We will start by going back three weeks to Singapore and the only night race on the Formula1 calendar. Lewis Hamilton flew away with it and I believe it was a great, controlled drive under pressure from Vettel, who always looked a threat until a strange driving line into the pit lane caused a "speeding in the pitlane" drive-through. Nico Rosberg also pressured Lewis and looked good for a podium until he pitted for the first time, where he went straight on at the pit lane exit, in turn crossing the white line. Jenson ran another tight race but this time, the pit stops went to plan and I feel that the Singapore race could have decided the world championship because Button beat Rubens Barrichello to the line to outscore him by a point. Also, this moved Vettel further back than he could have been due to the drive-through and Mark Webber dropped fully out of contention for the title due to brake failure, where he did very well to spin the car backwards into the wall.
Jenson has not won since Turkey, when he passed Vettel on the first lap. Since then, a slow score of points and the improvement by other teams (including Mclaren, Ferrari and Force India) has meant that he is going into the Brazilian GP with a 14 point lead over Rubens. This means if Jenson makes it onto the podium in Brazil, he will be world champion. On the other hand, Rubens has never had the greatest of luck at his home race so it could easily be possible for Button to finish lower in the points but just behind Rubens to be champion. It is in the Britain's hands now.
Speaking of Rubens, it is very interesting to hear that he is speaking to Williams about a drive next year. The experience of Rubens and youth of Nico Hulkenberg could be a very interesting team but could it spell the end of Rubens’ career in Formula1 if he is beaten by the young German. He will have to show that experience counts and that there is still life in the old dog yet.
After being at Mclaren in 2007, Ferrari has decided to see if they can tame Fernando Alonso alongside a strong team mate. Felipe Massa will return with the full backing of the Ferrari team after being part of the set up since his Sauber days. It is almost a replay of Mclaren, where Lewis had been close to the team for years but I feel Fernando will not try and play the same games as he did there. Ferrari is the Formula1 team which has been there throughout history and a very close family. Will Alonso fit in? I'm not too sure to be honest. Renault will always be his home and he was always going to be the number one driver. When he was at Minardi, he was number one to Tarso Marques.....whereas he had equal status at Mclaren. I'd love him to prove me wrong but I feel that if Massa puts him under pressure in the same way Lewis did, then he may crack. Then again, I think if he wins a title with the Italian team, then he will be the best driver in Formula1. At the moment, some call him the best but I do not agree. I feel he is good, very good in fact but I feel he needs to prove he's great with equal status. He did against Fisichella but he has never been close to winning a title.....here's your chance Fernando...Show the world you are great!
I will be giving him a chance at Ferrari but I do feel Felipe may just beat him.
Nico Rosberg has had his best season to date and looks like being rewarded with a Mercedes drive in either a Mclaren or a Brawn. I feel this will have to be a chance that has to be taken by Nico. He has impressed at times but will need to show results to go with his speed. He could be an addition to the most impressive team of 2009, Brawn. I remember thinking back to January when it looked like Honda might be saved but there was a lot of uncertainity. Then, they tested the car on the Stowe circuit at Silverstone, just after I had done an experience there in Silverstone's single seaters. They have gone from there to winning six of the first seven races and winning eight all year. Maybe some teams might take a leaf out of Brawn's book and test the car at the last possible moment? The team is now half a point away from taking the constructors championship and it is well deserved. Ross has recharged the batteries of the team and even regenerated Jenson and Rubens' careers after looking like they might just fade slowly out of Formula1. Well done all the Brawn crew!
So here we go....Brazil. No Timo Glock after his Japan crash so no last lap passes this time. :)
I think you will see Rubens up there fighting for victory with Jenson battling with Trulli and Lewis for fourth through to sixth. I think this is due to Jenson being in a position that six points is all he needs. Rubens must win. We'll soon see.....Bring on Brazil.
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