A new show of domination in Spain, 2013

The Spanish Grand Prix gave us another view of the dominance of Fernando Alonso. His driving skills showed us why, even in an uncompetitive car last year, he was still in the title fight until the end. This race was almost Sebastian Vettel-esque from some of his races in the last few years.

The Stunning Spaniard

Without the mistakes in 2 out of the five races, Alonso would be leading the championship. If the car keeps developing, he will be leading it soon enough regardless. It was smooth sailing after the bold overtakes on the first lap and from there he was doing just enough to keep himself safe. Vettel has managed to control races like that recently but this shows how much Alonso wants to win this year. There’s no pressure after the season Ferrari had last year and how close they came so unless something drastic happens soon, it could be good season for them. Massa also had a good race to reach a podium finish from ninth. His form is constantly improving and I would love to see a race victory for him this year at least once.

Salvaging the Points

It was damage limitation for both McLaren and Mercedes this weekend. The former still trying to understand why they have lost so much pace with this car and the latter not able to improve the tyre wear during a race. McLaren should be happy with a double points finish, even if it is in the lower half of the top ten. It still seems strange to be saying that about the team who had the quickest car at the end of last year, and both Jenson Button and Sergio Perez were downbeat despite how well their races went.

For Mercedes, a pattern is emerging. It wasn’t as bad this weekend for Nico Rosberg, still finishing in the points but Lewis Hamilton, passed by both a Williams and Button, was also not happy, as was clear in his post-race interview. Monaco might help them, as it is difficult to overtake there and they are very quick in qualifying but I think they’ll still miss out on the pit stops.

Red Bull and Tyres

One good thing about this post being a week late is that I’ve been able to keep track of the on-going Pirelli tyre situation. Red Bull are still not happy but as has been pointed out, it wasn’t long ago they won a race from four pit stops. How quickly they change their minds about how efficient the tyres are and how good they are for the sport.

Pirelli have announced they want to change the tyres as early as the Canadian grand prix next month but no matter what decision they make, someone won’t be happy. Where is the line between changes that should be made and those that shouldn’t. Safety is the most important thing, and we have seen some worrying incidents with the tyres but I don’t agree that last year’s tyres should be used or even much harder tyres. If it’s the bonds that are the problem; then strengthen the bonds, they’re not amateurs and will probably have a way of doing so.

I’m not solely convinced that four stops during a race is too many. I enjoy the multiple pit stops and working out who’s where. It can be a little confusing but how many people focus on EVERY car on the track at once. Generally you’ll follow the drivers you want to win, or do well, and those around them, while on the lookout for others who do well or do not. More than four stops would definitely be a problem, but four isn’t too bad. If everyone does three stops it will become processional again and that won’t be so fun, the fact we are getting a mix means there is always something going on and I enjoy that.

Summary

While not the most exciting race so far this year, there wasn’t anything inherently bad about it. It’s quite possible we would be saying it was dull if it was Vettel who rushed to victory but having Alonso show his worth is refreshing. He’s a force to be reckoned with this season once again, and as for the tyres, we’ll have to wait and see.

Results

1 – F. Alonso (Ferrari)

2 – K. Raikkonen (Lotus)

3 – F. Massa (Ferrari)

4 – S. Vettel (Red Bull)

5 – M. Webber (Red Bull)

6 – N. Rosberg (Mercedes)

7 – P. Di Resta (Force India)

8 – J. Button (McLaren)

9 – S. Perez (McLaren)

10 – D. Ricciardo (Toro Rosso)

11 – E. Gutierrez (Sauber)

12 – L. Hamilton (Mercedes)

13 – A. Sutil (Force India)

14 – P. Maldonado (Williams)

15 – N. Hulkenberg (Sauber)

16 – V. Bottas (Williams)

17 – C. Pic (Caterham)

18 – J. Bianchi (Marussia)

19 – M. Chilton (Maurssia)

20 – J. E. Vergne (Toro Rosso) - DNF

21 – G. van der Garde (Caterham) - DNF

22 – R. Grosjean (Lotus) - DNF