Ross Brawn optimistic about championship challenge – Formula 1 news
Ross Brawn is confident that Mercedes are in a position to challenge rivals Red Bull for the 2013 Formula 1 title, especially after their strong showing in the Hungarian GP, which was the last event before the midseason break.
According to the team boss, “It [the championship] is so fragile. I think it is still open and we certainly won't be giving up. This was a very good weekend for the team - from beginning to end. We had a very good programme on Friday. The balance wasn't
great but we did things on Friday and Saturday that helped.”
He added, “If we can replicate that, there is no reason why we cannot win more races. If we don't replicate it then we won't, but we have to get both cars to the finish. We didn't do that here and you have to have both cars right up there.”
However, Brawn is completely aware of the fact that Mercedes need to continue developing strongly in order to match rival teams otherwise things will get difficult for the drivers and all of the other members working on the car.
After the end of the German GP, it was thought that the German squad might not be able to fight for victories anymore because of the tyre changes made by Pirelli. One of the biggest reasons for that was the ban imposed on the team by the FIA following their
illegal testing in Barcelona earlier this year.
However, the tyre manufacturers shared all of the data with the Brackley based outfit, which did not keep them in the dark. Despite that, it appeared that the rest of the teams were at a clear advantage.
Moreover, the weather conditions in Hungary were not ideal for Mercedes, as the track temperature was too high for their liking. Despite all the problems, the team did a fantastic job throughout the weekend. Their driver Lewis Hamilton showed excellent form
during the qualifiers, storming to pole with an exceptional lap.
From then onwards, there was no stopping the Briton, who won his first race with Mercedes on the track, which he has enjoyed in the past too. If he continues this form, he could end up winning the title for himself and the team.
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