F1 Update from iSport’s F1 Pitstop: The current F1 grid is dominated by drivers of German nationality writes iSporter Gunjan Shah.
The German GP is the home race for practically 1/4th of the racing grid; which consists of 6 drivers. Sebastian Vettel, Nico Rosberg, Nico Hulkenberg, Adrian Sutil, Timo Glock and of course the legendary Michael Schumacher will all be wearing their hearts on their sleeves and will leave no holes unplugged come Sunday afternoon to please their home fans.
The weather, though, is likely to play a large role in the proceedings. We’ve had one of the coldest winters in a decade here and this month has been the hottest July in about a 100 years. In under three days, the temperatures have dropped from about 36 to 21; with rain being a major factor. This is exactly what the Germans call “Doner Wetter”.
If the iconic status of Michael Schumacher was ever in doubt, it no longer should be. The Hockenheimring yesterday saw its largest turnout here in the last few years. And while, the younger German talents in the form of Sebastian Vettel, Nico Rosberg and Co. could be a part of the reason; it is doubtless that Schumi is who they have really come to see. I have a likely feeling that the remainder of the season could well determine if the German fans will get to see Schumi next year around; and they aren’t willing to take a second chance. Just to understand the enormity of his fan-following; this is probably the equivalent of Indians lining up to see Sachin Tendulkar play his last innings.
F1 fever in Germany has however steadily declined in the last few years; especially since Michael Schumacher decided to hang up his boots, closely followed on the way out by younger brother Ralf. The emergence of younger German talents has, so far, not been entirely successful in recreating the magic that the Legend had. However, the exploits of Sebastian Vettel, regarded by many Germans as the next Schumacher, is gaining interest. Everytime you talk about a race now, you’ll have someone quietly question: “And Vettel, where did he place?”
I think this German GP represents a change of order; where the Legend, the Champion in some sorts hands over the torch to his younger chagrins. Most of this younger breed of German drivers had never before rubbed shoulders with Michael. I think, Nico Rosberg in particular is benefitting from having his older compatriot as a team mate. The change in pecking order was ever clearer as, at the end of Q2 yesterday, Nico Rosberg and later Nico Hulkenberg both pushed Michael out from P9 to P11 and out of Q3.
Be as it may; MS seems to be enjoying the racing and is more at peace with himself than I have ever seen him. He might not be able to go on and get that elusive 8th World Title; but in no ways is he letting anyone push him over. In all likelihood, this will be his worst ever performance at the Hockenheimring; but then how many drivers today can boast of coming back after a 3 year gap and being even remotely as competitive as Schumacher is? And with chances of rain, however little, we could well see the “Regenmeister” pull something special out of his bag. Lass uns sehen! (Let’s wait and watch).
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... What total rubbish. The German drivers are from from sizzling, all but one were lapped. Do you actually watch F1? |
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