Photo: Daimler AG
The almost perfect weather wasn't enough for the two Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 pilots to have a trouble free practice for the 2013 Japanese Grand Prix this weekend.
They both worked mainly on optimizing the car balance and doing short and long-run comparisons between the medium and hard tire compounds.
Unfortunately, despite having a very competitive pace during the first session, both drivers suffered flat spots on their tires and the second session wasn't so trouble free and their pace worsened.
Nico Rosberg: “The track here at Suzuka is such great fun to drive and our car was feeling fantastic around it today. We were quite fast over one lap and on the long runs but the important thing is how we manage the tires as that will be the key to success here. There’s a lot of work ahead of us but I’m really looking forward to the rest of the weekend and I hope we can annoy the Red Bulls a little bit.”
Lewis Hamilton: “This track is so beautiful to drive, it’s fast and flowing, and our car really does feel good here. But it’s also a very unforgiving and challenging circuit; you’re always on the limit so the trick is to balance and control that limit. I’m happy with where our car is after the first practice sessions today although, of course, we would love to be more competitive. We’ve got some work to do this evening on the tyre management in particular. It’s too early to think about what we can achieve but I’m looking forward to a competitive qualifying tomorrow and then we will have to see what we can do in the race.”
Unlike the last few races, the qualification round isn't as important as before, since the Suzuka Grand Prix gives way more passing chances to drivers in its three high-speed straights.
Unfortunately, despite having a very competitive pace during the first session, both drivers suffered flat spots on their tires and the second session wasn't so trouble free and their pace worsened.
Nico Rosberg: “The track here at Suzuka is such great fun to drive and our car was feeling fantastic around it today. We were quite fast over one lap and on the long runs but the important thing is how we manage the tires as that will be the key to success here. There’s a lot of work ahead of us but I’m really looking forward to the rest of the weekend and I hope we can annoy the Red Bulls a little bit.”
Lewis Hamilton: “This track is so beautiful to drive, it’s fast and flowing, and our car really does feel good here. But it’s also a very unforgiving and challenging circuit; you’re always on the limit so the trick is to balance and control that limit. I’m happy with where our car is after the first practice sessions today although, of course, we would love to be more competitive. We’ve got some work to do this evening on the tyre management in particular. It’s too early to think about what we can achieve but I’m looking forward to a competitive qualifying tomorrow and then we will have to see what we can do in the race.”
Unlike the last few races, the qualification round isn't as important as before, since the Suzuka Grand Prix gives way more passing chances to drivers in its three high-speed straights.
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