Posts tagged Vettell
Alonso leads a Ferrari 1-2 for season opener
Mar 15th
Fernando Alonso finished his first ever race at Scuderi Ferrari in first place with team mate Filipe Massa finishing in P2. The duo gave Ferrari a fairy tale start to the 2010 season after a dismal 2009 for the team.
Sebastian Vettel was the only man who could rain on Ferrari’s parade. After qualifying on pole position for the race, Vettel stormed to the front and recored fastest lap after fastest lap. However in the late half of the race, Vettel suffered an exhaust failure and as a reault lost power. He spent the rest of the race nursing his car home, unable to hold off the Ferrari’s or the McLaren of Lewis Hamilton, Vettel finished just off the podium in P4.
The exhaust failure for Vettel may be related to the team deciding to run the exhausts underneath the car this year rather then on-top. The possibility of the exhaust being damaged on the extremely bumpy Bahrain circuit should not be ruled out.
An elated Alonso said “There is no better way to start my relationship with the best tea in the world” he went on to say “we have only one the first race..” but clearly a on-two is a great start for the team.
Massa said the race was great for him and “The car was just perfect”
In the final 25 laps of the race, both Ferrari drivers were told to short shift and conserve fuel and look after the engines when it became clear they were running away with the victory.
Mark Webber had issues with oil surge through the first few corners and after a bad start, lost further time. Mark spent the rest of the race following Button in the McLaren without any chance of passing. Mark finished in a disapointing 8th position.
The race was not as exciting as fans had hoped, it became a bit of a procession, especially after Vettel’s problems it became a familiar sight with two Ferrari running away with the lead.
The full race results will be posted shortly
