08-04-2013, 12:37 AM
As for the race, well, enjoyed it immensely. A low 1.41 with Mediums (no Softs available in my garage, don't know why, I've used them offline before though) was enough for 3rd on the grid.
Decided to 2 stop as a Pit stop only put 25 seconds on laptime and I thought I'd be over 2 seconds a lap quicker with 3 stints on Mediums rather than 2 on Hards. Changed my mind 10 seconds before race start! Started on Hards and planned to 2 stop so I could push without worrying about condition of tyres.
Got a good start and almost stole 2nd during T1 and T2 but not quite! Mickael and Marcel G then began to slowly pull away but not too much. Started to hit traffic after 9 or 10 laps I think. Caught Mel in the Formula 2 and he moved offline to let me past. It was on one of those long, tightening right handers though and I couldn't keep far enough right to ensure no contact. Sorry Mel. I honestly thought you'd slowed and hugged the left lane more than you actually had. Lost my front wing and had suspension damage so had to pit for one and a half minutes of repairs. Changed tyres while I was in. Decided to try and make these last til end of race. Over 20 laps left. Emerged from lengthy pit stop in 11th I think.
Made them last really well, making my way through traffic up to 5th. Thought, sod it, I'll push for 4th, maybe podium. I was catching those in front, but last 5 minutes, my tyres were a bit worse for wear and it was hard not to lose loads of time, or worse. In the last lap or two I made two places and finished in 3rd.
If I hadn't picked up that damage and spent so long in the pits, I would've been much closer to the top two. The tyre management was a great experience. Driving the Marussia is very rewarding. Had a great time and I was delighted with a podium finish.
Decided to 2 stop as a Pit stop only put 25 seconds on laptime and I thought I'd be over 2 seconds a lap quicker with 3 stints on Mediums rather than 2 on Hards. Changed my mind 10 seconds before race start! Started on Hards and planned to 2 stop so I could push without worrying about condition of tyres.
Got a good start and almost stole 2nd during T1 and T2 but not quite! Mickael and Marcel G then began to slowly pull away but not too much. Started to hit traffic after 9 or 10 laps I think. Caught Mel in the Formula 2 and he moved offline to let me past. It was on one of those long, tightening right handers though and I couldn't keep far enough right to ensure no contact. Sorry Mel. I honestly thought you'd slowed and hugged the left lane more than you actually had. Lost my front wing and had suspension damage so had to pit for one and a half minutes of repairs. Changed tyres while I was in. Decided to try and make these last til end of race. Over 20 laps left. Emerged from lengthy pit stop in 11th I think.
Made them last really well, making my way through traffic up to 5th. Thought, sod it, I'll push for 4th, maybe podium. I was catching those in front, but last 5 minutes, my tyres were a bit worse for wear and it was hard not to lose loads of time, or worse. In the last lap or two I made two places and finished in 3rd.
If I hadn't picked up that damage and spent so long in the pits, I would've been much closer to the top two. The tyre management was a great experience. Driving the Marussia is very rewarding. Had a great time and I was delighted with a podium finish.