French GP Observations
Just got done watching the (last?) French GP today on Fox. This was another fairly boring race at Magny-Cours which is typical for this event. I always thought the race at Paul Richard was much better, then again money talks in F1 and former socialist French PMs are not above speaking that language.
That is why we have been subjected to Magny-Cours since 1991. Good riddance I say!
*****Spoiler Warning*****
The French GP is normally a snoozefest unless there is rain. This race did not "disappoint" in that regard...
Kimi used speed and strategy to win, thereby salvaging his season. He needed this win BAD if he was to stay in contention. Massa did well but did not have the same strategy as his teammate, that second stint sealed his fate. Hamilton had a lonely ride to third after getting beat off the line by Kimi. He was never a factor but he continued his remarkable string of podiums (eight) and added to his points lead.
Alonso was in damage limitation mode for this race after mechanical failure in Q3. Not a bad run to collect two points but he is slipping further behind his teammate. As we head into the midway point in the season, Alonso's title defense looks iffy at best.
BMW did well, Kubica did great after his Canadian crash and Heidfeld did well to finish with bruised ribs. They remain ahead of Renault and have a good shot of remaining there. A win for either driver is not out of the question.
Honda scored a point, which means their ROI on their millions can now be calculated. Don't look for them to do well at Silverstone though, Magny-Cours is billiard table smooth and flattered the RA107. Without major changes, Honda is going to continue falling behind.
This is what happens when you get rid of Geoff Willis...
I think the winning formula for Honda and Toyota is to just supply engines and sponsor English racing teams. Both may be competent at producing normal automobiles but neither of them have figured-out how to run a decent F1 team. Well, at least they are recycling their profits into the European economy.
*****Spoilers End*****
On to Silverstone for the British GP. It should be a madhouse with Hamilton leading the WC and Ferarri back in front. If we add some of that wonderful English weather, it will really be a hoot!
1 comment:
Gotta disagree with ya', Doug. I thought that this was one of the most exciting races of the season. There were battles for position throughout the race, a huge snafu in the pits courtesy of Spiker, and Kimi pulled three seconds out of his lap times while Masa was in the pit to take the lead and eventually win. Tell me you didn't enjoy Fernando's battle with Nick?
Lastly, Fox broadcast the race in 720 HD! It was great to finally see an F1 race in HD. (I just wonder why they didn't do it for the Canadian or American rounds?) Let's hope that Silverstone's in HD as well--gotta get some return on my HD investment. :-)
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