F1: 2011 - (caution - may contain result spoilers just after a race...)

[biodroid]

I think it was very deserving of Hamilton to get the drive thru. You could see he turned in when it could have been avoided and if it was another diver then they would most likely have gone over the chicane to avoid the accident, we all know Hamilton is not liked by the Ferrari drivers and vice versa. Pity about Schumi's race he was doing quite well but was caught out by Perez who lifted off the accelerator earlier than Schumi anticipated, just glad he's ok. It was an ok race entertainment wise, Vettel (as in Kettle: Brundle to Coulthard) leaving everyone in the dust. Webber had a great drive and glad to see he made a podium again.

[thaddeus6th]

I am enjoying Brundle's elocution lessons for Coulthard. I hope they do all the commentary next year, and don't only do Sky's [Brundle has not signed for either broadcaster right now].

On Hamilton, I wonder if it was the puncture of Massa that led to the penalty. I hope next year Hamilton's head is screwed on right.

I also think it's worth pointing out that Button has been very impressive this year. Both his failures to finish (I think) were due to mechanical problems (a wheel not being attached properly and, um, something else), yet he's still the Best of the Rest.

[Foxbat]

Interesting what Anthony Hamilton had to say about his son's management team http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/form...e/15054429.stm

I can only say that Paul di Resta looks very comfortable in interview. He comes across as much older than he actually is and carries a maturity about him which some would do well to emulate. I will only say this: if Anthony Hamilton (his manager) is even partly responsible for the way the young Scot comes across, Lewis would do well to reconsider his father as his own manager.

[thaddeus6th]

Really enjoyed the Japanese GP. Not quite on a par with China or Canada but still very good indeed.

I think Hamilton's connection with Massa was a nothing incident, and it's sad to see Massa, who almost won the 2008 title, whining about it.

Button's been driving very well indeed, as has Alonso, but Vettel undoubtedly deserves his title.

[Foxbat]

I agree with your comments thadd......but you've got to feel for Massa. He must be saying to himself...why does Hamilton keep hitting me

Just one of those things I guess, but it gets to people after a while.

PS...might not be around much.....very dodgy internet connection (dagnabbit BT!)

[biodroid]

How did Vettel end up third from first? I seemed to have missed that part. I know Button was behind him a bit and Alonso was also behind him when Button started leading. Did they mess up his pit stops?

[thaddeus6th]

Not really, it's just that the Ferrari was better on its tyres than the Red Bull and Button's stop was something like a second faster than Vettel's.

Third is his second worst performance this year.

Hope your connection is restored, Foxbat.

Korea could be good. Hard to call, though, after the monsoon-like inaugural race last year.

[biodroid]

thadd - I think Korea should be fine, the track is worn in better than last year. I have been playing the Indian track and that is a nice technical one with lots of elevation increases and decreases. Almost feels like it has a mix of other tracks in it.

[thaddeus6th]

Sorry if I was ambiguous about Korea. I meant it's hard to call which team/driver will do well.

I hope India isn't spoilt with all the tax nonsense.

[thaddeus6th]

Hamilton on pole. Hmmmm. The McLarens look properly fast, and it might just be a test to see whether Hamilton's raw pace or Button's tyre management matters more.

I suspect the best action, unless we get a McLaren duel, might come from the likes of Force India, Renault and Mercedes battling amongst themselves. I think Schumacher was bloody unlucky to get perhaps the first dodgy set of tyres this season.

[Mouse]

Not an F1 fan myself, but my brother is. Him and his mate are currently in Korea watching the race. His mate won a competition, so basically they're both having an awesome time for free.

He's met Lewis and watched the practising with Jenson (and JB's dad and missus!), and met a load of the other drivers too. He was also on telly this morning, grinning and waving like a lunatic while Jake Humphrey chatted to someone (Coulthard?).

[thaddeus6th]

Glad your brother and his friend are enjoying the race for free

It looks well set up for an exciting race.

[Foxbat]

Jealousy permeating the net from here towards your brother Mouse

The midfield certainly does look ripe for a bit of action. I'm hoping that Fernando can get his customary flying start but it really looks like a straight fight between Mclaren and the Red Bulls. I'd like to see Webber sneak a win here but I've got a sneaking suspicion that Hamilton might do something. He's got a habit of pulling something out of the bag when he's at a low point. Still, Vettel will be calm and superconfident (as will Button) so it's a real three-way fight.

At least Hamliton and Massa are apart on the grid. Surely they can't come to blows this time?

[thaddeus6th]

I think Button's best-placed. His driving has been consistently excellent since the mid-season interval.

That said, I agree that Vettel and Hamilton will also be strong. However, last race the Red Bull ate its tyres and Button will be easier on them than Hamilton, hence why I think he'll get the win.

[Foxbat]

On the subject of tyres - it became appaarent in quali that most teams were conserving the prime tyre for the race. This is a turn up for the books as usually it's the other way around. It could be as you state about Red Bulls eating tyres plus a track not used very much. Either way it will be interesting to watch this reverse strategy unfold.