Well we learned that Alonso’s Ferrari had the start of the century from fourth on the grid. If I were a scrutineer I would be looking for where Ferrari had hidden the jet engine, and forget about its illegal rear wing!
Boy Vunder Vettel in the Red Bull really did have to work for his win, and all credit to him. He had Hamilton (McLaren) up his exhaust pipe for the last 20 laps and was never pressured into making a mistake. He will retain his world championship crown.
We also saw that despite all the predictions of doom and gloom, and ‘retire now’ calls (including mine) for Michael Schumacher, he confused us all by coming home sixth in the Mercedes and comfortably in front of his team mate Nico Rosberg. Rosberg complained that his radio was faulty, and I sympathize with him, I have the same problem with the Daihatsu …(joke)!
After the success of the Drag Reduction System (DRS) in Turkey, it turned out to be a dismal flop in Spain. Catalunya is well known for its processional racing and it was hoped that this would be reversed by the DRS. I did not see anyone manage to use it successfully, as the area of the track where the DRS could be used was too short. With all the facilities and expertise in the FIA, surely they could get that right? However, knowing the history of the FIA in its regulations, it does not surprise me one bit.
One of the drives of the day was that of Heidfeld (Renault) who started stone motherless last and ended up eighth. His mate Petrov has improved to the extent that he is no longer running in the demolition derbies but this time had to bow to Heidfeld.
Di Resta (Poppadum Team India) continues to impress. Beating his experienced team mate Adrian Sutil once again. The fresh-faced young Scot has a great future ahead of him and will undoubtedly be snapped up by one of the top teams.
Four drivers were called in front of the stewards for not slowing down when a yellow flag was displayed. These were Hamilton and Button (McLarens), Webber (Red Bull) and Algywhatsit (Toro Rosso). Hamilton’s explanation deserves to be included in a book of Murray Walkerisms – “We all abide by the rules, and we slow down for the yellow flags, but you have to do that without losing any time.” Er, yes, Lewis!
Poor showings in the race by Webber once again, despite a brilliant qualifying run. This will be his last season in the Red Bull camp. Another poor showing by Massa (Ferrari) as well, and despite Ferrari saying that Massa has a contract to the end of 2012, remember how they got rid of Raikkonen and his contract?
Monaco this weekend. I expect another brilliant qualifying by Webber, but a better result by Vettel.
