Pirelli India, Abu Dhabi & Brazil
10/27/2011
D all world championships that are decided early on have this problem . How do we sell the rest of the season? Sebastian Vettel has already made everything clear after 79 percent of all races. The constructors' world champion has also been determined since the GP Korea. Like Vettel, Red Bull defended its title.
For many observers, the air is out of this season. The TV companies have to laboriously sell a product that has lost its main attraction. Does it still make a difference who comes in second or third? 'For us racing drivers it only plays a minor role,' admits Fernando Alonso. Not for the teams. Depending on your placement in the top ten, there are huge differences in the amount you get from Bernie Ecclestone. While the constructors' world champion collects almost 70 million dollars, the tenth gets just 20 million.
The fans don't really care. So that you don't fall asleep in front of the television, auto motor und sport tells you what could still be interesting despite the title being awarded. And what ten important questions still have to be answered at the last three Grand Prix in India, Abu Dhabi and Brazil.
How is it doing India compared to other new races?
Is the Jaypee Circuit more spectacular than the facilities at Sakhir, Yas Marina, Istanbul, Singapore, Yeongam, Sepang, Shanghai and Valencia or just another tilke-drom? The Indian GP circuit has advertised it as the fastest track on the calendar. Well, Monza doesn't have to worry. But maybe the 5.125 kilometer route beats Spa-Francorchamps at average speed. 238.3 km /h for Mark Webber's pole lap can be beaten. And how many spectators will come? Of the new arenas, only Singapore was sold out at the debut.
Which records can Sebastian Vettel beat?
In order to crack Nigel Mansell's 14 pole positions, the Heppenheimer would have to do each of the three remaining Race to the best starting place. If he wants to beat Michael Schumacher's 17 podiums in 2002, he always has to be on the podium in India, Abu Dhabi and Brazil. The 18 finishings of Tiago Monteiro (2005), Nick Heidfeld (2008) and Felipe Massa (2010) are also in danger. Then Vettel is not allowed to be out once more. Finally, the defending champion could also have Alonso's recordof most racing kilometers. The Spaniard covered 5,735.5 kilometers last season. Vettel is currently at 4,878.0 kilometers. If he always crosses the finish line in the last three races, the record belongs to him.
Who will win the battle for sixth place in the Constructors' Cup: Force India, Sauber or Toro Rosso?
Die three candidates separated only twelve points before the last three races. Between sixth and eighth is a difference of nine million dollars from Bernie Ecclestone's box office. The three-way battle is exciting. In Singapore, Force India seemed to have outperformed its two competitors. Then Sauber stepped up in Suzuka. And in Korea, Toro Rosso got back into the game with an eight-point coup. The Italians are in the best shape right now. Much will depend on who draws the best joker in the arms race for the last aero details.
Which technical innovations are the teams already testing for 2012?
Mercedes started in Suzuka with the F-slot in the front wing. Ferrari followed suit in Korea with a completely new front wing. The teams will of course keep silent about their test vehicles for the next year. We're still looking to keep you up to date.
Will Jenson Button win the team duel against Lewis Hamilton?
So far, boy wonder Hamilton has dismantled every teammate . Even Fernando Alonso, as a double world champion in 2007, was unable to beat the score of the then newcomer. In the end, both McLaren drivers had 109 points. Button has a good chance of breaking the spell. With three laps to go, the score is 222: 196 in his favor.
Will Mark Webber win another Grand Prix this year?
That must be the Australian's goal, given the ten victories of Teammate Sebastian Vettel. It's not Webber's season. Despite being in a Red Bull, he was only in the lead in one race. At the Nürburgring he was in the lead for 87.5 kilometers. Sebastian Vettel has already set a new season record with 3,371.2 kilometers in the lead.
Will Mercedes still be on the podium this year?
Nico Rosberg succeeded three times last year. If everything goes normally, however, a podium place is a long way off. 'In a normal race, we finish in seventh and eighth place,' states Michael Schumacher soberly. He has been waiting for 1,851 days to be invited back to the box of the first three.
Will Williams get another point?
When the Grove team on five championship points stops, it's the worst result since Williams Engineering was launched. You could beat eleven points from 1978.
Who will get the last cockpits in Formula 1?
Renault, Williams and Virgin have one eachCockpit open. Hispania has two places left. Is Robert Kubica coming back? Can Rubens Barrichello continue his record as the driver with the most GP starts? Will Vitaly Petrov or Bruno Senna be kicked out? At Force India, two out of three (Sutil, di Resta, Hülkenberg) and with Toro Rosso two out of four (Buemi, Alguersuari, Ricciardo, Vergne) win.
