Mark Webber summed up the thoughts of most F1 fans in the post-race press conference in China. The Australian said: "we can't let Seb get too far away." This was not a sign of the inter-team rivalry that almost derailed Red Bull last season but more a relief that the Sebastian Vettel express train is not invincible. It had been suggested that Webber would be the nearest challenger to Vettel in 2011 given the huge performance advantage that Red Bull boast. Yet this has not been the case; Webber has been plagued with constant reliability woes which, just like the previous two seasons, has left him with plenty of work to do in the title race. Instead it is the Mclaren team, and particularly Lewis Hamilton, who have thrown down the gauntlet to the charging Red Bulls.
The Chinese Grand Prix was great for F1 for a number of reasons. Firstly, I would rank it up there with Japan 2005, Australia 2009 and Canada 2010 as one of the best dry races I've ever seen. In fact, it probably was the best. As i mentioned in my race review, up to five drivers were in line for victory on Sunday as the pendulum swung back and forth. To quote David Coulthard: "thank you Pirelli." Pirelli have provided tyres which have given us thrilling races so, even in the closing stages, the race result isn't assured. Speaking of changes, the Drag Reduction system is probably the most popular innovation that I can remember. It was criticised for being ineffective in Australia and too artificial in Sepang. However in Shanghai it went down a storm. Curiously, much of the passing was not in the DRS zone, which indicates that the skill and bravery of the drivers was the key aspect in most of the overtakes. Additionally, the return of a more developed KERS has given us plenty more on-track action and, lets face it, isn't that what we all want?
Lets revert back to the drivers for a moment. Many felt we were entering a period in the sport many had thought was long forgotten. The years 2000-2004 symbolised a period of total dominance by Michael Schumacher and since the start of the season, many believed Red Bull were about to embark on a similar journey. Whether they do in future years remains to be seen but, in my view, Mclaren will be right up there come the end of the season. Sunday's race proved that F1 isn't just about having the fastest car. If it were, and the quickest car led and the slowest car brought up the rear, there would be no action, right? The rule changes for 2011 has but more emphasis on strategy, but in a more interesting way. It isn't just about waiting for the guy in front to pit, drive a blindingly fast in-lap, and return from the pits ahead these days. Drivers have to think on their feet this season and their feedback is vital. For instance Mclaren, who switched both drivers to a three-stopper in Shanghai. Red Bull and Ferrari were too slow to react, paving the way for Hamilton's miraculous win.
Further down the grid, Ferrari appear in disarray. More worryingly for the Prancing Horse, Fernando Alonso has been outpaced regularly by Felipe Massa this season. The penny has dropped for Massa; his position at Ferrari is significantly under threat following a difficult 2010. Not only that, but there are plenty of drivers who would relish his seat. Massa looks more at ease with himself and in the team in 2011 and boy is that overdue. Alonso, meanwhile, must get his act together. I know he came back from a 50 point deficit to almost win the title last season but at least that Ferrari looked quick. Moreover, Alonso was a force to be reckoned with in 2010 even when the car wasn't quick enough. Other than a little bit of wheel banging with Hamilton in Malaysia, Alonso has looked an almost timid presence on the grid. This must change.
Mercedes look to have turned the corner following an impressive Chinese Grand Prix. At one point it looked like Nico Rosberg was on course for victory having made the most of a masterful strategy but he could only manage fifth. Yet fifth is a very handy boost for his team; he was only beaten by the much faster Red Bulls and Mclarens. Schumacher also looked very punchy in the sister Mercedes, and was more than equal to Alonso's Ferrari. His driving was aggressive throughout, which was pleasing to see.
Renault are also right up there in race pace, although much like Red Bull and Ferrari they must consider whether putting both drivers onto a three stop strategy was a better option. Nonetheless they have started the season in superb fashion, claiming podiums at the opening two rounds of the season. But, and this is a very big but, would the injured Robert Kubica have been quicker. My answer is yet, but how do you better two third places? Answer that one yourselves.
The most impressive team this season, other than the top two, has undoubtedly been Team Lotus. In China, Heikki Kovalainen finished 16th ahead of Sergio Perez and Pastor Maldonado. This was the first occasion since their arrival last season that the team battled with the established teams on a level playing field. Moreover, Trulli’s fastest race lap was quicker than Nick Heidfeld's, Paul di Resta's and quite unbelievably Alonso's. Can they catch and beat the established teams later in the season? Yes and yes.
So, the two important questions prior to the season have been answered: Can anyone beat Vettel? Yes. And will the racing be exciting? Yes. Unquestionably, we may have to endure the odd procession but that will always be the case in Spain, Hungary and Abu Dhabi. That fault lies with the circuit designers, not the rule makers. However, to be honest, I wouldn't mind if those races were dull. If the other 13 resemble anything similar to last weekend's Grand Prix, I couldn't care less.
Josh.
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