As the debut Korean GP unfolded… (Part 1)
Another very exciting and thrilling round of the 2010 Formula One season unwounded in a very glorious manner last Sunday. The first ever Korean Grand Prix marked one of the most awe-inspiring and nerve tickling races of the season.
Excitement and anticipation kept mounting with every passing lap as the roaring engines and the shrieking tyres ramped through the newly built Korean International Circuit.
The construction work on the track completed only two weeks ahead of the final race day which is why the surface was very slippery. However, Sunday morning’s rainfall played a very dramatic role as the newly laid asphalt layer
turned it into the slipperiest track of the calendar making driving very tough and demanding. The race never fell short of stunts and action as cars kept sliding down the road one after the other.
Whatsoever, the thrill and drama of the day brought the Ferrari driver, Fernando Alonso happiest out of the track as the Italian saw the wet chequered flag ahead of his old rival, Lewis Hamilton of McLaren.
This victory is no doubt the biggest, and very special to Alonso. The newly laid tarmac layer and the extra slippery track under the pouring sky, was surely a conquest that would be remembered for very long. The two times world
champion was able to demonstrate his great driving skills on the track.
On the other hand, McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton embraced a tough second place finish, which is very timely for the struggling driver. After a long series of ill-fate the podium is not only very encouraging for the driver, but
also was necessary for him to stay in the tug for the title.
The day was unbelievable and resulted in a complete disaster for the two Red Bull drivers. The previous charts’ leader, Mark Webber slipped off the track at the 18th lap. The Grand Prix hence ended for the Aussie as
he lost control of his car due to the slippery surface and ran too wide off the track crashing against the barriers. He also was a curse in disguise for the Mercedes GP driver, Nico Rosberg whom he dragged along in his manoeuvre, ending the German’s race as
well.
The day was going pretty well for the other Red Bull driver, Sebastian Vettel till the 45th lap. The determined German who drove brilliantly in the qualifying and started the race from pole position went short of luck
as he was leading the race and was reluctant to see the chequered flag soon. His car slowed down, Alonso passed by, another few moments and Hamilton overtook as well, and finally the RB6 stopped to reveal as the engine blew up, ending the hopes of the driver
for a magnificent finish.
After having a jubilant Saturday, as both the Red Bull drivers finished the qualifying for 1st and 2nd places on the grid, the Austrian team had both its cars in the garage, ending the week pointlessly.
The Korean Grand Prix that saw so much uncertainties and doubts for being held, finally came out to be one of the most exciting and unforgettable rounds of the season. The battle and excitement seemed like going on forever as cars
marched through the tricky damp virgin circuit that was being explored for the very first time in the Formula One calendar. The rain made the scenario even more spectacular and made the fans drop their jaws as cars slipped and shrieked at the track.
Another driver who met a happy ending of the weekend was Ferrari’s Felipe Massa. Even before heading for the race the driver vowed to his team as well as his teammate to snatch as many points as possible from his rivals in order
to make the championship easier for Alonso.
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