Winter Testing Thread

[Blake]

in other news. the test today was pretty interesting. first off, Hamilton was quicker than Alonso by 3 tenths. sure, it was Alonso's first time testing the MercLaren, but still, he's a double world champ. Lewis hasn't even started his first GP yet. I wonder if he'll be fighting for the championship right out of the box.

Yeah, he can drive, but we knew that already. Question is, can he race with the likes of Räikkönen, Massa, Alonso, and Button? Not only was it Alonso’s first time in a McLaren, but it was his first time on Bridgestone tyres, and remember, those tyres are 2–3 seconds slower than last years tyres.

 

[nitro_2005]

well, we've seen hamilton can race when he was in gp2. there were a few times, especially at the nurburgring, where he was way down the field, but fought his way back up to a points position, mainly near the podium. I think that he might do what villeneuve couldn't - win his first grand prix in his first race. he has the talent and the skill, plus he's been under mclaren's wing since karting, and all the way through FRenault, Euro F3 and GP2. all that hard work's paid off now, and i think he'll even be a strong contender for the title. also, his knowledge of the european circuits from gp2 will help him too.

 

[Lee]

Hamilton: Championship Contender?

Nope, not right now I think, it's his rookie year afterall and whilst he will have knowlege of the European tracks, he may well struggle at the likes of Melbourne, Sepang and Interlagos.

Hamilton: Race Winner?

Most probably, and if at any place, it will be Silverstone. He killed everyone in the GP2 races there last season (Which I witnessed), or Turkey where again he blitzed most of the field after an early spin.

Hamilton: British Number One?

Hard to tell, if McLaren churn out a decent car, he may have the pace to beat Button. Honda are looking competitive in the long runs though so it's nip and tuck for the moment.

 

[Blake]

well, we've seen hamilton can race when he was in gp2. there were a few times, especially at the nurburgring, where he was way down the field, but fought his way back up to a points position, mainly near the podium.

That’s not what I meant. I mean can he drive on the limit for 300km without making a mistake? Can he drive his in lap and out laps like qualifying laps? Can he make good time entering and exiting pit lane and his pit box?

Winning on debut will probably not happen for Lewis. First of all he has to finish, which around Melbourne can be a little difficult at times. Second, he has to beat Alonso. Last, he has to have a car capable of winning a grand prix.