If the 2008 F1 season continues the way it started, we’re in for an exciting few months. Only eight cars were officially classified after the Australian Grand Prix, and two of those didn’t actually finish the race. We don’t expect Melbourne to be a race of attrition but this one definitely was. I think it’s a sign of things to come, especially for the next few races and especially when the four race gearbox rule starts having an effect.
Kimi showed the kinks in his armour last weekend with two very silly errors. Has he become too reliant on the driver aids? Did he forget that he can’t come into corners that fast any more? Or was it just early season rustiness? Time will tell but I expect he’ll sort himself out in the next few races.
The safety car rules almost caught some drivers out this time. I think the rule about closing the pit lane needs to be changed somehow. Barrichello was basically forced to break a rule to get fuel in his car or risk being stranded out on track, all because of a situation that had nothing to do with him. This obviously flustered him and his team, causing a dangerous incident in the pit stop and the running of a red light resulting in Barrichello’s ultimate DQ.
Unlike many races over the past few years, this one actually became more exciting as it progressed. Even though Lewis was off on his own happily winning the race, everyone else was still busy trying to survive and gain a few points. The fight between Alonso and Heiki was great to watch in the final laps and it’s a real shame that Kovaleinan hit the speed limiter in his excitement after taking Fernando.
I’m looking forward to Malaysia, it’ll be another hot one, and there will be six cars running on old engines and gearboxes. It’s going to be a topsy-turvy weekend. Sadly I’ll be in Vermont all weekend but I’m hoping our hosts have a decent sports network…
And talking of TV coverage, I just heard that the BBC are getting F1 back next year, great news for British F1 fans, I’m very envious.