Saturday, October 31, 2009

Formula 1's First Twilight Race is Upon Us: My predictions

With Formula 1's first twilight race creeping up on us, speculation, gossip and excitement are ripe. And with only 6 drivers with confirmed race seats next season, this weekend's performance will most certainly count in the eyes of team bosses.

Lewis Hamilton is clearly unhappy losing his title, and to another British driver, so I am expecing him to be pushing hard this weekend in an attempt to remind people of his world champion ability. He will certainly be looking for nothing less than the top of the podium. But will he do it, or will he make his mistake of being too aggressive, pushing too hard and making a huge error before the chequered flag is waved.

One thing Lewis will be very aware of is the power of the Brawn and Red Bull cars, ready charged to steal his thunder one more time. Sebastian Vettel has already made it clear that his eyes are only on the top prize for Sunday's race. Throughout the 2009 season it has been increasingly clear the improvement that Vettel makes race after race and have proved that he is a worthy opponent for those more experienced F1 drivers. He will want to go out with a bang on our final race to set himself up for 2010, where he'll be eyeing the world title from race one.

And to Button, he may well have won the title already but what I think will be exciting is to see him off the leash in this last race - he has nothing to lose and I think this will make for some very exciting driving from the Brit.

Another contender I believe will have his sights set on a podium win will be Mark Webber. Having somewhat sat in Vettel's shadow for much of the season, the Australian will want to show that he is just as capable of the win and I think we might see some aggressive driving, much like his style in Brazil.

There are of course many others who'll be pushing to the limit, such as Barrichello, but with 3 points more than Vettel needed, I'm not confident the Brazilian can do it.

So, my predictions for this finale are:
1. Lewis Hamilton (McLaren)
2. Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)
3. Jenson Button (Brawn)
4. Mark Webber (Red Bull)
5. Heikki Kovalainen (McLaren)
6. Rubens Barrichello (Brawn)
7. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari)
8. Jarno Trulli (Toyota)

Let's see how right I am in just over 24 hours. But enought about my opinion, what do you think? Who will be on podium in Abu Dhabi?

Vicky.

1 comment:

  1. I think Lewis stand a good chance of a win if he can keep his head. However, I justhave a sneaking feeling that Jenson is out to prove a point and take podium to crown of his winnign season in style.Vettel of course is going to be "gunning" for everyone, as arguably he was the only real title challenger until recently. And dont forget that Webber gave a master class in Brazil, but was overshadowed by Jensons title victory. I am going for a top three of:
    1. Webber
    2. Button
    3. Hamilton
    Let the reace commence! (well Q's first!)

    David

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