Five races. Three continents. Five winners, four nationalities. Five constructors . . . three engine manufacturers of three separate countries . . . a virtually elusive grid featuring drivers of three other nationalities and teams from another two who almost certain will also taste victory . . . and we are only one quarter of the way into the season.
This is F1 circa 2012 and it's one helluva show. We may be witnessing the most chimerical example of the world championship F1 has offered yet. I also doubt very seriously that either title will be decided by the time the teams reach Austin in November, which bodes well for the USGP.
This sport which I so obviously adore only seems to get better and better. Each era in the sport's history has provided unique memories for the ages, but despite the ever shifting technological front, heavier rule books, and over populated steward's quarters in economically challenging times, 2012 may prove that at the heart of the matter that spirit has not been lost.
No driver or team has established anything close to resembling dominance. Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel currently reside at the top of the points table despite the fact that both men are struggling with lessor machinery, a testament to their skill and race craft. Kimi Räikkönen has impressed and arguably returned to the form he initially brought to Ferrari. We have two very deserved first time winners, Rosberg and Maldonado, and my feeling is that Monaco will deliver the season's sixth different victor.
Although evident from the outset in Melbourne, Spain clearly reinforced Pirelli's ante in determining who can go not only quickest but smoothest. I find it fascinating that Maldonado, Alonso, and Raikkonen, each at different stages of the Grand Prix, set the Catalunya pace.
It's going to be a very tough road forward to predict.
Showing posts with label Monaco. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Monaco. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Friday, May 27, 2011
Misc thoughts on Monaco
Monaco
As usual, I'm very much looking forward to Monaco. I'm glad world titles aren't ultimately decided there, but the F1 mecca certainly encompasses everything that is F1: the glamour of the Mediterranean, cars sliding around impossibly tight corners, and dozens of internet posts about . . . you guessed it . . . a general lack of overtaking.
When I think back over the memorable moments Monaco has provided . . . Niki Lauda's remarkable recovery from a puncture to finish 2nd in an era when a single pit stop virtually assured one's doom . . . the nose to gearbox fight between Senna and Mansell for victory in the closing laps of '92 . . . I relish the potential these insanely tight, winding, steeply rising and falling streets have to surprise and astonish.
Perhaps then Monaco transcends annual regulation tinkering and is more about history and anticipation than the latest debate du jour. It is a spectacle . . . one that I hope to experience very much in person one day.
Spain
Fernando Alonso's start and fight to steal the lead into turn 1 was one of the most inspired displays of raw talent I have seen in a long time. Given Alonso's knowledge that his car could not keep pace with Red Bull and McLaren on the extremely technical Catalan circuit, I find his fighting spirit rare indeed. There is no doubt in my mind that he is the best. Ferrari have their man, and I can only hope that they will provide him with a capable car soon.
Barcelona certainly appeared less chaotic than the prior two Grands Prix. I'm guessing that this is because Pirelli served up a more stable compound? Thoughts?
Where O' where has Kimi Raikkonen gone?
I watched my very first NASCAR Truck race . . . well let's be honest, I fast forwarded through it. That just about sums up anything that I have to offer on the topic.
Cheers
As usual, I'm very much looking forward to Monaco. I'm glad world titles aren't ultimately decided there, but the F1 mecca certainly encompasses everything that is F1: the glamour of the Mediterranean, cars sliding around impossibly tight corners, and dozens of internet posts about . . . you guessed it . . . a general lack of overtaking.
When I think back over the memorable moments Monaco has provided . . . Niki Lauda's remarkable recovery from a puncture to finish 2nd in an era when a single pit stop virtually assured one's doom . . . the nose to gearbox fight between Senna and Mansell for victory in the closing laps of '92 . . . I relish the potential these insanely tight, winding, steeply rising and falling streets have to surprise and astonish.
Perhaps then Monaco transcends annual regulation tinkering and is more about history and anticipation than the latest debate du jour. It is a spectacle . . . one that I hope to experience very much in person one day.
Spain
Fernando Alonso's start and fight to steal the lead into turn 1 was one of the most inspired displays of raw talent I have seen in a long time. Given Alonso's knowledge that his car could not keep pace with Red Bull and McLaren on the extremely technical Catalan circuit, I find his fighting spirit rare indeed. There is no doubt in my mind that he is the best. Ferrari have their man, and I can only hope that they will provide him with a capable car soon.
Barcelona certainly appeared less chaotic than the prior two Grands Prix. I'm guessing that this is because Pirelli served up a more stable compound? Thoughts?
Where O' where has Kimi Raikkonen gone?
I watched my very first NASCAR Truck race . . . well let's be honest, I fast forwarded through it. That just about sums up anything that I have to offer on the topic.
Cheers
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