The weather looks good for the start of the race and accepting the cars can go from zero to hundred miles an hour in four seconds turn one could be interesting. It's clear the dirty, right hand side of the grid isn't as fast as the clean, left side which could give Sebastian a punt into the first turn.
It will be interesting to see Fernando forcing his way through from twelfth and the first few laps could be exciting and the view through turn eight pulling 8g should be immense. The Red Bull durability still causes concern and this time with the rear wing which has had mods made to it since arriving in Turkey.
The cars launch from the grid for the warm up lap and the excitement builds. Can the Mclaren's use the abilities of the F duct to get ahead of the Red Bull's. Now the talking is over as the cars come to the line.
From the start as I forecast Sebastian went ahead of Lewis and Michael beat Jenson into turn one. Lewis soon took the place back and Jenson really set about Michael and went ahead fairly quickly which he had to do to keep with the leading three.
Lewis is really on the pace with Mark and his best chance of the season to go ahead and really challenging him on lap three. Great driving between the two of them. The front four are having a very interesting scrap and this is more like it.
It is interesting to watch Mark and Lewis through turn eight and The Red Bull is flat bit Lewis can't match there. However, he is then quicker through nine and ten keeping it close at the front. Watching Lewis into turn twelve on the bumps is unbelievable as the car seems very unstable but Lewis holds on.
We clearly saw Felipe and Robert come together early on and the tyre to tyre contact has put a groove in Felipe's near side front tyre but all seems well as the tyre is retaining its pressure. So after 10 laps it is Red Bull, Mclaren, Red Bull, Mclaren with only 3.8 seconds between first and fourth but only half a second between Mark and Lewis.
It does appear the Mclaren's have made great strides and are definitely matching the Red Bull's apart from turn eight. Fernando was the first to stop in lap twelve whilst Lewis is getting closer and closer to Mark even in the dirty air.
It seems Lewis only needs to sit this close to Mark until the first tyre stop and run an extra lap and he should take the lead. Jenson is also setting hot laps and maybe he can also take Sebastian.
Great driving between the two of them as they are very close as Sebastian comes in for his first stop.
Then surprisingly Mark and Lewis both came into the pits line astern and out they went and Mark was still in P1 followed by Sebastian but he was in front of Lewis due to his earlier stop.
Lewis now has a problem with two Red Bull's and we have to wait and see where Jenson comes out. In he comes on lap fifteen and he stops on the marks and he was gone but only feeds out in fourth and now the race is on and what a scrap we have to enjoy.
Then on lap twenty one they come across the back markers which can mix things up and Lewis is the one that can do it. Now we had rain forecast which comes as a surprise to all concerned and what have we to come. Lewis is really pushing Sebastian and he seems to like these hard tyres.
After twenty two laps the front four were already fifteen seconds ahead of Michael in fifth as the first back marker came and went without hitch for the front four. Who will gamble on intermediate tyres when the rain comes and the clouds look ever darker overhead. The front end of the Mclaren is stunning compared with the Red Bull's.
The track temp is 44 degrees and the rain will burn off quickly but that depends of how much of the wet stuff falls, we wait with baited breath. Wet tyres are being readied in anticipation of in the rain. The talk is of three mm's of rain and intermediate tyres seem a good call.
Behind the top four were Michael, Nico, Robert, Felipe, Vitaly and Fernando who are all quite close together. Nico is slowing down those behind him and they are all bunching up waiting to pounce. The track temp is tumbling down to below thirty degrees confirming the change in temperature since the start of the race.
Then on lap forty one Sebastian tried to pass Mark but as he got alongside he moved over into Mark. They touched and they both went off. Sebastian was out with a flat drivers side rear tyre. Oh dear, Sebastian got that wrong. Mark was also off but after a quick visit to the pits and with a new nose cone he came back and as he was so far ahead of Michael he rejoined in third, justice was done to some degree.
From the comfort of my armchair I have to say that was a ridiculous move on Sebastian's part and will no doubt affect Sebastian's championship and another one, two for gone. The change then gives Mclaren a one, two and a welcome change for the Woking team.
So through all this excitement Lewis took the lead followed by Jenson followed by Mark. Then an almighty scrap as Jenson took Lewis as they fought hammer and tongue. Great, clean stuff between the two Mclaren's as Jenson went ahead and Lewis then came straight back at him but all so close.
Brilliant driving between the two of them and maybe Mark and Sebastian should have done it like that. One wonders what the call was from the pit wall as the Mclaren pair nearly came together. Lewis was having none of it and immediately went 1.5 seconds ahead and all seemed to calm down. Brilliant from both drivers and obviously I am pleased they came through it without a problem.
The call from the pits we heard to Lewis to save fuel seems to have been ignored by Jenson and then we heard, after the excitement the same call to Jenson, wonder why! We still have rain on the cameras on lap fifty eight but the threat doesn't materialise.
Vitaly and Fernando were also having a spirited dice in the last few laps and eventually Fernando bullied his way through past Vitaly which damaged his front suspension and he went down the points and into the pits eventually. Fernando was going through whatever the Renault did in typical Fernando style.
So the finish eventually was a one, two for Mclaren and after the excitement of Jenson's pass on Lewis they need to both think themselves very lucky. Lewis showed his bottle with abundance and Jenson backed off sensibly so as not to do the same thing as the Red Bull drivers.
Behind them it was Mark (P3), Michael, Nico, Robert, Felipe, Fernando, Adrian and my fighting ace Kamui. Lewis drove a fantastic race and had the Red Bull's in sight from turn one. He waited, waited and waited and it came to him, which shows a maturity from my number one. Mclaren are coming slowly, slowly and it bodes well for us for the rest of the season.
The rain didn't come after all and gave us an excitement from start to finish from the top four. It is great to wonderful driving from the top four on the grid and let us have more of it.
After a very thrilling race the drivers and teams left Istanbul with changes at the top with Mark retaining his place with 93 points but now followed by Jenson (88), Lewis (84), Fernando (79), Sebastian (78), Felipe and Robert (67), Nico (66), Michael (34), Adrian (22), Vitantonio (10), Rubens (7), Vitaly (6), Jamie (3) and the last three Kamui, Nico H and Sebastian B (1).
In the team championship Mclaren take over the lead with 172 points followed by Red Bull (171), Ferrari (146), Mercedes (100), Renault (73), Force India (32), Williams and Toro Rosso (8) and BMW bringing up the rear with still only a single point.
Great race with superb driving from all the top drivers and a shame Sebastian made a horlicks of it. Now the teams move to Canada which comes back to F1 this year and another thrilling race in prospect around the streets of Montreal, 13 June.
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Sunday, 30 May 2010
F1 Quali Turkey
After the thrills and spills of Monaco the F1 circus moves to a totally different circuit in Istanbul Park in Turkey. It's tight, it's twisty and sometimes frustrating when coming to overtaking. The discussions about Michael's overtake at the last corner has caused a lot of controversy and it appears there was a Green flag telling Michael he could overtake but at least now the rules are clear for all which is a result.
There is much talk of who is to partner Fernando for 2011 and there are three drivers in the fray as the silly season starts. Mark (Webber), Felipe (Massa) and Robert (Kubica) are now rumoured to be in the fight for what must be the most iconic driver on the F1 grid.
After the problem of the blanket left in the air duct on Jenson's car has caused a complete rethink of the procedures prior to the race. The blanket left in the air duct caused the engine to overheat on his way to the grid and the engine was actually destroyed prior to the start of the race.
Today is the 800th race for Ferrari and what a history they have in the sport. The Mclaren F Duct, which appears to be huge benefit to Mclaren is still causing the other teams to catch up and Force India are the latest team to adopt it. The lap record here has stood since 2005 in a 1.24 set by Montoya, a name which seems history now and a 1.27 seems to be the pole target in 2010.
The Red Bull's and Mclaren's are both quick here which hopefully will create a good fight at the head of the field. So here we go into quali and it could be very interesting as the drivers all love it here. The track temp at 39 degrees and the changing wind direction will make it a challenge for all the drivers.
Both Mclaren's set the early pace in the 1.27's but the Red Bull's hadn't set a time at that point. Half way through the session there were 23 cars on circuit and then came the Mark & Sebastian who blitzed their way to one and two and once again who can catch them.
After Quali 1 out went Vitantonio, Jarno, Heikki, Timo, Bruno, Karun and Lucas which seems to be the set standard for the season so far.
All the cars were running on hard tyres through quali one and two and they will no doubt switch to the softer compound for the pole shoot out. As usual it was Red Bull and Mclaren in the top four followed by both Renault's with Vitaly ahead of Robert with 5 minutes to go. Both Ferrari's are not shining yet as well as Nico (R) and still out of the top ten albeit they will come.
Then came a shock as Fernando went out in Q2 which is surprising. Michael seems to becoming more as one with the Mercedes and maybe we all expected too much after his three year out of the sport. So we lost Adrian, Fernando, Pedro, Sebastian (B), Rubens, Jamie and Nico (H).
So the launch for pole started and this will be interesting as the Mclaren's are apparently getting closer to the Red Bull's. Turkey is the first of the four anti clockwise circuits on the calendar and pole appears to be in the mid 1.26's.
Lewis set the early pace but Mark once again put his Red Bull into P1 followed by Lewis, Sebastian and Jenson. Lewis is really throwing the Mclaren around the circuit and turn eight is exhilarating to watch with most on full throttle. It seems incredible to think the soft tyres are struggling to cover one lap at full speed.
So the grid looks like this, Mark, Lewis, Sebastian, Jenson, Michael, Nico (R), Robert, Felipe, Vitaly and Kamui. The Mclarens are getting closer and at least have split the Red Bull's. The Mclaren's speed down the straights may just give them a chance in the race.
So Mark does it again and he really is on a high after is last two wins.
There is much talk of who is to partner Fernando for 2011 and there are three drivers in the fray as the silly season starts. Mark (Webber), Felipe (Massa) and Robert (Kubica) are now rumoured to be in the fight for what must be the most iconic driver on the F1 grid.
After the problem of the blanket left in the air duct on Jenson's car has caused a complete rethink of the procedures prior to the race. The blanket left in the air duct caused the engine to overheat on his way to the grid and the engine was actually destroyed prior to the start of the race.
Today is the 800th race for Ferrari and what a history they have in the sport. The Mclaren F Duct, which appears to be huge benefit to Mclaren is still causing the other teams to catch up and Force India are the latest team to adopt it. The lap record here has stood since 2005 in a 1.24 set by Montoya, a name which seems history now and a 1.27 seems to be the pole target in 2010.
The Red Bull's and Mclaren's are both quick here which hopefully will create a good fight at the head of the field. So here we go into quali and it could be very interesting as the drivers all love it here. The track temp at 39 degrees and the changing wind direction will make it a challenge for all the drivers.
Both Mclaren's set the early pace in the 1.27's but the Red Bull's hadn't set a time at that point. Half way through the session there were 23 cars on circuit and then came the Mark & Sebastian who blitzed their way to one and two and once again who can catch them.
After Quali 1 out went Vitantonio, Jarno, Heikki, Timo, Bruno, Karun and Lucas which seems to be the set standard for the season so far.
All the cars were running on hard tyres through quali one and two and they will no doubt switch to the softer compound for the pole shoot out. As usual it was Red Bull and Mclaren in the top four followed by both Renault's with Vitaly ahead of Robert with 5 minutes to go. Both Ferrari's are not shining yet as well as Nico (R) and still out of the top ten albeit they will come.
Then came a shock as Fernando went out in Q2 which is surprising. Michael seems to becoming more as one with the Mercedes and maybe we all expected too much after his three year out of the sport. So we lost Adrian, Fernando, Pedro, Sebastian (B), Rubens, Jamie and Nico (H).
So the launch for pole started and this will be interesting as the Mclaren's are apparently getting closer to the Red Bull's. Turkey is the first of the four anti clockwise circuits on the calendar and pole appears to be in the mid 1.26's.
Lewis set the early pace but Mark once again put his Red Bull into P1 followed by Lewis, Sebastian and Jenson. Lewis is really throwing the Mclaren around the circuit and turn eight is exhilarating to watch with most on full throttle. It seems incredible to think the soft tyres are struggling to cover one lap at full speed.
So the grid looks like this, Mark, Lewis, Sebastian, Jenson, Michael, Nico (R), Robert, Felipe, Vitaly and Kamui. The Mclarens are getting closer and at least have split the Red Bull's. The Mclaren's speed down the straights may just give them a chance in the race.
So Mark does it again and he really is on a high after is last two wins.
Thursday, 20 May 2010
F1 Monaco Update & Amended Result
Michael Schumacher's last minute dive to pass Fernando into Anthony Noades corner on the last lap at Monaco after the safety car went into the pits was deemed an illegal act and has earned him a 20 second penalty dropping out of the points down the twelfth. Any appeal against the judgement has now been ruled out by Mercedes.
The ruling for this year is covered by section 40.123 of the FIA Sporting Regulations and reads as follows and I quote "If the race ends whilst the safety car is deployed, it will enter the pit-lane at the end of the last lap and the cars will take the chequered flag as normal without overtaking". That seems to make it clear for all concerned and you can rely on Michael to test the rule book.
It was thought Ruben's accident was caused by the suspected loose drain cover but that has now been denied by the team . It appears his car had a left rear suspension failure. Patrick Head commented the was some sort of failure in the left rear suspension either in the suspension itself or something in the drive train.
The decision about the tyre manufacturer/s for 2010 is to be announced shortly. The teams need to know as quickly as possible allowing them to continue purposeful development of the cars for 2011. It appears Michelin and/or Pirelli are both in contention.
It would appear Dietrich Mateschitz is convinced that Mark Webber's dominant runs and back to back wins in Spain and Monaco has persuaded him to retain Mark and partner Sebastian Vettel for next season. There have been rumours that Mark would go across to Ferrari to replace Massa for 2011 so we will have to await developments and confirmation of who goes where.
There was talk of Kimi Raikkonen taking Mark's place at Red Bull but the Finn has yet to decide whether he wants to return or not and in any case Mark's retention at Red Bull would now appear to rule that out. The silly season will start shortly and we will have to ait and see.
The ruling for this year is covered by section 40.123 of the FIA Sporting Regulations and reads as follows and I quote "If the race ends whilst the safety car is deployed, it will enter the pit-lane at the end of the last lap and the cars will take the chequered flag as normal without overtaking". That seems to make it clear for all concerned and you can rely on Michael to test the rule book.
It was thought Ruben's accident was caused by the suspected loose drain cover but that has now been denied by the team . It appears his car had a left rear suspension failure. Patrick Head commented the was some sort of failure in the left rear suspension either in the suspension itself or something in the drive train.
The decision about the tyre manufacturer/s for 2010 is to be announced shortly. The teams need to know as quickly as possible allowing them to continue purposeful development of the cars for 2011. It appears Michelin and/or Pirelli are both in contention.
It would appear Dietrich Mateschitz is convinced that Mark Webber's dominant runs and back to back wins in Spain and Monaco has persuaded him to retain Mark and partner Sebastian Vettel for next season. There have been rumours that Mark would go across to Ferrari to replace Massa for 2011 so we will have to await developments and confirmation of who goes where.
There was talk of Kimi Raikkonen taking Mark's place at Red Bull but the Finn has yet to decide whether he wants to return or not and in any case Mark's retention at Red Bull would now appear to rule that out. The silly season will start shortly and we will have to ait and see.
Sunday, 16 May 2010
F1 Race Monaco
It's showtime. The spectacle of Monaco is the jewel in the crown of F1, the cars are nearer to the crowd, the speeds around this iconic street circuit are immense, the walls are ever close and the tunnel is still as dark and scary.
Martin took us around Mark Webber's pole lap which not only confirmed how great a lap it was but what a lap around Monaco is about. The bumps, barriers and turns of Monaco are around normal roads and we all know what "normal roads" are in the UK.
The talk is now over and it's time to race with a track temperature of 40 and air temperature of 22. As many of the drivers live in Monaco for them it is like a home grand prix which gives them added incentive.
The sound of the cars going around the principality onto the grid is deafening on TV but when you are there ear plugs are an absolute must. As usual the narrow Monaco grid is packed with team mechanics, paparazzi, reporters and many celebrities as the Monaco grid is the place to be seen.
The tyre covers come off as the teams move back to the pit lane as all the cars move off for the siting lap except Fernando who is starting from the pit lane after his appointment with the barrier wrecking his chassis before qualifying.
As the flag dropped 20,000 hp launched into the first corner as Sebastian (V) launched past Robert into Saint Devote making it a Red Bull one, two. All went well until the dreaded tunnel and Nico (H) hit the wall coming out of it making a mess of his car and bringing out the safety car. During the safety car period some of the cars on the soft tyres (they have to use both tyre compounds through the race) including Fernando changed to the prime tyres.
Then out of the blue Jenson stopped with what appeared to be a cooked engine and the second retirement on only lap one. It appeared a bung was left in one of the engine intakes going to the grid cooking the engine. All the rest followed the unbelievable Mercedes safety car whilst the debris from Nico's Williams was cleared out of the way.
Keeping all the temperatures under control is very difficult for the drivers and they would all be relieved when the safety car came in on lap six and back to racing. Mark launched his self away followed by Sebastian, Robert, Felipe and Lewis and then a small gap back to Rubens who was struggling on the first lap after the safety car.
It was exciting watching the mighty Fernando trying to get past Lucas and after a lot of gesticulating he passed him into the chicane after the tunnel and then quickly disposed of Jarno. The top five, with Mark moving away from the next four were leaving the rest behind but the interest will come if the tyres start to grain.
The cars in front of Fernando were getting a whole bag of TV coverage as the cameras were watching his surge from the back of the field and it was a feature of the early stage of the race. Mark seems to have Monaco under control and he was lapping in the mid 1.17's at a meteoric rate and on lap 17 he was some 5 seconds ahead of Sebastian.
Lewis was the first of the top runners to change to the prime tyres and he came out in front of Fernando and behind Jaime and this will be interesting to watch accepting Fernando has already changed his tyres. Then came a host of tyre stops on lap eighteen for all of the top teams and race on as we wait for the positions to settle down.
So after the tyre stops the positions were Mark, Sebastian, Robert, Felipe, Lewis and Fernando but after Nico's tyre stop it dropped him behind Michael into eighth. Rubens finished up with two wheels on my wagon as he hit the wall in Massenet with what looked like a mechanical failure to bring out the safety car for the second time.
All Mark's good work out in front was negated and he has now to be do it all over again as the team bunches up behind the Mercedes safety car. What seemed a quite rapid removal of Rubens' Lotus Mark was biting at the bit behind the safety car and Mark launched again at the front and he looks remarkably under control and in the groove.
Lewis seems to have stalled Fernando's meteoric move through the field but still not really putting pressure on Felipe in front of him. Nico was falling away from Michael in the hands of the Force India's whilst up at the front Mark was now already 2.5 seconds ahead of Sebastian after only three laps after the safety car withdrawal on lap forty one.
Mclaren are asking Lewis to be patient and look after his car and he received the information with comments better not repeated. Then out came the safety car for the third time as it was announced a drain cover had come loose and that of course is extremely dangerous and a most unusual occurrence. It appeared to be false alarm and the safety cover was deemed OK.
Poor old Mark had to do it again for the third time and he must be thinking what do I have to do to win this thing. So in came the safety car and off went Mark again with the rest line astern with no problems.
The safety cars of course reduce the problem of the leaders having to overtake the back markers which at Monaco can always cause problems for the faster cars. The top ten were covered by only nine seconds with 30 laps to go which shows how close the front runners are.
One of the features of Monaco is the speed the rubber goes down on the circuit and coupled with burning off the fuel the speeds get quicker as the times are now in the 1.16's. Fernando has had the tyres on his Ferrari since in effect lap one and yet they are still performing well albeit they will not be as good as those who have changed tyres and he is dropping away from Lewis.
Michael is driving a steady race in seventh but just can't get near enough to Fernando to make a pass. Nico (R) is dropping back from Michael and now some 2.5 seconds behind on lap 57. The last couple of races have seen Michael jump ahead of Nico for the first time this season and one wonders whether Michael is getting back to form.
Mark is driving supremely as he has done all weekend seeming to bas one with the Red Bull. Out in front he is now in the 1.15's and his drive around the Monaco streets is not matched by the rest. Robert is keeping Sebastian honest but the top 6 are spread evenly and not really fighting each other.
On lap 61 they started to come into the back markers and one hopes they all get through without incident. Sebastian and Robert got a little held up which put Robert nearer to Sebastian but enabling Mark to leap to six seconds ahead at the front on lap 64. Lewis has dropped a long way behind Felipe which we can only assume is caused by traffic.
Mark has now started to protect his car with ten to go but Sebastian has Robert pushing him so the gap came down slightly but all under control really. The tyres are all holding up well and there won't be any stops now being so close to the end.
Then Karun and Jarno had a big accident as Jarno tried to go inside Karun into La Rascasse, the wheels locked and over the top of Karun went Jarno. That brought the safety car out again in the safe hands of Bert Mylander for the fourth time and the race was destined to finish under the safety car and so it was to be.
However, you can always rely on Michael to be involved in Monaco controversy and particularly at La Rascasse, and in 2010 he didn't disappoint. I must explain the rule behind the safety car is different this year as once it leaves the circuit the drivers go across a line after which they can pass, they do not have to wait until crossing the finishing line.
They started the last lap and as the safety car peeled off into the pits after La Rascasse, Michael stuffed his Mercedes alongside Fernando and took sixth away from him going into Anthony Noades. Not often that the safety car can cause so much excitement and trust Michael to be aware of every trick in the book albeit a great move.
So after the final bit of excitement the race finished and Mark took the chequered flag followed by Sebastian (another 1,2 for Red Bull), Robert, Felipe, Lewis, Michael, Fernando, Nico, Adrian and Vitantonio making the top 10. There were nine retirements through the race including Karun and Jarno who completed seventy laps and there were only 12 cars running at the flag.
Mark's prize was to be presented with his trophy by Prince Albert in a somewhat different ceremony to the usual podium and as we left Monaco the championship has taken a new turn with a Red Bull one, two.
Mark & Sebastian leave with 78 points and take over the championship lead followed by Fernando (73), Jenson (70), Felipe & Robert (59), Lewis (57), Nico (54), Michael (22), Adrian (18), Vitantonio (9), Vitaly & Rubens (7), Jaime (2) and finally Nico H (1).
In the team championship Red Bull take over the lead with 156 points followed by Ferrari (132), Mclaren (127), Mercedes (76), Renault (66), Force India (27), Williams (8) and Toro Rosso (2).
After the thrills, spills and spectacle of Monaco the circus moves to Turkey for the next race 30th June and the question has to be asked who is going to stunt Red Bull's charge. They certainly have the quickest car even though not the most reliable. The stunning pace of Mark in qualifying and his pace in the race suggests someone has to do something special.
I look forward to talking to you again in Turkey.
Martin took us around Mark Webber's pole lap which not only confirmed how great a lap it was but what a lap around Monaco is about. The bumps, barriers and turns of Monaco are around normal roads and we all know what "normal roads" are in the UK.
The talk is now over and it's time to race with a track temperature of 40 and air temperature of 22. As many of the drivers live in Monaco for them it is like a home grand prix which gives them added incentive.
The sound of the cars going around the principality onto the grid is deafening on TV but when you are there ear plugs are an absolute must. As usual the narrow Monaco grid is packed with team mechanics, paparazzi, reporters and many celebrities as the Monaco grid is the place to be seen.
The tyre covers come off as the teams move back to the pit lane as all the cars move off for the siting lap except Fernando who is starting from the pit lane after his appointment with the barrier wrecking his chassis before qualifying.
As the flag dropped 20,000 hp launched into the first corner as Sebastian (V) launched past Robert into Saint Devote making it a Red Bull one, two. All went well until the dreaded tunnel and Nico (H) hit the wall coming out of it making a mess of his car and bringing out the safety car. During the safety car period some of the cars on the soft tyres (they have to use both tyre compounds through the race) including Fernando changed to the prime tyres.
Then out of the blue Jenson stopped with what appeared to be a cooked engine and the second retirement on only lap one. It appeared a bung was left in one of the engine intakes going to the grid cooking the engine. All the rest followed the unbelievable Mercedes safety car whilst the debris from Nico's Williams was cleared out of the way.
Keeping all the temperatures under control is very difficult for the drivers and they would all be relieved when the safety car came in on lap six and back to racing. Mark launched his self away followed by Sebastian, Robert, Felipe and Lewis and then a small gap back to Rubens who was struggling on the first lap after the safety car.
It was exciting watching the mighty Fernando trying to get past Lucas and after a lot of gesticulating he passed him into the chicane after the tunnel and then quickly disposed of Jarno. The top five, with Mark moving away from the next four were leaving the rest behind but the interest will come if the tyres start to grain.
The cars in front of Fernando were getting a whole bag of TV coverage as the cameras were watching his surge from the back of the field and it was a feature of the early stage of the race. Mark seems to have Monaco under control and he was lapping in the mid 1.17's at a meteoric rate and on lap 17 he was some 5 seconds ahead of Sebastian.
Lewis was the first of the top runners to change to the prime tyres and he came out in front of Fernando and behind Jaime and this will be interesting to watch accepting Fernando has already changed his tyres. Then came a host of tyre stops on lap eighteen for all of the top teams and race on as we wait for the positions to settle down.
So after the tyre stops the positions were Mark, Sebastian, Robert, Felipe, Lewis and Fernando but after Nico's tyre stop it dropped him behind Michael into eighth. Rubens finished up with two wheels on my wagon as he hit the wall in Massenet with what looked like a mechanical failure to bring out the safety car for the second time.
All Mark's good work out in front was negated and he has now to be do it all over again as the team bunches up behind the Mercedes safety car. What seemed a quite rapid removal of Rubens' Lotus Mark was biting at the bit behind the safety car and Mark launched again at the front and he looks remarkably under control and in the groove.
Lewis seems to have stalled Fernando's meteoric move through the field but still not really putting pressure on Felipe in front of him. Nico was falling away from Michael in the hands of the Force India's whilst up at the front Mark was now already 2.5 seconds ahead of Sebastian after only three laps after the safety car withdrawal on lap forty one.
Mclaren are asking Lewis to be patient and look after his car and he received the information with comments better not repeated. Then out came the safety car for the third time as it was announced a drain cover had come loose and that of course is extremely dangerous and a most unusual occurrence. It appeared to be false alarm and the safety cover was deemed OK.
Poor old Mark had to do it again for the third time and he must be thinking what do I have to do to win this thing. So in came the safety car and off went Mark again with the rest line astern with no problems.
The safety cars of course reduce the problem of the leaders having to overtake the back markers which at Monaco can always cause problems for the faster cars. The top ten were covered by only nine seconds with 30 laps to go which shows how close the front runners are.
One of the features of Monaco is the speed the rubber goes down on the circuit and coupled with burning off the fuel the speeds get quicker as the times are now in the 1.16's. Fernando has had the tyres on his Ferrari since in effect lap one and yet they are still performing well albeit they will not be as good as those who have changed tyres and he is dropping away from Lewis.
Michael is driving a steady race in seventh but just can't get near enough to Fernando to make a pass. Nico (R) is dropping back from Michael and now some 2.5 seconds behind on lap 57. The last couple of races have seen Michael jump ahead of Nico for the first time this season and one wonders whether Michael is getting back to form.
Mark is driving supremely as he has done all weekend seeming to bas one with the Red Bull. Out in front he is now in the 1.15's and his drive around the Monaco streets is not matched by the rest. Robert is keeping Sebastian honest but the top 6 are spread evenly and not really fighting each other.
On lap 61 they started to come into the back markers and one hopes they all get through without incident. Sebastian and Robert got a little held up which put Robert nearer to Sebastian but enabling Mark to leap to six seconds ahead at the front on lap 64. Lewis has dropped a long way behind Felipe which we can only assume is caused by traffic.
Mark has now started to protect his car with ten to go but Sebastian has Robert pushing him so the gap came down slightly but all under control really. The tyres are all holding up well and there won't be any stops now being so close to the end.
Then Karun and Jarno had a big accident as Jarno tried to go inside Karun into La Rascasse, the wheels locked and over the top of Karun went Jarno. That brought the safety car out again in the safe hands of Bert Mylander for the fourth time and the race was destined to finish under the safety car and so it was to be.
However, you can always rely on Michael to be involved in Monaco controversy and particularly at La Rascasse, and in 2010 he didn't disappoint. I must explain the rule behind the safety car is different this year as once it leaves the circuit the drivers go across a line after which they can pass, they do not have to wait until crossing the finishing line.
They started the last lap and as the safety car peeled off into the pits after La Rascasse, Michael stuffed his Mercedes alongside Fernando and took sixth away from him going into Anthony Noades. Not often that the safety car can cause so much excitement and trust Michael to be aware of every trick in the book albeit a great move.
So after the final bit of excitement the race finished and Mark took the chequered flag followed by Sebastian (another 1,2 for Red Bull), Robert, Felipe, Lewis, Michael, Fernando, Nico, Adrian and Vitantonio making the top 10. There were nine retirements through the race including Karun and Jarno who completed seventy laps and there were only 12 cars running at the flag.
Mark's prize was to be presented with his trophy by Prince Albert in a somewhat different ceremony to the usual podium and as we left Monaco the championship has taken a new turn with a Red Bull one, two.
Mark & Sebastian leave with 78 points and take over the championship lead followed by Fernando (73), Jenson (70), Felipe & Robert (59), Lewis (57), Nico (54), Michael (22), Adrian (18), Vitantonio (9), Vitaly & Rubens (7), Jaime (2) and finally Nico H (1).
In the team championship Red Bull take over the lead with 156 points followed by Ferrari (132), Mclaren (127), Mercedes (76), Renault (66), Force India (27), Williams (8) and Toro Rosso (2).
After the thrills, spills and spectacle of Monaco the circus moves to Turkey for the next race 30th June and the question has to be asked who is going to stunt Red Bull's charge. They certainly have the quickest car even though not the most reliable. The stunning pace of Mark in qualifying and his pace in the race suggests someone has to do something special.
I look forward to talking to you again in Turkey.
Saturday, 15 May 2010
F1 Quali Monaco
Welcome to Monaco as the F1 circus arrives bringing along with it all the glitz at what is the jewel in the F1 crown. Without doubt this will be the most difficult quali of the season with 24 cars hurtling around this iconic street circuit. The feeling is the slower cars will cause some major scalps by blocking the quicker cars during quali 1.
It was wonderful seeing in the build up that Sir Stirling is getting better after his frightening fall down his own lift shaft breaking both his feet.
The breaking news is that Fernando will not be taking part in quali after a crash during warm up this morning. He hit the armco very hard which resulted in cracking the chassis and they are having to rebuild a new car in the pits with a new chassis and he will then start from the pit lane.
With reference to the problems anticipated by the slower cars Eddie Jordan made comment that it was a team issue. The new teams have not yet brought themselves forward and the gap is quite large and hence the problem. The drivers of the slower cars made it quite clear they will not block the quicker cars but they have their quali to run and hence if on a quick lap won't move over!
It was nice to see DC back from DTM to make up the usual commentary team and his run around Silverstone in the 2 seater didn't do Jake any good as he found it an amazing experience, albeit very scary.
It was interesting listening to comments about the new regime of having a previous drivers input into the steward's role during grand prix weekends. Damon and Johnny [Herbert] commented it is a vital role and the stewards found his input invaluable. Jean Todt made his appearance for the quali and it is nice to see him back in the pit lane.
So the unique challenge of quali at Monaco started at 1300 UK time with anticipation of a great 60 minutes to come. So it's over to Martin Brundle and Jonathan Ledgard for the session with only 23 cars, air temperature of 19, track temperature of 28 and it is at least sunny.
The first car out was Karun logging a 1.23.478, some seven seconds off the pace, as the excitement builds winding through the streets of Monaco. Lewis slotted into P1 first of the big hitters but soon lost that to Felipe. Then the first to break the 1.15 barrier was Sebastian but the times are really irrelevant at this point albeit then came the 1.14's.
Michael seems to be happier with his car and is now matching Nico in his Mercedes. As Fernando is not running there will only be 6 cars dropping out in Q1 and those appear to be the usual cars half way through Q1.
All predictions were correct as we lost Heikki, Jarno, Timo, Lucas, Bruno and Karun and the first anticipated problem for the quicker teams was really a non event. The only real problem we saw on circuit was for Robert coming up to a traffic jam coming out of the tunnel. Sadly we lost both Lotus's in Q1 and Heikki had a couple of spins which didn't do his laps any good.
Most of the cars were out straight away in Q2 with Mark leading the field as they all fight to be in the top ten as we lose another seven cars into Q3. Robert held P1 for quite a while with a 1.14.6 and as Martin commented that is quite handy. Times are so tight covering the top teams confirm there is no room for error around the principality.
Neither of the Mclarens were topping the timing screens with only six minutes to go with Jenson struggling to keep his place in the top ten. Nico looks good at the top of the screen with both Red Bulls in second and third and they sat in the pits with three minutes to go.
Vitaly was the first during quali to stuff it into the barrier which then caused problems for the others going through the Yellow flag zone at the end of the start finish straight. Jenson lifted his self to P8 to make it into Q3 with Lewis in P6.
No real unexpected scalps in Q2 as we lost Nico (H), Adrian, Sebastian (B), Vitaly, Pedro, Kamui and Jaime. Nico topped the timing screens in Q2 and then sat it out in the pits ready for Q3.
The shoot out for pole started with only ten minutes to go and Eddie Jordan suggests Robert would be a romantic pole sitter. Rubens once again is in the top ten but it is so very close amongst the ten running in Q3.
The first to post a time was Vitantonio in his Force India followed by Robert slotting into P1 with a great 1.14.2 which is flying around here and the fastest of the weekend so far. Lewis is a full second behind with a 1.15.3 but then he slotted into P2 but Jenson didn't seem happy. Mark then slotted in an incredible 1.14.1 with Robert, Lewis and Felipe trying everything they can to match it.
So Eddie wasn't far wrong and Robert was only just beaten by Mark, the only one in the 1.13's. So a very interesting grid with Mark in P1, followed by Robert, Sebastian, Felipe, Lewis, Nico, Michael, Jenson, Rubens and in tenth Vitantonio.
So six poles out of six starts is impressive by Red Bull and congratulations to Mark. We have an interesting race in prospect with some great drivers at the front and Fernando coming from the back as Michael had to some years ago after his "stop" in La Rascass.
Well done to all the teams for keeping out of trouble and the session went really without any problems apart from Vitaly who did it himself. Tomorrow will be a great affair and we all hope they can have a good race without serious incidents around this most iconic street circuit.
It was wonderful seeing in the build up that Sir Stirling is getting better after his frightening fall down his own lift shaft breaking both his feet.
The breaking news is that Fernando will not be taking part in quali after a crash during warm up this morning. He hit the armco very hard which resulted in cracking the chassis and they are having to rebuild a new car in the pits with a new chassis and he will then start from the pit lane.
With reference to the problems anticipated by the slower cars Eddie Jordan made comment that it was a team issue. The new teams have not yet brought themselves forward and the gap is quite large and hence the problem. The drivers of the slower cars made it quite clear they will not block the quicker cars but they have their quali to run and hence if on a quick lap won't move over!
It was nice to see DC back from DTM to make up the usual commentary team and his run around Silverstone in the 2 seater didn't do Jake any good as he found it an amazing experience, albeit very scary.
It was interesting listening to comments about the new regime of having a previous drivers input into the steward's role during grand prix weekends. Damon and Johnny [Herbert] commented it is a vital role and the stewards found his input invaluable. Jean Todt made his appearance for the quali and it is nice to see him back in the pit lane.
So the unique challenge of quali at Monaco started at 1300 UK time with anticipation of a great 60 minutes to come. So it's over to Martin Brundle and Jonathan Ledgard for the session with only 23 cars, air temperature of 19, track temperature of 28 and it is at least sunny.
The first car out was Karun logging a 1.23.478, some seven seconds off the pace, as the excitement builds winding through the streets of Monaco. Lewis slotted into P1 first of the big hitters but soon lost that to Felipe. Then the first to break the 1.15 barrier was Sebastian but the times are really irrelevant at this point albeit then came the 1.14's.
Michael seems to be happier with his car and is now matching Nico in his Mercedes. As Fernando is not running there will only be 6 cars dropping out in Q1 and those appear to be the usual cars half way through Q1.
All predictions were correct as we lost Heikki, Jarno, Timo, Lucas, Bruno and Karun and the first anticipated problem for the quicker teams was really a non event. The only real problem we saw on circuit was for Robert coming up to a traffic jam coming out of the tunnel. Sadly we lost both Lotus's in Q1 and Heikki had a couple of spins which didn't do his laps any good.
Most of the cars were out straight away in Q2 with Mark leading the field as they all fight to be in the top ten as we lose another seven cars into Q3. Robert held P1 for quite a while with a 1.14.6 and as Martin commented that is quite handy. Times are so tight covering the top teams confirm there is no room for error around the principality.
Neither of the Mclarens were topping the timing screens with only six minutes to go with Jenson struggling to keep his place in the top ten. Nico looks good at the top of the screen with both Red Bulls in second and third and they sat in the pits with three minutes to go.
Vitaly was the first during quali to stuff it into the barrier which then caused problems for the others going through the Yellow flag zone at the end of the start finish straight. Jenson lifted his self to P8 to make it into Q3 with Lewis in P6.
No real unexpected scalps in Q2 as we lost Nico (H), Adrian, Sebastian (B), Vitaly, Pedro, Kamui and Jaime. Nico topped the timing screens in Q2 and then sat it out in the pits ready for Q3.
The shoot out for pole started with only ten minutes to go and Eddie Jordan suggests Robert would be a romantic pole sitter. Rubens once again is in the top ten but it is so very close amongst the ten running in Q3.
The first to post a time was Vitantonio in his Force India followed by Robert slotting into P1 with a great 1.14.2 which is flying around here and the fastest of the weekend so far. Lewis is a full second behind with a 1.15.3 but then he slotted into P2 but Jenson didn't seem happy. Mark then slotted in an incredible 1.14.1 with Robert, Lewis and Felipe trying everything they can to match it.
So Eddie wasn't far wrong and Robert was only just beaten by Mark, the only one in the 1.13's. So a very interesting grid with Mark in P1, followed by Robert, Sebastian, Felipe, Lewis, Nico, Michael, Jenson, Rubens and in tenth Vitantonio.
So six poles out of six starts is impressive by Red Bull and congratulations to Mark. We have an interesting race in prospect with some great drivers at the front and Fernando coming from the back as Michael had to some years ago after his "stop" in La Rascass.
Well done to all the teams for keeping out of trouble and the session went really without any problems apart from Vitaly who did it himself. Tomorrow will be a great affair and we all hope they can have a good race without serious incidents around this most iconic street circuit.
Sunday, 9 May 2010
F1 Race Barcelona
After the thrills and spills of qualifying now it is time to go racing in Catalunya. With the usual protagonists up front can they create a less boring race than we normally have in Barcelona.
One wonders whether the home grand prix scenario can help Fernando at home, can Michael move forward and beat Nico, can Lewis retain his race position ahead of Jenson this time and what about Mark keeping ahead of Sebastian, a lot questions to be answered in the first European Grand Prix of the season.
Martin did his usual excellent grid walk and also as usual upset Tanya from Sky Deutsland by butting in to talk to Nico Rosberg. The weather is at least dry for the start albeit it was mentioned there could be rain sometime during the race. There is a head wind down to the first corner so it could be interesting. It was also great to see Ron Dennis in the pits for a change.
At the start the track temp was 34 and most cars, if not all started on the Green walled tyres as they have to use their final tyres in qualifying at the start. We lost Heikki from the grid with a gearbox full of neutrals and had to be pushed into the pit lane. The grid launched from the start and the only real loser was Nico Rosberg dropping down to 12th.
In grid order they went with Mark keeping ahead of Sebastian then Lewis, Fernando, Jenson and Michael. We really needed a car between the two Red Bull's into turn one to create a fight at and Lewis was nearly there but pulled out into turn two for safety. A little excitement at the back end as Jamie had a fabulous start and launched himself into ninth.
After lap ten the first five were getting well spread apart and our worst fears of a procession were going to be realised. The two Red Bull's were really in a class of their own with Mark doing fastest lap after fastest lap and at this stage and even Lewis's best efforts couldn't close down Sebastian. The only real question is how much fuel do the cars have and could that make a difference.
The first round of pit stops came and went with some notable changes: Lewis passed Sebastian in a heart stopping moment into turn one passing one of the Virgin cars, Jenson lost out to Michael and Nico had a wheel nut problem and had to be pulled back into this slot dropping him to seventeenth.
A good scrap after the pit stops between Michael and Jenson with Michael's experience allowing him to keep Jenson at bay but for how long. Lewis as usual is driving his usual aggressive stance and keeping Mark at bay whilst moving away from Sebastian.
The first four were still spread out at half distance but the gap between Mark and Lewis was now 11.5 seconds. One a half seconds between Lewis and Sebastian was constant as was the same between Sebsatian and Fernando. Michael still managed to keep Jenson being him even after every spirited effort by Jenson to get by and Felipe was still running close to them both.
Vitaly and Kamui were also locked in battle whilst Jamie was given a drive through for, in effect driving over the front of Karun sending him to the pits for a new nose cone. Mark was still hanging it out at the front and even on worn tyres lapping now in the 1.25's.
It did seem strange watching the two Formula 2 drivers, Nico (R) fighting with Nico (H) for fifteen and sixteenth and Mclaren must be very dissatisfied with the weekend as they are not making inroads into the top teams albeit Michael is fifth but some two seconds slower than the top teams.
Sebastian (V) then came into the pits with what appeared to be a loose right front wheel and obviously that dropped him some 16 seconds behind Fernando and even with new tyres he is likely to stop there. Red Bull then played safe again and have cleared the pit garage ready if Sebastian has to retire. Once again the Red Bull - Vettel jinx plays its hand.
Then came the message from Sebastian's pit crew "beware you are about to lose your brakes" which I am sure is not what Sebastian wanted to hear! Lewis then speeded up in case Mark suffer with the same problem. I can only assume the problem with the brakes is a worn and thinning brake disc and Mark had that problem in a previous race.
I recently had that on my Touareg and it is quite scary, whilst my 3 litre Tdi Touareg has steel discs the Red Bull's certainly don't as they use carbon brakes. Once a brake disc gets thin it starts to get very warm and bends very easily, the result of which can be disastrous if it explodes.
Then a very sad moment for Lewis as he had a puncture on the final lap which shot him off into the gravel trap and he lost his nearside front suspension. That moved Fernando into second place on his home territory which will please the fans and Sebastian into third after all the problems with brakes in the latter stages. Jaime also drove brilliantly finishing in the points at his home grand prix.
So, a different result to what we thought. Mark took the flag with a little weave across the circuit and he must be very pleased. I have had a lot of comments about it being a boring race but I disagree which only confirms we all look for different things.
Leaving Barcelona the drivers championship looks like this: Jenson (70), Fernando (67), Mark (60), Nico (53), Lewis and Felipe (49), Robert (44), Michael (22), Adrian (16), Vitantonio (8), Vitaly and Rubens (7), Jamie (2) and last but not least Nico H (1).
In the constructors championship the points are as follows: Mclaren (119), Ferrari (116), Red Bull (113), Mercedes (72), Renault (51), Force India (24), Williams (8) and again last but not least Toro Rosso (2).
After a late change in places it is now off to the bright lights and glitz of Monaco next Sunday, a race that always brings surprises.
One wonders whether the home grand prix scenario can help Fernando at home, can Michael move forward and beat Nico, can Lewis retain his race position ahead of Jenson this time and what about Mark keeping ahead of Sebastian, a lot questions to be answered in the first European Grand Prix of the season.
Martin did his usual excellent grid walk and also as usual upset Tanya from Sky Deutsland by butting in to talk to Nico Rosberg. The weather is at least dry for the start albeit it was mentioned there could be rain sometime during the race. There is a head wind down to the first corner so it could be interesting. It was also great to see Ron Dennis in the pits for a change.
At the start the track temp was 34 and most cars, if not all started on the Green walled tyres as they have to use their final tyres in qualifying at the start. We lost Heikki from the grid with a gearbox full of neutrals and had to be pushed into the pit lane. The grid launched from the start and the only real loser was Nico Rosberg dropping down to 12th.
In grid order they went with Mark keeping ahead of Sebastian then Lewis, Fernando, Jenson and Michael. We really needed a car between the two Red Bull's into turn one to create a fight at and Lewis was nearly there but pulled out into turn two for safety. A little excitement at the back end as Jamie had a fabulous start and launched himself into ninth.
After lap ten the first five were getting well spread apart and our worst fears of a procession were going to be realised. The two Red Bull's were really in a class of their own with Mark doing fastest lap after fastest lap and at this stage and even Lewis's best efforts couldn't close down Sebastian. The only real question is how much fuel do the cars have and could that make a difference.
The first round of pit stops came and went with some notable changes: Lewis passed Sebastian in a heart stopping moment into turn one passing one of the Virgin cars, Jenson lost out to Michael and Nico had a wheel nut problem and had to be pulled back into this slot dropping him to seventeenth.
A good scrap after the pit stops between Michael and Jenson with Michael's experience allowing him to keep Jenson at bay but for how long. Lewis as usual is driving his usual aggressive stance and keeping Mark at bay whilst moving away from Sebastian.
The first four were still spread out at half distance but the gap between Mark and Lewis was now 11.5 seconds. One a half seconds between Lewis and Sebastian was constant as was the same between Sebsatian and Fernando. Michael still managed to keep Jenson being him even after every spirited effort by Jenson to get by and Felipe was still running close to them both.
Vitaly and Kamui were also locked in battle whilst Jamie was given a drive through for, in effect driving over the front of Karun sending him to the pits for a new nose cone. Mark was still hanging it out at the front and even on worn tyres lapping now in the 1.25's.
It did seem strange watching the two Formula 2 drivers, Nico (R) fighting with Nico (H) for fifteen and sixteenth and Mclaren must be very dissatisfied with the weekend as they are not making inroads into the top teams albeit Michael is fifth but some two seconds slower than the top teams.
Sebastian (V) then came into the pits with what appeared to be a loose right front wheel and obviously that dropped him some 16 seconds behind Fernando and even with new tyres he is likely to stop there. Red Bull then played safe again and have cleared the pit garage ready if Sebastian has to retire. Once again the Red Bull - Vettel jinx plays its hand.
Then came the message from Sebastian's pit crew "beware you are about to lose your brakes" which I am sure is not what Sebastian wanted to hear! Lewis then speeded up in case Mark suffer with the same problem. I can only assume the problem with the brakes is a worn and thinning brake disc and Mark had that problem in a previous race.
I recently had that on my Touareg and it is quite scary, whilst my 3 litre Tdi Touareg has steel discs the Red Bull's certainly don't as they use carbon brakes. Once a brake disc gets thin it starts to get very warm and bends very easily, the result of which can be disastrous if it explodes.
Then a very sad moment for Lewis as he had a puncture on the final lap which shot him off into the gravel trap and he lost his nearside front suspension. That moved Fernando into second place on his home territory which will please the fans and Sebastian into third after all the problems with brakes in the latter stages. Jaime also drove brilliantly finishing in the points at his home grand prix.
So, a different result to what we thought. Mark took the flag with a little weave across the circuit and he must be very pleased. I have had a lot of comments about it being a boring race but I disagree which only confirms we all look for different things.
Leaving Barcelona the drivers championship looks like this: Jenson (70), Fernando (67), Mark (60), Nico (53), Lewis and Felipe (49), Robert (44), Michael (22), Adrian (16), Vitantonio (8), Vitaly and Rubens (7), Jamie (2) and last but not least Nico H (1).
In the constructors championship the points are as follows: Mclaren (119), Ferrari (116), Red Bull (113), Mercedes (72), Renault (51), Force India (24), Williams (8) and again last but not least Toro Rosso (2).
After a late change in places it is now off to the bright lights and glitz of Monaco next Sunday, a race that always brings surprises.
Saturday, 8 May 2010
F1 Quali Barcelona
Now we are back in Europe in Catalunya and it is nice to see the hospitality suites and trucks back in the paddock. Most of the teams come here with plenty of upgrades but Red Bull still appear to have the edge in qualifying. Whilst both Lewis and Jenson were top of the field in testing on Thursday, as is usual this season Red Bull showed the field with Sebastian and Mark heading the field on Friday.
Michael looks happier with the car and let us hope he can get up up with Nico. Mclaren made a mess of the set up for Friday but they both seemed happier with the set up in readiness for quali. Lotus are more confident with the car and Heikki suggests there maybe a second a lap improvement in the car.
So off we go into Q1 and the first to put in a time was Heikki in a 1.26.048 but in testing yesterday Sebastian was running in the late 1.19's. Massa was next along flying compared with the Lotus and he slots in a banker 1.23 as Fernando then moved into P1. The times will come down as the track rubbers in and the hard tyres bed in.
Then we had both Mclarens leading the field but locked in battle with the Red Bull's with the Ferrari's loitering. So after Q1 we lost Rubens, Jarno, Heikki, Timo, Karun, Lucas and Bruno. Williams were disappointing as Rubens lost out and both Lotus cars were out which is a shame.
Q2 is going to be very interesting as the times in the mid field are so close. Very interesting development on the Ferrari as Fernando is having to use only one hand whilst adjusting the F duct trying to copy the Mclaren development as well as adjusting the brake balance using no hands at times.
As we move into Q2 Red Bull seem to have it in the bag as early in the run they were one and two. Mclaren are ever closer, this is going to be very close. Lewis seems to have the edge on Jenson as Mark appears to have the same on Sebastian but we know how that can change. Michael then came up into third and is he coming to be as one with the car whilst Nico is back in ninth which is a change in the team positions in the season so far.
After all the comings and goings in Q2 we lost Adrian, Pedro, Nico (H), Vitaly, Sebastian (B), Jamie and Vitantonio. Disappointment for both Force India's as they have been so competitive in the previous races this season. Q2 remained tight at the top but both Red Bull's still have the edge but Lewis is hovering.
Here we go into the pole shoot out and this will be even tighter looking at the times so far. Again we had an issue in the pit lane as Fernando was released into the pit lane in front of Nico and a near accident was only just avoided. It does make it difficult for the drivers with peripheral vision as the sides of the modern F1 car are so high but that is why they rely heavily on the pit crew in the pit lane particularly.
Both Red Bull's then laid down the gauntlet with mark followed by Sebastian but both 1 second quicker than Lewis followed by Jenson and Michael but Nico down in tenth. So all the cars went into the pits to add some fuel but only just enough to complete the run.
With all the cars now on the Green walled tyres and the times are tumbling. Then Mark put the rest in the shade with the first into the 1.19's. What a furious last 10 minutes and Mark was just over a tenth ahead.
So the final grid looks like this: Mark, Sebastian, Lewis, Fernando, Jenson, Michael, Robert, Nico, Felipe and Kamui. So Michael heads Nico for the first time this season, Lewis heads Jenson and Fernando heads Felipe. All this suggests we should have a great grand prix with 4 world champions in the top 6.
Now things will be hectic in the pits evaluating all the data and let us hope we have a good Spanish GP.
Michael looks happier with the car and let us hope he can get up up with Nico. Mclaren made a mess of the set up for Friday but they both seemed happier with the set up in readiness for quali. Lotus are more confident with the car and Heikki suggests there maybe a second a lap improvement in the car.
So off we go into Q1 and the first to put in a time was Heikki in a 1.26.048 but in testing yesterday Sebastian was running in the late 1.19's. Massa was next along flying compared with the Lotus and he slots in a banker 1.23 as Fernando then moved into P1. The times will come down as the track rubbers in and the hard tyres bed in.
Then we had both Mclarens leading the field but locked in battle with the Red Bull's with the Ferrari's loitering. So after Q1 we lost Rubens, Jarno, Heikki, Timo, Karun, Lucas and Bruno. Williams were disappointing as Rubens lost out and both Lotus cars were out which is a shame.
Q2 is going to be very interesting as the times in the mid field are so close. Very interesting development on the Ferrari as Fernando is having to use only one hand whilst adjusting the F duct trying to copy the Mclaren development as well as adjusting the brake balance using no hands at times.
As we move into Q2 Red Bull seem to have it in the bag as early in the run they were one and two. Mclaren are ever closer, this is going to be very close. Lewis seems to have the edge on Jenson as Mark appears to have the same on Sebastian but we know how that can change. Michael then came up into third and is he coming to be as one with the car whilst Nico is back in ninth which is a change in the team positions in the season so far.
After all the comings and goings in Q2 we lost Adrian, Pedro, Nico (H), Vitaly, Sebastian (B), Jamie and Vitantonio. Disappointment for both Force India's as they have been so competitive in the previous races this season. Q2 remained tight at the top but both Red Bull's still have the edge but Lewis is hovering.
Here we go into the pole shoot out and this will be even tighter looking at the times so far. Again we had an issue in the pit lane as Fernando was released into the pit lane in front of Nico and a near accident was only just avoided. It does make it difficult for the drivers with peripheral vision as the sides of the modern F1 car are so high but that is why they rely heavily on the pit crew in the pit lane particularly.
Both Red Bull's then laid down the gauntlet with mark followed by Sebastian but both 1 second quicker than Lewis followed by Jenson and Michael but Nico down in tenth. So all the cars went into the pits to add some fuel but only just enough to complete the run.
With all the cars now on the Green walled tyres and the times are tumbling. Then Mark put the rest in the shade with the first into the 1.19's. What a furious last 10 minutes and Mark was just over a tenth ahead.
So the final grid looks like this: Mark, Sebastian, Lewis, Fernando, Jenson, Michael, Robert, Nico, Felipe and Kamui. So Michael heads Nico for the first time this season, Lewis heads Jenson and Fernando heads Felipe. All this suggests we should have a great grand prix with 4 world champions in the top 6.
Now things will be hectic in the pits evaluating all the data and let us hope we have a good Spanish GP.
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