Sorry for the late review. I was busy with my exams and also my PC had stopped working all of a sudden. However, its better late then never. So, here I’m with yet another Grand Prix review. The French Grand Prix 2008 was an eventful one. It was all Ferrari from the start of the first Friday practice. One could easily tell that the red cars are going to dominate the weekend through and through. To make matter worse, the reigning world champion was determined to win here.
Sorry again for a delayed review as if its become a custom lately. I’ve my set of genuine reasons or excuses, tough. As usual, I was busy with some personal work and my internet connection stopped working all of a sudden. The connection was off for an entire week due to a fibre optic failure, as informed by my ISP. Anyway, let’s start with the review for Turkish Grand Prix 2008. We had a fair idea of what the result was going to be like but Felipe Massa opted to throw in a early warning to his rivals. Ferrari and McLaren both looked in good touch.
First of all, my apologies for a delayed review. This last week and the one before that has been too hectic for me to write a review. Now that I’ve found a bit of space for myself, I’m here with a short review of the Bahrain Grand Prix 2008 which was held on 6th of April 2008. In few words, the race can be described as ecstasy for Ferrari and agony for McLaren. Ferrari were easily the best team out there and the team registered there first 1-2 of the season led by Felipe Massa.
Kimi Raikkonen is back and in style. His dominating display in Malaysian Grand Prix is just what the Tifosi has been expecting. Starting from 2nd on the grid, he made a superb start but still let his team-mate, Felipe Massa retain the lead through first few corners. The clever Finn made sure he stays within a second and a half by the time they make their first pit-stops. Once Massa came in, Kimi delivered a couple of astonishing laps. A shorter pit-stop for Kimi made sure he jumped his team-mate once he came out of the pits. He opened up a gap of about 5 seconds to second place Massa within a few laps.
Every team arrived in Australia without knowing what to expect but determined to give their very best in the season opener. This, afterall, could lay the foundation on which the teams will progress throughout the rest of the season. This season is a big one in itself and with 17 races to go after this, everyone was sure of wiping out the incompetencies, if any. This one was set to break many illusions developed during the winter testing but a failure here in no way means the end of the world.
A new year and a new season of championship is all set to begin this weekend. The expectations are at an all time high and a high dose of excitement is guaranteed. There are many changes from last year both in terms of technicalities and personalities. We’ve witnessed quite a few rule changes announced by the FIA as well as a number of drivers switching teams. To add to it, there are also a few new drivers and a newly acquired team, Force India.
The Brazilian Grand Prix was always going to be exciting as all three title contenders were still in hunt for the ultimate prize this season. Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton of McLaren & Kimi Raikkonen of Ferrari were all set to go for one final time this season in an attempt to snatch the coveted driver’s championship title. Kimi had the most difficult of jobs, still 7 points behind the leader going into the last race while Lewis seemed only a few points away from becoming the first ever rookie world champion.
When we reached the Chinese Grand Prix 2007, the 16th race of a 17-race calendar, only three drivers were fighting for the championship. Fernando Alonso was struggling with his team-mate and most importantly, his team. Kimi Raikkonen lead all practice sessions and was clearly looking the fastest driver of the three. During the Qualifying, however, it was Lewis Hamilton who took the pole much to McLaren’s delight. Kimi had to settle for P2 on the grid with Massa on P3 and Alonso on P4.
Another delayed review and my second review for the day. This time its for the Japanese Grand Prix 2007. This year, the race was not held at the usual Suzuka circuit. Instead, it took place at Fuji Speedway in the midst of lovely mountains. The weather was always going to play a crucial part in this race and so it did, in a big way. In the process, it left the F1 fans with non-stop entertainment in what could easily be described as the best race so far this season.
Once again I apologize for a very very delayed review of Belgian Grand Prix 2007. In fact, I could have done without posting this review at all but decided in its favor for the sake of completeness. I won’t go into much details this time but will try and touch upon only the significant race highlights. Spa-Francorchamps is, without a doubt, the most picturesque track in the entire calendar and is famous for its history. The 7.004 km track is back after a year’s absence and corners like Blanchimont, Eau Rouge and La Source makes it an absolute classic.