nicolachew

Fernando Alonso’s past 2 consecutive podiums during the Valencia and Silverstone Grand Prix – he clinched 2nd and 1st places respectively – could be a red hot warning to the other top teams on the grid, Red Bull Racing and McLaren Mercedes in particular, that Ferrari are making a swift comeback, and will stop at nothing to emerge at the front.

This is done at McLaren’s expense as well. For the past 2 races neither driver has been successful in landing themselves a podium win, and can only watch as the steps of the podium are occupied by drivers in race suits of red and blue. Analysts may say that it is the result of the blown diffuser ban, which took effect from the Silverstone Grand Prix; Lewis Hamilton says that it is the car and its lacklustre performace; fans say it’s just a period of bad luck for them.

But I say that the main reason (this is only in my opinion) is the continual development and aggression of the cars and drivers of their main competitors. With Sebastian Vettel’s extensive lead in the standings which increases with every race, Mark Webber’s grit and consistency in driving which has led him to finish in the top 5 despite being deemed as Red Bull’s “number 2 driver”, and Fernando Alonso’s unannounced, unexpected and unbelievable storm to the front, McLaren might have been caught a little off-guard. But if McLaren manage to recover soon enough, I believe that their car, paired with the assertive nature and driving style of both Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton, will give the cars in front much more to worry about.

Now let’s look at the Red Bulls. Would they see Ferrari’s rapid improvement as a incoming threat? I think it’s quite safe to say that SebastianVettel is well out of their reach (and everyone else’s too, for that matter) for now, but for teammate Mark Webber, that may be a different story. Fernando Alonso has already displaced Jenson Button from 3rd place in the driver’s standings, and with just 12 points behind Mark Webber, he could overtake him sometime soon.

Of course, we musn’t forget Felipe Massa, who came in first during FP2 and started from 4th on the grid, out-qualifying both McLarens during the Silverstone Grand Prix 2 weeks ago. After which, he engaged in a furious battle with Lewis Hamilton for 4th place during the last lap of the race, but after a collision with the McLaren and accidentally going too wide right before the finish line, eventually earned himself a well-deserved 5th.

Ceaseless increase in race pace, perpetual rule changes made by the FIA and the drivers’ persistence and concentration during races always makes them worth watching. We’re halfway through the season, so get ready to experience the thrill of witnessing a full-fledged battle with the front-runners on the grid.