Formula One: Singapore Grand Prix – 1 race, 24 different reactions! (Part 4)
The feature heads into the middle of the constructors standings. These were cars that were expected to spoil the party for the top end teams namely Ferrari, McLaren Mercedes and Red Bull Racing. The 2010 season was able to present such a predicament that
the top end teams no longer enjoyed its monopoly, as the gulfing difference narrowed.
Mercedes GP
Nico Rosberg did a fine job in his Mercedes – a hard fought 5th place after qualifying at 7th. The youngster touched upon the challenging nature of the track and deemed it the best possible result for the team. While talking about Mercedes
aim for the remaining half of the season, the German explained that he aimed to finish as the best behind the top three teams. He believed that the strong 5th was an added bonus, profiting from the retirement of Lewis Hamilton and Massa’s issues
in qualifying. Further flaunting his position on the track, Rosberg talked about the tantalizing prospects of giving Jenson Button a run for his money at some points, which was fulfilling to see from the cockpit. The youngster concluded that he looked to finish
the rest of the season as strongly as possible.
Michael Schumacher was a tad dejected after his first outing in Singapore. The German had two encounters on the track which were racing incidents. Thank God they didn’t involve concrete walls as Barrichello would be more than happy to point that out somewhere!
The veteran believed that his race was heavily compromised after making such unscheduled visits to the pit lane. Schumi complained about the lack of grip offered by his rear tyres which led him to slide through corners rather than following the racing line.
However, the post-option tyre part of the race was an enjoyable affair.
This was another outing that saw Michael Schumacher outperformed by his younger team mate. Where is the experience now? While it could be understood that the Mercedes is not as competitive as the Brawn last year, Schumi should at least be able to match his
team mate, if not precede him.
Williams
Both Williams’ cars were able to finish in the top 10 and add to their team’s point account. Rubens Barrichello had a good race as he finished sixth after the 1st lap was cut-short race. The Brazilian complained of getting off to a bad start and
subsequently loosing places off the line. The Williams’ driver added that while his brakes were up to race temperature, his car was very competitive as the lap times were good and he was able to catch up Robert Kubica. However, down to the interruptions caused
by the safety car, he lost performance on his brakes that greatly hampered his charge for Renault. In the end, the Brazilian deemed the Singapore outing a productive venture which had the team pleased.
Nico Hulkenberg was arguably one of the most improved drivers on track. Qualifying 17th, the driver was able to bring his Williams to 8th and score valuable points. Hulkenberg exclaimed that had he been offered eighth at the start of
the race, he would have gladly taken the position. It was tiring day at the office for the Williams’ driver who found himself in traffic for most parts of the race – a car behind and a car in front would have really commanded all the concentration he had along
with the brakes and engine performance to compliment. Hulkenberg, evidently reaping the rewards for his hard work, expressed that it felt fulfilling to score points for his team’s hunt in the constructor’s championships.
The Williams was easily the surprise package for Singapore. While Barrichello was understood to bring the best out of his machinery, it was basically Hulkenberg’s determination that enabled him to match his much more experienced team mate. With such performances,
the Williams’ team has proven that it has no regrets from the breakup with BMW a couple of seasons back.
Tags: