Rubens Barrichello won’t have everything his own way tomorrow as the fuel weight for the Brazilian Grand Prix revealed he will have to stop two laps earlier than Mark Webber and Adrian Sutil.
Jarno Trulli, who starts fourth, will also make his first stop later than Barrichello. Here’s the fuel weights in full:
Fuel weights
| Grid | Name | Weight | Fuel (kg) | First stint (laps) |
| 1 | Rubens Barrichello | 650.5 | 45.5 | 22 |
| 2 | Mark Webber | 656 | 51 | 24 |
| 3 | Adrian Sutil | 656.5 | 51.5 | 25 |
| 4 | Jarno Trulli | 658.5 | 53.5 | 26 |
| 5 | Kimi Raikkonen | 651.5 | 46.5 | 22 |
| 6 | Sebastien Buemi | 659 | 54 | 26 |
| 7 | Nico Rosberg | 657 | 52 | 25 |
| 8 | Robert Kubica | 656 | 51 | 24 |
| 9 | Kazuki Nakajima | 664 | 59 | 28 |
| 10 | Fernando Alonso | 652 | 47 | 22 |
| 11 | Kamui Kobayashi | 671.6 | 66.6 | 32 |
| 12 | Jaime Alguerusari | 671.5 | 66.5 | 32 |
| 13 | Romain Grosjean | 677.2 | 72.2 | 35 |
| 14 | Jenson Button | 672 | 67 | 32 |
| 15 | Sebastian Vettel | 683.5 | 78.5 | 38 |
| 16 | Heikki Kovalainen | 656.5 | 51.5 | 25 |
| 17 | Lewis Hamilton | 661 | 56 | 27 |
| 18 | Nick Heidfeld | 650.5 | 45.5 | 22 |
| 19 | Giancarlo Fisichella | 683.5 | 78.5 | 38 |
| 20 | Vitantonio Liuzzi | 680 | 75 | 37 |
Jenson Button is starting on a similar strategy to the cars immediately in front of him – he will need to work is way past them if he is to have any chance of scoring well tomorrow.
The two McLarens are fuelled aggressively and will be able to use KERS to make progress. Sebastian Vettel, however, has settled on a long first stint in the hopes of moving up the running order.
Trulli could be a dark horse for a strong result here, as the heaviest of the top four. But a fast-starting Kimi Raikkonen could upset his race.
Sebastien Buemi also has a very respectable fuel load having qualified an excellent sixth for Toro Rosso.
The start
Barrichello will have to fend off Webber at the start, but he can at least take heart from the fact that this highest KERS car – Raikkonen’s – is four places back and not likely to give him too much grief.
Button will be having nightmares about that 14th place grid slot tonight. The Senna ‘S’ is a devillish funnel that’s just made for first-lap accidents – such as the one that eliminated David Coulthard on the first lap of last year’s race.
Worse, Button has F1’s three least experienced drivers right in front of him – Kamui Kobayashi, Jaime Alguersuari and Romain Grosjean – and the fast-starting McLaren duo just two rows back. And his other title rival Vettel in his wheel tracks. The pressure on Button at the start will be gigantic.
Wet set-ups
The teams are restricted in terms of the changes they can make to the cars between qualifying and the race. So the other big question mark ahead of tomorrow’s race is what kind of set-ups the drivers have gone for – who’s gambling on wet weather, and who’s leant towards a dry set-up.
On the face of it Vettel seems the most likely to have taken the gamble. Normally so at ease in wet conditions, he was unable to do better than 16th in the first part of qualifying.
Also the McLaren drivers were quick to blame their failure to progress beyond Q1 on the shortcomings of the MP4-24. Although the cars’ downforce levels are poor, 17th and 18th is still somewhat worse than one might expect, suggesting something else might be responsible for their low starting positions.
Update: Vitantonio Liuzzi has been given a five-place penalty following an engine change. This is more bad news for Button, as Vettel now starts alongside him and the KERS-powered Mclarens start one place closer.
Brazilian Grand Prix
S Hughes
17th October 2009, 23:25
Lewis said in interview that his car had a dry set up.
Keith, by what you’re saying, you’re implying that the McLaren drivers put in poor performances. I believe Lewis and Martin Whitmarsh when they describe the car as having no downforce in those conditions. I’m sure they know what they are talking about.
They need to start sorting the car out for next year in order to iron out those downforce problems.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
17th October 2009, 23:29
No I’m suggesting they’re using dry weather set ups. I haven’t heard the interview you mentioned, got a link?
S Hughes
17th October 2009, 23:38
Here’s the link Keith.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8312706.stm
Patrickl
18th October 2009, 7:46
The interview was shown during qualifying.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
18th October 2009, 9:58
Thanks for that guys.
DMW
18th October 2009, 1:46
And, obviously, its hard to recover the benefit of the KERS packaging bargain with little traction. Traction and acceleration is where the McLaren makes up for and often overcomes it’s lack of aero efficiency. I can’t understand the dry-set up gamble either. Who told Marty it would be dry? It’s going to be another soggy day tomorrow.
Jenson Button has filed his answer to Keith’s post yesterday about whether he is a deserving chamption. So far, he is doing a good job of “blowing it.”
CJD
18th October 2009, 13:05
Agreed that he is blowing it but Martin Brundle points out in today’s Sunday Times that Button has led more laps this season than Vettel and Rubens combined. So not that unworthy if it happens
david
17th October 2009, 23:30
”Jarno Trulli, who starts third”
does he not start first keith
david
17th October 2009, 23:31
Jarno Trulli, who starts third”
does he not start first keith
now im making a mistake
does trulli not start fourth
Ned Flanders
17th October 2009, 23:58
Who knows where Trulli starts! One thing’s ‘for sure’- he won’t finish in a higher position than he starts.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
18th October 2009, 10:00
LOL thanks for that David, sorted now.
LC Coelho
17th October 2009, 23:32
I don’t think a short 1st stint is risky… completely the other way, i believe running short is good to an eventual rain/sun/safety car thing, very plausible for tomorrow in São Paulo…
mm
17th October 2009, 23:56
If the others stick with him or he has a bad start though we could see him end up down the field and Button win due to not enough points – which will end up being a rubbish end to the season.
It’s all in Barrichello’s hands now.
James Carruthers
17th October 2009, 23:33
If it’s a wet race tomorrow then Ruben’s will have a fantastic visibility advantage if he can get in to first.
While I am supporting Button – I’ve been a long time Barrichello supporter too – I can’t decide!
Alistair
17th October 2009, 23:37
Keith, Hamilton had a dry set-up (and an awful car):
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8312706.stm
m0tion
17th October 2009, 23:47
Don’t expect problems for Vettel from the McLaren’s unless Lewis breaks the script & thinks his contract is bullet proof. Haug’s “special friend” as he called Vettel today is worth more to them as champion, so Kimi is getting 3rd party swapped by McLaren / Santander for Vettel in order for RB to take some cash & the Mercedes engine into 2011? That explains Webber’s comments. If that Cosworth goes then 2010 could still be interesting for RB. Hamilton & Vettel for 1 year and then Vettel back to RB for 2011 following the Mercedes engine with Kimi to retire. Mercedes then has the Rosberg / Vettel combo in seperate powered teams and McLaren gets sold off.
Scribe
17th October 2009, 23:48
I’m not sure if i want wet weather tommorow.
With dry weather im sure we’ll have Button, Hamilton, Vettle with maybe Kovalinen fighting their way through the pack. But a wet race would play into Barrichello’s hands and I want this victory for him with a hunger.
Never enjoy the sight of floundering McLarens though.
F1Fan
17th October 2009, 23:50
If it’s dry, Vettel will get on the podium. That RBR is wicked quick here. And, he is 1-stopping, that’s worth about 25-26 seconds. The key for both him and Button is to not get involved in a 1st-lap accident. I think overtaking is possible here, so a quick driver w/ a dry set-up will be able to gain several places quickly.
Patrickl
18th October 2009, 7:47
How is one stopping worth 25-26 seconds?
Or are you simply forgetting that carrying around a heavy fuel load costs a huge amount of time?
mm
17th October 2009, 23:52
A dry race will make a spectacular race of driving with the lower “dry cars” picking off the field.
A wet race is always interesting but can be decided purely on pitting decisions etc.
Rogerek
17th October 2009, 23:52
Kubica is also on dry weather setup
Betpusher
17th October 2009, 23:54
got a link Rogerek?
isle
18th October 2009, 0:12
It was on autosport.com
mm
18th October 2009, 0:00
If Vettel gets not points – the best thing for him is Barrichello not to finish, that way he can grab secondin WDC.
Webber to hit Barrichello!
Achilles
18th October 2009, 7:04
With Barrichellos knack for muffing his starts, and Webbers degree in wrecking his cars, you may get your wish…lol.
Whitty 123
18th October 2009, 10:22
remember nurburgring
mm
18th October 2009, 10:35
not a very exciting way for Jenson to win the title though… would be great to see him come through the field in style today. Something which we have not seen Vettel do.
Ned Flanders
18th October 2009, 0:02
Alonso was pretty rubbish in Q3… he had the joint lightest fuel load yet he ended up last. At least he beat Grosjean. I hope he enjoys his last two pressure free races at Renault, as he won’t be getting any more mediocre teammates while he’s at Ferrari
Johnnie Siggie
18th October 2009, 0:20
If Kimi doesnt nail Sutil at the Start we could see the first force india victory.
Austin
18th October 2009, 0:36
Webber is 3 tenths faster than Sutil on the same fuel load so I don’t think Sutil will win it without something happening to Webber and Barrichello. A wet race could help Sutil but Webber and Barrichello are great in the wet too. I’m really worried for Barrichello, unless he gets a 21+ seconds lead he’s in danger of Webber and maybe Sutil passing him in the first pitstop. Lets hope Barichello breaks his duck at his home grand prix and keep the championship alive to the last race. Its going to be exciting race tomorrow.
Maciek
18th October 2009, 1:53
I’m pretty sure Barrichello doesn’t need 21 seconds over Webber at his first stop…. and Webber was .3s faster than Sutil in qualifying – doesn’t mean it’ll hold lap after lap in the race…
Jelle van der Meer
18th October 2009, 9:19
Agree – why the 21s gap needed – if he has 5 seconds it is enough as Webber will not make up 2,5 seconds per lap.
For Barrichello it is much more important how much lead he has on positions 4-10. The lower he gets back on the grid the more time he will lose.
His luck can be Raikonnen creating the gap in which Barichello can return and overtake Trulli, Sutil and Webber when they pit.
Becken
18th October 2009, 0:37
Vettel gained a position, Liuzzi will change the gearbox…
marcus
18th October 2009, 0:52
dont think 2 laps more will matter in this race. rubens just needs to keep flooring it and extend the gap and drive a solid race. webber is his only problem here since Sutil will be more worried from kimi getting in his way and slowing him down. A accident is just waiting for jenson in the first corner and i can smell spa all over again for jenson.
mm
18th October 2009, 1:06
Weather tomorrow will pbviously play a big part. Light rain, and the top lot may drive away. Heavy rain, who knows. Dry… many at the front may end up moving backwards – possibly even out of the points. A dry car set-up will pull loads out of a wet car every lap… on the long straight alone it is probably a couple of tenths.
A dry race… Hamilton will be on the podium I reckon.
mm
18th October 2009, 1:08
I forgot to add… at least button has experienced drivers behind him.
sato113
18th October 2009, 1:13
watch for VET vs BUT tommorrow! EPIC
Maciek
18th October 2009, 1:56
You mean watch for Button easily letting Vettel past at the first sign of pressure, methinks.
Becken
18th October 2009, 2:25
In two or three laps Vettel will be behind lewis, Heikki and Jenson. He is very, very heavy…
Patrickl
18th October 2009, 7:51
I think it’s clever though. Now he doesn’t care if Hamilton and Heikki get past him. He is so heavy that he can just run flat out and still be slower than the people ahead of him.
When he does his stop he will have free track ahead of him and he can make time up.
More importantly, he won’t have to overtake cars on track, but he can wait and hope that strategy will do the overtaking for him.
Leaf
18th October 2009, 1:25
Reubens has a great chance to take charge of this championship. Jenson has got to be freaking out. Frankly, I think you can see the pressure wearing on him. Jenson is in the twilight zone…does he go for it or try to stay safe & finish & see what happens ahead of him. Tell you what, Vettel will be going for broke to get around Jenson and get to the front! Building to be a great finish. Bernie is going to get his title decider at Abu Dahbi.
anakincarlos
18th October 2009, 1:58
On coreccted fuel weights webber is fastest and with a two lap advantage barra will not hold him back. well, in a dry race anyway!
David A
18th October 2009, 2:11
I wouldn’t hold your breath; Red Bull constantly seem to bottle it when they’re not on pole but are fastest fuel corrected.
Patrickl
18th October 2009, 7:58
Webber has actually gained plenty places during the races.
David A
18th October 2009, 14:31
Clarification: Red Bull never seem to win it when they’re not on pole but are fastest fuel corrected.
David A
18th October 2009, 2:07
Red Bull seem to be fastest ‘fuel corrected’ (God I hate that term) for every race this season, and yet they have never won when not on pole.
wasiF1
18th October 2009, 3:12
Trulli have a shot for podium,but can Roseberg do anything?Button is in a dead trap,not only he have rookies around him but also Vettel & the two KERS Mclaren.
Warley
18th October 2009, 4:08
siibarragi did the theme for the victory of Rubens Barrichello check out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDRwgg5Kfuk
al_amana
18th October 2009, 8:57
You now owe me 2mins29secs of my life Warley!!
steve from virginia
18th October 2009, 4:27
Okay, Button is trying to win without racing, good luck on no safety car tomorrow … before lap 33, that is.
All the grid will need 2 pit stops and Button 1 and he will run for much of the race with less weight than the others.
The one pit stop approach did him good in Italy, it’s not a surprise he would go for it here. Vettel will keep up with him (34 laps to pit) so it could be a Vettel win and Button second or third which would give him the title.
I don’t know if any of the greats would back into the title by sandbagging during qualifying, but there it is. I don’t believe any of the tire nonsense coming from Brawn, either. Nevertheless, Prost and Senna both wrecked their way into the championship; it’s not like Rubens will crash while Button is in the pits.
Well, is it?
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
18th October 2009, 10:06
I don’t think he was sandbagging at all, I just think he wasn’t quick enough. Barrichello wasn’t on intermediates but he made it into Q3.
Ali
18th October 2009, 10:35
by ONE second, how come?
Is Bernie “calibrating” the timers or what?
Rubins had to say were light twice to dispel any conspiracies.
hollus
18th October 2009, 11:45
Button will be running with less fuel than the others for 10 laps or so… and with more or the same fuel, at one point much more fuel, for the rest of the race. Poor tyres.
Prisoner Monkeys
18th October 2009, 4:30
I know it’s a terrible thing to say … but I’m kind of hoping that the Curse of the Home Race will befall Barrichello. It happened to Button in Britain and Vettel in Germany, and Barrichello needs to have his turn. plus, he’s never had that much luck in Brazl, and I so want Button to win.
Steph does, too.
mp4-19b
18th October 2009, 4:55
That was totally terrible!!! You sadist!!! :P
Prisoner Monkeys
18th October 2009, 6:16
If Button doesn’t get the title, then no-one should. No-one else has made a convincing argument for their being champion.
Nik
18th October 2009, 9:41
Overcoming a 26-point deficit when no one car has/will have been consistently the fastest over a period of 3 races not good enough? And if it’s only circumstance that enables them to do that, what was having the fastest car for 6/7 races with your team-mate having brake issues, plus a myriad of other events mostly going your way throughout the season?
I think by this point in time whatever has gone around has come back around. Whoever wins will be the most deserving, and yes even as a critic of championship challenge I do include Button in that. Only a champion can get himself out of this situation now – that or accidents/gremlins, which no-one wants to decide the title.
sumedh
18th October 2009, 5:51
You see, Jenson dominated Webber’s home race. Webber dominated Vettel’s home race. Vettel dominated Jenson’s home race. By dominated, I mean Pole + Race win.
As this triangle is complete, it leaves Rubens free to dominate his home race :D :D. And he has done part of the job already, Pole!!
Steph90
18th October 2009, 9:51
Lol! We’ll see what he can do PM, though he does have strategy advantage…
And don’t be mean to poor Rubens
:PThere is still Abu Dhabi after this even if Rubens does win. Are you getting nervous Prisoner Monkeys?:PPrisoner Monkeys
18th October 2009, 12:13
Me, nervous? Never!
Even if Button is score-less and Rubinho wins, it’s still advantage JB.
Steph90
18th October 2009, 12:41
True but Bar may just keep the momentum going in Abu Dhabi and that will be a new track with rookies, any sort of issue could happen to JB!
Prisoner Monkeys
18th October 2009, 12:48
Just as any sort of issue could happen to RB. For example, tripping over his own front wing on the start line and then being collected by a charging Rrrmmmmnnn Grrrjjjnnnnn.
Steph90
18th October 2009, 12:57
True PM, suppose we’ll wait and see! If Button wins the title then I will admit I am happy for you and Button fans to get your wish and your champion even if we still disagree
:PI still think this will go to Abu Dhabi and while I had little hope for Rubens before, I have a lot more now.
The highlight of my race will be Felipe waving the flag no matter what the outcome is!
mp4-19b
18th October 2009, 4:37
What’s up with Slowalainen?
Prisoner Monkeys
18th October 2009, 4:51
McLaren are gambling on a dry race, it seems. Apparently they’re running a dry set-up, and they cannot make changes to the car after a certain time (which doesn’t afford them enough time to make the required changes).
Becken
18th October 2009, 5:20
Our version in Brazil is ‘Kovalento’
al_amana
18th October 2009, 9:03
I think it’s the same problem as Blame-ilton.
Tom
18th October 2009, 7:11
absolutely awesome day for australia if webber can win. casey stoner just won the motoGP at phillip island. GO WEBBER!!!
me
18th October 2009, 8:03
thanks, i hadnt watched it yet! =[
Tiomkin
18th October 2009, 11:34
Thanks for ruining my morning viewing.
StrFerrari4Ever
18th October 2009, 7:19
Mmm very interesting indeed Rubens could get done by Webber on the first lap out of the Senna S’s or from the long run from Juncao. Vettel & Button well they’ll probably have a battle on track which I hope doesn’t end in tears for Seb as I want to see him drive an Epic race. And a quick mention on Buemi I’m still unsure as to what setup his running wet or dry? maybe a setup inbetween that he can use for changing conditions , if thats the case his got a strong chance of pushing for some big points today just watch this space!
Salty
18th October 2009, 9:35
Great job by Rubens. Got to say though, given his clutching issues on starts and the forecast showers throughout the day, can’t really see him maximising by bringing home the win today – he’s a fabulous driver, but not really noted as a wet specialist – his result at Silverstone last year was all about the call made by Ross.
Hope I’m wrong, but can see Rubens only bagging enough to just scrape it to the last race. Maybe a 3rd or 4th place.
Can see Webber, Sutil and Kimi finishing ahead of Rubens.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
18th October 2009, 10:09
It’s a tricky start at Interlagos as well as the track curves uphill. There’s big pressure on Barrichello today.
Hakka
18th October 2009, 11:09
And there’s no clean-line advantage for the pole-sitter either, because of the showers – he’s got a lot to be worried about.
You should do a poll in the Live-Blog just before the race asking how many people think Rubens will drop the clutch too fast and stall at the start today.
James
18th October 2009, 11:32
I dont wish bad luck upon anyone, but as a Button fan, I would like Rubens to have some sort of failure at the start! Button really should have done better yesterday and been half way there to wrapping up the title.
I reckon Mark Webber is in the best position to win it. The car seems faster, he has 2 laps extra fuel (possibly a little more if the rain falls) and seems completely on the ball – particuarly as he hasnt got any pressure on him regarding the title. Constructors is without a doubt out of the window now and Vettel is just too far back to have any effect on the drivers.
Jenson, you need to get your game on!
John H
18th October 2009, 10:19
Those 3 drivers are the three most inexperienced on the grid. I won’t be surpised if Jenson loses a nose or similar at the Senna S.
Nik
18th October 2009, 13:13
He’s starting where DC started last year, which isn’t a good omen. Even worse, he’s right near Grosjean…
John H
18th October 2009, 10:21
Perhaps Alonso has a dry setup and will be strong just looking at those fuel weights.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
18th October 2009, 11:43
He’s done a damn good job if that’s the case.
Rahim
18th October 2009, 10:25
i think this race seems to go either in barrichello or kimi’s hands…both have got a strategy which can normally work in any of the conditions…wet or dry….but i hope its wet……i’m surprised…that F60 works better in wet…
Ali
18th October 2009, 11:16
I really think it is better for Jenson to start from the pits or slot number 26 or something like that to avoid an accident.
I remember Schumi having to start from the back of the grid (I think Japan 1998) and he opted to leave a big gap to the backmarkers so he started around 26 spot or so. I thought that was extremely clever.
Random Chimp
18th October 2009, 12:27
One tends to agree.
D Winn
18th October 2009, 12:20
A link from the BBC forum with some pretty graphics
Random Chimp
18th October 2009, 12:27
Wow Buemi was impressive
StrFerrari4Ever
18th October 2009, 12:42
Indeed he was I still have a feeling his got a setup favouring drier conditions if he has then he did a blinding job in Quali. This race will be about perfect strategy calls and drivers keeping a cool head when the going gets tough.
Ashok
18th October 2009, 12:39
i would really like to see sutil to be on pole as he has really work hard this season and really deserve to be on pole. i wish him Best of luck. i am sure he can do that just have to make sure he dont get in any mess.
Ashok
18th October 2009, 12:40
Go sutil GO ForceIndia !!!
haha
18th October 2009, 15:19
The sun is shining on track, so bad luck to wet setups.