United States Grand Prix 2014 – The Grid: Rosberg – Hamilton, Duel in the Sun for the Star Cowboys

After the qualifying session that took place on Saturday evening, of which you can read the summary on MotorsInside.com, the editorial team offers you a recap of the starting grid.

The penalties were, in order, imposed on Sebastian Vettel (start from the pit lane for hybrid unit change), Jenson Button (+5 grid places for gearbox change), and Daniil Kvyat (+10 grid places for using a seventh internal combustion engine).

Les pneus

Pirelli, which has chosen soft (yellow) and medium (white) tires, predicts that the fastest strategy could involve three pit stops. However, the manufacturer specifies that the downside of such a choice will be traffic, which might only work with the fastest cars, more capable of overtaking their competitors. In this case, the first stint on softs would last 12 laps, the second stint also on softs would stretch to the 25th lap, the third still on softs until the 38th lap where drivers would switch to mediums to go to the end.

Pirelli also indicates that the fastest two-stop strategy is as follows: start on softs, switch to mediums on lap 14, and the final stint on mediums again from lap 35.

For drivers who have the opportunity to start on medium tires (those outside of those who reached Q3), an almost as fast strategy is to stop on lap 22 to switch to soft tires and then make a final stop on lap 36 to finish on medium tires. The advantage of starting on medium tires is the ability to extend the first stint longer, gaining ground on drivers on soft tires who will have to stop earlier, as well as benefiting from a fast second stint with the soft tires.

**The forces present**

As usual, the Mercedes are not expected to be challenged. The question for the victory will be whether Nico Rosberg, who took pole with ease but had brake issues, or Lewis Hamilton, who also struggled with braking, will be able to make the most of the entire race. The start will be an important moment, but if the race unfolds smoothly on both sides, managing tire constraints should determine the winner.

Behind the Silver Arrows, the Williams drivers did not hide the fact that they will first and foremost have to keep an eye on their mirrors. If Grove locks the second row, competition from Daniel Ricciardo or Fernando Alonso could make itself felt in the battle for the podium. For the honors, in any case, the fight promises to be tight, with McLarens in the mix.

Another battle that could be worth its weight in dollars: the fight for the small points. Indeed, for the first time this season, a Sauber will start in the top 10. Next to it, a Lotus, driven by Pastor Maldonado. Both teams are experiencing an annus horribilis and could temporarily forget their respective financial difficulties by finishing in the points.