31st Oct 2013 | Formula 1
Post Race Analysis: Indian GP
Sebastian Vettel completed the formalities but of greater interest are the drivers looking to cement a seat for next year.
With so many different race strategies, we have analysed lap times to get a better picture of the raw pace of each car. We have compared the best lap time for each driver when on the same tyre compound and broken down the race into ‘stints’ to compare cars on similar fuel loads.
Stint 1
The drivers who started on the soft tyre binned it as soon as possible with Romain Grosjean the exception. He eked out 13 laps on a new set of softs which set him up for a one-stopper.
Stint 2
Nico Hulkenberg continued his excellent form with the second fastest lap time in the second stint. A mechanical failure meant he couldn’t finish the race when on course for eighth but a points finish in Abu Dhabi looks likely at 8/15 (BetVictor).
Pastor Maldonado also showed some decent pace in the second stint and is 5/1 (Ladbrokes) to finish in the points this weekend.
Stint 3
Sergio Perez is driving for his place at McLaren and the Mexican put in his best performance of the year. He got to within 0.38s of Sebastian Vettel’s best lap in the third stint and is 5/1 (Paddy Power) to finish in the top-6 in Abu Dhabi.
Summary
The fragile soft tyre made for an interesting race but the finishing positions should be viewed with caution. Nevertheless Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez did their best to put themselves in the shop window for 2014.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 18:10 31st Oct, 2013 but subject to change
