Italian GP: Review-Vettel wins. Again!

Would you have bet on anyone winning the race other than Red Bulls Sebastian Vettel? If you did, you might be fustrated just like the Tifosi, who wanted a Ferrari driver to be on the top step of the podium at the famous 3.6 mile circuit. The race was certainly thrilling, and tense for the Red Bull pit wall as Vettel and Mark Webber had to short shift gears out of corners, as a gearbox issue was raised at the later stages of the races.

First lap was almost clean; Vettel flat spotted his front right tyre, but managed to maintain the lead on the first lap. Fernando Alonso passed Webber on the finish of the Curve Grande, but light contact was made on the chicane but never created problems. Paul Di Resta locked up his Force India into the second chicane, in which he crashed into Lotus' Romain Grosjean, ending Di Restas race. Hamilton was determined to make a positive impact on his race, however a communication issue ensured he missed a call into the pits, to replace a slow-puncturing tyre. He was fighting the likes of Raikkonen and Mclarens at the end of the race, and finished 9th. His title challenge is all but over as 175 are there for the taking, as Singapore is the venue in the next 2 weeks. Hulkenburg finished an impressive 5th, prompting rumours amongst the paddock that he could be heading to Ferrari.

Vettel leads Alonso by 53 points, 2 wins clear and on 222 points. Can anyone catch the German? He proved unpopular on the podium ceremony as the Tifosi booed which could be heard over the German national anthem. Stay tuned for more news and reviews.

F1 Italian GP Race Preview 2013

Here we are again, I haven't posted anything for some time, but I am back. I am previewing tomorrows race where the Red Bull duo head the rest of the pack at the Italian GP, for tomorrows race. Ferrari at their home track are feeling the strain after Felipe Massa outqualified Fernando Alonso 4th and 5th respectively, and a tow that went wrong, as Alonso used Massa as a way of gaining a better time-hence what sounded like a criticism aimed at his team.

Sebastian Vettel is on the verge of winning 4 straight titles in a row, whilst Alonso aims to reduce the 46 point deficite infront of the Tifosi. Vettel at present is almost unstoppable; Hamilton who has gained 4 consecutive pole positions at the last grand prixs, has admitted he drove like an 'idiot', after only qualifying 12th aswell as being impedded by Adrian Sutil-Force India driver. He is aiming to make up positions tomorrow.

Mark webber is 2nd, and to the suprise of the F1 world, Nico Hulkenburg of Sauber qualified an amazing 3rd. Autodromo Nazionale Monza as the tracks official name, suits the Saubers, who has Ferrari engines, as Sergio Perez went from 12th to 2nd last year, beating the works Ferrari. Hamilton can use that knowledge to make up places tomorrow. Kimi Raikkonen had a suprise exit in Q2, as the Lotus Renault legend could not gain a place in the final part of qualifying.

Prediction

Vettel is a strong favourite to level Alonsos win tally of 32 wins, at the age of just 26 compared to Alonso who is now 33. However, i expect the latter to gain positions on the first lap and challenge Vettel at stages of the race. Webber may have clutch issues so might fall back, and Hamilton will be a contender for a podium. Tune in tomorrow on BBC or Sky Sports F1 to view the historical race of the Italian GP.

FORZA!

Mercedes 'Tyregate' storm.

It has come about recently that Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team took on a secret tyre test conducted by Pirelli, which has breached regulations regarding no in season testing.

The hearing will take place on June 20th, and if found guilty, punnishments could could occur such as championship points being stripped. The arguement by rival teams includes that Mercedes gained an advantage from the tyre test such as improving tyre durabillity. The 'secret' test took place after the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona.

Why a secret?

Amazing how it has been deemed as a secret test which in turn means the team know it would be breaching rules if found out. After this, it appeared that Ferrari were asked about another test. Red Bull Racing says that they were approached about the test but rejected it. Lewis Hamilton and Ross Brawn vigarously point out the test was within sporting regulations and they have done nothing wrong. Thr current W04 has had a reputation of huge tyre delamination, therefore, coincidence or not, after this test Nico Rosberg won the Monaco Grand Prix where the tyres lasted very well compared to previous races and seasons.

Now the F1 world will wait to see what happens at the hearing on 20th June. Breach of rules usually ends up with a punishment. Worst case scenarios include stripping on championship points, race wins or a financial penalty. As only 2 races have occured after the test, Nico Rosbergs win could be overturned and Hamiltons podium at the Canadian GP could be eleminated.

It is up for debate, what do you readers think?