Australian Grand Prix Results - 27 March 2011 |
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The massive change in regulations and the return of Pirelli as the tyre supplier who has brought with it a drastic shift in specifications are the ingredients to the spectacle that is the start of the 2011 formula one season.
At the grid ...
Its reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel on pole with McLaren's Lewis Hamilton next to him. Behind them are their respective team mates, Mark Webber and Jenson Button. Fernando Alonso in his Ferrari is on row 3 alongside Vitaly Petrov. Nico Rosberg, just as last year has outdone his team mate Michael Schumacher and is at P7. Alongside him is the second Ferrari, Felipe Massa. Kamui Kobayashi and Sebastien Buemi complete the top ten on the grid. Michael Schumacher and Jaime Alguesuari are next on the grid. The rookies Sergio Perez and Paul di Resta are on row 7. Behind them are Pastor Maldonado and Adrian Sutil. The veteran Rubens Barrichello is next on the grid with Kubica's replacement Nick Heidfeld. The Team Lotus and Virgin cars complete the grid.
The HRT drivers didn't make it to the grid succumbing to the 107% rule.
The five lights illuminate...
The cars rocket out and it is a Red Bull 1-2 but only for a moment. Hamilton touches the button and KERS steals second place from Webber. Alonso isn't happy to be pushed to ninth. The Ferrari has no one to blame but himself after sticking to the outside of the track while attempting a quick overtake.
The most experienced driver seems to be the most reckless as Barrichello goes off track and trots through gravel. His ex-team mate at Ferrari, Schumi, too isn't having a good time as he limps towards the pits. A slight nudge from a Toro Rosso seemed to have taken away any chance of a good race from Michael.
Meanwhile, elsewhere on the track, it is Vettel leading the pack with Hamilton, Webber, Petrov, Massa, Button, Rosberg, Kobayashi, Alonso and Di Resta trailing behind.
Lap 3
The reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel is pushing his Red Bull to its limits and has already established a 3 second lead. Lewis Hamilton can but watch as the race slowly slips away.
Massa and Button fights for fifth. Button gets access to the DRS (drag reduction system) and the rear wing shifts but the aerodynamic advantage isn't enough as Massa manages to hold on to his position.
Lap6
Alonso is busy recovering lost ground and is on an overtaking spree. The Ferrari as already claimed seventh. The war for fifth continues as Massa manages to hold back the seemingly faster McLaren.
Hamilton shows just how fast the McLaren is by setting the fastest lap, clocking at 1:32.342
Lap 9
The fun begins as Alonso joins in on the battle for position with Button caught in a Ferrari sandwich. Meanwhile elsewhere on the track, Webber is complaining over the radio that his rear tyres are overheating. If the Pirelli tyres lasts only 10 or so laps, we are in for a pit frenzy.
Lap 11
After about ten laps of chasing, Button finally manages to overtake Massa, reducing the Ferrari to a scarlet dot on his rear view mirror.
Webber is done complaining and dives into the pits for new tyres. He has opted for the silver, prime tyres and not the yellow, soft tyres, rejoining the race in 9th ahead of Buemi. Does Mark think he can last 45 laps on the Pirelli tyres?
Lap 13
The difference between last year's Bridgestone and this year's Pirelli tyres is already more than evident as the drivers struggle for performance through the track and the Ferrari drivers take turns at the pits for a quick tyre change. They exit with both still having the yellow marked soft tyres. Webber seems to be the only driver ready for the gamble.
Button's overtaking manoeuvre will be reviewed by the stewards. With Massa immaculate driving, Button's desperate move isn't one the officials are going to overlook. With Massa in the pits, He has no chances of escaping verdict by handing back the position.
Lap 16M
Alonso in his new tyres is rocketing through the track, setting a lap timing of 1:31.904.
The stewards have spoken and it's a drive through penalty for Button.
Meanwhile at the end of the lap, we have another shift in race leader as Hamilton pits. Vettel is more than happy to take the position.
Lap 20
White flag! One of the Virgins is limping back to the pits and everyone on track are warned to look out for the crawling black car.
Lap 22
Heikki is out and on the grass. Schumi returns to the pits and its race over for him too. Mean while his team mate is having any better luck with Barrichello aggressively fighting him for position.
Lap 23 Barrichello collides with Rosberg. The former spins and the latter drives off with a smoke trail. The Mercedes' future doesn't look bright. A few corners ahead, the silver arrow is parked off track and Rosberg walks away dejected.
Lap 26
Webber's gamble backfires and he is back to the yellow, soft tyres. Red Bull seems to be testing tyre performance on their '#2' driver. Meanwhile, Webber's team mate and reigning world champion is flying through the tracks literally unchallenged.
The stewards have been reviewing the collision between Rosberg and Barrichello and the latter has been handed out a very deserving drive through penalty.
Lap 33
Lewis locks his tyres and slips off track, runs over the grass and returns to the track. So much for going easy on the car!
He has reason to be on edge. Vettel has increased his lead to 12 seconds.
Lap 36
It's a busy pit lane as Vettel, Hamilton and Petrov comes in for a tyre change. Petrov hits a bit of bad luck and gets stuck behind a Toro Rosso and ends up behind Alonso.
Lap 39 Alonso uses his KERS in an attempt to get ahead of Webber. The class apart Red bull doesn't even bother with his KERS as he holds on easily. The unique approach of Red Bull's design has rendered KERS quite useless against it.
Lap 42
Vitaly Petrov moves on to third. If he can hold on, it is going to be the first time a Lotus finishes on the podium since the late 1980's. Everyone looked at Petrov as a compromise. What a way to prove them wrong!
Meanwhile the driver behind him, Webber just clocked the fastest lap at 1:29.868.
Lap 46
Alonso is reminded over the radio that its 'time to use the KERS'. Ferrari isn't very happy with how the race has played out so far and its their way of reminding the driver that the button is there for a reason. Use it!
That was the nudge Alonso needed as he posts the fastest time so far - 1:29.609
Lap 48
We finally witness the DRS in action as Button overtakes Massa. The adjustable rear wing was the buzz all pre-season and now we know why. Massa gave Button a squeeze and Button returns the gesture.
Massa pits at the end of the lap.
Alonso has finally received the message as he posts yet another fastest lap - 1:29.597
Lap 51
Hamilton's floor board is scraping the tracks and he's pushing his car regardless. McLaren is very happy and he is told to 'take care of the car'.
Lap 53
Massa struggles as he attempts to overtake Buemi. Its moments like this that really puts the question in the viewer's mind - how can Ferrari justify in keeping a driver like Massa?
The Force India drivers have driven beautifully all through the race but are sadly still just outside the point scoring positions.
Lap 56
Fernando Alonso closes in on Petrov with just 2 seconds separating them. Petrov is hell-bent in keeping his position and hold on to podium step.
Final lap
The battle for third continues to the line and the chequered flag. Vettel has driven an impeccable weekend and has claimed his 11th victory. Lewis Hamilton finishes second and Vitaly Petrov claims the final podium position.
What a race. Say good bye to boring races where drivers seemingly just go about in circles in formation. KERS, DRS and the new tyre supplier did what Bernie predicted will - more pitstops and more overtaking.
Its races like this that makes us wish that the races were held every weekend. 2011 season has had a late but awesome start and its Red Bull on top with McLaren and Ferrari close behind. From the looks of it 2011 is going to be a nail-biter of a season. See you guys in two weeks for the Malaysian leg of the 2011 F1 season.
Click here for the Australian GP Race Results.
At the grid ...
Its reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel on pole with McLaren's Lewis Hamilton next to him. Behind them are their respective team mates, Mark Webber and Jenson Button. Fernando Alonso in his Ferrari is on row 3 alongside Vitaly Petrov. Nico Rosberg, just as last year has outdone his team mate Michael Schumacher and is at P7. Alongside him is the second Ferrari, Felipe Massa. Kamui Kobayashi and Sebastien Buemi complete the top ten on the grid. Michael Schumacher and Jaime Alguesuari are next on the grid. The rookies Sergio Perez and Paul di Resta are on row 7. Behind them are Pastor Maldonado and Adrian Sutil. The veteran Rubens Barrichello is next on the grid with Kubica's replacement Nick Heidfeld. The Team Lotus and Virgin cars complete the grid.
The HRT drivers didn't make it to the grid succumbing to the 107% rule.
The five lights illuminate...
The cars rocket out and it is a Red Bull 1-2 but only for a moment. Hamilton touches the button and KERS steals second place from Webber. Alonso isn't happy to be pushed to ninth. The Ferrari has no one to blame but himself after sticking to the outside of the track while attempting a quick overtake.
The most experienced driver seems to be the most reckless as Barrichello goes off track and trots through gravel. His ex-team mate at Ferrari, Schumi, too isn't having a good time as he limps towards the pits. A slight nudge from a Toro Rosso seemed to have taken away any chance of a good race from Michael.
Meanwhile, elsewhere on the track, it is Vettel leading the pack with Hamilton, Webber, Petrov, Massa, Button, Rosberg, Kobayashi, Alonso and Di Resta trailing behind.
Lap 3
The reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel is pushing his Red Bull to its limits and has already established a 3 second lead. Lewis Hamilton can but watch as the race slowly slips away.
Massa and Button fights for fifth. Button gets access to the DRS (drag reduction system) and the rear wing shifts but the aerodynamic advantage isn't enough as Massa manages to hold on to his position.
Lap6
Alonso is busy recovering lost ground and is on an overtaking spree. The Ferrari as already claimed seventh. The war for fifth continues as Massa manages to hold back the seemingly faster McLaren.
Hamilton shows just how fast the McLaren is by setting the fastest lap, clocking at 1:32.342
Lap 9
The fun begins as Alonso joins in on the battle for position with Button caught in a Ferrari sandwich. Meanwhile elsewhere on the track, Webber is complaining over the radio that his rear tyres are overheating. If the Pirelli tyres lasts only 10 or so laps, we are in for a pit frenzy.
Lap 11
After about ten laps of chasing, Button finally manages to overtake Massa, reducing the Ferrari to a scarlet dot on his rear view mirror.
Webber is done complaining and dives into the pits for new tyres. He has opted for the silver, prime tyres and not the yellow, soft tyres, rejoining the race in 9th ahead of Buemi. Does Mark think he can last 45 laps on the Pirelli tyres?
Lap 13
The difference between last year's Bridgestone and this year's Pirelli tyres is already more than evident as the drivers struggle for performance through the track and the Ferrari drivers take turns at the pits for a quick tyre change. They exit with both still having the yellow marked soft tyres. Webber seems to be the only driver ready for the gamble.
Button's overtaking manoeuvre will be reviewed by the stewards. With Massa immaculate driving, Button's desperate move isn't one the officials are going to overlook. With Massa in the pits, He has no chances of escaping verdict by handing back the position.
Lap 16M
Alonso in his new tyres is rocketing through the track, setting a lap timing of 1:31.904.
The stewards have spoken and it's a drive through penalty for Button.
Meanwhile at the end of the lap, we have another shift in race leader as Hamilton pits. Vettel is more than happy to take the position.
Lap 20
White flag! One of the Virgins is limping back to the pits and everyone on track are warned to look out for the crawling black car.
Lap 22
Heikki is out and on the grass. Schumi returns to the pits and its race over for him too. Mean while his team mate is having any better luck with Barrichello aggressively fighting him for position.
Lap 23 Barrichello collides with Rosberg. The former spins and the latter drives off with a smoke trail. The Mercedes' future doesn't look bright. A few corners ahead, the silver arrow is parked off track and Rosberg walks away dejected.
Lap 26
Webber's gamble backfires and he is back to the yellow, soft tyres. Red Bull seems to be testing tyre performance on their '#2' driver. Meanwhile, Webber's team mate and reigning world champion is flying through the tracks literally unchallenged.
The stewards have been reviewing the collision between Rosberg and Barrichello and the latter has been handed out a very deserving drive through penalty.
Lap 33
Lewis locks his tyres and slips off track, runs over the grass and returns to the track. So much for going easy on the car!
He has reason to be on edge. Vettel has increased his lead to 12 seconds.
Lap 36
It's a busy pit lane as Vettel, Hamilton and Petrov comes in for a tyre change. Petrov hits a bit of bad luck and gets stuck behind a Toro Rosso and ends up behind Alonso.
Lap 39 Alonso uses his KERS in an attempt to get ahead of Webber. The class apart Red bull doesn't even bother with his KERS as he holds on easily. The unique approach of Red Bull's design has rendered KERS quite useless against it.
Lap 42
Vitaly Petrov moves on to third. If he can hold on, it is going to be the first time a Lotus finishes on the podium since the late 1980's. Everyone looked at Petrov as a compromise. What a way to prove them wrong!
Meanwhile the driver behind him, Webber just clocked the fastest lap at 1:29.868.
Lap 46
Alonso is reminded over the radio that its 'time to use the KERS'. Ferrari isn't very happy with how the race has played out so far and its their way of reminding the driver that the button is there for a reason. Use it!
That was the nudge Alonso needed as he posts the fastest time so far - 1:29.609
Lap 48
We finally witness the DRS in action as Button overtakes Massa. The adjustable rear wing was the buzz all pre-season and now we know why. Massa gave Button a squeeze and Button returns the gesture.
Massa pits at the end of the lap.
Alonso has finally received the message as he posts yet another fastest lap - 1:29.597
Lap 51
Hamilton's floor board is scraping the tracks and he's pushing his car regardless. McLaren is very happy and he is told to 'take care of the car'.
Lap 53
Massa struggles as he attempts to overtake Buemi. Its moments like this that really puts the question in the viewer's mind - how can Ferrari justify in keeping a driver like Massa?
The Force India drivers have driven beautifully all through the race but are sadly still just outside the point scoring positions.
Lap 56
Fernando Alonso closes in on Petrov with just 2 seconds separating them. Petrov is hell-bent in keeping his position and hold on to podium step.
Final lap
The battle for third continues to the line and the chequered flag. Vettel has driven an impeccable weekend and has claimed his 11th victory. Lewis Hamilton finishes second and Vitaly Petrov claims the final podium position.
What a race. Say good bye to boring races where drivers seemingly just go about in circles in formation. KERS, DRS and the new tyre supplier did what Bernie predicted will - more pitstops and more overtaking.
Its races like this that makes us wish that the races were held every weekend. 2011 season has had a late but awesome start and its Red Bull on top with McLaren and Ferrari close behind. From the looks of it 2011 is going to be a nail-biter of a season. See you guys in two weeks for the Malaysian leg of the 2011 F1 season.
Click here for the Australian GP Race Results.
