Formula One Highlights: Japanese Grand Prix, Raceday Part 6
Could the McLaren of Lewis Hamilton stay in one piece after the end of 53 laps? Were we in store for a dramatic finish? Welcome to the final instalment of the Japanese Grand Prix highlights.
The track was obviously taking its toll on the cars involved. While the engine related issues were understandable, there were a few problems due to the on track theatrics of some drivers. Kobayashi was next to join the ‘damaged car’ league as he dented the
sidpod of his car - Possibly due to the contact with Alguersuari a lap ago.
Jenson Button set the fastest lap and was the first man into the 1 minute 33’s. However, he was still 12 seconds behind Alonso and it looked too large a gap to close before the end of the race.
The next lap saw drama for Mercedes as Nico Rosberg had a huge incident and was out of the race. Michael Shumacher inherited the 7th position. It looked to be a productive outing for Mercedes all round until the incident.
Meanwhile, Kobayashi was applying pressure to his team mate Heidfeld as they battled for eighth. Heidfeld backed off allowing Kobayashi through. This allowed the Japanese to pull away from Barrichello who had made his on track living a struggle. Replays
showed Kobayashi going past Barrichello a few laps earlier.
3 laps remained… At the front of the pack, it looked that the race was in the bag for the racing duo in front – A Redbull 1-2 looked to be in the offering.
2 laps remained… Vettel had obviously planned to end the race on a high as he set the fastest lap – A signature move as the young German often does at the end of the race. He was a blistering 8 tenths quicker than his team mate Mark Webber. It was plain
that when the ‘crash kid’ was on song, few could match his pace.
Final lap of the race… And Vettel took the chequered flag. Webber completed a Red Bull 1-2. Alonso took the final podium position. Jenson Button finished 4th followed by his team mate Lewis Hamilton in 5th. Hamilton did extremely well
under the circumstances to finish the race without a 3rd gear. Michael Schumacher finished 6th ahead of the two Saubers of Kobayashi and Heidfeld in 7th and 8th.
Summary:
Red Bull emerged victorious and managed the feat of a well deserved 1-2 victory at Suzuka, a track which suited their car perfectly. Sebastian Vettel started his weekend on a high, finishing 1st in both practice session, qualifying and as far
as his race was concerned, he was able to build on his grid position and his win was never at threat the entire race.
Mark Webber, according to many Formula One pundits, was a touch fortunate at the start. He got off to a poor start and lost a spot to the Renault behind. However, Kubica soon faced a rear tyre failure at the back of the safety car, which allowed the Australian
to regain his second position.
Fernando Alonso did a fine job in the only remaining Ferrari after Massa’s accident in lap 1. The Spaniard was consistent throughout and finished a comfortable 3rd to claim the final step of the podium.
Jenson Button on the other hand, started on the harder compound tyres and finished in fourth position due to the misfortune faced by his team mate Lewis Hamilton.
Hamilton started the race on the back-foot after being handed a 5 place grid penalty for changing a gear box. He did well to race upto 4th, only to lose 3rd gear soon after Button's pit stop. He had no choice but to give way to Button.
Michael Schumacher did well to finish 6th. Kobayashi drove an impressive race to finish 7th. He pulled off a couple of stunning overtaking manouvres, and received a standing ovation from the crowd as he passed the chequered flag.
Heidfeld, Barrichello and Buemi completed the top 10 and points positions.
As things stand at the end of the weekend, Mark Webber leads the championship with 220 points; the lead has widened to 14 points over Vettel and Alonso, who are tied on 206 points. Hamilton and Button now appear like clear outsiders for the championship, with
192 and 189 points respectively.
3 Grand Prix still to go this season.
Do join us at Bettor.com for the next race from Korea on the 24th of October!
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