"Cato Batista" 06/05/2011 18:28:00 ID #1
This GP is all about the triple left-hand corner 8. The cars are specifically set-up to get the best balance in there, and the number of pit stops and race strategy will depend on tire wear through this section. It’s arguably the most challenging fast corner of the F1 world, revered by all drivers. And that’s where VET crashed his Red Bull heavily this morning.

For the first time this season we had a wet session, the rain offered the first opportunity for the drivers and teams to learn about Pirelli’s wet weather tires in competition conditions. ALO’s Ferrari was quickest, but after only five laps he was complaining the grip already declining. After 40 minutes of steady rain aquaplaning became an issue and SCH, BUE,GLO, MAS and VET ran wide in turn 11. There were several spins as drivers learn the limits (SCH, MAL, DIR), but most significant was VET hitting the barriers in turn 8 which completely left him out of the running for the dry P2 session. McLaren drivers did not complete any significant running, with HAM not even setting a time.

P1- ALO 1.38.670 ROS SCH HEI PET KOB MAS RIC (Toro Rosso reserve Ricciardo) BUE HUL

The Mercedes were flying in the second session too. P2 was a battle between both Mercs and McLarens with some flashes from Ferrari in the hands of MAS. In the end it was BUT on top with light fuel and soft tires; Red Bull kept a low profile with WEB in the midfield concentrating on long runs before doing a time good for 5th. VET car was not possible to repair in time for P2 and that left him with no dry mileage at all for the rest of weekend.

P2- BUT 1.26.456 ROS HAM SCH WEB MAS PET DIR PER SUT