Okay, so it’s taken me a bit longer than usual to get Korea’s
post done – sorry! New job distracted. It’s not a great excuse, but it’s all I’ve
got, and it does allow me to mention some things which have come to light since
the last race – and just in time for Suzuka! I love Suzuka, it’s up there as
one of my favourites. Hopefully, we’ll get some close and exciting racing.
A step up for Sauber
Since the tyre changes earlier this season, Sauber have been
pulling back up the ranks. A lot of that is down to Nico Hulkenberg, who still
seems to miss out on the bigger drives unfortunately. It was a stellar result
for him, and once again proved what he can do.
That being said, it has emerged this week he is a serious
contender for the Lotus seat, and I really hope he gets it. He’d be a brilliant
replacement for Kimi Raikkonen, and if you put him with Romain Grosjean, you’re
going to have an exciting line-up!
The turning point
Two safety cars in Korea, and both changed the race. What
was probably going to be a three stop strategy for most teams turned into two!
It was an interesting turn of events and made for some exciting racing in the
final laps.
I feel a bit sorry for Grosjean, with a few more laps, he
might have passed Raikkonen. I’m a fan of the Finn, and he took his chance and
it worked, but Grosjean was trying so hard and that extra step would have done
him wonders.
Even more tyre concerns?
Back at it again, eh? Pirelli have had a bit of a nightmare
this season but I do feel for them. They are restricted in what they can do
testing wise, and that needs to change if we really want to get the right tyres
for the sport. Some people disagree the current style works or is good, but it’s
the way it is. So, let’s give them the resources and time to get it right –
surely that’s the right idea?
Next year will be even more interesting, and hopefully they’ll
get it right but I have little doubt of this, as testing is limited and no one
knows what’s going to happen.
Sombre news
I’d normally talk about Vettel’s chances in Japan, but I
think it’s important to mention two things that have happened this last week in
the world of motorsport.
Last week’s IndyCar race saw a huge crash involving Dario
Franchitti in Texas. There are clips online and it is a shocking incident to
see and reminded me of the accident involving Dan Wheldon last year in Las
Vegas. Thankfully, Frnachitti survived, and while he suffered some severe
injuries, he seems to be stable. I’m hoping for a speedy recovery.
My next part isn’t so good. This morning, Maria De Villota
was found dead. The news emerged towards the end of the second practise second
in Suzuka and this is a devastating announcement. After her life threatening
crash last year where she lost her right eye, it had seemed De Villota was
recovering. Tributes have been coming in from all corners in a unifying sight,
and I’d like to add my own to them. A real role model and big part of F1 and
the motorsport world, my thoughts also go out to her friends and family.
Summary
It was an interesting race, livened up to the end. This week
has been a mixed one – excitement about Suzuka and sadness about the accident
and loss. I’m hoping next week brings better news.
Results
1 – S. Vettel (Red Bull)
2 – K. Raikkonen (Lotus)
3 – R. Grosjean (Lotus)
4 – N. Hulkenberg (Sauber)
5 – L. Hamilton (Mercedes)
6 – F. Alonso (Ferrari)
7 – N. Rosberg (Mercedes)
8 – J. Button (McLaren)
9 – F. Massa (Ferrari)
10 – S. Perez (McLaren)
11 – E. Gutierrez (Sauber)
12 – V. Bottas (Williams)
13 – P. Maldonado (Williams)
14 – C. Pic (Caterham)
15 – G. van der Garde (Caterham)
16 – J. Bianchi (Marussia)
17 – M. Chilton (Marussia)
18 – J. E. Vergne (Toro Rosso) – DNF
19 – D. Ricciardo (Toro Rosso) – DNF
20 – A. Sutil (Force India) – DNF
21 – M. Webber (Red Bull) – DNF
22 – P. Di Resta (Force India) – DNF
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