Formula One: Cruising through 2010 season (Part 2)
Chinese Grand Prix- McLaren returns home happy:
China hosted the season’s fourth race in Shanghai, where Jenson Button of McLaren marked his second win of the season while his teammate, Lewis Hamilton ended at second place giving 2010’s first 1-2 finish to the team.
A clean and brilliant race was seen by Nico Rosberg of Mercedes GP, who ended for the second time consecutively at 3rd place while once again his teammate, Michael Schumacher wrapped the day poorly at 10th position.
As the race ended, McLaren clearly came out as a strong team while Red Bull also showed some shocking pace. Rosberg became a threatening star as the first four races saw him secure 2nd place in the drivers’ standings. Yet, it was too early to
predict anything, for nobody had an idea of what an uncertain and surprising season lies ahead.
Only a year back, the situation was completely different as Button held on victory in six of the early seven races while this year saw five drivers at winning position in the first seven races.
Spanish Grand Prix- Mark Webber’s Day:
This round gave another twist to the points’ tally as Mark Webber of Red Bull marked his first win while Fernando Alonso of Ferrari stood at second place on the podium. Red Bull’s other driver; Sebastian Vettel reserved the 3rd place for himself.
On the other hand, this race proved to be a disappointing one for Hamilton as he walked out pointless after retiring at the 64th lap due to a puncture while he was firmly heading for a podium finish.
Monaco Grand Prix- Red Bull's dominance continues:
The mid of May rallied all the cars in Monaco, one of the most challenging and historic tracks of the calendar. As expected, the race was a ‘not to miss’ event, still bringing more twists to the championship tally.
Red Bull, as already demonstrated in the last race, possessed a furiously fast car and gave a 1-2 finish to the team, with Webber leading once again. Kubica remained quite competitive until this round of the season, finishing at third place.
Dark shadows followed Schumacher once again as he was hardly able to occupy the 12th place while his German teammate, Rosberg again bagged a few points owing to his seventh place finish. Button dropped to fourth place in the drivers’ standings
due to his retirement from the race owing to an engine problem.
By this time, a few things that became certain were: Firstly, Red Bull upgraded its car to be the fastest on the track. Secondly, Mercedes GP lost the pace that made them win last year and thirdly, McLaren would be the closest competitors for Red Bull. On
the sidelines, Alonso, Kubica and Rosberg seemed to be pretty fast.
Turkish Grand Prix- Red Bull’s rivalry comes out:
A dramatic race which also proved to be the turning point of the season was showcased at Istanbul track. Both the Red Bull drivers raced in great form and evidently had the best speed. However, what came out more prominently at the track was their enmity.
The two furious drivers crashed into each other in the tug for the first place while they were both heading for a neat 1-2 finish. The clash resulted into Vettel’s retirement from the race, Webber’s 3rd place finish and McLaren’s evening party.
As the two aggressive Red Bull men collided, McLaren was quick to snatch the opportunity to give their team second 1-2 finish and first victory of Hamilton.
Canadian Grand Prix- McLaren keeps winning:
It was another great race for McLaren as they repeated their 1-2 finish, which helped the team in being elevated to the top position of Constructors’ Championship while Hamilton moved to the top of drivers’ tally.
Mark Webber completed the race at 3rd place followed by Alonso, who bagged 4th position. The championship took a complete twist at this moment and from a one team’s season, 2010 became a war between McLaren and Red Bull with all their
four drivers equally determined and insistent for victory.
Renault was clearly out of the championship war by now while Ferrari also had a lull at mid season. The Canadian Grand Prix was followed by yet another exciting event in Spain at the European Grand Prix. To know more about the nail biting situation built
after the mid season, stay tuned as what is yet to be served is more hot and sizzling.
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