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After a tremendous three-way battle the German GP had my vote for best race of the 2011 season so far. Seven days later the title was snatched away by the classic at the Hungaroring.
TRACK SURFACE
The start of the race was incredibly slippery, a supreme test of driving skill and confidence as the drivers coaxed their cars around a virtual ice-rink. However, the low level of grip was exaggerated in comparison with other tracks – the Hungaroring is notorious or being one of the greenest circuits on the calendar.
That, and the age of the track surface, were more than likely to blame for the extra-slippery conditions. A racing circuit’s surface usesa very specific macro and micro relationship: the macro accounts for the size of the stones used in the bitumen, the micro is the amount of space between the stones.
Because the track surface is relatively old the micro has increased thereby reducing overall grip. All we know is that it delivered a cracker of a race.
JENSON BUTTON
McLaren has always been a team relentless in the pursuit of a competitive edge, a trend not specific to the current season. The team has always had a reputation for never giving up. The 2002 season, or instance, was dominated by Michael Schumacher but somehow McLaren found the motivation to keep on fighting and were rewarded with victory in Monaco.
It was their only victory of the season but it epitomised the character of the team – never give up.
The same is true of Jenson Button. Years of mediocre cars did nothing to dampen his indomitable spirit and determined self-belief. Some might say he was lucky to end up behind the wheel of the Brawn in 2009. That was a load of rubbish. Luck didn't give him the ability to match his greatly talented team mate. Luck didn't give him the cool head or his exceptionally smooth driving style.
Nope,talent and perseverance made Jenson Button the driver he is today.
The conditions during the Hungarian GP were the most difficult that an F1 driver can ever face. Jenson Button never seemed under severe pressure. He made the right tyre choices at the perfect time, set an impressive pace when it was needed, and passed and re-passed Hamilton for good measure.
All of the 70 laps were sublimely under the control of the 2009 champion after his 200th GP start. He has, once again, delighted F1 fans with a truly brilliant drive.
VETTEL SITS PRETTY
Somewhere within the Red Bull team a few whispers should be starting to rumble. It’s no fluke that McLaren and Ferrari have started to score regular victories. They've increased the pace of their respective cars to challenge Red Bull. The ball is in Red Bull’s court prove the team has the prowess to be 2011 champion.
One thing is certain – neither McLaren nor Ferrari will ease the pressure.
Despite Sebastian Vettel not winning since Valencia in June, he still holds a substantial lead in the Driver’s championship. He has a good chance of defending his title but he is first and foremost a racing driver – winning means everything.
Can he rediscover his winning form in time for Spa at the end of August?
TRACK SURFACE
The start of the race was incredibly slippery, a supreme test of driving skill and confidence as the drivers coaxed their cars around a virtual ice-rink. However, the low level of grip was exaggerated in comparison with other tracks – the Hungaroring is notorious or being one of the greenest circuits on the calendar.
That, and the age of the track surface, were more than likely to blame for the extra-slippery conditions. A racing circuit’s surface usesa very specific macro and micro relationship: the macro accounts for the size of the stones used in the bitumen, the micro is the amount of space between the stones.
Because the track surface is relatively old the micro has increased thereby reducing overall grip. All we know is that it delivered a cracker of a race.
JENSON BUTTON
McLaren has always been a team relentless in the pursuit of a competitive edge, a trend not specific to the current season. The team has always had a reputation for never giving up. The 2002 season, or instance, was dominated by Michael Schumacher but somehow McLaren found the motivation to keep on fighting and were rewarded with victory in Monaco.
It was their only victory of the season but it epitomised the character of the team – never give up.
The same is true of Jenson Button. Years of mediocre cars did nothing to dampen his indomitable spirit and determined self-belief. Some might say he was lucky to end up behind the wheel of the Brawn in 2009. That was a load of rubbish. Luck didn't give him the ability to match his greatly talented team mate. Luck didn't give him the cool head or his exceptionally smooth driving style.
Nope,talent and perseverance made Jenson Button the driver he is today.
The conditions during the Hungarian GP were the most difficult that an F1 driver can ever face. Jenson Button never seemed under severe pressure. He made the right tyre choices at the perfect time, set an impressive pace when it was needed, and passed and re-passed Hamilton for good measure.
All of the 70 laps were sublimely under the control of the 2009 champion after his 200th GP start. He has, once again, delighted F1 fans with a truly brilliant drive.
VETTEL SITS PRETTY
Somewhere within the Red Bull team a few whispers should be starting to rumble. It’s no fluke that McLaren and Ferrari have started to score regular victories. They've increased the pace of their respective cars to challenge Red Bull. The ball is in Red Bull’s court prove the team has the prowess to be 2011 champion.
One thing is certain – neither McLaren nor Ferrari will ease the pressure.
Despite Sebastian Vettel not winning since Valencia in June, he still holds a substantial lead in the Driver’s championship. He has a good chance of defending his title but he is first and foremost a racing driver – winning means everything.
Can he rediscover his winning form in time for Spa at the end of August?