Whitmarsh dubs 2010 championship “epic”
Adding to the throng of sentiment shared by fans and critics, McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh has described the 2010 Formula One championship season as an “epic” event, with an abundance of engaging twists and turns in its story. Composed of iconic drivers, thrilling races, inventive cars, and a riveting unpredictable nature, the season’s legacy has yet to be settled, with its conclusion as uncertain as ever.
Whitmarsh, in an article by AutoSport.com, expresses his anticipation for what could be “the greatest title showdown in history.” Red Bull’s Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel, McLaren’s Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton, and Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso are all poised to take what will be one of the most hard-fought Driver’s Championships in history.
“It will be a race to Abu Dhabi now and that is great,” exclaims the manager eagerly. “This is an epic world championship - and I hope everyone realises that this is potentially one of the best world championships ever in the history of F1. That is fantastic. You have got Jenson and Lewis, you have the two Red Bull drivers, and you have Alonso, absolutely all in this championship - and that is fantastic, really.”
McLaren’s Button, who claimed the Driver’s Championship last year, is revelling in the intensity. “For me to be in a very competitive car, fighting at the front, with so many great drivers, so many talented drivers that have either won the championship or been close to winning it is a great feeling to be part of it. This season, whatever happens, will be one of the best and most competitive seasons ever in F1. That is true for the drivers but also the teams, and it is great to be a part of it.”
Though backing his own team, which is currently second in the Constructor’s Championship with 347 points, Whitmarsh is on his toes about who might actually take home the title. “Ferrari and Red Bull are very strong; I think we are not too bad. I would not want to call this one. We are going to aim to win. The fact is, at Monza, Ferrari was marginally the quickest race car, our car wasn't bad and Red Bull was a bit behind. But in Singapore, all three positions could be very different.”
It is a dire contrast to last year’s tournament, which saw Button win several of the first races of the season with Brawn and maintain enough points to take the title at the end. This year, no one team holds dominance over the track, and there is a constant tug of war between the three giants.
Due to the nature of the Singapore track, many critics predict that the Red Bulls will have the advantage, but there is no certainty. But the fans will have to wait to see what direction the championship takes. The Singapore Grand Prix will run from 24-26 September.
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