Australian Grand Prix good, Bahrain Grand Prix better. OK after the first corner the winner wasn't in much doubt but quali was better and there was a lot more interest down the field. So, the teams may have been unanimous about a return to old style qualification but someone wasn't, maybe they read my blog!
The UK media stuck rigidly to their knee jerk reaction from Australia, but qualification was exciting almost from start to finish. Vandoorne, standing in for Alonso at McLaren, and Wehrlein in the low downforce, underfunded Manor were outstanding.
Even in the last part of qualifying we saw changes, which may not have taken place in the last two minutes, but they did take place on what everyone knew was the last chance due to tyres, it wouldn't have been more exciting three minutes later it would just have been three minutes later. What made qualifying watchable was great performances, suspense and the fact that Ferrari upped their game. When there are more teams that are close to Mercedes then there will be more excitement.
On that subject, customer engines tend to be last year's spec, by supplying them manufacturers keep the grid full at the same time as giving themselves an advantage, it's commerce not sport really, we all know it and it is what it is, but it's a shame. As spectators we want to see closer racing, major manufacturers simply want to win, seeing the sport die won't help them but occaisonally getting beaten by their customers, that doesn't sit well. I think they're wrong actually but they want the others to make up the places and that's all there is to it.
By taking Lewis out at the first corner Bottas did his engine supplier no favours at all, but Lewis harvested enough points to keep the championship close and it was good to see Raikkonen do well, I've long been a fan. Sad not to see two Ferraris taking the fight to Mercedes but I have great faith in the manager Maurizio Arrivabene and believe he's passionate about his job, his team and his people. it bodes well.
Sad to see Jenson go out early through no fault of his. I believe he would have beaten Vandoorne, but I also think Vandoorne has a bright future. Jenson ran superbly in free practice and his experience is of great value in a team that's playing catchup, just be a shame if he's booted out later.
What a revelation Haas are! Channel four made a big thing about them going one better, which is a bit debatable since the Ferrari engine failure for Vettel is the only difference. Nonetheless, a hugely impressive start for Griosjean and the team. A team with some very experienced, knowledgeable and perhaps most importantly sensible savvy people in it.
All bodes well, but you wouldn't bet against Mercedes running away with it. Personally I'm clinging to hope for Ferrari and Arrivabene, and expecting some great close racing behind the top four. I'd like to point out that most champions were in the best car in their year, but Button and Massa, for example, did not enjoy the kind of advantage Rosberg and Hamilton have now and the same applies going way back in F1 history. Times have changed and not all for the better, but it's still looking like a good show this year.
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