There was a lot of passing in the back pack, unlike last year there's a lot more difference in performance now. I'm not imprssed to see a williams take on a virgin or a lotus, but they have been the ones making the show. The top 10 was boring as hell, if Vettel didn't have a problem we would have had the same order as the first turn of the race.
Nonsense. Never throughout the race Alonso let Vettel disappear from his sights. The gap was about 5 seconds at the most, but Alonso could easily control it at about 2,5 - 3 seconds. After the pitstops, the Ferrari could easily match the pace and went even quicker, where Alonso could cruise under the 2 minute bracket. Sure, we don't know what Vettel could have done if it weren't for his problems, but to say he surely would have won is a clear misrepresentation of the facts. Having said that: Alonso won the race fair and square. No need for any 'if's' or 'but's.
In spite of what has been said about FA and FM being equals this year, I don't think that is the case. Massa did his job and gained points for Ferrari. He has always done this, and I beleive he will continue to do so. He may win some races, but I don't think this is really his role. He is simply a man that does his job, and does it pretty damn well.
Awesome show by the two Ferraris. Both looked very relaxed and confident. But, what was happening with Massa's car? they were pointing something regarding the plank? Very quiet race from MS as well. But still, good one. Great performance by Vet Vet Vet. Typical Newey car. Fast, but fragile. Boring race otherwise.
+1 If it wasn't established already, Bahrain clearly defined the #1 and #2 roles on the team. I expect the gap to continue to widen as the season progresses.
What a fantastic drive by Alonso! He was patient the entire race saving his car and then launched out of a cannon when others were still talking about tire conservation. I honestly believe Alonso had that race won even if Vettel wouldn't have suffered the problems that he did. Was Vettel's problem bad luck or a bad design? I guess we'll find out in Australia. Props to Lotus as well for finishing the race! That's not a bad start considering how new they are.
Except for Mercedes. As I said before, it will take 5-6 races before Schumacher starts to feel "it" again. Right now, he's just trying to hang around the top drivers. At the end of the day, I will be hugely surprised if we discover Brawn has NOT pegged him as the #1. As far as Massa/Alonso is concerned, I think they are probably pretty even when it comes to flat out speed. The difference is that Massa races to be competitive with the top runners, while Alonso tries to control the race. I had the distinct feeling that he would have hunted Vettel down even if Vettel's car stayed together. There is the chance that you may have been speaking only of Ferrari, but obviously I agree with your assessment there with Alonso as #1/Massa #2.
Engine was heating causing higher fuel consumption. They were trying to figure out what was causing a possible blockage. He was in danger of not finishing had he tried to stay with Alonso.
I found the failure of Schumacher Button Webber to have any interaction for 2/3 of the race quite depressing even though they were effectively nose to tail Even MS seemed bored & disinterested with this type of racing in his post race interview
Disagree. The way Alonso rocketed away from everyone towards the end let you know he had things under control. He made that pretty clear in the presser also. Hamilton and Massa definitely benefitted from Vettel's troubles though.
That is what I thought. I hope and think it was the track, but we shall see...great to have Ben from Spain visit with us to watch the race! RB had a decent first outing with Williams. Not sure of the tire strategy they used with him, but oh well. The rest has been said here, but reading the drivers' quotes from after the race, they all said the dirty air behind other cars made it extremely difficult to pass. That isn't good. MB
Some things proven today Adrian Newey is a genius. Vettel is the class of the field right now Ferrari ran a near flawless race--refreshing after last year under new management. MS gets respect. Don't we secretly wish he was still wearing red? Massa is back. No more questions It's going to be another tough year Rubino. When it comes to drivers, the cream still rises to the top. Alonso plus Ferrari means expect more podiums. Wouldn't it have been interesting to see Alonso's reaction if Massa beat him to the first corner? God don't we love seeing the red cars in front after season!!!
I'd wait a race or two to say Newey is a genius and Vettel is the class of the field. It may be fast but will it be reliable? I don't think it would have mattered. Alonso would have blown Massa out of the water either way. I think Alonso was controlling that race anyways and not Vettel. Whatever Vettel did Alonso matched. He stayed within striking distance at all times and when the time was right he finally went 100% in the car and the results spoke for themselves if you ask me.
Poor Button. Could indeed be a very long season for him... Hamilton +22.182 Button +45.280 23 seconds off the pace of his teammate under race conditions. If this performance deficit continues into the next several races, poor Button could be in for a beating. Button has to hope that it is just a fluke, although deep down I think his self-confidence on taking on Hamilton may have gone down a notch or two... Frank
I don't understand why Button is considered to be one of the better drivers. IMO, last year was a fluke, due mainly to the fact he had the best (or one of the best) cars. In the past he as been nothing more than a mid-field driver.
Congrats on your man winning a very well-thought out race! He is indeed looking like championship material with his talent and the quality of this year's car. Last year's disastrous F60 sure makes us appreciate this year's competitive version! Frank
I have been saying it since we signed Alonso, he is going to be one of the great Ferrari drivers. He has talent, skill and great motivation in abudence. No matter what any one thinks he is and will continue to be a great team player who unlike Kimi, just love talking about and racing Ferrari's. His passion for Ferrari is what Ferrari are all about. Believe me, this is going to be a great season.
Quite frankly Ferrari did better than I expected and I was thrilled to see him win the race. Felt bad for Vettel, who would have deserved the win. Going into this year I would have tipped Vettel for the WDC (like Bernie did), but the reliability of his car stopped me in my tracks. Looks like I picked up the right vibe there. I still believe Hami remains the man to beat this season. At any rate, I don't care too much who wins the title as long as it is not Schumacher.
