Finally, the Canadian trophy.Two contrasting Grand Prix, Monaco and Montreal. The only similarity is the first letter. However, our condolences go to the family of the marshal who unfortunately lost his life during the Canadian GP.
These are truly unfortunate circumstances, especially when such people are present to provide safety on and off the track. Motorsport is dangerous; at times, it can be even more dangerous and unfortunate.
These individuals offer their services free of charge for the thrill of the sport; it’s a pity the day had to end this way. This was the third marshal killed since 2000. However, the previous two were hit by tyres braking off after an accident. Since then, front wheels of F1 cars have two cables attached to these to minimise braking loose from the chassis.
Monaco triumphed pole sitter Nico Rosberg, who prior to Canada had been booking the front row with a very fast car on single runs.
Monaco is always a race that manages to create conflicting reports – from an exciting race to a fast procession of F1 cars. This year it was the latter, as with the massively wide front spoilers, it is practically impossible to overtake, let alone Sergio Perez in his Vodafone Mclaren Mercedes, who was dicing down the circuit after the tunnel exit desperately and courageously overtaking the competition. Unfortunately in his third overtaking manoeuvre, he arrived dramatically close to Lotus driver Kimi Raikkonen, who had no intention of leaving any available gap.
The two touched with the ‘Iceman’, having to pit after a deflating rear left tyre and Perez having to retire with brake failure.Various accidents occurred, with the race being red flag due to the barriers being dislodged after yet another incident.
This, however, did not alter proceedingswith a dominant Nico Rosberg taking the win, replicating a 30-year spell when his father Keke won the Monaco Grand Prix.
Once more, both Red Bull drivers were on the podium. Considering their team principal Christian Horner has been moaning for a change in tyre philosophy, his drivers are reaping points.
A negative aspect for Monaco was Felipe Massa’s double accident coming up to Sant Devote. Saturday’s practice crash was definitely a driver’s error, whereby on Sunday it was a mechanical failure, possibly due to the previous day’s accident. However, concern for Massa was evident, as he suffered two major accidents which could have been more serious. Fortunately, all was well; his Ferrari F1 car once more needed repairs. After this accident, a new chassis was destined for Massa to utilise in Montreal.
However, the main news was the 1,000-kilometre tyre-testing session effected by the Mercedes team the day after the Spanish GP at Montmelo. The team was summoned to appear infront of the sporting tribunal last Thursday to determine their faith . Did the team gather any data on the performance of their cars? Surely, the team had more track time to explore new aero bits so the advantage was there. The regulation states that if a supplier requests any type of testing, this had to be done with a race car that has to be two years old, as was the case with Ferrari. One wonders why was this all hushed up. Is Pirelli trying to furnish Mercedes road cars.
Montreal, an incredible track made of long straights, a few chicanes and the obligatory corners, is a breath of fresh air after Monaco. Here, it is sheer speed and proper racing.
What we witnessed last Sunday was a dominant Vettel and an incredible fast RB9. The German raced aggressively from the moment the lights went out, instantly posting a two-second gap on his closest following driver to keep him at bay from activating the DRS (Drag Reduction System) to close the gap.
Behind was an incredible spectacle offered by the likes of Felipe Massa, who started the race within the lower ranks after managing once more to crash his Ferrari on Saturday.
Having said that, Montreal offered the true spectacle of F1 – sheer racing. One could feel that the drivers were really enjoying it; well, nearly. Lewis Hamilton might have lost a smile after being overtaken by Fernando Alonso.
However, one has to give credit to Sahara Force India together with Paul di Resta, who managed a staggering 57 laps on the medium compound, illustrating consistency and the team’s incredible understanding of the tyres.
The team was celebrating their 100th race and are showing their true potential, considering their limited resources. However, having the same engine, transmission and KERS unit supplied by the McLaren team, they are definitely more in race trim than the famous Woking-based team.
Finally, the so-called junior teams. Once more, Jules Bianchi in the Marussia has been competitive all week; Valtteri Bottas, the young Finn driving the Williams, shed some sparkle, qualifying on the second row, even though his race pace was far from being competitive; and Mercedes seem to be edging forward, making them competitive in race conditions.
However, Vettel, with his RB9, completed a textbook race, showing dominance from start to finish.
Within a fortnight, the circus returns to Silverstone, one of my favourites, a circuit which like Montreal will offer serious racing that will favour the top teams.
Let’s hope that Raikkonen, with his Lotus, will once more battle for the win.
Together with Fernando Alonso in his Ferrari, these are the two drivers who can slow down Sebastian Vettel from heading for a straight fourth world title.