[Chihuahua]

Originally Posted by bhall

Let's hope more than 11 cars finish this time

It's Malaysia, and it's summer. Forecast is for high temperature of 93 degrees. If that many cars couldn't survive Melbourne, Malaysia may thin out the field even more.

[E90SLAM]

http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2015/03/2...a-helmet-rule/

Lewis Hamilton is the first driver to have been affected by the FIA’s new rule preventing drivers from altering their helmet designs.

The reigning world champion planned to use a special helmet design for this weekend’s Malaysian Grand Prix, but says he will not do so because of the rule which was introduced for this season.

“I had a special helmet made this weekend to celebrate Petronas and Malaysia as I love this race,” Hamilton wrote on Instagram, “but due to the FIA’s new rule of not allowing drivers to change their helmet designs, I cannot wear it”.

Drivers are required to use a helmet “in substantially the same livery at every event during a championship season”.

Hamilton, who won last year’s Malaysian Grand Prix, sported his usual helmet design during the first practice session but stopped with an engine problems on his fourth lap.

[escobar929]

such a dumb rule

[KingOfJericho]

Really the dumbest rule. Proves just how out of touch the sport's honchos are.

[yllwwgn]

WOW... a "rule" around helmet designs??? Dear lord, someone get Ecclestone out of there already.

Maybe bring back things like I don't know, passing? Between stupid rules like this and managing cars to a particular gas mileage/fuel flow rate... ugh. I've loved F1 for years and losing the "sound" last year to the new hybrid powerplants was one thing.... now more dumb s**t like helmet rules. WTF.

[954Stealth]

Originally Posted by yllwwgn

WOW... a "rule" around helmet designs??? Dear lord, someone get Ecclestone out of there already.

Maybe bring back things like I don't know, passing? Between stupid rules like this and managing cars to a particular gas mileage/fuel flow rate... ugh. I've loved F1 for years and losing the "sound" last year to the new hybrid powerplants was one thing.... now more dumb s**t like helmet rules. WTF.

yeah, it's pretty dumb. check it out here: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1093149

[yllwwgn]

Originally Posted by 954Stealth

yeah, it's pretty dumb. check it out here: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1093149

Thanks 954Stealth. Yeah this statement says it all right here "Gruner said the move will also stop drivers from doing things like inviting their fans to design one-off helmets that are subsequently auctioned for charity."

Yeah because you definitely don't want FANS involved in motorsports, much less any charity getting the tinniest piece of Ecclestone's $$$$-pie. Damn what s***ty state of affairs F1 is turning into.

[Jenya B]

Originally Posted by E90SLAM

http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2015/03/2...a-helmet-rule/

It's ok guys , at least Bernie still allowed him to wear MASSIVE gold chain .

[ashtaron14]

I'm surprised to see a Ferrari in between the Mercedes!

Lets hope for rain rain rain!

[954Stealth]

2 place grid penalty for Grojean...pit infraction

[escobar929]

The rain sure spiced things up, let hope for some rain during the race, just not a crazy down pour like a few years back when the race got red flagged

[solstice]

Sepang delivers, one of the best races in the calendar due to weather. Seb is working his way up on my approval list Nico looked really uncomfortable in his chair and suit at the interview, good.

Ferrari seem to have some chassi or suspension design feature that make the car almost constantly kiss the Tarmac. It runs with a rooster tail of sparks.

[NickyC]

Good job Seb, too bad about Kimi. With any luck, Rosberg will lose his mind and rear end Hamilton on turn 1. Then we can have a race.

[MrPrena]

I fell asleep on Q2. I miss the rain action.
I am going to be awake till 1AM MT to watch sepang on website someone recommended on AUS GP thread.

[FormulaMMM]

Fun quali. I could watch f1 cars take turns 12 & 13 all day I think. Left then right sweepers. Entry into 12 must be 150 mph looks like. Lovely stuff.

It's early still, but I think Nico is shook.

[consolidated]

We'll get a good show from Kimi fighting thru the mid field. And hopefully Vettel giving the Mercs something to look at.

Hate to say it, but I'm disappointed Rosberg is looking quite like a #2 driver instead of WDC competitor of which there are really only 2 this year.

This doesn't bode for an interesting season. Hamilton will have it wrapped up quickly. Mentally he's as strong as he's ever been.

[hellrotm]

Originally Posted by NickyC

With any luck, Rosberg will lose his mind and rear end Hamilton on turn 1.

Hopefully a desperate Rosberg takes out Seb and himself.

[MrPrena]

Estimated odds are over 1:190,000, but I hope Kimi wins.

[AW335TT]

Originally Posted by MrPrena

Estimated odds are over 1:190,000, but I hope Kimi wins.

I'd put a $100 on that, and I'd make sure no one in front of him finishes lol.

[AW335TT]

Shit just got real haha. Have to admit, as a Ferrari fan, I had anxiety through the whole race lol.

[MrPrena]

Great strategies. I was nervous a little when Vettel was 0.8-1.2sec off the pace due to tire. Ferrari Tire strategies worked great!
Kimi did amazing too.

[E90SLAM]

Good to see the finger back!
Funny to see Nico's smugness bites him back.
(See http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/story/194731.html)

Although I'm sure Mercedes capability of this race was limited to their usable tires and strategy made during qualifying. Leaving Hamilton with just one set of options.
Even Merc might still have the fastest car, but seems like this race the car eats tires like several years ago. Where as the Ferrari made a good balance in performance and keeping the tires work in harmony.