Formula One 2021.

[Cleoriff]

So the new season will start in March and Australia was planned as usual to be the opening track. Now it looks set to be cancelled. (March 21st)

I have heard via someone who lives in Australia that although Covid related, nothing to do with that per se. More due to the fact, they are not prepared to run it without spectators. It's a street circuit and they make millions from the fans and ticket prices.

I'm inclined to agree with that. The Covid Bubble teams have put in place seemed to work well, 3 drivers out of 20 catching a mild dose and 3 team staff...

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/formula-1-season-opener-in-australia-set-for-postponement/4935595... 

It means that the Bahrain Grand Prix scheduled for 28 March now looks poised to become the 2021 season opener.

[Cleoriff]

Yes no choice of tyres for the Sprint. All have to run with the same. (UNLESS IT RAINS) Lol

[Anonymous]

@Cleoriff Rain? 

[Cleoriff]

@Anonymous 

Not sure about that. Only 30 miles from here and we are currently 25c!

As FP1 is taking place at the hottest time of the day, I can see a bit of a mess. Qualifying is at 6pm

Just looking forward to see what upgrades Merc have brought to their car.

By the way they showed the new car for 2022 yesterday at Silverstone.

[Anonymous]

The 2022 car looks cool, but I don't like the colour scheme - Too much red!

I wonder how the cars will do for reliability this weekend, what with the extra race and the heat.

ATTENTION: If anybody doesn't know, the races and quali + practice sessions are live on Ch4 and sister channels all this weekend - Starting from today.

[Cleoriff]

That's just a promo car as I understand @Anonymous Each team will amend within the rules and use team colours. I think the front wing looks a bit heavy if honest. It'll be a 3 man job to change that.

[Cleoriff]

I know it's only FP1 but Mercedes brought their upgrades just in time. Lewis and Valtteri have shared the top spot (so far)

THe cheers when LH went out on track were great to hear.

Edit:spoke too soon. Max and Checo are first and second

[Anonymous]

Verstappen 8 tenths faster than the rest, and 1.1 secs faster than his team mate! 

[Cleoriff]

Not good enough. Max looks unbeatable.

[Anonymous]

Seems a bit odd to me, can't see how Perez can be over one whole second behind in the same car - That's ludicrous.

[Cleoriff]

Even Lewis said over the radio, when told Max's time, ' Where the hell did that come from?'