Chinese Grand Prix 2011: Raceday - Formula One Highlights (Part 15)
It appeared that the McLaren team’s prediction for the latter stages of the race was about to come true. After speculating that their driver, Lewis Hamilton would be able to make further inroads when the cars in front would have more worn out tyres at the
end, the Briton had already managed to overtake Felipe Massa and was closing in on the race leader, Sebastian Vettel. The Mercedes continued to eat up the distance and brought the time to as low as 3.3 seconds during the 47th lap.
Meanwhile, Sergio Perez lost control of his Sauber and made contact with Adrian Sutil’s Force India. Cameras later confirmed obvious damage on Sutil’s car.
A lap later, it appeared almost certain that the McLarens meant business. Lewis Hamilton was able to further squeeze the 3.3 seconds at the end of Lap 47 to 2.1 seconds as he crossed the start-finish stretch for the 48th time that day. The Briton’s
team radio on the other hand, spoke words of caution as they wanted him to conserve his tyres. There was still a lot of time left for the former world champion to make his move on the holding World Champion.
Meanwhile, the incident involving Sergio Perez’s Sauber and Adrian Sutil’s Force India was under consideration by Race Control. At the end of Lap 49, the Mexican was given a drive through penalty for the collision in question.
The Red Bull on board radio on Vettel’s car was still having problems. However, as much message as could be deciphered, the team told him to stay on track despite his Pirellis somewhat losing their shine. Just behind the Red Bull, Jenson Button made a move
on the Ferrari of Felipe Massa and came out on top to take 3rd position.
Massa, evidently on a 2 pit stop strategy was feeling the heat as his tyres were relatively old to match up to the front runners on a 3 pit stop strategy. Nico Rosberg was all over the rear end of the scarlet car with the latter desperately trying to cling
on.
50 laps of the race were completed as the atmosphere was electric. Stay tuned for the highlights of the final 6 laps for what appeared to be a heart throbbing end to the race in Shanghai, China - Was there a late twist in the tail?
To be continued in part 16...
Tags: