F1 Update from the iSport F1 Pitstop: iSporter Gunjan Shah attempts to predict the outcome of the 2010 F1 World Championship.
The 2010 Korean Grand Prix, which was the unknown entity on the F1 2010 Calendar turned things once more on their head as far as the fight for the Drivers Championship is involved. The GP, which at one point two weeks ago didn’t even look like going ahead, instead turned out to be one which might well have played a decisive role in deciding this year’s title. And while it may have had its imperfections, it made for some really exciting racing; although the identity of the 2010 champion will most likely only be revealed as the chequered flag drops in Abu Dhabi.
The marathon race, which lasted all off 2 hours 48 minutes left some shaking heads ruing what-could-have-been while it left others with pumping fists and shouting out in glee. Saturday's Qualifying turned out to be another Red Bull affair as the two RB6s locked out the front row, for the like the millionth time this season. Suzuka victor Sebastian Vettel managed to squeeze out an extra hundredth out of his car to pip Championship leader and teammate Webber to the clean side of the grid, leaving Webber to think of ways to keep the uncomfortable and almost equally quick Ferrari of Fernando Alonso at bay.
However, while everyone was planning what to do come race-day, the weather gods had something else in mind. Come Sunday, we had heavy rainfalls lashing the remote Yeongam circuit. The race started behind the Safety Car, but was Red-flagged after only 4 laps as drivers complained about the un-drivable conditions. Race started again some 30 minutes later, again behind the safety car. The Red Bull’s were extremely happy, given the fact that they did not have to actually fight anyone at the start. Red Bull’s have not always had the most cleanest of starts this season and they must have been chuckling inside their helmets.
But they say, rain is a great leveler; while it gives with one hand it more than takes quickly from the other. Given the fact that Red Bull’s came home empty-handed yesterday as a result of Mark Webber’s costly mistake on only the 2nd racing lap of the day and an untimely demise of Vettel’s Renault engine, has the balance of power permanently shifted away from them? That will have to be answered by none other than the Red Bull team themselves. Will they choose to let both their drivers race until the very end or will they ultimately warm up to the prospects of putting all their eggs in one basket?
Going by the interviews streaming out from the RBR camps since the race tough, they still think both their drivers are in with a strong chance and that they will continue to let both their drivers race. Although it is mouth-watering prospect of seeing both of these battle it out on the trace, it might well end both their championship hopes in tears along the way. Both the drivers are under immense pressures, with both of them being in what is a reasonably new territory for them. They have never before been in such a serious fight for the championship and the cracks are beginning to show.
Vettel is understandably keen to be the youngest World Champion. On the other hand Webber wants the championship as badly for himself, realizing that this is probably his last shot at the title. Will this insecurity ultimately lead them to breaking point and force more mistakes and misfortune?
It didn’t only rain for Fernando Alonso on Sunday but it also poured for him. In what was looking to be a difficult afternoon for the Spaniard as far as his chances for the World championship were concerned, he could not have asked for more. Not only did he manage to come out on top and take maximum points from this race, his main rivals in the title race crashed out and came away without scoring anything. So while he might have left Suzuka a little on the back foot, playing second fiddle to the Red Bulls; he leaves Korea with a 11 point lead over erstwhile leader Mark Webber and a healthy 25 points margin over young Vettel. And while the F2010 didn’t maybe have the raw pace to out run the RB6, they had more than enough in the bag to keep the Bulls in check. And while it may seem to be only luck that worked for him, it actually was also his calm, composed and impeccable drive that helped him get to the end.
On a day when people were slipping, sliding and bumping into other cars all around the track, it seemed that the Ferrari F12010 was glued to the ground. The next track, Interlagos could well play into his hands; given his teammates’ excellent performances almost always at this circuit and the fact that Ferrari have openly announced that all the team (including Massa) are putting their support behind him. Could that just be the final push that sees him take top honours in 2010? Maybe, maybe not.
I am sure the fact that he’s long been on his 8th and final engine is not exactly helping him have sweet dreams. While Vettel’s blown engine could have given him the lead and 25 points, I am sure it also hit him what might be in store. If he blows an engine in Interlagos during the race, not only does he come off empty-handed, but also he almost-definitely will need a new engine for Abu Dhabi and a ten place grid penalty that comes with it. This could be the Tifosi’s moment of heart break.
McLaren had a mixed-day. While Hamilton ultimately came in second; Button languished in a lowly 12th. At this point, Hamilton is their only real hope for the driver’s laurels. While Button can still mathematically clinch it, he needs to win both races and hope none of the top 3 finish; a scenario highly unlikely. Hamilton has moved into third places but is some 21 points in arrears. Also, the pace of the McLarens wasn’t really something that will give the Red Bulls and Ferraris sleepless nights. Whatever they say, I don’t think the McLarens are going to see either driver come any closer to the Crown; unless Fernado’s engine blows up in Brazil and the Bulls decide to tangle themselves like they did in Turkey.
The F1 2010 season refuses to give us any chance of predicting the 2010 champion, almost looking like a well-scripted Steven Spielberg movie. The team rivalry at Red Bull, Ferrari’s 8th engine problems, Mark Webber’s under-pressure mistakes, Vettel’s car-gremlins and McLaren’s general lack of pace. Which of these will decide the fate of the 2010 title? Or will all of them play a role? No one knows.
But I think Fernando’s calmness in the wake of a title challenge might just be the key. Having won two titles already, he has already been there and done that. And he knows this is not his last chance to fight for the title. I think this difference in attitude holds the key. He had said some time ago that 5 podiums in the last 5 would be enough. We have already had 4 podiums, 3 of which have been race wins in the last 4 rounds. Will the last 2 be kind as well for the Oviedo native? Or will they give Australia a new champion? Or will it be Heppenheim that comes into global recognition? Or will we all be singing God Save the Queen at the very end? Stay tuned for this one hell of a ride as we keep you posted right through till the last lap at Abu Dhabi.
Check the Driver's Championship and Constructor's Championship tables.
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... Much to do about nothing? A lot has been said about Ferrari on their 8th engine, well all teams are on their 8th engine, and now will be using engines from earlier in the season with only one race mileage. Teams are not required to continue to use their 8th engine for the remaining last 2 races... |
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