Chinese Grand Prix 2011: Raceday - Formula One Highlights (Part 6)
The race went into Lap-17. Sebatian Vettel successfully managed to get past Vitaly Petrov’s Renault for 2nd place. Felipe Massa and Lewis Hamilton made their move together on Nick Heidfeld’s car in front, heading into turn 14. Meanwhile, Fernando
Alonso pitted for a new set of soft tyres and rejoined in 9th spot.
A lap later, Michael Schumacher was able to do the same on the Renault driver -Overtaking Heidfeld going into turn 1. Sadly for Heidfeld, this wasn’t the last bit of pass that he had to endure. Moments later, Fernando Alonso took a page out of Schumi’s book
and got past Heidfeld at the end of turn 2.
Staying with the Renaults, while Heidfeld was having problems holding onto his position, his teammate, Vitaly Petrov, dived into the pits – Was it going to be a tough day at the office for the French constructors?
The timesheets showed Nico Rosberg nearly 5.5 seconds ahead of Sebastian Vettel’s Red Bull – Was it a matter of time before the holding Champion picked off the Mercedes? – In a battle between two young Germans, who would come on top?
All cars involved started Lap-19 of the race. Nick Heidfeld entered pit lane and slapped on a fresh set of soft compound rubber – Interestingly, the tyres that came off his car seemed to be in good condition. The youngster seemed to be struggling, a lap
earlier, as he was overtaken by 4 cars in a rather short span of time. With worn out rubber perhaps not his main worry, was the Renault experiencing other issues? – A faulty gearbox or an inaccurate down force setup, it was hard to say.
Turning our heads back on track, Jenson Button set the fastest time for Lap-19 – The Briton was a little shaken up after the ‘not so efficient’ pit stop, but looked to be gaining pace and confidence – Did Vettel need to worry yet?
Heikki Kovalainen dived into the pits for a set of soft tyres for his Lotus. Elsewhere on track, Michael Schumacher seemed to be having a spirited battle with Fernando Alonso for 6th position – The two drivers enjoyed a healthy spell of competition
in Schumacher’s time at Ferrari while Alonso raced for Renault. Were we in for a repeat from the past?
To be continued in part 7...
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