This weekend F1 heads to the Hungaroring for the Hungarian Grand Prix. Pole position is key on this curvy track, which many drivers liken to Monaco without walls, where overtaking is especially difficult. As a matter of fact, the Hungaroring is the slowest permanent circuit on the F1 calendar in terms of average speed.
McLaren Honda is optimistic going into the race weekend having prepared by strategically taking penalties at less favorable circuits (like Silverstone) so the drivers can have relatively fresh and updated power unit elements. The team is said to have gained further ground in power unit mapping after running more than 200 laps at a tire test at Magny Cours after the British Grand Prix. The Hungaroring should open the possibility of having not only one, but both cars in the points.
Elsewhere on the grid, Ferrari seems to have lost the edge they apparently had at the beginning of the season. A good result for both cars is critical if the Maranello-based squad is to remain in the fight with Mercedes, whose dominance has resurfaced in recent Grands Prix. This is a circuit where Red Bull could do particularly well with its aerodynamically efficient chassis. Further, Max Verstappen will be motivated to turn his blighted season around. Aside from the top of the order, the midfield battle is nearly impossible to predict at a less power-dependent circuit like the Hungaroring. Expect a close battle between Force India and Haas with Williams in the mix. Toro Rosso and Renault will likely be competitors, with the wild card being Renault’s new floor which could boost them further up the order if it works as well as expected. Sauber is said to be bringing a substantial new aero package; however, this will not change the fact that they are running year-old engines.
US TV SCHEDULE:
Practice 1, Fri. July 28th, 4:00AM
EST
,
NBC
Sports Live Extra
Practice 2, Fri. July 28th, 8:00AM
EST
,
NBCSN
Practice 3, Sat. July 29th, 5:00AM
EST
,
NBC
Sports Live Extra
Qualifying, Sat. July 29th, 8:00AM
EST
,
NBCSN
Race, Sun. July 30th, 7:30AM
EST
,
NBCSN
CIRCUIT
INFORMATION
Lap data
Lap length: 4.381km (2.722 miles)
Race laps: 67
Race distance: 293.527km (182.389 miles)
Pole position: Left-hand side of the track
Lap record*: 1’19.071 (199.461 kph) by Michael Schumacher, 2004
Fastest lap: 1’18.436 (201.076 kph) by Rubens Barrichello, 2004
Maximum speed: 295kph (183.304 mph)
DRS
zone/s (race): Pit straight and second straight
Distance from grid to turn one: 610m
Car performance
Full throttle: 54%
Longest flat-out section: 908m
Downforce level: High
Fuel use per lap: 1.4kg
Time penalty per lap of fuel: 0.042s
Strategy
Quickest complete pit stop in 2013: 21.343s by Red Bull (see full list)
2017 tyre choices: Supersoft, Soft, Medium
*Fastest lap set during a Grand Prix
Data sources:
FIA
, Williams, Mercedes
2016 (V6
TURBO
ERA
) RESULTS
Laps: 69
Pole: Nico Rosberg, Mercedes, 1:19.965
Fast race lap: Kimi Raikonnen, Ferrari, 1:23.086
Podium
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
2. Nico Rosberg, Mercedes
3. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull
CURRENT
STANDINGS
Drivers
1. Sebastian Vettel, Scuderia Ferrari, 177
2. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
AMG
Petronas, 176
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes
AMG
Petronas, 154
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull Racing, 117
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Scuderia Ferrari, 98
Constructors
1. Mercedes
AMG
Petronas, 330
2. Scuderia Ferrari, 275
3. Red Bull Racing, 174
4. Sahara Force India, 95
5. Williams Martini Racing, 41
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