Even if Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel doesn’t take the drivers’ title this weekend, one thing that will be remembered for years to come will be his qualifying successes during the 2010 season. And after clinching his tenth pole position in 19 races at Abu Dhabi, Vettel is certainly happy with his car around the Yas Marina circuit
As he showed to great effect at the recent Hungarian Grand Prix, Mark Webber in a Red Bull is a winning combination. And at the start of this month’s summer break the Budapest victor has sent out a warning call to his rivals that he plans to be just as strong at the season’s remaining seven races.
Although Webber missed out on pole in Hungary – it was claimed by his team mate Sebastian Vettel – the Australian notched up his fourth win of the year, crossing the line almost 18 seconds ahead of the chasing Ferrari of Fernando Alonso.
Having just taken his fourth pole position in a row, there is no doubting Sebastian Vettel’s one-lap performance. While it’s true that he’s found it more difficult to convert those front-row starts into race wins, Vettel is confident that should all change in Sunday’s Hungarian Grand Prix. Considering the lead he had on Saturday over his team mate Mark Webber and the two Ferraris, few would disagree
Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel on his tricky start from pole position; Toro Rosso’s Sebastien Buemi and Jaime Alguersuari on their first-lap collision; Lotus on their disappointing double DNF; and Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa on their first one-two since the season opener in Bahrain. All 24 drivers, and senior team personnel, report back on Sunday’s race
The saying goes that Silverstone is a drivers’ track – fast and furious. Last year Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel started from pole position before eventually winning the British Grand Prix. This year he has already bagged P1, so could Vettel also score a successive British victory? The young German is certainly hoping so
Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel on his frustrating start from pole; McLaren’s Jenson Button on his triumphant drive from 14th to fourth; Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso on his controversial pass on Renault’s Robert Kubica; and Red Bull’s Mark Webber on clinching his third win of the season. All 24 drivers, and senior team personnel, report back on Sunday’s race
It was something of a worst-case scenario for Sebastian Vettel – starting from pole position but then having to head back to the pits after only one lap with a puncture. Not the British Grand Prix he had anticipated. But over the remaining 51 laps he caught up brilliantly, giving the fans a great racing experience, and was able to bag seventh place and six points – points that could yet make all the difference…
It’s easy to forget that just a few years ago the Red Bull team was but a twinkle in an Austrian billionaire’s eyes. In 2009 they established themselves as frontrunners, whilst this season they are unquestionably the team to beat – having scored nine pole positions and five victories.
Although there’s been a fair few hiccups along the way, for team principal Christian Horner, challenging the ‘establishment’ is a source of immense pride. He talks 2010, upgrades, Pirelli and drivers…
