Will Button be able to become WDC

It looks likely to be a close thing. I thought the Brawns were going to be nearer the front given the higher temperatures in Hungary but that didn't happen and they seem to have lost their advantage.

The McLarens have certainly improved - Lewis has done a great job developing that car.

 

LOL .. and you know what part of that I'm laughing at ..

 

Lol!


Well, we all know - with the testing ban this year, the development depends on the quality of the computer simulation, the driver doesn't have any significant role anymore. *duck and cover*

 

IMO if Button stays in the points he will win it, as we are seeing as the others catch up it will help Button if they are different winners. Red Bull are the real threat but if Mclaren Ferrari Renault ect take points of them it will help Brawn, so Redbull must beat them all from now to win ..can be done though.

 

Spot on, Steve. It seems that especially McLaren seem to be the ones to fear for Button, given their pace now. I still think Button will be WDC, but a lot depends on Brawn being able to bring in fresh money, and their reliability. There's a lot of luck involved there, and I think that Button will not endlessly be able to avoid failing parts or newbie drivers shooting across the track...

 

It only takes 1 DNF for button to spice things up. That's unlikely though, as mclaren was 100% reliable last season with the cars running at 19000RPM. Perhaps another driver runs in to him.

But same can be said about the red bulls. if they have a DNF they're going to have it very tough.

 

Except for consistent input at every race and practice session etc...

 

With eight races to go, if Button DNF's, he's out imo if RedBull keep up a spread like they did in Germany.

What I don't understand is why they're running him so heavy. Makes no sense around here.

 

Not sure I agree...

4 races back, only RBR and Brawn were competetive... meaning JB was essentially guaranteed no worse than 4th.

Now with 3 more teams in play,... JB could be competing for 5-8, and even finish out of the points...

Vettel's climbing a big hill, but the more cars between him and JB carry him forther up each race...

 

Vettel/Webber/Button.

It will be one of those.

 

Button was heavy in Q3 qualifying as they held him in the garage to check his car after Barichello's suspension failure..He was unable to do enough laps to burn down the fuel load

 

Cuts both ways if it was a straight fight JB and lets say Vettel ..Vettel now has the upper hand.

But in fairness even MW is still in the mix for chasing down JB so Vettel has to beat his team mate, whereas with JB it's pretty much cut and dried that RB will now help Button to win, unofficially of course.

But inreality when JB was winning at the start of the season he had no real competition, Vettel has more competition and it's increasing every race take for example LH with KERS at the start of the next race.! 2 races back LH was at the back now Vettel and Webber will be fighting him off, JB only needs to sit back run long and try to keep out of trouble and hope that he keeps in the top 5, quite a bit easier to do than Vettel/Webbers job.

Its just the way you look at it, pressure is on JB no doubt but pressure to stay in the points is easier IMO.

DNF is 50/50 with both teams although fighting for outright wins could be considered more risky if not starting at the front.

I wouldn't underestimate Ross Brawn's strategic thinking.

 

completely agree. that's why I started my post... not sure...

should make the rest of the season interesting

 

There were quite a few folks on here thinking McHam couldn't be beaten in 2007. After Japan, he was 17 points ahead of Kimi with only 2 races left. Anything can happen

 

Tis true Is I pointed that out to are friendly Hambone reporter Jimbo ..

 

Everything can change...

If the McLarens continue to pick up pace, they could be taking podiums (and points) away from the Red Bulls. Same with the Renault and Ferrari.


None of the other teams are going to care that they are hurting RBR's chances... they are going to want to WIN. So even if Button is finishing in 5ths and 6ths, it won't matter if Vettel is only getting 3rds and 4ths.

It will be interesting. I'm sure Bernie is already getting a chubby.

 

I'm pulling for Button, but it seems to be coming apart for Brawn just when the other teams are making progress. If I were betting, my money would be on Vettel.

Jack

 

Don't forget the 8 engine rule. Which will most likely affect Vettel 1st.

Vettel still makes silly mistakes. He doesn't really deserve it over Button(this year).

Webber is still in the hunt and contrary to Tifosi fans who are used to team orders ( me included ) he won't play 2nd fiddle while he mathematically has a chance at winning the title himself.

With a 20pt~ gap and 8 races to go, Button can afford be finish 1 place behind Vettel/Webber for the rest of the season. Only DNF's/no points will bring the title chase back to RedBull.

 

Also, I have this excel spreadsheet/template that lets you play with the results.

Just go into the Race Result tab and change the cells. I have it updated to German GP results.

http://www.coresworld.net/F1/Formula1.2009.V1.5.xls (377kb)

 

Man, that was a joke

 

Only just over half way so a bit premature to pick a winner at this point.

I do agree however with the earlier post that it will be between Button/Vettel/Webber.

BTW, Speedy, what's the issue regarding 8 engine rule and how that will affect Vettel??

 

Vettel has used more engines plus has had 2 engine failures this year during practice sessions. The merc engine seems more reliable than the reno engine as well. The final races of the season we might see Vettel needing to get a 9th engine and that means 10 place grid penalty.

Wait n see I guess

 

Thanks Mr. Encyclopedia.

 

I think the pendulum is currently swinging away from Brawn and Button...