Formula One: Japanese Grand Prix – 1 race, 24 different reactions! (Part 7)
Williams
Rubens Barrichello managed a point scoring 9th at the end of the Japanese Grand Prix. The Brazilian complained that his car lacked traction on the track. While he could’nt explain the exact nature of the problem, he did add that he could feel
the Williams vibrate a lot. The former Ferrari driver concluded that while he was still able to score some points on the day, he expected to finish higher than 9th. Barrichello’s sentiments are understandable especially seeing as he qualified 7th
and had the comfort of racing against a top end car less when Robert Kubica retired early.
Nico Hulkenberg had a terrible start and felt his car simply not responding off the start line. What followed was the sight of Petrov in his rear view mirrors and then there was contact. The Renault touched his right wheel which meant a premature goodbye
from what could have been a potentially fruitful outing for Williams.
Hulkenberg remarked that no one likes to finish a race as early as the first lap and it was unfortunate for both cars. He commended his team for an impressive job devolping an extremely competative formula one car; evidence of which was seen during qualifying
as he was classified 9th on the grid for the race. Based on the promise that the day could have offered, it was rather disappointing leaving that early.
Renault
It was drama in the Renault camp after both drivers failed to finish the race. Robert Kubica appeared to be in the midst of the action in front. After qualifying third, he was able to complement his excellent grid position with an impressive start as he
was able to overtake Mark Webber to claim second position. However, it was during the safety car period when problems began for Renault.
Kubica felt his car lose control just as he was weaving around to keep his tyres warm. The Polish driver was not entirely sure as he first guessed it to be a problem with the car’s driveshaft, but apparently it turned out to be wheel related. Whether it
was a technical problem, Kubcia wasn’t sure, as it became increasingly difficult to even keep in touch with the safety car pace.
Ultimately, the Renault driver had no other choice but to move to the side of the track and get his wheels off the racing line. He lost his wheel and with it, the chance to score a potential 18 points for him and the team – It was a bitter pill to swallow
as Suzuka looked to be a Renault friendly track. The car was able to cross a dominant Red Bull and looked set to cash in on the lack of performance offered by the McLarens and the Ferrari to a certain extent.
Vitaly Petrov made a good start; similar to his team mate as he was able to overtake yet another top class car. In his case, it was the Ferrari of Felipe Massa. The Renault driver looked set to further improve his track position. As he looked to get past
Hulkenberg, he noticed Nick Heidfeld on his right – The Renault found itself being sandwitched between the two all of a sudden. However, as Heidfeld broke formation and moved to the left, Petrov had to mimic him to avoid a collision. In doing so, he unfortunately
hit the side of the car on his left. The crash meant the end of the line for the Renault driver. Just like his team mate, Suzuka offered an excellent opportunity to score some points.
For Renault in general, it looked to be result very few could have predicted. They had hardly put a foot wrong in the build up to the race and what transpired in the end saw little blame to be attached to either driver. With Formula One dropping anchors
at Korea next, both drivers would be pumped up to perform and justify Renault’s ‘dark horse’ credentials.
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