Analysing the lap times on Friday and making a few predictions here and there, we estimated the rough time for each driver of the top 5 teams over an average period of 10 laps for race pace. The following lap times are for the medium compound tyres:
- Mercedes: Topping the FP1 and FP2 despite issues with his gearbox, Nico Rosberg asserted his dominance over the Ferraris and Lewis Hamilton as well. Based on his performance on Friday, we expect a rough lap time of 1:38.921 for Nico while the home favourite, Hamilton fares around 1:39.546. Lewis was fourth in FP2, behind both the Ferraris, which is a clear alarming sign for the World Champion who later admitted that he needs some extra pace, else he is in danger.
- Ferrari: Ferraris were 3rd and 6th for Kimi and Vettel respectively in FP1 while 2nd and 3rd in FP2. They showed strong pace and look certain to give the Mercs a tough time. We estimate a lap time of 1:39.099 for Seb and 1:39.332 for Kimi. Both of these are quicker than Hamilton, although Hamilton didn’t have a clean Free practice which resulted in him being off the pace. While in the longer runs, Seb was faster than Kimi(hence the better lap times despite lower position in FP1 and FP2), we expect them to put on a great show challenging the Mercs ahead.
- Williams: Going well with Felipe Massa’s statements, Williams are slower than the Bulls here in Silverstone. While we expect a lap time of 1:39.691 for Massa, Bottas struggled for pace finishing outside the top 10 in FP2. FP1 was no good for them, with Massa on tenth and Susie Wolff on 13th. Bottas’ lap time is expected to break in the 1:40 barrier with an expected 1:40.174. Williams often saves their best for Quali, so things might change a little on Saturday.
- Red Bull: The Bulls were quick and so were their sister team, Toro Rosso as each four Renault powered cars finished in the top 10 in FP2. Showing a much faster pace than Williams, Daniil Kvyat’s lap time is expected around 1:39.408 in the longer run and Daniel Ricciardo with a 1:39.563. This is a much positive result for both the Red Bulls, who incurred heavy penalties last race for engine changes. While a podium still looks a distant dream for them, they’ll aim for a top 5 finish, or a podium if anything bizarre happens with the Mercs and Ferraris.
- Force India: With their new B-spec car finally making debut here in Silverstone, their home race, they showed good improved pace with Nico Hulkenberg finishing in the top 10 in both the sessions. With expected race pace time of 1:40.003 for Hulkenberg and a 1:40.600 for Sergio Perez, things look sharp for the team. If they manage to run without issues of any kind, they’ll be right after the Williams or if their fortunes are too good, right after the Red Bulls. The updated chassis is a well packaged one, and with two heavy talents on board, they might as well be the surprise package for the British Grand Prix.
Driver Lap Times 1. Nico Rosberg2. Sebastian Vettel 3. Kimi Raikkonen
4. Daniil Kvyat
5. Lewis Hamilton
6. Daniel Ricciardo
7. Felipe Massa
8. Nico Hulkenberg
9. Valtteri Bottas
10. Sergio Perez
1:38.9211:39.099 1:39.332
1:39.408
1:39.546
1:39.563
1:39.691
1:40.003
1:40.174
1:40.600
