Formula One: Predicting the unpredictable
Betting has always been a fun activity amongst Formula One fans. However, the year has unwrapped so uncertainly that making a prediction is just like throwing an arrow in the dark.
As the Formula One cars returned from the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, everyone was more than sure that the contest will now be down to the top two drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Mark Webber who took first and second positions on the podium. However, the last
race in Monza has once again tightened the contention between five peak drivers of the season.
At this moment, after so many unexpected results on the tracks, making predictions will serve as a daring preposition.
Red Bull – the machine with the wings
It seems as if the Austrian team has fuelled its car with an energy drink - their RB6 has remained the fastest on the track all throughout the season.
The street track at Singapore is expected to suit the car even though this is not set in stone. One can never ignore the influence of stricter flexi tests that the FIA has been conducting on the cars since Hungary. How far will those changes affect the RB6
would determine its pace on race day in due time.
The one to watch out for
Fernando Alonso is the man to be kept a close eye on for the next race. Since his controversial victory in Germany, the driver has been driving aggressively. Getting two victories and one second place finish in the last four races is something really scary
for his rivals.
His form at the Italian Grand Prix earlier this month was remarkable despite the pressure of a home race. It undoubtedly gave a glimpse of the 2005 and 2006 seasons when the determined racer won the championships despite encountering tough patches on various
occasions.
Moreover, his record in Singapore is commendable. In the last (and only) two races held at the Marina Bay Track, he has only won one race while finished the second race at third place.
Out of form
Lewis Hamilton was nothing less than a shock at the last race in Italy. His race lasted for less than a minute as he made a poor overtaking move, ending in the gravel with serious damage to his steering.
Though Hamilton’s chances of winning at Monza were bright, in the last three races, Hamilton has retired twice.
The extra long-straights at Monza should have given him a great advantage and leaving behind the Ferraris and Jenson Button should not have been a big deal for him. On the other hand, things would be tougher for the team at the high-downforce circuit at
Marina Bay while it is expected to suit the Red Bulls and Ferraris far better.
Master of the track
The last two races at the track have seen Nico Rosberg incredibly quick, earning two podium finishes.
At the inaugural race on the track in 2008, he finished at second place even though he was handed a penalty for refuelling under the safety car. Later in 2009, he did pretty well in qualifying and took third place on the grid. However, the race did not go
as expected, owing to another penalty this year for crossing the pit exit line.
Now that his Mercedes has ironed out the problems that it was facing due to its latest updates, it is time to focus on the German’s performance in the next race in Singapore.
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