European F1 Grand Prix - Nürburgring - *spoliers*

Like Maseroche and Tillman said, it was Webber's fault not Montoya.

Even Webber has blamed himself...

 

Right at the start of the race, I was getting nervous that NH would jump the gun and stall, luckily he didn't stall. I probably would've done the same with first time jitters. I hope Williams can get their launches down because they've been doing great all season in qualifying. In the post race interview, NH was saying that he knew before hand he wouldn't be first, what kind of confidence is that especially from pole? Even if I were to start 5th, I'm d@mn sure hoping for first and not settling for anything less. As for Webber, I don't even want to talk about this guy, he just has disappointed me all season.

As for NH pit stops, he could've done a 2 stopper if he stayed for 3 more seconds on the 2nd stop, but didn't. He might've gotten in front of FA since he was only about 16.5 seconds behind at the end. Anyone know why or have a guess that they didn't add more fuel? Speed was saying that they would've had to fill the fuel rig again and probably have NH go another lap.

It also seemed like many were out in the gravel today. KR, FA, RS, MS, FM, and a few others I can't remember. Everytime I saw the gravel getting spewed back on the track, I couldn't help but think someone would get their tires sliced, maybe this is how FM had his tire tear and the front wing go?

 

EXCELLENT Race !! I can't remember the last time I've been this excited during a recent F1 season, race after race. Even though a lot of diehard Ferrari fans have decried the rules changes, they have had a decided impact in leveling the field and making things so much more exciting and worthwhile watching.

I could see Kimi's accident coming a mile away (literally). That wheel just wasn't going to hold till the flag at race pace, the way it was jinking. I wouldn't drive a street car to the convenience store with a wheel that was that unstable, so I have to give Kimi respect for his bravery. But I was really happy that that violent spin didn't end in more carnage, especially that the loose wheel didn't come off completely and end up on Kimi's head (causing a tragedy bearing a grim resemblance to the death of Senna).

Great for Alonso, he got lucky to win. Perhaps that little bit of added luck is essential to the making of a champion. But I am most impressed with Rubens, who drove a cool headed, consistent race to clinch Ferrari's first podium of the season. I would say RB's done enough to have become Ferrari's de facto No. 1 driver over MS. I hope Ferrari can do even better in the rest of the season, that would blast the results wide open.

Commiserations to Coulthard too, if only he hadn't broken the pit lane speed limit, he would've established Red Bull as a definite front runner. Terrible luck.

 

When I saw the wheel vibrating with 10 laps left, I knew that if it were to give up, it would be at the end of a straight, most likely the S-F line. I feel bad for Kimi because I think he most deserved this win and FA really lucked out. The commentators were saying how with FA in 2nd, Kimi would only close the Drivers' Championship gap by 2 points, but now FA is 10 more points over Kimi

RB reminds me of Phil Mickelson, consistently does well. MS is more like Tiger Woods to me. Sometimes goes on winning rampages, but other times is in the back minding his own business. I've always had a lot of respect of RB and I wish he got more from others. Also, I don't think it was Ferrari's first podium. I think MS got 2nd at some race I can't remember. Maybe the 2nd or 3rd race of the season.

Edit: San Marino, MS 2nd. Was only 0.2 seconds behind 1st place FA.

 

Australia =RB 2nd
Imola= Schumi 2nd
European GP= RB 3rd

 

Yes, of course, how could I forget that cliffhanger between FA and MS ! Silly me. And I forgot about RB's 2nd place in the Aussie GP.

I hope they come from behind and weave some magic for the rest of the season. But my money is still on FA/Renault.

 

Another display why Kimi is not great, just fast, you have to finish to get points. He knew better than us that the car was dangerous but his mental block to win cost him points and perhaps a chance at the championship. There have been many before him and more will come after him. Do not expect him to grow up.

 

I think if you put MS, RB, FA or any other driver in that situation they would have done the same thing.

Racing is a gamble some time you just keep rolling the dice and pray that you will roll craps after the checker flag.

 

To be fair, noone could have recovered from what happened to him. The fact that he pushed 10/10 despite being in a death trap shows bravery and an extreme determination to win at all costs, qualities that I love in Champions. MS is much like this too, which is why I still respect him greatly. Put MS in that Mclaren and he would've done the same thing, even if it had meant risking life and limb.

After Kimi's spill I half-expected him to shove another marshall. Good thing that didn't recur.

 

It was VERY hot here today. That certainly didnt help with the tires.

 

Fantastic race and what a nail biter of a finish!

Lucky Fernando, bad decision on Kimi's part, great drive by Rubens, the usual mistake by Webber and a consistent result by Nick.

So if the Ferrari has the potential for 3rd, why isn't Michael in that spot? Is Rubens sticking to his guns he showed after Monaco?

 

I asked myself the same thing about Rubens. He could have taken on much more fuel and still be in front of the next guy. That I totally didn't understand (unless with too much fuelload he would loose too much time per lap?)

 

Yup, I was puzzled about that too: The US TV commentators prediction on fuel for Rubens was 8.5 seconds, yet they stopped after 6.5 seconds. I was thinking what the heck? Give him 2 more seconds of fuel and send him on.

OTOH I'm not sure the commentator's prediction is right: How does he know, how much fuel they had at the start? He doesn't. We can measure how much goes into the car at each stop and guess how long that takes, but we never know what they had in it to start with. When they arrive for the first stop, that doesn't really mean the tank is empty.

 

That shows commitment and bravery, anyone in his shoes would have done the same. Beside, it was not his decision to pit but Ron could have!

 

I wouldn't predict that yet, but I think we can see a continuous improvement with the Scuderia. And Montreal might just be cool enough for the Ferraris to shine during qualification as well.

I maintain my prediction: The Scuderia will win at least once this year. I'm still sticking to Monza. However it might be the #2 car.

 

Canada 1-2 will go to Williams

 

Only if they sorted their brake issues from the past.

 

True, lol. I should've said a Williams 1-20 finish, though.

 

You wouldn't have had a 1-2 if MW, RS, KR were still in.

 

I also thought webber made a mess of turn one. I don't think it was JPM's fault, it would have been a clean move.

 

You would have won today if everyone else went slower.

 

Bottom line, there is still work to be done. Kimi And Fernando are still faster. Plus that was Webber's fault not JPM's