The first winter test is over and following the on track drama we have a lot to discuss on tomorrow’s #F1Chat, so here’s what’s coming up…
In previous years, it hasn’t always been easy to make any assumptions from winter testing, but this year, it’s all change as teams have been hit with reliability issues. Granted, we don’t know what the teams are testing at any given point, and right now it is all about mileage, not pace, and no team is focusing on any of their rivals at this stage. But who impressed you the most in the first test? And who left you disappointed?
Red Bull set a total of 21 laps over four days, with Sebastian Vettel leaving early on day two and Christian Horner and Adrian Newey returning to Milton Keynes on day three, signifying that the team failed to pass the first test of 2014 – reliability. What did you think of the problems the team faced? In your opinion, were the problems more a result of the Renault ERS unit, or was it more to do with the tight packaging that caused the RB10 to overheat? Do you see them finding a solution before the next test in Bahrain or do you see this continuing? If they do find a quick solution, can they quickly catch up with the likes of Mercedes and McLaren?
Talking of Mercedes and McLaren… Mercedes completed the most laps of any team, and were the first to complete a race distance. What is the verdict on their first test? Do we think, even this early on that they could be the ones to watch when the season gets underway? McLaren had a poor first day in Jerez, but soon bounced back with good times posted by Jenson Button and Kevin Magnussen. It was their rear suspension design that got everyone talking though – what did you think of the design? Can you see this being something their rivals try to get banned (it’s understood at least one team has questioned the design), and if it is legal, how quickly do you anticipate we will see similar designs popping up?
Ferrari were happy with their performance – any thoughts on their week? Williams, having switched from Renault to Mercedes power, had a positive week as well – thoughts on their progress so far? What did you think of the rest of the teams’ performances? Who looks good and who has work to do?
Bernie Ecclestone was quick to say ‘I told you so’, calling the first test and alluding to the season-opener being ‘a total farce’ as reliability was an issue for many in Jerez. What did you make of what Bernie said? Do you agree? Do you see F1 heading into a season hit with reliability issues that could ultimately be bad for ‘the show’? Bernie also said: ‘People want noise – something special, that’s what F1 is all about – and now we have quiet engines and nobody on the track.’ – what were your thoughts on the sound of the new engines on track?
Ross Brawn has insisted he will not return to F1 after he announced his retirement this weekend – what do you think of this news?
Join us tomorrow at the usual time of 4pm Eastern US, 9pm UK. Follow @F1Chat for the questions and answer using the #F1Chat hashtag. As always, we look forward to chatting very soon.
