Testing in Jerez kicked off the 2013 F1 season last week as the teams took to the track in their 2013 challengers for the first time. But did it tell us anything? Or was it just like the 21st race of 2012? Here’s what’s coming up on this week’s #F1Chat…
First of all, did testing tell us anything, or did it just confirm that the 2013 season will pick up where 2012 finished? Red Bull have suggested there will be no frontrunner, just the same as last year. Do you agree with this following the first test? Did anyone stand out to you?
Pirelli have said that this year’s tyres are faster than last year’s equivalents, with a wider window of performance, but the track conditions were unlike those we’ll see at any other circuit this year, so how much do you think the team’s have learnt about the tyres and how many races do you think it will take for them to get to ‘grips’ with them?
Pirelli boss Paul Hembery said that the teams may need to consider an alternative venue for winter testing next year, unless the Jerez circuit is resurfaced. He said the track surface was too rough to get a good representation of the tyres – do you think the teams should test at Jerez? Should they test only at the circuits that feature on the F1 calendar?
Let’s put some predictions out there… Now that testing is underway, who do you think will be the frontrunners in 2013? Who do you predict will win the season? Toro Rosso are confident they can challenge for 6th in the constructors’ title – do you think this is achievable? Hamilton has said Mercedes is right where he expected them to be – do you think they’ll be in the mix this year? Do you think Hamilton can win a race – if so which one, and will he win more than one? How many winners do you think we will see in 2013 – will we get another 7 from 7?
Finally, Luiz Razia insists Marussia’s rookie line-up won’t be a handicap for the team now that he has been signed. Thoughts on this?
Join us tomorrow at the usual time of 4pm Eastern US, 9pm UK and don’t forget to use the #F1Chat hashtag to answer the questions!
