'KotaGuy wrote:And I have to disagree with you, Andy... the amount of fuel in the car will affect how fast it is.
Less fuel = less weight = faster lap times. Even a couple gallons less will shave tenths of a second off a fast lap in qualifying.
It certainly does make a difference. But I don't think as much as it use too. Not with the important of tyres etc. Yes less fuel in qualy in a quick car means you can get pole. However with smaller engines, they have had to seek other ways of gaining speed. And don't forget that they need race fuel in Qualy 3.
Small modifications get more speed. Like what the BMW have done. Them stupid looking surfboard wings. Not that they actually made a differance!
Enter Ferrari's flexible rear wing which is legal but every other team didn't like because of the straight line speed. That is where I think they have made up the time. With updates during the season.
That and Massa pushing Schumi more than the other team drivers he has had!
Regarding the one manufacturer for next season. Who will be on top next season? The Ferrari's. With all their testing over the years. That is already an advantage for next season.