One of the least surprising announcements of the Formula 1 year has been made, confirming that Honda will return to the sport as McLaren's engine partner from 2015. The rumours of recent weeks were indeed just too strong to be dismissed as idle speculation.
This news is significant from a few different perspectives. First of all, it is encouraging news for F1, suggesting that the new turbo formula, with its supplementary technical innovations, may attract (and help to retain) manufacturers .Honda is one of those companies which seems to have racing in its DNA, and which does not stay away for very long, seeing the benefits as going deeper than purely shifting more units in the afterglow of a Grand Prix victory. Now that Honda has taken the plunge, will the interest of other car-makers be stimulated? Much may depend on how people view the economic outlook going forward.
Another interesting sub-text to all this is that the announcement has been made at a time when McLaren, by common consent, is in the competitive doldrums. The news will undoubtedly come as a major fillip for the team, but it will also in its own way serve as a reminder of the level of performance needed to justify Honda's faith (and investment). People might say that this new arrangement is far removed in several respects from the mighty McLaren-Honda steamroller of the late 1980s and early 1990s, but enough of the culture and ethos of both organisations will have been passed down to echo past glories, and help to assuage any misgivings.
The news also arrives at a juncture when the "honeymoon" period engendered by the exciting and competitive racing of recent times is coming to an end, and it is once again becoming fashionable to decry and malign Formula 1. This boost may just concentrate a few minds.
Thursday, 16 May 2013
Sunday, 12 May 2013
2013 Spanish Grand Prix
Well, the misgivings of the Mercedes drivers, and the suspicions of this correspondent, were borne out in no uncertain terms in Barcelona, as Rosberg and Hamilton's qualifying pre-eminence gave way to frustration and mediocrity in the race itself. They were by no means alone in having to contend with the vagaries of tyre wear and performance, but detractors may point out that Mercedes seem, for a team aspiring to consistent success, to be disproportionately affected by such things.
The championship challenge posed by Ferrari is looking more solid and genuine by the race, and their confidence will be bolstered by the knowledge that this particular venue is seen as a reliable barometer of general form and performance. In overall terms, they looked as consistent as anybody else out there. It was nice to see Felipe Massa on the podium again.
Doubtless the debate about tyre degradation will rage with renewed vigour after Spain. I share some of the disquiet about the way it is affecting the racing, but if it is deemed that matters need to be addressed then this is for the powers-that-be. In the meantime, the competitors have to manage the situation as it presents itself, and adapt to the circumstances in which they find themselves. The winner is still the chap who crosses the line before anybody else. Of more concern is the recent batch of tyre failures....
Sebastian Vettel began to tread water, metaphorically speaking, around half-distance, unable to match the Ferraris and Kimi Raikkonen. Frustrating for the champion, but at least some points added to his account. I did expect Red Bull to go a little better here, I must admit.
Even by his own standards, Raikkonen was in feisty form today, combining that slick pace with the odd firm and audacious manoeuvre. It seems odd to describe the Finn as "metronomically consistent", but that is how it looks at present. The trick once again for Lotus will be sustaining this level of intensity for the full duration of what is a gruelling season.
To discuss McLaren's current woes is almost painful, and it is perhaps a measure of their plight that getting two cars to the finish just inside the top ten was regarded as an achievement of sorts. Whilst not exactly being resigned to their predicament, there are signs that the team recognises that it will be hard work from here on in, with any major short-term improvements unlikely. All that can be asked is that the drivers, and everybody else, give hundred percent, and remain positive.
For all the talk of tyres and stereotyped racing, the next round, at Monaco, may well shake things up a little.
The championship challenge posed by Ferrari is looking more solid and genuine by the race, and their confidence will be bolstered by the knowledge that this particular venue is seen as a reliable barometer of general form and performance. In overall terms, they looked as consistent as anybody else out there. It was nice to see Felipe Massa on the podium again.
Doubtless the debate about tyre degradation will rage with renewed vigour after Spain. I share some of the disquiet about the way it is affecting the racing, but if it is deemed that matters need to be addressed then this is for the powers-that-be. In the meantime, the competitors have to manage the situation as it presents itself, and adapt to the circumstances in which they find themselves. The winner is still the chap who crosses the line before anybody else. Of more concern is the recent batch of tyre failures....
Sebastian Vettel began to tread water, metaphorically speaking, around half-distance, unable to match the Ferraris and Kimi Raikkonen. Frustrating for the champion, but at least some points added to his account. I did expect Red Bull to go a little better here, I must admit.
Even by his own standards, Raikkonen was in feisty form today, combining that slick pace with the odd firm and audacious manoeuvre. It seems odd to describe the Finn as "metronomically consistent", but that is how it looks at present. The trick once again for Lotus will be sustaining this level of intensity for the full duration of what is a gruelling season.
To discuss McLaren's current woes is almost painful, and it is perhaps a measure of their plight that getting two cars to the finish just inside the top ten was regarded as an achievement of sorts. Whilst not exactly being resigned to their predicament, there are signs that the team recognises that it will be hard work from here on in, with any major short-term improvements unlikely. All that can be asked is that the drivers, and everybody else, give hundred percent, and remain positive.
For all the talk of tyres and stereotyped racing, the next round, at Monaco, may well shake things up a little.
The Scramble For Africa - Thomas Pakenham
A couple of years ago now, I read, and enjoyed immensely, Thomas Pakenham's account of The Boer War. It has taken a little time, but I have finally got around to reading another of his books, The Scramble For Africa.
The opening chapters are largely devoted to the efforts of some of the pioneering explorers who made discoveries in the interior of the continent. Pakenham vividly describes the hugely complicated web of dilemmas and hardships which these (and later) expeditions had to navigate.
One of the threads which underpins the story is the extent to which domestic political considerations in the Powers (mainly Britain, France and Germany) constantly impinged on colonial adventures, and vice versa. For British readers, this book can also serve as a kind of edited guide to the political arena of the late 19th and early 20th century.
Whilst giving due prominence to the famous statesmen who directed efforts, the author also delves beneath the surface of affairs, introducing us to the lesser-known civil servants, diplomats, missionaries, explorers, soldiers and businessmen who all played a crucial role, often harbouring conflicting agendas. The need to improvise often dictated what occurred on the ground, and primitive communications meant that matters were occasionally beyond the effective control of the men in the corridors of power in the capitals of Europe.
Pakenham deftly keeps things bubbling along, and this is greatly helped by the decision to relate the "Scramble" in more or less chronological order, rather than dividing the project into distinct sections according to region/country/power etc. In this way, we can appreciate how developments in one area had to be cross-referenced and offset against anxieties in another, and weighed in the context of overall strategic pressures. Also, the shape of the imperial map of Africa gradually emerges in the mind's eye of the reader, as the reshuffling and horse trading unfold.
It is telling also how Britain, although probably the most powerful of the worldwide empires, was correspondingly aware of its vulnerability, with eyes constantly fixed on the routes to India, via Egypt and the Cape. The book ably documents how other parties played on these concerns, both in the field and at the conference table.
I detected a certain gentle sarcasm running through some observations on events, which is perhaps the author's way of making subtle but effective commentary on attitudes and practices which are unthinkable and perplexing to modern sensibilities.
Towards the end of the book the tone turns much bleaker, as we learn about the horrors of the Boer War, the sickening reality of the Congo Free State and the arbitrary and callous methods employed to subdue various rebellions and uprisings. The Scramble For Africa therefore concludes on a rather downbeat and sobering note, and perhaps this is not inappropriate. For all the noble sentiments expounded at the outset of the "Scramble", the often brutal reality is dispiriting, leaving a nasty taste.
The final chapters put the Scramble into its historical context, detailing how it unraveled almost as quickly as it had begun, and speculating on how the events impacted on the difficulties and challenges facing modern Africa. Remembering that this book was originally published in the early 1990s, the comments about the state of play in Zimbabwe in particular make for interesting reading.
This was a riveting read, which chronicles an era in all its shades.
A link to my earlier article about the same author's The Boer War: The Boer War
The opening chapters are largely devoted to the efforts of some of the pioneering explorers who made discoveries in the interior of the continent. Pakenham vividly describes the hugely complicated web of dilemmas and hardships which these (and later) expeditions had to navigate.
One of the threads which underpins the story is the extent to which domestic political considerations in the Powers (mainly Britain, France and Germany) constantly impinged on colonial adventures, and vice versa. For British readers, this book can also serve as a kind of edited guide to the political arena of the late 19th and early 20th century.
Whilst giving due prominence to the famous statesmen who directed efforts, the author also delves beneath the surface of affairs, introducing us to the lesser-known civil servants, diplomats, missionaries, explorers, soldiers and businessmen who all played a crucial role, often harbouring conflicting agendas. The need to improvise often dictated what occurred on the ground, and primitive communications meant that matters were occasionally beyond the effective control of the men in the corridors of power in the capitals of Europe.
Pakenham deftly keeps things bubbling along, and this is greatly helped by the decision to relate the "Scramble" in more or less chronological order, rather than dividing the project into distinct sections according to region/country/power etc. In this way, we can appreciate how developments in one area had to be cross-referenced and offset against anxieties in another, and weighed in the context of overall strategic pressures. Also, the shape of the imperial map of Africa gradually emerges in the mind's eye of the reader, as the reshuffling and horse trading unfold.
It is telling also how Britain, although probably the most powerful of the worldwide empires, was correspondingly aware of its vulnerability, with eyes constantly fixed on the routes to India, via Egypt and the Cape. The book ably documents how other parties played on these concerns, both in the field and at the conference table.
I detected a certain gentle sarcasm running through some observations on events, which is perhaps the author's way of making subtle but effective commentary on attitudes and practices which are unthinkable and perplexing to modern sensibilities.
Towards the end of the book the tone turns much bleaker, as we learn about the horrors of the Boer War, the sickening reality of the Congo Free State and the arbitrary and callous methods employed to subdue various rebellions and uprisings. The Scramble For Africa therefore concludes on a rather downbeat and sobering note, and perhaps this is not inappropriate. For all the noble sentiments expounded at the outset of the "Scramble", the often brutal reality is dispiriting, leaving a nasty taste.
The final chapters put the Scramble into its historical context, detailing how it unraveled almost as quickly as it had begun, and speculating on how the events impacted on the difficulties and challenges facing modern Africa. Remembering that this book was originally published in the early 1990s, the comments about the state of play in Zimbabwe in particular make for interesting reading.
This was a riveting read, which chronicles an era in all its shades.
A link to my earlier article about the same author's The Boer War: The Boer War
Thursday, 2 May 2013
The Devil's Alternative - Frederick Forsyth
Works of fiction which deal with the Cold War invariably induce a note of caution. In my experience, they have a habit of over-reaching themselves. However, Frederick Forsyth's track record largely dispelled any such apprehensions before I read his 1979 novel The Devil's Alternative.
The first thing to make clear is that the plot is appreciably more elaborate and wide-ranging than Forsyth's other early novels, or at least it seemed that way to me. It will therefore demand greater powers of concentration and analysis, but persevere and you will be rewarded!
In a nutshell, the story revolves around a power struggle in the Kremlin, an impending food crisis in the Soviet Union, and the demands of a group of Ukrainian dissidents. All of these factors gradually become more inter-connected, and this provides the novel with its impetus and unpredictability. I won't give too much away, but suffice to say that an impasse develops, the solution to which involves the employment of some novel and "expedient" methods by several parties....
As this novel addresses weighty, even apocalyptic, matters, it is important that this was leavened with some characters and sub-plots grounded in more localized and personal fare. This the author manages in his patented style, by giving over much of the early chapters in particular to a focus on individual characters and their imperatives and aspirations, rather than concentrating unduly on the rarefied air of international politics. This serves to draw in and entice the reader.
Another of the author's characteristic methods is liberally applied here too. Outwardly mundane, everyday details such as travel arrangements and logistics, as well as personal idiosyncrasies and nuances of locations, are much in evidence, helping to give the reader an impression that he or she is looking over the shoulder of the various protagonists. This element is important here in maintaining vitality, and a balance between the "micro" and the "macro" of the picture.
Much of the dynamism and freshness of The Devil's Alternative is derived from the way in which some subjects untypical of the average novel of this particular genre (Ukrainian dissidents,Soviet grain production etc) are integrated relatively seamlessly into the overall. Depth is added by this, and by an accompanying and authoritative attention to detail.
The multi-pronged nature of the plot also makes it genuinely unclear, for much of the way at least, exactly which way events may ultimately be heading. As the various routes converge, the pace quickens, and Forsyth accentuates this by making the switching between "scenes" more swift and edgy, building the tension and anxiety.
I found myself being grimly drawn ever further into the tale, as the climax approached, with twists in the numerous sub-plots assuming varying degrees of relevance. The sense of unease seemed all the greater because many of the themes explored still evoke a very contemporary ring, particularly the ecological angle, the spectre of terrorism, and the excesses of those in positions of power....
Another excellent thriller novel.
The first thing to make clear is that the plot is appreciably more elaborate and wide-ranging than Forsyth's other early novels, or at least it seemed that way to me. It will therefore demand greater powers of concentration and analysis, but persevere and you will be rewarded!
In a nutshell, the story revolves around a power struggle in the Kremlin, an impending food crisis in the Soviet Union, and the demands of a group of Ukrainian dissidents. All of these factors gradually become more inter-connected, and this provides the novel with its impetus and unpredictability. I won't give too much away, but suffice to say that an impasse develops, the solution to which involves the employment of some novel and "expedient" methods by several parties....
As this novel addresses weighty, even apocalyptic, matters, it is important that this was leavened with some characters and sub-plots grounded in more localized and personal fare. This the author manages in his patented style, by giving over much of the early chapters in particular to a focus on individual characters and their imperatives and aspirations, rather than concentrating unduly on the rarefied air of international politics. This serves to draw in and entice the reader.
Another of the author's characteristic methods is liberally applied here too. Outwardly mundane, everyday details such as travel arrangements and logistics, as well as personal idiosyncrasies and nuances of locations, are much in evidence, helping to give the reader an impression that he or she is looking over the shoulder of the various protagonists. This element is important here in maintaining vitality, and a balance between the "micro" and the "macro" of the picture.
Much of the dynamism and freshness of The Devil's Alternative is derived from the way in which some subjects untypical of the average novel of this particular genre (Ukrainian dissidents,Soviet grain production etc) are integrated relatively seamlessly into the overall. Depth is added by this, and by an accompanying and authoritative attention to detail.
The multi-pronged nature of the plot also makes it genuinely unclear, for much of the way at least, exactly which way events may ultimately be heading. As the various routes converge, the pace quickens, and Forsyth accentuates this by making the switching between "scenes" more swift and edgy, building the tension and anxiety.
I found myself being grimly drawn ever further into the tale, as the climax approached, with twists in the numerous sub-plots assuming varying degrees of relevance. The sense of unease seemed all the greater because many of the themes explored still evoke a very contemporary ring, particularly the ecological angle, the spectre of terrorism, and the excesses of those in positions of power....
Another excellent thriller novel.
Sunday, 28 April 2013
The New Penguin History Of The World
Just a quick note to lavish some praise on a fine tome, the updated and revised edition of which proudly resides on my bookshelf. The New Penguin History Of The World, by J M Roberts.
More or less a chronicle of human civilization, it represents a daunting but rewarding read, and it is difficult to imagine that many better books of its type exist, at least in the mainstream. I myself have been particularly enthused by the chapters dealing with the early civilizations of the Near East and the Mediterranean, and was duly inspired to explore that subject more widely. I suspect that various portions of this work will have a similar galvanizing effect on others.
This volume manages to cover many bases whilst offering some depth. It goes in a few unexpected directions, and does not focus undue attention on the most "obvious" and famous developments and events of popular legend, seeking to puncture or lay to rest a few misconceptions and myths along the way. There is a real richness and zest here, and an effort to knit together the various strands to show how civilization evolved and blossomed.
Every home should have one!
More or less a chronicle of human civilization, it represents a daunting but rewarding read, and it is difficult to imagine that many better books of its type exist, at least in the mainstream. I myself have been particularly enthused by the chapters dealing with the early civilizations of the Near East and the Mediterranean, and was duly inspired to explore that subject more widely. I suspect that various portions of this work will have a similar galvanizing effect on others.
This volume manages to cover many bases whilst offering some depth. It goes in a few unexpected directions, and does not focus undue attention on the most "obvious" and famous developments and events of popular legend, seeking to puncture or lay to rest a few misconceptions and myths along the way. There is a real richness and zest here, and an effort to knit together the various strands to show how civilization evolved and blossomed.
Every home should have one!
Wednesday, 24 April 2013
The Fairy Tales of Hermann Hesse
As a great enthusiast for the works of Hermann Hesse, I like to snap up wherever possible books containing his writings. One such is The Fairy Tales of Hermann Hesse, which as the title implies, is a collection of such stories by the great man.
Despite having relished numerous Hesse novels, I was unsure what to expect from this book. However, as soon as I began to read the first story, those familiar pleasant and organic vibes radiated from the pages, that unique and intoxicating style which Hesse developed. The themes and concerns which pervade the writer's novels feature prominently here. Many of these tales in one way or another deal with matters of self-discovery and spirituality, but others pertain to grimmer affairs.
In contrast to the largely worldly events and thoughts seen in many Hesse novels, this compendium sees a greater stress on the supernatural, perhaps unsurprisingly given the genre involved. Even so, all of this remains within the loose framework which one would associate with this writer. Some of the backdrops and imagery are quite exotic, surreal even...
Many of these stories do have morals or messages contained within them (but not rammed down the reader's throat), whilst others are more akin to streams of consciousness or mood pieces. One of the joys of Hesse's writings is that interpretations can be fluid and multi-faceted, this largely stemming from the nature of his preoccupations. The brevity of these pieces, and their streamlined format, helps to give them real impact, as their subject matter tends to be more concentrated.
Of the tales making up this book, ones which I found particularly affecting and intriguing were "The Dwarf", "Augustus" and "Iris". The last named, and others, encapsulate many of Hesse's recurrent fascinations, including the notions of "returning to mother", "going home" and "oneness"
Much of the final portion of this book is given over to stories which reveal the author's despair concerning political and social trends in the early 20th century. A relatively strident and unambiguous tone is adopted here, in such tales as "Strange News from Another Planet", "The Forest Dweller", "If The War Continues", "The Empire" and "The European". In these prescient commentaries on, and indictments of, tyranny, war and intolerance, Hesse sounds notes of dread and foreboding, reflective of those volatile days. That said, I found the tenor to be largely one of defiance rather than resignation.
The language employed in these more "topical" pieces is hardly cryptic or euphemistic, as if Hesse was striving to deliver a stripped down warning, devoid of any scope for misinterpretation.
With translation, and an introduction, by Jack Zipes, The Fairy Tales of Hermann Hesse will enrich and broaden people's appreciation of the man's visions, outlook and world-view, as well as being an entertaining and stimulating read.
In contrast to the largely worldly events and thoughts seen in many Hesse novels, this compendium sees a greater stress on the supernatural, perhaps unsurprisingly given the genre involved. Even so, all of this remains within the loose framework which one would associate with this writer. Some of the backdrops and imagery are quite exotic, surreal even...
Many of these stories do have morals or messages contained within them (but not rammed down the reader's throat), whilst others are more akin to streams of consciousness or mood pieces. One of the joys of Hesse's writings is that interpretations can be fluid and multi-faceted, this largely stemming from the nature of his preoccupations. The brevity of these pieces, and their streamlined format, helps to give them real impact, as their subject matter tends to be more concentrated.
Of the tales making up this book, ones which I found particularly affecting and intriguing were "The Dwarf", "Augustus" and "Iris". The last named, and others, encapsulate many of Hesse's recurrent fascinations, including the notions of "returning to mother", "going home" and "oneness"
Much of the final portion of this book is given over to stories which reveal the author's despair concerning political and social trends in the early 20th century. A relatively strident and unambiguous tone is adopted here, in such tales as "Strange News from Another Planet", "The Forest Dweller", "If The War Continues", "The Empire" and "The European". In these prescient commentaries on, and indictments of, tyranny, war and intolerance, Hesse sounds notes of dread and foreboding, reflective of those volatile days. That said, I found the tenor to be largely one of defiance rather than resignation.
The language employed in these more "topical" pieces is hardly cryptic or euphemistic, as if Hesse was striving to deliver a stripped down warning, devoid of any scope for misinterpretation.
With translation, and an introduction, by Jack Zipes, The Fairy Tales of Hermann Hesse will enrich and broaden people's appreciation of the man's visions, outlook and world-view, as well as being an entertaining and stimulating read.
Sunday, 21 April 2013
2013 Bahrain Grand Prix
A clear and fairly resounding victory for Sebastian Vettel, of the type which we seldom witness in this current era of Grand Prix racing. The margin will have given food for thought for Red Bull's rivals, even if the Sakhir circuit could be tentatively described as a track which suits the Red Bull's characteristics. A marker has definitely been laid down as we enter the European leg of the championship chase.
Although the race for first position lacked genuine tension for the bulk of the contest, much of interest occurred in the chasing pack. Mercedes once again failed to convert promise into genuine success, although in fairness this possibility had been flagged by the pole-sitter Nico Rosberg. His team-mate Lewis Hamilton had a largely anonymous race, even taking into account his grid penalty. The team might not yet be the finished article, but the progress and momentum are in a positive direction.
In terms of competitiveness, Bahrain must have represented a boost of sorts for the McLaren team, but this heartening showing may be overshadowed, in media circles at least, by the friction which developed during the race when Jenson Button and Sergio Perez got a little too close for comfort. It is also tempting to argue however, that in some respects, the fact that the two drivers were in such close proximity to each other is a good sign. Would the team rather have this sort of disagreement to iron out, than see the two vehicles touring around blandly and inoffensively in midfield?
It will be interesting to see whether's Perez's improved form unlocks his undoubted potential, and instill added belief. Team politics may become a headache, but the team must also realise that an on-form and motivated Perez is a major asset. I was also impressed by the young Mexican's mature and constructive remarks after the race, when quizzed about the brush with his team-mate.
If Button imagined that he was the undisputed de facto number one driver in the team, he may be forced to revise his opinion. I cannot honestly see the usually unflappable Jenson becoming unduly rattled by all this, but the psychology will add an important dimension to proceedings.
The Ferrari team was remaining sanguine in the wake of the race, and with good reason. Although fortune was not on their side today, the portents still look very favourable. Before problems intervened, the cars were handily positioned. Once his technical dramas were remedied, Fernando Alonso predictably put up a classy and stout performance, and the Italian marque can look forward to the rest of the reason with optimism and confidence.
Another team still on an upward curve is Lotus, as shown by their occupation of two of the steps on the podium. Perhaps the most significant thing to emerge was the "rebirth" of Romain Grosjean. the man often derided as the enfant terrible of Formula 1. This performance was a reminder of his crisp and incisive drives of 2012, which were of course interspersed with various indiscretions. If Grosjean can "kick on", so to speak, it will have ramifications for his team and his team-mate, and could even conceivably influence the outcome of the championship, with another "wild card" in a competitive machine taking points off the other contenders. Others have successfully recovered from early-career setbacks and stigmas. Let us hope that Grosjean has the strength of character to achieve similar. This podium finish may constitute a launchpad in this regard.
So we now enter the European phase of the campaign. Red Bull, or at least the one conducted by Vettel, may be in the ascendancy, but last season taught us not to take anything for granted!
Although the race for first position lacked genuine tension for the bulk of the contest, much of interest occurred in the chasing pack. Mercedes once again failed to convert promise into genuine success, although in fairness this possibility had been flagged by the pole-sitter Nico Rosberg. His team-mate Lewis Hamilton had a largely anonymous race, even taking into account his grid penalty. The team might not yet be the finished article, but the progress and momentum are in a positive direction.
In terms of competitiveness, Bahrain must have represented a boost of sorts for the McLaren team, but this heartening showing may be overshadowed, in media circles at least, by the friction which developed during the race when Jenson Button and Sergio Perez got a little too close for comfort. It is also tempting to argue however, that in some respects, the fact that the two drivers were in such close proximity to each other is a good sign. Would the team rather have this sort of disagreement to iron out, than see the two vehicles touring around blandly and inoffensively in midfield?
It will be interesting to see whether's Perez's improved form unlocks his undoubted potential, and instill added belief. Team politics may become a headache, but the team must also realise that an on-form and motivated Perez is a major asset. I was also impressed by the young Mexican's mature and constructive remarks after the race, when quizzed about the brush with his team-mate.
If Button imagined that he was the undisputed de facto number one driver in the team, he may be forced to revise his opinion. I cannot honestly see the usually unflappable Jenson becoming unduly rattled by all this, but the psychology will add an important dimension to proceedings.
The Ferrari team was remaining sanguine in the wake of the race, and with good reason. Although fortune was not on their side today, the portents still look very favourable. Before problems intervened, the cars were handily positioned. Once his technical dramas were remedied, Fernando Alonso predictably put up a classy and stout performance, and the Italian marque can look forward to the rest of the reason with optimism and confidence.
Another team still on an upward curve is Lotus, as shown by their occupation of two of the steps on the podium. Perhaps the most significant thing to emerge was the "rebirth" of Romain Grosjean. the man often derided as the enfant terrible of Formula 1. This performance was a reminder of his crisp and incisive drives of 2012, which were of course interspersed with various indiscretions. If Grosjean can "kick on", so to speak, it will have ramifications for his team and his team-mate, and could even conceivably influence the outcome of the championship, with another "wild card" in a competitive machine taking points off the other contenders. Others have successfully recovered from early-career setbacks and stigmas. Let us hope that Grosjean has the strength of character to achieve similar. This podium finish may constitute a launchpad in this regard.
So we now enter the European phase of the campaign. Red Bull, or at least the one conducted by Vettel, may be in the ascendancy, but last season taught us not to take anything for granted!
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