A 2

Suzuka definitely played its part in opening up the drivers title. Vettel now lies tantalizingly close to Alonso and Kimi and Lewis as well have gained some points. I'll be looking for a re-energized and authoritative Alonso come next weekend but as we've seen from Suzuka it would appear the Red Bull's have hit the sweet spot with their set-up favoring the upcoming track just as it worked for them at Suzuka. In its past iterations this race has seen two winners both of whom are the closest challengers to the title. Alonso won a wet inaugural Korean Grand Prix and if the conditions are right could very well win again, but it was Vettel that stamped his authority on the race last year and we all can be assured that Adrian Newey and the boffins at Red Bull will do all they can to give him a car that will allow him to win his third race on the trot.

There will be talk of love motels and interesting bits of trivia on the F1 personnel encountering surprises in their rooms as we head into the weekend. However come Sunday, it will be Alonso y Vettel, and I for one hope that we have a great race to watch. Massa made it to the podium in Suzuka and I would think that Alonso with his reliable car has very good chances of finishing on the podium. But if Vettel wins, and Alonso comes second, they will leave Korea with Vettel ahead by a solitary point, but as many conclusions as we can jump to, the race could throw up a surprise and hopefully it will make it exciting for all of us that watch.


WEEKEND SCHEDULE:

Fri 12 October 2012
Practice 1 (Thu) 21:00 - 22:30
Practice 2 (Fri) 01:00 - 02:30

Sat 13 October 2012
Practice 3 (Fri) 22:00 - 23:00
Qualifying (Sat) 01:00

Sun 14 October 2012
Race 02:00



CIRCUIT INFO:

Lap data
Lap length 5.621km (3.493 miles)
Race laps 55
Race distance 308.96km (191.979 miles)
Pole position Right-hand side of the track
Lap record* 1’50.257 (183.531 kph) by Fernando Alonso, 2010
Fastest lap 1’35.585 (211.703 kph) by Sebastian Vettel, 2010
Maximum speed (2010) 320 kph (198.839 mph) by Nico Rosberg, Mercedes
DRS zone/s (race) Part of longest straight

Car performance
Full throttle 62%
Power loss 3%
Tyre energy (1-3) 2
Brake energy (1-3) 2
Downforce level High
Gear changes per lap 51
Fuel use per lap 3kg

Strategy
Pit lane time loss 23 seconds
2011 prime tyre**: Soft (2010: Head)
2011 option tyre**: Super soft (2010: Soft)

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



[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDgNYETWgcM[/media]

A 2

I voted for Vettel to win, but as always will be hoping for JB to win. Would love to see Sauber on or close to the podium again

ytdlite

i'm down for an all ferrari powered podium and i'm not looking for any strs. its kobayashi and the red cars for me. i know the red dogs and mclarens will be strong here but their not who i root for.

egotzm

Got a bad feeling Red Bull have made a step forward with their double DRS and revised bodywork to come at Korea as well. Hopefully Ferrari can step it up and put their championship back on track though.

Triple-H

I want two things
1- FA to do well as far as earning points
2- SV not to take pole, not to lead the entire race and not to take the win

egotzm

^^^Amen, so sick of watching Vettel get out front and not be troubled for the whole race.

UnkieTrunkie

Rooting for Alonso on this one, but my WAG of the week is Perez.

A 2

DRS Zone extended for Korea - should make for more passing
http://www.racer.com/drs-zone-extend...rticle/263006/

Formula 1's ruling body, the FIA, has decided to extend the DRS zone for this weekend's Korean Grand Prix. The DRS detection point will still be placed right before Turn 1, with the activation point 516 meters after Turn 2. The DRS zone, however, has been extended by 80 meters compared to last year.

Korea was among the worst tracks for overtaking last year, with just 29 moves completed – just over half of the season average.

Rowan

i want Vettel and Alonso not pick up any points and i want Iceman and LH to finish on the podium.

mas2kap1

My predictions..

1. Vettel
2. Alonso
3. Kimi

anyone ever win anything on pirelli gp challenge that Bob Varsha talks about?