Re: [F1] Michael Schumacher Fan Club.

[freddie]

Why does the rear wing always have to malfunction at the crucial Q2 lap?

Mixed fortunes at the Shanghai International Circuit today saw MERCEDES GP PETRONAS drivers Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher qualify in fourth and 14th positions for tomorrow’s Chinese Grand Prix.

NICO ROSBERG
“I’m happy with our performance and it was a good day for us. It’s clear that we have improved the car this weekend and I’m really pleased for everybody back at the factory who will have enjoyed watching that today. We’re still not where we want to be but we have made progress and are closer to some of the guys in front of us, today at least. We have also worked hard on the race pace so there is every chance of a good race tomorrow.”

MICHAEL SCHUMACHER
“What a shame for me today as we have clearly demonstrated this weekend that as a team we have improved a lot. Nico proved that strongly with his fourth place which was our realistic target. I didn’t quite get my lap together in Q2 and since then we have found out that my rear wing was not functioning correctly as I was braking into turn 14. I am obviously hoping to have a strong start and that we have good race pace tomorrow so I can hopefully make up some positions.”

ROSS BRAWN
“The car has been much better this weekend and both drivers were in a good position going into qualifying today. It’s a shame for Michael this afternoon as it didn’t quite work out with the red flag and then his rear wing malfunctioned at the end of his crucial lap costing valuable time. Nico did a fantastic job this afternoon, firstly to get into Q3 in tricky circumstances, and then putting in a great lap on tyres which had already seen some usage just before the red flag. I’m pleased that we have stabilised the situation and made some encouraging progress this weekend. There is still a long way to go but it’s a start.”

NORBERT HAUG
“A very good lap from Nico and a thorough job from all our guys during the weekend so far. The gap to pole position is still big but at least Nico's time is closer to the McLaren Mercedes cars at two and a half tenths behind P2. To start on the second row is a good reward for the team who have worked so hard and had a difficult start to the season. Michael had good speed in Q1 and posted a time that would have been good enough in Q2 to make it to Q3. Unfortunately in the second to last corner, Michael had a problem with his rear wing which we have to investigate. His long run pace yesterday did not look bad so there is a chance for him to finish in the points tomorrow. For Nico, we hope for a good start and of course it would be great to finish the race where Nico finished last year in China.”

[cobra]

so it wasnt driver error, it was that wing again, bad luck for schumacher in china again, i knew he had good pace till that hairpin, this proves it, he definetely would have got in q3, and then you never know, still it shows hes getting there, come on schumi, 5th place or better will be great.

[Schumacat]

He was slower than Nico in the first 2 sectors anyway. So he wasn't doing a great lap anyway, but he probably would have made it to Q3.

[PURIST]

Yeah, Schumi has been slower all weekend than Nico, so I think Nico would have beaten him in Q3, anyway. However, it certainly changes my view that it was due to malfunctioning of the rear wing. Bad luck, Michael.

In defence of MS, he was faster than Nico all the way to qualy in Malaysia, but was unluckily eliminated in Q2 there. Then, he got some points in the race and is ahead of his teammate in WDC standings. I think MS has improved his game this year and hope he continues that trend. Let's not lose faith in him!

[freddie]

Pretty exciting race! I was glad Michael finally had a great race finishing 8th from 14th. A good 3 stopper enabled the Michael to gain an advantage over the other drivers. Finally a good clean race from Michael.

I hope he continues to improve come the Turkish GP...including qualifying performance

[Schumacat]

Yeah it was a great race from him. The start was phenomenal. Too bad he didnt finish 6th and lost out towards the end. He needs to qualify well to capitalize on those great starts.
Also, good to see the Merc showing decent race pace today. Hopefully they can keep it that way.

[arizal_adl]

It was good race and good result for Schumi and Merc. It could have been better if he qualified higher. He has had strings of amazing start.

[Schumacat]

The laps where he kept Alonso behind him inspite of Alonso using the DRS were great. Great defensive driving from him. He also did a few great overtaking moves, atleast one of them without even using the DRS.

[freddie]

Yeah, I think he made a good move against Petrov going to the outside of a turn while Petrov used the racing line. It was a good move and allowed Michael to get a little distance between him and Webber during that part of the race.

This race actually gave good positive vibes.

[Zag]

Have to say he drove a good clean race...

[Schuy1]

Have to say he drove a good clean race...

Well, thank you Zag - I almost didn't recognise you with that Avatar!

I even remember MS actually got OUT of someone's way ..... it surprised me as he was defensive with Alonso before!

Yes, a good race by our "Grandpa Schumi" as some have called him before ...... good to see the Mercs getting up on speed and Michael having consistently good starts ..... I agree, he just has to qualify better and things should look pretty good for our Schumi.

Well done Michael!

[cobra]

that was schumacher being allowed to race aggressively, with great race craft, some of the passes he did out there were top notch, and if that car lets him, he will be going head to head with the front runners soon, surely no one can doubt him now, if only he qualified higher, alongside rosberg, we could have seen a podium place for schumacher, but maybe thats too optimistic, the car isnt a front runner yet, but its getting there, hopefully.

[PURIST]

I'm sure Mercedes will improve and MS will have some opportunities to win this year. Let's just hope he capitalises on those chances.

[freddie]

Hey purist, I can't help but ask...what is your signature?

[Schumacat]

Hey purist, I can't help but ask...what is your signature?

http://www.nextgen-forum.com/t3011-2011-formula-1-chinese-grand-prix-fp3-quali-live-thread#587078

[freddie]

Thanks for the heads up Schumacat

[PURIST]

Thanks, Schumacat for the help, but to make it easier for freddie I'll answer right here.

It's a painting by Jackson Pollock which is called No.5, 1948. It is known as the most expensive painting in history and it's price after adjusted for inflation is around staggering $140 million!!!

[freddie]

Amazing how $140 million looks like!

[Schuy1]

Looks like sea weed on the beach !!

Some people have too much money !!

[PURIST]

[Zag]

My garage floor must be worth a million or two then... if I can work out how to get
the concrete up in one piece....

[PURIST]

Send me a $10,000 check if you successfully sell your floor for over a million for informing you about this, will you?

[Zag]

Of course... half each..!!

But seriously, I did the guy a disservice, I love JP's paintings...

Please aslo take a look at some brilliant Schumi paintings I posted in the Game of the photos thread...

cat:

[cobra]

come on michael schumacher, if the cars up to it, we know he will be, we have faith.

[Schumacat]

Grrrrrrr. So disappointed after such promising pace in practise and Q2. I'm pretty sure there was some issue in the car again coz he was slower than even his Q2 time.