A new series from Formula1.com has just started, which gives readers a deeper insight into our favourite driver’s lives. It could prove to be a very interesting read. First up is Sebastian Vettel. Enjoy!
Sebastian Vettel
The first weekend of the 2010 Formula 1 season is now over and there’s plenty of things that have come out of it.
Firstly, the race turned out to be a little disappointing. It had all the ingredients to be a very exciting race but it eventually turned into a procession. I think the ban on refuelling may have had something to do with it and I’m hoping the rest of the races will differ from this. Tyre management didn’t prove to be particularly exiting as all the teams pitted together so no one gained any advantage over the other, except Hamilton jumping Rosberg. Bahrain may not have been the best track for this to come into its own though and I’m hopeful at other tracks tyre management will prove a more exciting factor.
Many drivers put in good performances yesterday, Schumacher proved he still has something finishing a respectable 6th after 3 years out. Lewis Hamilton also had a steady race, showing consistency throughout and finishing on the podium. Alonso, the eventual race winner, also had a good drive but he definitely has one of the best cars out there at the moment. However, he really showed what he is made of when he got in the clear air and pulled out a massive lead on his team mate, Massa. I do feel for Vettel though, he seemed to be going very strong in the lead when he had an exhaust failure. He proved his skill as he held Rosberg off towards the end of the Grand Prix despite his car problems.
The new boys all made the grid and although only Lotus managed to finish the race, it was good to see them all starting the race. Hopefully they will all last a little longer at Australia.
Despite my disappointment with this race, I still believe 2010 will be very exciting and as the cars change and improve, things could get very interesting up at the front.
Only a few hours remaining and boy is it shaping up to be a brilliant opening race to the 2010 Formula 1 season.
Qualifying threw up some surprises but I didn’t find myself at all surprised by Vettel stealing pole off the two Ferraris. He really is a world class driver. However, I feel the Red Bull might be a little harsh on its tires, so whilst he will probably be the front runner for some time, I believe the eventual winner will be one of the Ferraris. Deciding between Massa and Alsonso is almost impossible but Massa has the better starting position so my money would be on him.
Hamilton definitely pulled one out of the bag in qualifying managing a very respectable fourth in a car which is particularly struggling through that new and rather nasty middle sector. He does have a quick 1st and 3rd sector so we can’t count him out, if he doesn’t shred his tires too early he could be in with a chance of a podium finish.
Behind the front four there should be another good fight for the remaining points. Schumacher qualified very respectably for his first race back after a 3 year absense and will be out to prove a point, whether he can catch Rosberg this early into his Formula 1 return remains to be seen but I think Rosberg may just have the upper hand at the moment.
I have to mention last years world champion too. Jenson didn’t qualify too badly in a McClaren which is definitely lacking downforce again and I’m hopeful he will improve upon his starting grid position.
All in all, its shaping up to be a fantastic race. I’ve only talked about the front of the grid…the back is a whole other story! Which of the new teams will come out on top? Will HRT finish the race? It’s only a couple of hours away now and I can’t wait.
Spring is slowly creeping up on us, but thats not the season I’m getting excited about. That season is the new Formula 1 season and what a season its shaping up to be! It’s only a few days now…
It’s been a busy winter for all the teams, with many rule changes and lots of different developments happening, including four new teams stepping up the challenge. That number may down to three now but they are definitely still adding excitement to the start of the new season. Just how well will they perform? My money is on Lotus performing the best out of the three but I doubt any of them will be challenging the usual suspects at the front of the grid. It’s probably a good thing they won’t be in the running at the front so soon as its going to be very close and I’m having a tough time picking my choice for the first pole of the season. Lets break it down a little…
Ferrari – They have shown brilliant pace in the early testing and they have two amazing drivers. They could well be the team where the sensible money will lie this season, they will no doubt be reliable and they will definitely be aiming to have a good season after their terrible season last year.
McLaren – Having both Button and Hamilton in the same team is brilliant for us Brits and we have an obvious team to get behind this year but will the rivalry between the two drivers mean they lose out on vital points this year? They had one of the strongest cars at the end of last year and they have shown themselves to be strong in pre-season testing. I’ll be supporting them once again this year and I have a sneaky feeling this might be Hamilton’s year again.
Red Bull – The car to beat at the end of last season. These guys will definitely be strong again but will the be good enough to take the top spot this year? They will be one to watch…
Mercedes – Last year they were Brawn GP but now under a new name and with two new drivers, will they have the same success as last year? They have a very good chance and they have a secret (Not so secret, maybe) weapon up their sleeve, Michael Schumacher.
They are the teams I predict to take the top 4 spots this season but the others shouldn’t be counted out, there’s many strong teams and drivers this season. Tyre efficiency and fuel consumption is going to play a vital role this season with no refueling allowed and it will be interesting to see which cars and drivers handle that best. It could be the difference between first and second. That difference is also bigger than last season with the new scoring system. 25 points for first, 18 for second, with third receiving 15, 12 for fourth and then ten, eight, six, four, two, and one for tenth place. This puts a greater emphasis on winning races which should see drivers pushing for that extra place and hopefully giving us some very exciting races this year.
I can’t wait…
