USGP Qualifying

It was another dramatic qualifying session at Indy. Like Canada, Ferrari was expected to be on top. Like Canada, McLaren (and Lewis Hamilton in particular) are the class of the field. It looks to be an interesting race for sure.

Remember, Lewis Hamilton (the guy on the pole) has never raced at Indianapolis. He beat his World Champion teammate (who topped the timesheets in all previous sessions) for pole as well as the Ferraris. No small feat for a rookie!

Ferrari were fast but I get a sense that something is not quite right. They are near the front, which is good, but with their budget and talent people expect poles and victories. That is what Herr Schumacher (St. Michael that is) gave them during his tour of duty, but it seems that both Massa and Raikonnen are not up to the task. This at a track where Ferrari has won at every time except 2001...

BMW looked good. BTW, their substitute driver (Sebastian Vettel) is only 19! Seventh on the grid is good work for another driver who has only seen this track on TV. Nick has a good shot at a podium given Ferrari's lack of form lately. The high-speed nature of Indy should suit them well.

Renault are getting better, although they are still behind BMW I think. Kovy and Fisi may not be the best drivers but they are both doing a solid job. They are not the same without Alonso and Michelin, Flav is not the same without Heidi Klum.

Oh, and I think Ralf should make sure his investments are doing well. His future in F1 is looking bleak after another lacklustre qualifying performance. Granted, Jarno is a great at qualifying but to be beaten EVERY TIME by your teammate while you are being paid $20 million per annum does not look good. The clock is ticking and I doubt Ralf will last the season if he has another "effort" or two like this.

Webbo showed his qualifying prowess yet again but I doubt he will collect any points. At least he got to the Q3 session. I think he will replace Fisi at Renault next year since both he and Kovy are managed by the Flav-ster.

Why do I feel greasy every time I mention Flav's name?

Should be a good race. Sound like the weather will be hot and humid tomorrow, which could spell trouble for engines and brakes. I don't think we will have carnage like we did at Montreal but a couple cars may well expire tomorrow. That may shuffle things up and remind us why we watch racing.