Fast lap predictions for COTA
10-31-2012, 06:41 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Fast lap predictions for COTA
We're a few weeks from the first wheels being turned in anger at the new Circuit of the Americas in Austin.
So just for bragging rights, who can predict the fast lap during QUALIFYING!!
According to Wikipedia, the track is 3.427 m miles long.
I'll take the first stab at 1 minute 32.879 seconds. Which would be a lap speed of 132.83 mph
So just for bragging rights, who can predict the fast lap during QUALIFYING!!
According to Wikipedia, the track is 3.427 m miles long.
I'll take the first stab at 1 minute 32.879 seconds. Which would be a lap speed of 132.83 mph
11-01-2012, 07:46 AM
#2
Former Moderator
I'm really not sure I'd be able to guess. For one, I think no matter what figure I choose Boy Wonder and Adrian Newey will well overhaul it.
I'd like to think though that they can get into 1:27 range as the track rubbers in. That figure FWIW is a complete guess with no rationale behind it.
I'd like to think though that they can get into 1:27 range as the track rubbers in. That figure FWIW is a complete guess with no rationale behind it.
11-04-2012, 01:33 PM
#3
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11-05-2012, 04:49 AM
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No clue about times, it's so hard to really understand the elevation changes from the TV, I think the hills are steeper than I can even imagine as many of the driver's are referring to Turn One as The Wall. In my book the elevation changes are going to be one of the biggest factors at this track. For me the most interesting part is going to be seeing which drivers can learn a new track the quickest and put that skill to their advantage.
Clearly not one of the mondaine flat tracks like we seem to have so many of. 133' of change for COTA is more than what Watkins Glen Int'l. has, that is 105' uphill from Turn 2 to Turn 5 and 115 downhill from Turn 5 to Turn 7 and uphill 90' from Turn 7 to Turn 8, and at 3.4 miles that track would be way quicker if it did not have that long uphill run from 2 to 5.
As of right now my eyes are on Turn 1, 2 and 10. And I also have to say, I love the distance between 1 and 2. We all know the opening lap can be fraught with problems, this year FA has been taken out twice by some dolt behind him loosing control of their car. With this layout once the cars get through Turn 1 they have plenty of distance to sort things out before charging through Turn 2. At tracks where Turn 2 is immediately after Turn 1 there is almost no room for drivers to get control of their car if they screw up 1, and then go charging into 2 from all the wrong places on and off the track and that just creates more problems.
Clearly not one of the mondaine flat tracks like we seem to have so many of. 133' of change for COTA is more than what Watkins Glen Int'l. has, that is 105' uphill from Turn 2 to Turn 5 and 115 downhill from Turn 5 to Turn 7 and uphill 90' from Turn 7 to Turn 8, and at 3.4 miles that track would be way quicker if it did not have that long uphill run from 2 to 5.
As of right now my eyes are on Turn 1, 2 and 10. And I also have to say, I love the distance between 1 and 2. We all know the opening lap can be fraught with problems, this year FA has been taken out twice by some dolt behind him loosing control of their car. With this layout once the cars get through Turn 1 they have plenty of distance to sort things out before charging through Turn 2. At tracks where Turn 2 is immediately after Turn 1 there is almost no room for drivers to get control of their car if they screw up 1, and then go charging into 2 from all the wrong places on and off the track and that just creates more problems.
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