It was hard to believe, the blown diffusers were going to be diminished by 90%, then by 50% on Saturday and eventually by 90% again for the race at Silverstone. I have been wondering ever since if the competition I watched on TV had been real or a kind of virtual representation. Even more when it turned out a few hours after the race, that the whole thing was to be left as it was at the European GP, i.e. 0% reduction of the effect inside the exhaust pipes and just forbidding any changes of the engine maps for the race. Which was sanctioned by the FIA on Thursday.
I guess the battle behind the scenes may have been formidable. Seen from the outside one makes out that Red Bull may have put its foot down, as most of the F1 followers agree with them that regulations are not to be changed at the middle of the season, especially when the whole car had been designed around that concept, as Adrian Newey stated. One would understand if it was a matter of safety, which it is not. So the blown diffusers are forbidden for next year. Many of us feel that Ferrari may be the team that will benefit the most from these changes. Not surprisingly most of the Spanish media failed to notice it, applying the usual double standards when it comes to conspiracy theories.
Our team has been certainly damaged by that ponctual change of the regulations, and the performances this weekend left the fans disappointed even though Nick managed to reach a hard won 8th place. Hopefully a new package of updates should be ready for Germany, that should include a removal of the forward exhausts. Let us hope the team starts the recovery it so badly needs.
There is someone, who, according to the latest news, seems to be recovering pretty well. That is Robert Kubica and it is simply great. As much as it may surprise the Polish girls who visit the Lotus Renault GP facebook page, when I try to convince them that we all wish Robert to recover completely, but that the whole team needs our sympathy as well, and that our current drivers deserve all the support they can get.
The race was certainly exciting, Seb made a fantastic start, but as part of the track was wet and the whole grid had to use intermediates, there was no obligation to use hard tires. That would prove crucial for the outcome of the race. When the Red Bull pit crew hit the odd problem during Seb‘s tyre change, Alonso would take first place. Not having to use the hard tyres that have given Ferrari so much trouble this year, he was able to keep a consistent and fast pace that would eventually give him the win. Seb was able to keep second place despite an all out attack by his team mate in the last laps. The battle for the fourth place between Lewis Hamilton, who had to save fuel for most of the race and Felipe Massa slowed by some damage at the bottom of his chasis, was thrilling. Lewis would win by inches after a ferocious fight in the last bends of the last lap. Mesmerizing!
However, one could not help wondering what may have happenned, had the blown diffusers been allowed to work as they were in Valencia. Would the McLarens have been faster? Would the Ferraris have been able to start so close to the front of the grid? We will never know. What we do know though, is that the euphoria that has spread among Alonso‘s followers is somewhat premature. With the blown diffusers working at 100% at Red Bull and McLaren, and having to use hard tyres, the Ferraris may not look that threatening again. It was a very, very lucky win. Not being a conspiracy theorist, I will not stress that it was the 60th aniversary of the Italian team maiden victory. That also enables me not to be surprised when Seb hits trouble in a pit stop (I have never thought that everything wrong happens to Webber at Red Bull), to think that Lewis and Jenson are treated at the same level at McLaren, or that Massa‘s plight is simply bad luck. (Well, no conspiracy theorists seem to worry about him in Spain…)
Jaime Alguersuari finished 10th and he is ahead of his team mate Sebastien Buemi at the World Championship. Well done!
Forget about Spanish media, the fact that they can’t see any further than Alonso’s rear wing does not mean that he did not do it right. Put aside FIA regulations, they want the starring role from time to time. Put aside team orders as RB has confirmed bluntly that they are allowed and they are being used. Please, let me hear that Ferrari did it right for once, and Alonso performed a superb drive in Silverstone.
It’s true that regulations should not be changed half way through the championship but we might have seen the only race where all the drivers had the same chance to win. And remind me.. Has Vettel as Hamilton ever fought his way to top of the race? Racing from out front with the quickest car does not seem very difficult for me.
And as from September I’ll be probably following you from Britain, but I’ll be your best fan in England, Thank you for letting me share your wide knowledge about this sport, it’s been a real pleasure. Keep in touch.
Mare
Dear Mare:
All right, it was a brilliant drive, notwithstanding all the advantages given to Ferrari by the FIA, if we isolate the race from its context, and forget about it, it was a clear and brilliant win.
I did not know about your moving to the UK, congratulations! Of course we will keep in touch and I am sure that this new chapter of your life is going to be a happy and successfull one.
Moreover you are going to live in a country where people do really understand what Formula 1 is about.
This is your web, you are always wellcome here and I for one am ready to acknowledge Ferrari‘s successes if you do ask me to do so.
Best regards.