F1 GPs

Yesterday was a pretty pedestrian race to be fair - Raikonnen put one over team-mate Massa at the start and then ended up out in front when Hamilton span at the end of the first lap. Then, 3 laps from the end it all went mental.

The rain was hammering down and Hamilton was coping with the conditions much better than Raikonnen was able to. He caught right up with the Finn and was about to overtake him when Raikonnen pushed him onto the grass. Hamilton had to cut the corner, giving him a false lead which he relinquished, as per the rules. At the next corner he overtook legitimately in an awesome move.

At the end of THAT lap, a skidding back-marker mean Hamilton had to take avoiding action, meaning Kimi regained the lead - only to lose it big-time a few seconds later, seemingly handing the victory to Lewis. This was one lap before the end and by now the rain was coming down so hard that most of the drivers pitted to go onto wet tires, because it was impossible to carry on at any speed. Hamilton and Massa (who had moved up to second) tip-toed round, both almost tripping off the road several times. Brilliantly tense and the best end to a Grand Prix that I've ever seen.

Then this morning's sport's headlines bring the biggest anti-climax. Hamilton was docked 25 seconds for the corner he cut when he had no other option. Bugger.

this was a great race, was on the edge of my seat on the last few laps. Cant believe they docked Hamilton 25 seconds though! not a happy bunny!

It didn't seem representative of the racing to me. Lewis was past Raikonnen, but Kimi cut right in front of him. It was a case of hitting the Ferrari or jumping the corner - a no-brainer

i'd left the hostel with the septics, the paddies and the soft southern pansy (didn't want to leave anyone out of the generalised stereotypes) and Tim pointed out that the race was on in the crescent so i could watch the end, i replied "it's pretty much a procession no...." as i looked up to see hamilton flying past, then kimi in the wall, than a brief shot of bourdais spinning

Seems to be a massive buzz erupting over this incident - from all factions of F1 fans, not just McLaren's. The FIA are going to lose even more face over this unless they allow McLaren to appeal the decision.

They're allowed to appeal, they can't stop that, it's just whether or not they pass it.

I'm not one of the Scuderia's loathing haters, but I would imagine they put a complaint in, but probably before Kimi went off

Hmm, well according to the paper I was reading this morning, the FIA have to approve McLaren's right to appeal. Not sure exactly how that works or whether it was inaccurate reporting, but either way it sounds like the decision of 3 stewards is going to have an awful lot of influence on the championship.

just got a spam email with the subject line

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just watching the highlights of todays race, any comments?

Sprucy wrote:just watching the highlights of todays race, any comments?

nothing much to add beyond " Vettel "

Top race from Vettel, controlled the pace all the way through - made Kovalainen look quite poor. Can't believe Massa didn't get above 6th - poor show from him. Hamilton was very pacy, just a shame for him that the rain didn't come back, or he'd have been in contention for the win.

Vettel

Should be amazing for the Toro Rosso staff who were with them as Minardi. Must be crushing for Bourdais, he could have got a podium easily, given his pace. Impressive stuff from Hamilton, but he's showing his ruthless streak a lot more often these days. Raikkonen is baffling though, must have been set up for dry, as he set seven fastest laps in the last nine laps after struggling for most of the race! That's no excuse though - apparently Vettel's car was also set up for the dry.

Good for to see the championship is still close - can't rule out Raikkonen, and Kubica getting on the podium has kept him in the fight. Two amazing races in a row - and I hear there may be rain in Singapore too...

I'm ruling out Raikonnen, personally. I know he came from a similar position last year, but he's too lacking in form to get the wins he needs. Of course, if Massa/Hamilton trip over themselves a couple of times, I may be made to eat my words. Was a little surprised after the race to see how well Kubica has kept himself in touch with the leaders - he got a little lucky on his way to the podium yesterday, but might still pose a threat if he continues to score consistently.

Hamilton's appeal thrown out of court. Gay.

Predictable. I didn't think they'd win the appeal, but I'm somehow surprised that it was simply dismissed as inadmissible. Oh well - rain still predicted for Singapore