Not in itself the most pulsating exciting or entertaining race at Suzuka today, if we are being honest, but one which generated numerous talking points, and which tightened the drivers' championship points race considerably.
Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel were presented with an "open goal" by the lap 1 exit of Fernando Alonso and the comparatively lowly grid position of the two McLarens. Further aided by a buffer comprising some non-title-contenders, Vettel did not squander his opportunity.
What will have felt ominous for the rest of the field was the degree of comfort enjoyed by Vettel in achieving his victory, on such a technical and challenging circuit, which tests many qualities in a car. The first back-to-back wins for any driver in 2012. There were even whispers that the Red Bull's straightline speed, hitherto a shortcoming, had been improved.
The body language and facial expressions of Red Bull personnel, including the winner, after the race were very significant. They can sense that matters may be shifting gradually but inexorably in their direction, and there was less of the equivocation exhibited at previous races. There must now be an increasing sense of foreboding amongst Red Bull's rivals concerning the remaining meetings.
The Ferrari frustration must have been compounded by the sight of Felipe Massa securing a fine second place. At the same time, the performance of the Brazilian and his car can be seen to bode well for the Italian team for the balance of the season.
Alonso was quite stoical and positive afterwards, looking forward to Korea rather than dwelling on his disappointment at Suzuka. The shrewd Spaniard must have known all along that one or more of the chasing pack would eventually encroach. Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali indicated that he was conscious of the need for the team to improve the car. They cannot just rely on a combination of Alonso's adroit driving and consistency, and good fortune. If any complacency was there at Ferrari, it should have rapidly evaporated and turned into a state of mild alarm.
As for Massa, it seems that Suzuka, added to several other creditworthy recent performances, may have helped to secure his place with Ferrari for 2013.
McLaren were hampered this weekend by various factors, and will be concerned, but not surprised at Red Bull's restoration to pre-eminence. After the race Martin Whitmarsh was being realistic about the team's position vis-a-vis Red Bull. Whilst not exactly exuding optimism, he did say that they will keep fighting, trying and working. There is a sense that McLaren did all that they could in the circumstances.
There may be insinuations that McLaren have become "lost" again, but I don't subscribe to these notions. It is more a case of Red Bull leaping ahead again. McLaren cannot have regressed in the space of a few weeks. This situation is symptomatic of the fickleness and volatility of fortunes in modern Formula 1, where things are decidedly fluid. Even some of the protagonists sometimes come across as bemused by the constant shifts in initiative and impetus.
It was an afternoon of mixed fortunes for the Sauber drivers. Kamui Kobayashi appeared inspired in front of his home crowd, on a familiar circuit, and motivated and galvanised by rumours about the composition of the Sauber line-up in 2013, including whether he would be playing any part in it. It was lovely and refreshing to see the emotional scenes on the podium and in the grandstands.
The departure of Sergio Perez from proceedings caused some consternation, but for me it was no big deal, just one of those things. We did see during the race a few glimpses of the fluent and audacious talent which has persuaded McLaren to sign the Mexican for next season.
Of course, the other major topic of discussion was the continuing ordeal of Romain Grosjean, who collided with Mark Webber on the first lap. This particular move was not as egregious as some of the other incidents in which he has been involved, but at the same time it will hardly have endeared him to his peers or the wider F1 community.
Grosjean's demeanour post-race spoke volumes. He looked haunted, helpless and worried. Despite his indiscretions, it is difficult not to feel some sympathy for a young man who is increasingly beleaguered. It is hard to say what can be done. In previous eras, there was sometimes an unofficial group of "elder statesmen" drivers who might have had a cautionary word of advice in his ear, but that situation does not seem to exist any more. Perhaps it is ultimately up to the team itself to address the problem?
Turning to the race itself, I would concur with the sentiments of those who, while desiring a more exciting race, revelled in the spectacle and challenge provided by the Suzuka circuit. There is nothing else quite like it in F1, Spa-Francorchamps apart.
It is ever more looking like a straight contest for the drivers' championship between Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel. Kimi Raikkonen's momentum has stalled, and he looks less capable of winning Grands Prix than a few races ago. The shift induced by events at Suzuka make it possible that the title will be decided at the final race. On the other hand, Vettel may just dominate the remainder of the season....
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