SM
Watford vs. Leeds: 8 hrs 26 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews

Red Bull eyeing pole at Spa after 'party mode' ban

:Headline: Red Bull eyeing pole at Spa after 'party mode' ban: ID:410248: from db_amp
A sudden and surprise rule change in Formula 1 is a "golden opportunity" for Red Bull.

A sudden and surprise rule change in Formula 1 is a "golden opportunity" for Red Bull.

After the earlier-dominant Mercedes struggled badly with mandatory higher tyre pressures at Silverstone, it now emerges that the FIA is planning to immediately ban 'party mode' engine settings.

"It's obviously to slow us down, as they're always trying to slow us down," said championship leader Lewis Hamilton.

"But I don't think it's going to get the result they want."

Indeed, teammate Valtteri Bottas insisted there is no panic at Mercedes, because the new regulation - slated to be introduced for the next race at Spa - would be "the same for everyone".

But not quite - because Mercedes' 'party mode' engine settings are clearly more impressive than those aboard the Ferrari, Renault and Honda-powered teams.

"It won't make a difference to us," said Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. "We use the same power in qualifying and the races."

Haas-Ferrari boss Gunther Steiner agreed: "Nothing changes for us. We have no qualifying mode."

And Haas driver Romain Grosjean said: "Watching the last race back, I saw how easily the Williams overtook Kevin (Magnussen) - they obviously have some kind of button and it works very well."

Max Verstappen thinks the new rule makes sense simply on the basis that 'parc ferme' rules mean no changes are allowed between qualifying and the race.

"It makes sense if we apply that to the engine as well," said the Red Bull-Honda driver.

The result of the 'party mode' ban is that the Dutchman may finally be able to take on the Mercedes in qualifying - and mount a much more serious title challenge.

"On Saturday, the Mercedes engine is good for seven tenths of time gain compared to our car," Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko told RTL.

"That is why we will be far away from them in Barcelona, where there are two long straights."

But for Spa, that all may change.

Marko said: "We see a golden opportunity to compete for pole from Spa."

amp_article__410248 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2020-08-14 08:17:22:
html db last update - 2021-03-08 06:22:25 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Helmut Marko

Click here for more stories about Red Bull

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal28204470244664
2Liverpool28197265263964
3Manchester CityMan City28196363283563
4Aston Villa29175760421856
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs28165759421753
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd28152113939047
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham2912894650-444
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2811985044642
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves28125114244-241
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle281241259481140
11Chelsea27116104745239
12Fulham29115134344-138
13Bournemouth2898114152-1135
14Crystal Palace2878133348-1529
15Brentford2975174154-1326
16Everton2887132939-1025
17Luton TownLuton2957174260-1822
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2967163551-1621
19Burnley2945202963-3417
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2835202474-5014
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .