iSport's F1 Pitstop: Renault fan and iSporter Gunjan Shah writes about the Renault F1 team's performances so far and how he thinks they've got the perfect mix of drivers in Robert Kubica and Vitaly Petrov.
What a post-race week it has been. With teams struggling to get back to their respective team-bases and air travel coming to a standstill in Europe; questions are being asked if all the teams will be able to have the planned updates on their cars in time for the opening round of the European leg in Barcelona.
There has already been a casualty announced; the Virgin Management has confirmed that at least one of their drivers will have to run with the smaller fuel tank that they currently have, as the cars will not arrive in time for the modification to be done.
The all-new Renault F1 team, though, have much reason to celebrate. After having a disastrous 2009 season, where even Fernando Alonso’s magic was not enough to breathe life into the R29, Renault finds itself sitting pretty in third spot in the Constructors championship. Their 73 points compared to fourth place Mercedes’ 60 are thanks to some great strategic calls coupled with some great driving by Robert Kubica and rookie Vitaly Petrov.
Indeed, Petrov has already raised some eyebrows in the paddock and has clearly been the pick of the rookies this season. His uncanny knack of making up places at the start is refreshing and reminds me of Alonso and Trulli in their Renaults in the days when traction-control was still in place. I think Petrov has picked up the ropes really quickly and has matured unusually quickly, given his complete inexperience in an F1 car.
Kubica, on the other hand, seems to be relishing his challenge at the Enstone-based squad so far. His cool, calm composure and his undoubtedly gifted talent are indeed Renault F1’s greatest asset at this point.
Given the aggressive development that Renault has promised through the season and the form of their drivers; and equally given Schumacher’s lackluster performances so far; I think Renault is going to make current champions Mercedes GP work really hard for that fourth place. It promises to be an exciting battle and one in which Force India could play an exciting part too.
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