|
As an old Czech song goes: And Manitou is all alone. I remembered it when Fernando Alonso won his 6th victory this year at the GP of Canada in Montreal. It was the ninth race splitting the Championship in half. In 2002 Michael Schumacher had picked up 82 points. This year Alonso set the record at 84. M. Schumacher loses 25 points. Which means that there is only one candidate for the title - Alonso. Michael would have to keep winning regularly and Alonso losing 2 points per race which appears unrealistic.
But let's return to the beginning. In Montreal the question of the rear wings was being dealt with. FISA came up with the requirement for additional strengthening to avoid their bending at high speeds. They say everything is ok now. The Gill Villeneuve's circuit puts most strain on the brakes, however the long straights usually manage to cool them down safely. Although the high temperatures tested them to the limit. Ferrari couldn't find an ideal accord with their tires, whereas the Michelin teams seemed to be pretty satisfied. It proved in qualification: there were only 3 cars with Bridgestones among the first 10. Renaults were in the first row again (last in Spain); Räikkönen was behind them and surprisingly Trulli (no points so far), then M. Schumacher and Rosberg (both Bridgestone), Montoya and Button, Barrichello and Massa. Coulthard took the 16th time but fell behind after his engine had to be changed.The race began with Fisichella's jump start, which brought a drive through penalty to him. Räikkönen made his way forward quickly and attacked even Alonso. However, he eased on it a bit, watching his second position till the last lap, when he gave it up in M. Schumacher' s favour because of technical troubles. No matter, it was enough for the podium. Rosberg crashed as early as the second lap and the Safety Car was deployed. There were some changes in the order during the pitstops, but nothing to affect the front positions. The standings were: Alonso - Räikkönen - M. Schumacher - Massa - Heidfeld - Villeneuve - Fisichella - Trulli - Klien and Button. The race didn't go well at all for R. Schumacher. He made a mistake, lost control of his car and retired 11 laps before the end. Villeneuve retired as well. That was the second time the Safety Car was deployed. Even though the pack came together it had not effect on the result. Alonso crossed the finish line as a victor ahead of M. Schumacher and Räikkönen. Alonso still more and reminds of M. Schumacher's sovereignty in his golden times. But Michael doesn't give up, he promises to attack, attack and attack. Renault tries to face the threat by systematic car and engine upgrades. The next GP of USA, where more than anywhere else the tires would play important role, is going to be a very interesting contest.
Pořadí v cíli:
1. Alonso (SPA) Renault, 2. M.Schumacher (GER) Ferrari, 3. Räikkönen (FIN) McLaren-Mercedes, 4. Fisichella (ITA) Renault, 5. Massa (BRA) Ferrari, 6. Trulli (ITA) Toyota, 7. Heidfeld (GER) BMW-Sauber, 8. Coulthard (SCO) Red Bull Racing.Po 9 závodech: 84 Alonso, 59 M.Schumacher, 39 Ráikkönen, 37 Fisichella, 28 Massa, 26 Montoya, 16 Button, 13 Barrichello, 12 Heidfeld, 8 R.Schumacher a Coulthard, 7 Villeneuve, 6 Webber, 4 Rosberg, 3 Trulli, 1 Klien.
Pohár konstruktérù: 121 Renault, 87 Ferrari, 65 McLaren, Mercedes, 29 Honda, 19 BMW Sauber, 11 Toyota, 10 Williams Cosworth, 9 Red Bull Racing
|
