Hungarian GP - Fourth and fifth again, but Brazil ahead of Spain this time
Hungaroring, 30 July - Despite all the talk that, thanks to the respective effects of the Downforce Reduction System, the KERS engine power boost and the characteristics of the Pirelli tyres, grid position is less critical than last year, it still counts for something and, here in Hungary it counts more than anywhere else on the calendar apart from Monaco. Therefore, this was not the best moment for Scuderia Ferrari to deliver a performance that did not match expectations based on the results of free practice and indeed from the first two parts of this afternoon’s qualifying. Felipe Massa got the better performance out of the 150º Italia to secure a place on the second row courtesy of setting the fourth fastest time, while Fernando Alonso’s best lap was just 15 thousandths slower than his team-mate, which equated to fifth place on the inside of Row 3. Not up to expectations? Well, in Q1 and Q2, Fernando had been quickest.
In other words, it’s the same scenario we saw at the Nurburgring a few days ago, but this time with the Paulista ahead of the man from Oviedo. The Spaniard therefore benefits from starting on the clean side of the track. The race in Germany delivered a podium and that will be the target for both our drivers tomorrow. Back on pole is Sebastian Vettel in the Red Bull and he shares the front row with German GP winner, Lewis Hamilton in the McLaren. His team-mate Jenson Button is on the inside of Felipe on Row 2, while Fernando shares the third row with the other Red Bull of Mark Webber.
Unlike in Germany, the weather should not be a concern, as the sunshine is gradually warming up the Hungaroring and it is expected to be hot and dry on Sunday. However, we are facing the possibility of a constant stream of pit stops to change tyres. There is talk of some teams opting for four visits down pit lane, although these are more likely to be from those lower down the grid order, who did not use so many sets of new tyres in today’s qualifying. However, even the top ten runners might be pitting three times as tyre degradation will be a big factor. Not only will the men on the wheel guns, jacks and other pit stop paraphernalia have to work in perfect harmony, not only will the drivers have to be inch perfect in hitting their marker in pit lane, but the strategists will also have to keep a clear head to choose the perfect moment to bring the two 150º Italias down pit lane: at the Hungaroring traffic is always a problem and if a car is sent back out on track in the middle of a group of slower cars, all the benefit of fresh fast rubber evaporates. So, a thrilling race in prospect for spectators and fans, but a very tense afternoon for the workers in pit lane.
Credit: Ferrari S.p.A. (www.ferrari.com)
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