Looks like reports that Alonso's engine survived his crash in Australia were premature. Alonso will need full new power unit for Bahrain (motorsport.com)
I'm still amazed & quite happy Fernando survived that crash. They say his seat broke on impact. Reading that sent shudders down my back. I remember the terrible sight of Gilles Villeneuve coming out of his car seat & all. RIP Gilles
Minor correction. Alonso's seat was cracked in Melbourne accident (motorsport.com) I read somewhere he experienced 43 Gs, or maybe it was 46? Also read he was later diagnosed with a "delayed concussion", whatever that means. He's sore but apparently functional and already looking forward to the next race.
He's confirmed that it's a rib fracture. http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2016/03/31/rib-fracture-could-delay-alonso-return/
Apparently that should be rib fractures, plural, also lung damage. Lung and rib injuries sideline Alonso (racer.com)
We get to see another rookie in Bahrain as Stoffel Vandoorne subs for Alonso. I don't think he will have any other F1 experience to compare so will likely love driving that McHonda. I'm curious to see how he does in relation to his team mate, Button, though I suppose that's hardly fair given it's likely just the one outing.
Coming out of GP2 he is likely to have some real aggression. Hope he can temper that & not do a Pastor.
Watching Qualifying. 7 min left in Q2, no cars on track. Yeah, this is NOT working. I should have gone to the record shops $1 sale this AM instead. Q3 over with 3 min left.
Well, the more things change, the more they stay the same, eh? Mercedes/Mercedes Ferrari/Ferrari Still, good to see where Big Jeans put the Haas on the grid.....and Ricciardo's comments after qually were interesting - "Maybe I can just cruise around in 5th and pick up some pieces at the end...."
I'd rather see an individual format like Indycar. That way we can see the qualifying lap for every car. Balls to the wall.
Very action packed first couple of laps today! Hard to believe Haas is where they are in the Constructor's Race considering they have only had one car finish in both races (guess the same could be said for the red team as well)!
Yep, although the outcome was fairly predictable - a Mercedes won and a Ferrari finished on the podium - there was a lot of action thruout the race, and Haas has to be thrilled with their progress so far. They muffed the pitstop a bit, but that will come with practice......
Whilst we are happy that Nico won his fifth in row, after the first few exciting laps the race was Bahrain from there on out, if not for the fun of RG piloting the HAAS team to a stellar 5th place finish in only their second race it would have been a snoozer...
I thought it was a pretty good race. Another poor start for Lewis cost him the race. Lots of action & Bottas being the designated hitter added to the excitement & really doomed Lewis. Great racing toward the rear. Heck even Manor was mixing it up & making passes. Another good win for Nico, but don't worry folks he has all season to prove he is second best.