F1:Kuala Lumpur - A Race of Differing Fortunes

Whassup, bro's!

Well, this weekend's Grand Prix was certainly an interesting one to say the least!

My first thoughts have to go with the impressive form of Lewis Hamilton, combining last weekend's fifth place with the final step on the podium this week (though not without 'team orders' potentially playing a part in proceedings). Of course, I have to mention Lewis' boo-boo at stopping in the McClaren pits by mistake... now that must've made him think 'aw crap! I'm gonna get ribbed to hell for this!'

The mention of team orders brings to mind a certain overtake that Fernando Alonso was allowed to perform upon Felipe Massa a couple of years back in Hockenheim and of course it is certainly a contentious subject for some pundits/fans...



Me? I think it's a necessary part of the sport given that, in the event of a team-member being able to wrap up the title on one weekend, why have him wait until the following race meeting to have it confirmed, simply because, for race position, his colleague is leading the way? It puts the title to bed and anyways, they should be working together to get the job done, lock out the title for both constructor and driver!

This of course brings to mind what happened today and in particular I want to draw your attention to Seb Vettel's comments re: Mark Webber about him being 'slower' and should be told to move aside. What he (Webber) did the very next lap was funny, for he put the hammer down (as if to say "yo, bro' I heard that!") only to lose out by some very focused and dedicated racing tactics from Vettel.

Do I support what he said?

Not in as many words, no, he could have maybe been a bit more tactful about his request for Webber to 'move aside', but then, racing in the heat of the moment often forces drivers to say what's really on their minds! But do I agree with his request? That depends on if he was in a faster car (which it seemed to indicate that he was as he went on to win) and if in dropping Mark back a place would dent his own championship hopes. This of course is the difference of 18 points instead of 25, which of course as points mean prizes in terms of the championship, it would make a big difference!

Plus, the closing comments after the race are what intrigue me most that Vettel would "have some explaining to do", implying that he was the one that was supposed to allow Mark the victory, which he defied.

Personally, I think Mark's an excellent driver who'll bounce back from this, despite his obvious concern that the team is slanted towards favouring his race partner and rival, Seb Vettel. Just watch what happens in China... mark my words (sic!)...

Then of course there's the matter of Nico Rosberg's repeated requests to be allowed to overtake Lewis Hamilton and that one I think is simply because he wanted the final step on the podium that bad, he hoped Lewis (former world champion that he is) would allow him that moment of glory.

To hear Ross Brawn's comments that Hamilton was on a strategy of his own and had to manage his tires at the end of course (the left front was a right state after the race!) would have been upsetting and disappointing to hear especially as he was still confident of him having pace.

That one's different for me and show's the passion that Rosberg has as a racer to want to be on the podium at all costs, even if it is at the expense of his opponent/teammate!


It is, as a final thought, disappointing to see the fortunes of both Force India & Lotus differ compared to last weekend, the former led the race with Adrian Sutil for a good period whereas the latter of course won it with the 'Iceman' Kimi Raikonnen but it shows the difference in tracks, temperatures, weather patterns, can make to both a practice and race.

It shows, though, that this year has the potential to be even closer with more drivers than last year's that went down to the final two drivers, Fernando Alonso & Seb Vettel in Brazil.

The question I think everyone is still waiting to have answered, and this is why I've backed Vettel for the title again, is whether their rivals can maintain their close potential race pace with RBR throughout the season. They have clearly shown today that they are capable of first locking out the grid in practice & then go on to lock out the front two steps of the podium.

Next time out, it's China so we'll see if it'll be three for three in terms of number of winners and whether that's an indication whether last year's record will be broached of seven differing winners in the first seven races!

Peace out!


S.R. Cook