A 2

Valencia proved not only to be exciting but also was the first race this season to break the trend of unique winners. RedBull and ROTUS looked very good until they had the alternator problems and could very well be dominating here. Also expect Ferrari to come back fighting and not yield ground as easy. The boys from Woking will also want to make their presence felt. Come to think of it a lot of the teams have factories in the UK and will be considering this a home race. This is another of those races that we all look forward to each season and I hope for the sake of all of us that we have an exciting race. Let the discussion begin.

Weekend Schedule:

Fri 06 July 2012
Practice 1 05:00 - 06:30
Practice 2 09:00 - 10:30

Sat 07 July 2012
Practice 3 05:00 - 06:00
Qualifying 08:00

Sun 08 July 2012
Race 08:00

CIRCUIT INFO:

Lap data
Lap length 5.891km (3.66 miles)
Race laps 52
Race distance 306.332km (190.346 miles)
Lap record* 1’30.874 (233.374 kph) by Fernando Alonso, 2010
Fastest lap 1’29.615 (236.652 kph) by Sebastian Vettel, 2010
Maximum speed (2010) 304.3 kph (189.083 mph) by Adrian Sutil, Force India
DRS zone/s (race) Wellington straight

Car performance
Full throttle 69%
Power loss 4%
Tyre energy (1-3) 2
Brake energy (1-3) 3
Downforce level High
Gear changes per lap 43
Fuel use per lap 2.9kg

Strategy
Pit lane time loss TBC
2011 prime tyre**: Hard (2010: Hard)
2011 option tyre**: Soft (2010: Soft)
2012 - Pirelli will bring the P Zero Silver hard and P Zero Yellow soft.

*Fastest lap set during a Grand Prix
**Pirelli in 2011, Bridgestone in 2010

2011 Pole Position Lap:
http://www.youtube.c...h?v=lzhiGbgYBtU

A 2

Pastor Maldonado reckons he has mastered how to use the 2012 Pirelli tyres. I expect Williams to also put in a strong showing at Silverstone.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/100854

"I think I understand the tyres very well," said Maldonado. "Much better than last year. Even if they changed for this year, I have a great feeling.

"I know exactly what to do to look after the tyres, how to manage the race to get a longer life from them. I am always trying to improve, but I think the combination between me, the car, and the tyres is good at the moment."

ytdlite

my veto is in for Kobayashi. He has been in as many collisions as ether Hamilton or Maldonado and they've been on the podium this season. so i think he's due.

egotzm

I might support McLaren but i never discount Alonso from a podium if not a win. One of the best drivers in the field currently imo.

A 2

UPDATE: Appears she is conscious and out of danger.


Posting this here because it happened on the eve of the race weekend

Marussia F1's test driver critically injured after crash following test. Here's hoping she survives. Do not want another death in the racing world. I sincerely hope she recovers.

Marussia Formula 1 test driver Maria de Villota suffered 'life-threatening injuries' in her accident that took place at Duxford airfield on Tuesday, according to the local ambulance service. The Spaniard collided with the back of a team transporter as she returned to the pits following her first straight-line run.

Slick 87

After the pace Lotus has been showing recently... my vote goes to Roman Grosjean

Voodoo_S2K

Glad to hear.

A 2

Il Leone on his love affair with Silverstone. Nice recall of the old days by Nigel Mansell

Voodoo_S2K

Unfortunately she lost her right eye as a result of the crash. I'm guessing her F1 career is probably over at this point.

A 2

^ That appears to be the case based on what has been revealed so far. They have also not disclosed any further details on the injuries she suffered. Hopefully she will be back to leading a full and proper life even if she is unable to race.

Pedro De la Rosa calls for a review of the incident to see if further lessons can be learned

Aerodynamic testing is only permitted at FIA-approved venues, so safety standards are already high, but de la Rosa is adamant that lessons can be learned from what happened.

"We will put the facts on the table to see if there is anything we need to change to improve," said de la Rosa when asked whether the GPDA will be looking into the crash.