Malaysian Grand Prix 2011: Raceday - Formula One Highlights (Part 1)
Bettor.com welcomes you to the highlights package of the 2011 Malaysian Grand Prix at the Sepang Circuit in Kuala Lumpur.
After an action packed season opener in the form of the Australian Grand Prix, all 12 constructors looked to turn the heat in Malaysia. Heading into the race, the driver’s standings show Sebastian Vettel in pole position followed by McLaren Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Renault’s Vitaly Petrov in 3rd.
At the end of a dramatic qualifying session on Saturday, we witnessed Red Bull Racing's Sebastian Vettel turn out a fantastic lap at the dying stages of qualifying to steal the pole away from McLaren's Lewis Hamilton, with Mark Webber rounding out the top 3. Jenson Button qualified 4th ahead of Fernando Alonso, who only ran a single hot lap in Q3, in what has to be said was a strange move from Ferrari.
Nick Heidfeld redeemed himself from the disappointments of Australia by qualifying a solid 6th; not the same could be said of Ferrari’s Felipe Massa who qualified 7th. The Brazilian has been under immense pressure to perform after a lack lustred 2010 season with the Italian team.
Another Renault driver in the form of Vitaly Petrov continues to impress by qualifying 8th, as does Kamui Kobayashi in 10th behind Nico Rosberg’s Mercedes GP.
Michael Schumacher, on the other hand, seems to be finding his feet in Formula One still as he qualified a disappointing 11th starting position; failing to move past Q2, again. Both HRT F1 cars were set make their first start of the season as they were safely under the 107% time after Q1.
The scene was set for an exciting and unpredictable race. It was reported that the tyres were possibly going to be an issue as the race progressed and it wouldn’t be a surprise if teams make up to 4 or more pit stops during the race to compensate for tyre degradation in the hot conditions.
Turning our attention to mother nature, rain had been predicted for the afternoon, which could also play a pivotal role in the outcome of the race.
The Top 10 qualifiers were all starting on soft compound tyres meaning that the addition amount of grip would make for an overall aggressive start heading into turn 1 – Would we see overtaking manoeuvres, positions changing hands or accidents as early as turn 1?
24 engines roared into life as the cars started their warm up laps.
Continued in part 2
Tags: