2012 Bahrain Grand Prix Review

Many of the column inches during the 2012 F1 season have centred on the perceived fall from grace of the Red Bull team. However, after today's impressive victory for Sebastian Vettel, they may be tempted to utter the time-honoured phrase "crisis, what crisis?".  Vettel now sits atop the standings....

Despite a spirited challenge from Kimi Raikkonen's Lotus, this was a composed display by the reigning champion, building on his pole position. In addition, and significantly perhaps, the German overshadowed his team-mate Mark Webber for most of the weekend.  Vettel's performance had that stamp of calm and authority that one expects from a true champion.

Another major talking point arising from the race was the continuing excellent form of the Lotus team. Right from the start of the season, their car has looked nimble, stable and fleet, and there is a lean and lithe feel about the team generally.  The drivers are capitalising ably on the machine's responsiveness and zip. It is worth noting its straightline speed, too.

Even allowing for his credentials and pedigree, Romain Grosjean continues to be a revelation, confident and assertive, and far from over-awed in the illustrious company near the head of the field. This spur of competition is pushing Kimi Raikkonen along.  The Finn looks perfectly at home on his F1 return, that fluid and pacey style very much to the fore.  Even though he admitted afterwards that he had failed when presented with his one big opportunity to overtake Vettel, at least he was in a position to attempt that manoeuvre!

To say the least, McLaren had a frustrating and problematic race, with more sloppy pit-stops, and culminating in Jenson Button's mechanical problems. It would be surprising if the McLaren hierarchy allowed this situation, intolerable for such a polished outfit, to persist. Despite the car's potential, and the points already registered, the team has looked uncharacteristically ragged and untidy at times in 2012. Lewis Hamilton has suffered from all this, but has managed to amass a healthy tally of points.

Another topic which jumped out at me today was the one raised by Michael Schumacher about the extent to which tyres, and the requirement of the drivers to manage tham, is influencing the racing. I suspect that many fans would counter that the tyre situation is at least partly responsible for the close and exciting racing which we are witnessing, and that Schumacher's rather indignant remarks smack of sour grapes.

From a purist's point of view, there would be concern if it were felt that the outcome of every single Grand Prix was being determined largely by tyre wear, distorting the efforts of teams and drivers, and discrediting the sport. However, I don't think that we have reached that stage yet, and the time for a more balanced judgement on this will come later in the season.  It will be interesting to see how many other drivers publicly give vent to their feelings about the burdens being imposed on them by tyre concerns.

Whatever the merits of his argument, it is interesting to see Schumacher speaking out like this. In the past, it can be argued that he did not always speak his mind as readily as would be expected from the sport's leading personality.  Today's candid comments looked to me like those of an elder statesman figure, not constrained by some of the pressures of his earlier career, and not afraid to look at the big picture, and be outspoken about matters which genuinely perturb him.

The other Mercedes driver had an adventurous race today, being involved in a couple of contentious incidents. Over-confidence in the wake of China, or frustration at not being in a position to live up to expectations, post-Shanghai?

It seems that Ferrari were back in a position more representative of their car's potential, having to scrap for every position.  Both drivers tried manfully, and the spirit shown by Felipe Massa will have provided at least some encouragement.

A word of praise also for Paul di Resta, who achieved a fine result, based on a courageous strategy and some intelligent racing.  His drive was reminiscent of many of those which he delivered in 2011.

A crucial period in the season now awaits us.  A three week break before Barcelona, and interestingly, a testing session at Mugello. Red Bull may feel that they have something to build on now, and some pundits are pointing to Catalunya as a "Red Bull track".  In the past, the dawn of the European season has sometimes seen a sea change in form, but this time there appear to be too many variables and imponderables in place.

Whatever happens, it looks like being interesting....

Formula 1 News Round-Up

So, as we approach the end of 2011, F1 news is coming thick and fast, as the driver line-ups for next season firm up and some teams reorganise themselves.

We have learned that Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne will make up the Toro Rosso driving strength for 2012.  At first glance, this might appear harsh on the previous incumbents, Buemi and Alguersuari, but we need to remind ourselves that STR exists to a large extent as a "feeder" team to the main Red Bull outfit.  If drivers are unable to demonstrate that they are potentially the new Sebastian Vettel, then they are unlikely to keep their rides for long.  Whatever the rights and wrongs of this particular case, it is still good to see young talent being given a chance.   KRV5NNY3UDU3

Also recently confirmed was the appointment of Luis Perez-Sala as team principal at HRT.  I always liked Perez-Sala during his F1 driving days, but he will have his work cut out to move HRT forward, and the record of former drivers as team bosses has not always been a happy one.  Good luck to him, anyway.

The latest announcement on driver line-ups has emanated from Force India, and their confirmation of Paul di Resta and Nico Hulkenberg for their race seats.  Di Resta certainly deserves more opportunities, and Hulkenberg is also a worthy choice. All of this presumably makes it even more likely that Adrian Sutil will make his way to Williams.