Friday, May 05, 2006
# posted by Rich @ 2:30 AM
European Grand Prix: preview
Last year's European Gradn Prix saw a number of surprises, not least of which was Nick Heidfeld starting from pole position. However, the race will be remebered most for Kimi Raikkonen's dramatic exit from the race on the last lap - having badly flatspotted his right front tyre in an overtaking maneouvre on Jacques Villeneuve, the suspension on his McLaren was vibrating itself to pieces before it finally gave way under braking for turn 1 in the last lap, gifting the victory to Fernando Alonso.
This year, the European Grand Prix will be make or break time for Kimi Raikkonen. Having performed superbly in Bahrain, he has been somewhat off the pace elsewhere this season, and was unceremoniously punted out of the Malaysian GP. If he is going to mount a challenge in 2006, he needs to start now.
He will have a tough job however. Alonso is rampant at the moment, and doesn't look likely to slow down any time soon. Indeed, this year could easily turn out to be a whitewash (or blue and yellow wash). Moreover, Ferrari seem to have recaptured some of their form of late, and will be looking to make the most of their new found pace.
That said, the Hondas should again be quick, although they will have to imprve thier race pace and their team work if they are going to perform. I expect the Williams to be quick also, and Rosberg sould go well here.
My predicitions - I am going to stick with Raikkonen for the win (again, even though I have been disappointed with his performance lately), and I am going to predict Alonso on pole. Hmm, perhaps Button. I guess we'll have to wait and see.
Roll on the weekend.
This year, the European Grand Prix will be make or break time for Kimi Raikkonen. Having performed superbly in Bahrain, he has been somewhat off the pace elsewhere this season, and was unceremoniously punted out of the Malaysian GP. If he is going to mount a challenge in 2006, he needs to start now.
He will have a tough job however. Alonso is rampant at the moment, and doesn't look likely to slow down any time soon. Indeed, this year could easily turn out to be a whitewash (or blue and yellow wash). Moreover, Ferrari seem to have recaptured some of their form of late, and will be looking to make the most of their new found pace.
That said, the Hondas should again be quick, although they will have to imprve thier race pace and their team work if they are going to perform. I expect the Williams to be quick also, and Rosberg sould go well here.
My predicitions - I am going to stick with Raikkonen for the win (again, even though I have been disappointed with his performance lately), and I am going to predict Alonso on pole. Hmm, perhaps Button. I guess we'll have to wait and see.
Roll on the weekend.
Labels: Europe, Formula 1, Grand Prix
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