Turkish Grand Prix 2011: Raceday - Formula One Highlights (Part 7)
After consorted pressure at the hands of the McLaren, Massa finally made a mistake as he suffered a huge lock-up, under braking into Turn 12, which enabled Button to get by for 4th position. However, there was more to come as the Ferrari had to
limp back to the pit lane for a fresh set of tyres to replace the flat spotted ones and rejoined the race track in 9th position.
Massa had been under a lot of scrutiny from the Italian team after a couple of poor showings in the past. Not only has the Brazilian driver been unsuccessful while ‘supporting’ Fernando Alonso in a manner that accents the capabilities of the Ferrari, but
he has also failed to exhibit the mentality often considered second nature to a driver that has ever had the pleasure to race for the most decorated team in the motorsport’s six decade history.
Nico Rosberg, evidently boosted by the new rubber, looked to make up some lost time on track. The German driver was able to pull off a calculated overtaking maneuver on Paul di Resta to take 11th spot. Nick Heidfeld, who was not that far from
the Mercedes, managed to follow suit.
Soon after, Rubens Barrichello, racing in 6th position, turned his car towards pit lane for a fresh set of tyres. Fernando Alonso, evidently hot on Webber’s heels, posted the fasted time for Lap 25.
A lap later, it was time for the race leader to make his 2nd scheduled stop of the race. The timing looked perfect as it was nearly halfway into race, which further suggested that the German was going for a 4 pit stop strategy. The World Champion
brought his car to a standstill in front of the Red Bull garage, took on a fresh set of soft compound tyres in what looked to be yet another neat stop from the leading constructors, and made his way back on track, still in the lead – It all looked too easy
for the young driver as his marriage with Red Bull looks set ‘for better’ than ‘for worse’ presently.
We were nearly halfway through the race; stay tuned for more of the action from Istanbul Park!
Article to be continued in Part 8 of Turkish Grand Prix 2011: Raceday - Formula One Highlights
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