Site logo

Vettel heads a Red Bull 1-2 at Silverstone

NEWS STORY
21/06/2009

Mark Webber has every right to feel angry at Kimi Raikkonen's behaviour during the closing stages of Q3 yesterday, however, the Red Bull driver accusing the Finn of having a 'vodka moment' seems somewhat ironic.

That said, Raikkonen aside, it is doubtful that even Webber would have stopped Sebastian Vettel taking pole position, such has been the German's pace and determination throughout the weekend. The fact that he is the heaviest of the front runners truly underlines what a magnificent lap that was.

The Red Bulls look awesome, and it is clear that the recent updates, not least their own split diffuser and a 'platypus nose' are having the desired effect.

For much of the weekend, the Brawns have struggled, particularly World Championship leader Button. One has to wonder if the pressure of 'England Expects' is getting to the Frome boy in front of his home crowd, for Jenson has never looked entirely comfortable this weekend. On the other hand, Barrichello is looking cool and relaxed, and his qualifying performance, on a similar fuel load was excellent, Kimi Raikkonen not withstanding.

However, while Red Bull is making huge leaps forward, Brawn isn't standing still, and one can be sure that in the right, or wrong, conditions, team boss Ross Brawn could play a decisive role.

Behind the Red Bulls and Brawns, keep an eye on the Toyotas, with Trulli back on form and clearly eager to consolidate fifth place in the championship. Glock should also be good for a point or two today.

A great performance from Nakajima yesterday, but in all honesty the Japanese driver was running even lighter than Alonso. While it was good to see Kazuki finally out-qualify his teammate this season, we expect Rosberg to be the Grove outfit's best hope for a point or two this afternoon.

Ferrari admit that yesterday's session was "disappointing", with Massa failing to make it to Q2. Furthermore, with Raikkonen one of the lightest runners, things don't look too promising for the Italian team.

You can guarantee that Fernando Alonso will always give a good account of himself, and the fact that the Spaniard loves this track - winning here in 2006 - might go some way to helping Renault pick up a much needed point as it chases Williams for sixth in the Constructors' Championship.

Heidfeld has looked the better prospect for BMW for much of the weekend, while, with Lewis Hamilton starting fro nineteenth, McLaren will have to hope that Kovalainen can raise his game.

Toro Rosso has really struggled this weekend, however, keep an eye out for Force India, who have clearly made a step forward here. Sadly, Sutil's crash in Q3 - which also denied Hamilton the opportunity of improving - prevented the German making it through to Q2, however, he and his Italian teammate have been looking confident for much of the weekend. Pity about the naff photo op with dart player Bobby George. (See gallery).

Despite the many millions spent, only Ferrari will be using KERS today, with BMW - one of only four teams that has bothered with the controversial device this season - announcing that they have no intention of using it again.

LATEST NEWS

more news >

RELATED ARTICLES

LATEST IMAGES

galleries >

  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images

POST A COMMENT

or Register for a Pitpass ID to have your say

Please note that all posts are reactively moderated and must adhere to the site's posting rules and etiquette.

Post your comment

READERS COMMENTS

 

No comments posted as yet, would you like to be the first to have your say?

Share this page

X

Copyright © Pitpass 2002 - 2024. All rights reserved.

about us  |  advertise  |  contact  |  privacy & security  |  rss  |  terms