Blog and Motor Racing CV

What a race! The longest Formula One Race for many years, delayed by heavy rain, provided the best last 10 laps that we have ever seen. Although you may question the over zealous, health and safety inspired periods behind the safety car, once the cars were allowed to race, they did not disappoint. Vettel dominated from the front until half way around the last lap, under massive pressure from Jensen Button, he cracked. Jensen had made six pit stops during the race, five to change tyres and one drive through penalty for excessive speed behind the pace car, but the conditions suited his style. There was a very narrow dry line as the track dried towards the end of the race which required precision, smooth driving and that is exactly how Jensen drives every lap. Mark Webber came through to third from the back of the field after being nudged into a spin on the first corner.

With a handful of laps to go, Vettel must have thought he had another win in the bag and was more or less coasting to victory. By the time he was informed of Button’s meteoric progress through the field it was too late. Button was on his tail and had pressurized him into a mistake. A great victory too for the McLaren Team who have been unlucky recently and have made great progress with their car since a lack lustre start to the season. Hamilton has become frustrated and impatient and it is good to see Button’s calm perseveration paying off. Good news for Ron Dennis too, McLaren Chairman and long time owner of the Team who was present to see the victory. Max Moseley must have been seething if he was watching.

Although Vettel has a commanding lead in the Championship, this victory for Button has moved him up to second place and injected some life into the chase for runner -up spot, although I doubt if any of the top six drivers are interested in that. I was pleased to see Schumacher have the opportunity to show some of his former brilliance in adverse conditions in a car which is clearly still not competitive.

Perhaps Bernie was not so wrong when he jokingly suggested having sprinklers alongside the track to liven up the proceedings. I am sure Jensen would vote for that. Next stop Valencia.

Drivers Championship