The British Grand Prix at Silverstone Overview – McLaren Duo Bidding for Triumph, Red Bull Favorites
There is little doubt that Red Bull will be the team to beat in the upcoming British Grand Prix at Silverstone. However, many Formula One enthusiasts will undoubtedly hope the McLaren duo – Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, at present positioned first and second on the rankings sheet respectively – battle it out for a home triumph at Silverstone.
The McLaren men are putting their faith not merely in the MP4-25 make’s renowned F-duct, but also several freshly wrought improvements which comprise a blown diffuser very much like Red Bull’s. And for sure, both Hamilton and Button would be pleased to make up for their country’s hot-off-the-press sporting letdowns in the shape of England’s less than thriving World Cup campaign in South Africa, and Andy Murray’s disappointing collapse at Wimbledon.
However, in a recent interview, Jenson Button played down the pressure, stating he was not bothered by the weight of expectation that comes hand in hand with the home advantage. Button remarked that it was always lovely competing in the presence of home fans, whose backing was guaranteed regardless of the results. But he further said that it would be an added delight to be able to celebrate his first Silverstone podium ever at this weekend’s British Grand Prix showdown. The Englishman said he was not sure if McLaren would be able to match the pace of the Red Bulls, but stated that recent modifications to the MP4-25 had boosted his side’s confidence ahead of Sunday’s event.
Button is well aware, however, that he must step up his qualifying pace after a series of unspectacular displays in some recent Saturday runs. The Englishman admitted that less than impressive qualifying performances in Canada and Valencia had given him plenty of food for thought, and recognized that it was imperative to overcome the shortcomings if he was to stand a realistic chance at sealing the drivers’ title.
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton will have an upper hand over his teammate at Silverstone, having already triumphed at the British Grand Prix in 2008. Hamilton is resolved to emulate the 2008 exploit, particularly after only managing a lowly 16th the previous year. The Englishman said that although he was bent on triumphing and anticipations were understandably high, he was enjoying the atmosphere rather than coming under the strain of pressure. Hamilton went on to remark that although victory at the British Grand Prix was crucial to his World Championship title prospects, it was still not the decisive event of the season, and hence he was not extraordinarily troubled about the probable outcome this weekend.
Germany’s Sebastian Vettel is the speculators’ bet, having won at Silverstone last year. His Red Bull teammate, Mark Webber, is also upbeat for the event, having completely recuperated from his somersault in Spain. Webber has been handed down Vettel’s used chassis (now refurbished) to replace the one he impaired in Valencia.
Ferrari, also, should not be written off and could have done significantly better in Canada and Valencia if only a little more luck had been on their side. The F10’s blown diffuser has been observed to produce a heartening performance, indicating Ferrari too will be tough competitors. Fernando Alonso, who will be spearheading the Italian squad’s campaign, declared his team was all geared up for Silverstone. Alonso stressed Ferrari were at present progressing through a vital moment in their 2010 campaign, with the squad facing three potentially decisive events within the period of a month. The Spaniard stated that although Silverstone’s swift turns would do no favours to the F10, he nevertheless expressed assurance in the considerable enhancements that were continually being made to the car as the season progressed.
It would also be a mistake to underestimate the potential of Robert Kubica in the enriched Renault. Kubica’s fifth-place finish in Valencia recently was a highly convincing result for Alan Permane’s squad, and now in an upgraded R30, Renault’s Polish protagonist will certainly be a man to look out for.
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