Ferrari
and BMW both gave McLaren a right kicking. McLaren were driven off the circuit. The Ferrari and BMWs seem a hell of a lot better at preserving the tyres, whereas the McLaren just eats them up, which is killing their race pace. The MP4-23 still has a lot of potential: it's got decent aerodynamics, handling, engine power and torque, and reliability. If the traction was improved, the car would be great. Ron Dennis said not to judge McLaren until after Barcelona. Well, that's three weeks away, so McLaren need to start to show some development pace, something that worries me to be honest with two inexperienced drivers.
Raikkonen must have done a disgraceful job in qualifying yesterday, but continued his Schumacher-esque qualities in making a good go of pipping people in the pits. Massa did a good job leading from the front, something he and any other average driver can do in good equipment. He's in the title mix again, yes, but I still don't rate him that highly as a driver.
Hamilton's start was an absolute disgrace, and Kovalainen (and others) did well to avoid him. On the other hand, Kovalainen made a good start. The first few laps of the race were pretty good, but it got pretty average after that.
Alonso is a w***er. Full stop. I have no doubts he brake-tested Hamilton coming out of that particular corner. There is never that difference in acceleration in Formula One cars. Although there's really no point in investigating insofar as Hamilton and Alonso got no points and will not be battling one another for the title, I feel it's important to know what really happened and seeing the 99%-sure guilty Alonso punished. In any case, it made Hamilton's race go from very bad to tragic, damaging parts of the car.
Questions have to be asked about Kovalainen. Why the hell was he so slow all race and, all of a sudden, started banging fastest sectors and personal bests in the closing stages of the race? Had he been doing that in the early stages of the race, he'd have been in the mix for at least a podium.
Coulthard: another accident similar to Melbourne. If it happens once, you give him the benefit of the doubt. Twice and you start to wonder. It's also not the first time he's been involved in stuff like this. I can remember a few accidents along these lines in his McLaren days. It's time he started using his mirrors and stops blaming others.
Sato show what an annoying little toad he can be. When blue flags are shown, you're meant to move out of the way and allow the other car to pass. You don't hold your line and barely give the guy enough room to pass. He deserves a good punch.
Williams have shown they have a good qualifying car, but in the race it's nowhere. It's like the old Toyotas and BMWs.
Trulli did very well today, and Honda did pretty well over the course of the weekend. I'm actually rather surprised.
Both BMW drivers did very well. Kubica kept the Grand Prix from looking completely like a two-horse race and Heidfeld did very well to move up the field.
Finally, ITV showed exactly why they do not deserve to cover Formula One. Where the hell was the post-race press conference. Basically, because Hamilton was not there, we don't get to see it. As a Formula One fan, I was looking forward to hearing what Massa and Kubica in particular had to say. Hamilton is only one of twenty-two drivers on show.
Ayrton Senna: WDC 1988,
1989, 1990, 1991
McLaren: WCC 1974, 1984, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1998,
1999, 2007McLaren: WDC 1974, 1976, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1998, 1999, 2008
