“Webber sizzles in Sao Paulo”
SAO PAULO
PRE RACE
The first Brazilian F1 Grand Prix (that was included in the official F1 calendar) was held at the Interlagos (Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace) in 1973. The Grand Prix initially alternated between this track and Rio de Janeiro (Jacarepague). From 1990 onwards the race has been held at Interlagos. The Brazilian Grand Prix has delivered some classic races over the years: often deciding championships. The Interlagos circuit remains relatively unchanged and is a real challenge for the drivers. The translation of “Interlagos” is “between the lakes”.
This anti-clockwise circuit is located approximately 1000m above sea level. It is a real test for engine power and performance at altitude. The track has various undulations (not always so obvious on the television) and in parts the surface is quite bumpy. There are 15 turns in all. It is a good mix of fast and slow corners. The slower corners are located in the middle section of the lap, good mechanical grip here is crucial. The last corner (Turn 15) leading back onto the start/finish straight is taken at +-310km/h, getting a good “tow” from the car in front of you onto the straight often leads to good overtaking opportunities going into Turn 1.
This circuit places a special strain on the drivers: it is a test of physical and mental fitness. Racing conditions here are usually very warm, this adds to the physical stress that is placed on the driver. The lateral or “G” force experienced by the drivers on this fast track will vary between 0,6 – 5 “G’s”. Interlagos, in every respect, is a very difficult track to master.
The DRS zone for this race is located between Turns 3 and 4, on the “Reta Oposta” straight. The cars will come out of the “Senna-S” (Turn 2) at +-160km/h; enter Turn 3 at +-180km/h, before reaching a speed of +-320km/h on the straight and then braking hard for Turn 4.
The two tyre options that Pirelli has brought for this race are the “soft” compound (yellow writing on tyre sidewalls), and the “medium” or “option” compound (white writing).
It is a special weekend for the Brazilian drivers Felipe Massa and Reubens Barichello.
Massa celebrates 100 Grand Prix for Ferrari – a really superb achievement. This year also marks Barichello’s 19th year racing in F1 – will we see him on the grid next year? Bruno Senna, also Brazilian, will be racing in front of his adoring fans.
Sebastian Vettel put in another stunning lap during Saturday’s qualifying to claim not only pole, but also a new record of pole positions for one driver in a season: 15. This beats Nigel Mansell’s previous record of 14 pole positions in a season.
This is Round 19 on this year’s F. I. A. Formula 1 calendar, and the last race of the season. The title sponsor for this premium event is Petrobas.
TRACK STATS:
Length: 4.039 km’s
Turns: 15
Race Distance: 305.939 km’s (71 laps)
Current Lap Record: Juan-Pablo Montoya (Williams BMW) (2004) 1:11:473
2010 Winner: Sebastian Vettel (RBR-Renault)
START
It is a beautiful day at the Interlagos circuit. The air temperature is a comfortable 25 degrees. There are a few clouds around – the threat of rain seems to come and go, some forecasters saying we may have rain 30mins into the race. Time will tell. The track temperature is around 46 degrees.
There is a very festive atmosphere surrounding this race, one that only the Brazilian spirit can bring. Fans at the “F1 Rocks” concert have been entertained by the likes of Macy Gray and Jessie J. The after party following the race and celebrating the culmination of this season promises to be a big one.
The packed grandstands look on expectedly. The organised chaos of the grid is cleared and Vettel leads the pack around on the installation lap. Excitement and tension builds in the stands… soon racing will be underway. Once more the cars form up on the grid. Engine revolutions build – steady – hold.
One by one the 5 red lights come on…
Are you ready? Lights out!
We are racing in Brazil!
RACE
Lap 1
A good start by Vettel as he leads into Turn 1, behind him Alonso also has a good start. After flying down into Turn 1, the balance of the pack tip-toe around the first corner without any major incidents or contacts.
The Order on Lap 1 is as follows:
Vettel leads, followed by Webber, Button, Alonso, Hamilton, Massa, Rosberg, Sutil, Senna and Di Resta.
Lap 2
Schumacher takes Di Resta for 10th position – good move.
Lap 3
Vettel sets the fastest lap: 1:18:240
Lap 5
Vettel is fast out front, and is already opening up a lead.
Alonso is putting pressure on Button.
Schumacher is putting pressure on Senna.
Lap 6
The top 6 cars are still fairly close together. There are plenty of interesting battles developing in the midfield.
Sutil is putting pressure on Rosberg.
Lap 10
There is contact between Schumacher and Senna down into Turn 1.
Senna loses pieces of his front wing and Schumacher suffers a left rear puncture. It is difficult to ascertain exactly who was responsible.
The Order on Lap 10 is as follows:
Vettel leads, followed by Webber (@3,739s), Button (@8,131s), Alonso (@9,300s), Hamilton (@10,176s), Massa (@13,002s), Rosberg (@16,786s), Sutil (@17,393s), Senna (@23,555s) and Schumacher.
Lap 11
Cars 7 (Schumacher) and 9 (Senna) are under investigation by the race stewards for the slight accident that they had.
Alonso takes Button for 3rd position – brilliant move.
Lap 12
Schumacher pits – rejoins 24th.
(Pit Lane time: 25,481s. Pit-stop time: 5,7s).
Luckily the flailing rear tyre has not caused too much damage to his car.
Lap 13
Senna pits – from 9th – rejoins 18th.
(Pit Lane time: 21,900s. Pit-stop time: 3,9s).
Lap 14
Petrov pits – from 10th – rejoins 17th.
Webber is steadily catching race leader Vettel. It appears as though Vettel has some sort of gearbox issue.
Lap 15
Sutil pits – from 8th – rejoins 14th.
(Pit Lane time: 21,097s. Pit-stop time: 4,2s).
The race leaders should all be making their first round of pit stops in the next lap or two.
Lap 17
Alonso pits – from 3rd – rejoins 4th.
(Pit Lane time: 20,773s. Pit-stop time: 3,7s).
Hamilton pits – from 5th – rejoins 6th.
(Pit Lane time: 21,099s. Pit-stop time: 3,9s).
Rosberg pits – from 7th – rejoins 13th.
Lap 18
Vettel pits – from 1st – rejoins 3rd.
(Pit Lane time: 20,927s. Pit-stop time: 3,7s).
Maldonado pits.
Kovalainen pits.
Car 9 (Senna) is given a Drive through Penalty for the earlier incident with Schumacher.
Lap 19
Webber pits – from 1st – rejoins 3rd.
(Pit Lane time: 20,755s. Pit-stop time: 3,5s).
Senna pits and serves his Drive through Penalty.
Lap 20
Sutil takes Perez for 8th position – good move.
Buemi pits.
Hamilton sets the fastest lap: 1:17:764
Lap 21
Vettel takes Massa for 1st position.
Perez pits.
Rosberg takes Alguersuari for 9th position.
Lap 22
Massa pits – from 2nd – rejoins 6th.
(Pit Lane time: 21,696s. Pit-stop time: 4,1s).
Ricciardo pits.
Kobayashi pits – from 8th – rejoins 11th.
Webber sets the fastest lap: 1:17:672
Lap 23
Liuzzi pits.
Glock pits – and promptly retires on the pit lane exit as one of his wheels come flying off: the wheel nut was not fastened properly.
Barichello takes Trulli.
The Order on Lap 23 is as follows:
Vettel leads, followed by Webber (@2,838s), Alonso (@4,931s), Button (@2,745s), Hamilton (@2,072s), Massa (@10,469s), Sutil (@3,688s), Rosberg (@5,157s), Petrov (@3,478s) and Di Resta (@1,826s).
Lap 26
Vettel still has gearbox issues.
Lap 27
Maldonado takes Senna.
Schumacher takes Trulli.
Lap 28
Maldonado crashes out and retires from the race.
Lap 29
Webber is steadily catching race leader Vettel.
Lap 30
Senna pits.
Webber takes Vettel for 1st position. A rather tame move, it seems the team, realising that Vettel has mechanical issues, have decided to release Webber and let him go for the victory.
Lap 31
Petrov pits.
Lap 32
Button pits – from 4th – rejoins 6th.
(Pit Lane time: 21,038s. Pit-stop time: 3,7s).
The Order on Lap 33 is as follows:
Webber leads, followed by Vettel (@2,020s), Alonso (@7,538s), Hamilton (@6,758s), Massa (@12,743s), Button (@2,534s), Rosberg (@7,601s), Di Resta (@6,945s), Sutil (@5,483s) and Kobayashi (@1,355).
The race for a top 10 finish between the midfield runners is hotting up: at stake are crucial world championship points.
Lap 34
Webber sets the fastest lap: 1:16:959
Hamilton pits – from 4th – rejoins 6th.
(Pit Lane time: 20,396s. Pit-stop time: 3,4s).
Schumacher pits.
Lap 36
Alonso pits – from 3rd – rejoins 3rd.
(Pit Lane time: 20,664s. Pit-stop time: 3,6s).
Barichello pits.
Lap 37
It looks as though rain is imminent. Though to be fair, it hasn’t rained as yet and this is not the first time rain has been called.
Sutil takes Di Resta for 8th position – good move.
Hamilton now has gearbox issues.
Lap 39
Webber pits – from 1st – rejoins 2nd.
(Pit Lane time: 20,990s. Pit-stop time: 3,3s).
Button takes Massa for 4th position – brilliant move.
Lap 40
Vettel pits – from 1st – rejoins 2nd.
(Pit Lane time: 20,652s. Pit-stop time: 3,6s).
Hamilton is putting pressure on Massa.
Lap 41
Webber sets the fastest lap: 1:16:484
Di Resta pits – rejoins 13th.
Lap 43
The incident involving car 24 (Glock) (unsafe release from the pit box) will be investigated after the race.
Webber sets the fastest lap: 1:16:395
He’s really on a flyer now.
Rosberg pits – from 7th – rejoins 9th.
The Order on Lap 43 is as follows:
Webber leads, followed by Vettel (@4,576s), Alonso (@7,290s), Button (@5,687s), Massa (@5,264s), Hamilton (@0,636s), Rosberg (@16,871s), Sutil (@0,208s), Kobayashi (@9,561s) and Buemi.
Lap 44
Buemi pits – from 10th – rejoins 14th.
d’Ambrosio pits.
Ricciardo pits.
Trulli pits.
Kobayashi pits – from 9th – rejoins 12th.
Lap 45
Hamilton pits – from 6th – rejoins 7th.
(Pit Lane time: 20,681s. Pit-stop time: 3,5s).
Lap 46
Perez pits.
Vettel sets the fastest lap: 1:16:310
Massa pits – from 5th – rejoins 5th.
(Pit Lane time: 21,053s. Pit-stop time: 3,9s).
Petrov pits.
Lap 47
Vettel still has gearbox issues – he is told by his race engineer to “short shift” between certain gears.
Hamilton has a gearbox failure – and retires – parking his car at the side of the track.
Lap 49
Sutil is putting pressure on Rosberg – the pair are having a great dice on the main straight.
Lap 50
Webber sets the fastest lap: 1:16:115
Sutil takes Rosberg for 6th position – great move.
Lap 53
Button pits – from 4th – rejoins 4th.
(Pit Lane time: 21,583s. Pit-stop time: 4,2s).
Schumacher pits.
Lap 55
Alonso pits – from 3rd – rejoins 3rd.
(Pit Lane time: 20,752s. Pit-stop time: 3,7s).
The Order on Lap 55 is as follows:
Webber leads, followed by Vettel (@6,795s), Alonso (@12,492s), Button (@24,963s), Massa (@11,630s), Sutil (@15,238s), Rosberg (@4,804s), Di Resta (@9,772s), Kobayashi (@4,330s) and Petrov (@7,277s).
Lap 56
Webber sets the fastest lap: 1:16:114
Button sets the fastest lap: 1:15:989
Lap 57
At this stage of the race, Webber and Vettel look comfortable out front, whilst Button is catching Alonso.
Lap 58
Webber pits – from 1st – rejoins 2nd.
(Pit Lane time: 20,781s. Pit-stop time: 3,4s).
Lap 59
Vettel pits from 1st – rejoins 2nd.
(Pit Lane time: 22,094s. Pit-stop time: 5,0s).
Button is putting pressure on Alonso.
Lap 62
Webber sets the fastest lap: 1:15:492
Button takes Alonso for 3rd position – a great move in the DRS zone.
Lap 63
Vettel runs wide in Turn 5 – he quickly recovers with no damage to the car.
Lap 65
Liuzzi crashes out.
The Order on Lap 65 is as follows:
Webber leads, followed by Vettel (@13,305s), Button (@10,342s), Alonso (@3,889s), Massa (@22,612s), Sutil (@16,571s), Rosberg (@11,832s), Di Resta (@6,831s), Kobayashi (@4,025s) and Petrov (@3,960).
Lap 67
The top 4 are more or less holding steady.
Button is steadily catching Vettel.
Lap 69
Alonso’s DRS system is not working properly.
Barichello takes Massa.
Lap 70
Webber sets the fastest lap: 1:15:487
Lap 71
Webber sets the fastest lap: 1:15:480
Webber takes the win!
It has been a superb drive from the RBR-Renault driver, continuing to set fastest laps, even on the last lap. It is Webber’s first win of the 2011 season, and the 7th of his career. The winning time was 1:32:17:464, with a total distance of 305,709km covered, at an average speed of 198:876km/h.
2. Vettel
3. Button
4. Alonso
5. Massa
6. Sutil
7. Rosberg
8. Di Resta
9. Kobayashi
10. Petrov
Retired: 20/24 starters finished the race. Glock retired after a wheel nut failure, Maldonado crashed out, Hamilton retired with a gearbox failure and Liuzzi crashed out.
RBR-Renault dominated this race, with a good performance from Button; followed by the Ferrari’s of Alonso and Massa. Force India-Mercedes had a good race, with both their cars finishing in the top ten.
Webber cruises into Parc Ferme and parks his RB7. He takes his time getting out of the car, and initially does not seem too ecstatic with his victory: simply testament to the fact that this has been a physically demanding race. There are soon smiles and celebrations all round as he is congratulated by his team mate Vettel and fellow competitors.
The podium ceremony is a very festive affair. Will Courtney represents team RBR-Renault on the podium. It is soon raining Mumm champagne: this is Formula 1!
It has been a long and hard season for the teams – now it’s time to unwind and party, the Brazilian way!
Button managed to secure 2nd position in the Driver’s World Championship, with Webber coming third. It has been another great and memorable Brazilian Grand Prix at the Interlagos circuit in Sao Paolo, a fitting finale to an exciting season.
SUMMARY
2011 delivered some great and interesting racing. Yes, Team RBR-Renault did have the superior package in terms of their car performance, but they still needed a driver to win the races for them. Enter Sebastian Vettel. The young German had a stunning season, winning his second Driver’s World Championship. He broke many F1 records along the way too. After winning the championship in Japan, he stayed focused and continued to race hard – the mark of a true champion.
Ferrari and McLaren-Mercedes pushed hard all season but just couldn’t match RBR-Renault. They were followed by the Mercedes team, and Renault; with Force India-Mercedes the best of the rest. Ferrari had a single victory with Alonso at Silverstone, whilst McLaren-Mercedes had a few more victories shared between Button and Hamilton. The RBR-Renault car was not the fastest car as far as straight line speed goes, but it was mighty in the corners – with good mechanical grip – and this is where it outclassed the opposition. There will be some serious design work done in the off season, and you can expect the top 3 teams to be very close next year.
There were some memorable races, take nothing away from Vettel, but the best race of the year for me was Button’s win in a rain-soaked Montreal, an epic race that was one of the longest (if not the longest) in F1 history. The best overtaking manoeuvre has to be Webber’s pass on Alonso in the fabled “Eau Rouge” corner at Spa Francorchamps.
Pirelli has a good return to F1 racing and more than delivered. Its tyres provided for some exciting racing and interesting strategies. It will be interesting to see what new compounds it develops and brings to the table for next year’s season.
There will certainly be a few regulation changes for next season. One area that needs to be addressed is the 3rd session of qualifying. Some teams, having made it into the top ten, have failed to come out and set a time during the 3rd session of qualifying. This gives them an added advantage of having an extra set of fresh tyres for the race. Perhaps in the future their cars could be dropped 2 positions on the grid if they fail to make an appearance in the 3rd session top 10 shoot out?
2011 – F1 CHAMPIONSHIP DRIVER STANDINGS (final):
1. Sebastian Vettel RBR-Renault 392
2. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 270
3. Mark Webber RBR-Renault 258
4. Fernando Alonso Ferrari 257
5. Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 227
6. Felipe Massa Ferrari 118
7. Nico Rosberg Mercedes 89
8. Michael Schumacher Mercedes 76
9. Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes 42
10. Vitaly Petrov Renault 37
11. Nick Heidfeld Renault 34
12. Kamui Kobayashi Sauber-Ferrari 30
13. Paul Di Resta Force India-Mercedes 27
14. Jaime Alguersuari STR-Ferrari 26
15. Sebastian Buemi STR-Ferrari 15
16. Sergio Perez Sauber-Ferrari 14
17. Rubens Barichello Williams-Cosworth 4
18. Bruno Senna Renault 2
19. Pastor Maldonado Williams-Cosworth 1
20. Pedro de la Rosa Sauber-Ferrari 0
21. Jarno Trulli Lotus-Renault 0
22. Heikki Kovalainen Lotus-Renault 0
23. Vitantonio Liuzzi HRT-Cosworth 0
24. Jerome d’Ambrosio Virgin-Cosworth 0
25. Timo Glock Virgin-Cosworth 0
26. Narain Karthikeyan HRT-Cosworth 0
27. Daniel Ricciardo HRT-Cosworth 0
28. Karun Chandock Lotus-Renault 0
2011 – F1 CONSTRUCTOR STANDINGS (final):
1. RBR-Renault 650
2. McLaren-Mercedes 497
3. Ferrari 375
4. Mercedes 165
5. Renault 73
6. Force India-Mercedes 69
7. Sauber-Ferrari 44
8. STR-Ferrari 41
9. Williams-Cosworth 5
10. Lotus-Renault 0
11. HRT-Cosworth 0
12. Virgin-Cosworth 0
NEXT STOP:
For now, after one of the longest seasons in F1 history, it is time for the teams and drivers alike to enjoy a well-earned break from a very busy year.
You can be guaranteed that there will be plenty of research and development over the “off” season, and the magic that is F1 will return even better in 2012.
The first race of the 2012 season will be the Australian Grand Prix (Melbourne) on the 18th March 2012.
