel Ricciardo – Mercedes – 1:28.997
Podium
1. Nico Rosberg – Mercedes
2. Lewis Hamilton – Mercedes
3. Sebastian Vettel – Ferrari
*Fastest lap set during a Grand Prix
Data sources:
FIA
, Williams, Mercedes
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