Hungarian Grand Prix Analysis

Woohoo! Finally, Jenson Button has won a Grand Prix!

Normally, the Hungarian Grand Prix is a boring one, as the track is very narrow and offers very little passing. The rain changed all that. The great equalizer, Formula1 no longer is about power, but about control. This was very obvious as almost all of the young drivers (Rosberg, Liuzzi, etc) spun out of control at least once in the race. And it just goes to prove, Ferrari is what makes Massa quick, and not the other way around! And how about those passing maneouvers on various parts of the track? This is where we see the best drivers strut their stuff.

Starting from 14th on the grid due to a blown engine during practice (which makes his victory even more remarkable), Button drove superbly up the field to claim his maiden win. His precise driving in the changing conditions coupled by the perfect team strategy (and a little luck!) gave him victory. When he took over the lead with just over 20 laps remaining, I got really excited... I counted down the laps and prayed that he would not get over excited and spin out, or have some mechanical failure. And when he finally crossed the line and the chequered flag, I was ecstatic! He truly deserved it.

Behind him, a spaniard and a german took 2nd and 3rd respectively, but it wasn't Alonso and Schumacher... instead it was De La Rosa and Heidfeld! This was also a good day for them as they drove intelligently, avoided accidents, and ultimately claimed podium finishes as well.

Barrichello drove a quiet but strong 4th position and Coulthard followed with an impressive 5th. Ralph Schumacher took 6th, with the final two spots going to the two Ferraris, Massa and Michael Schumacher.

Alonso was unlucky as he suffered a driveshaft failure (looked like a loose rear right lugnut to me) coming out from his presumably final pit stop, but his interview in the paddock proved prophetic ('everybody suffers mechanical failure') as Schumacher broke his front suspension with 3 laps to go! Because of this (and a disqualification to Robert Kubica), Schumacher was able only to gain a point on Alonso, making the difference between them only 10 points with 5 races to go.

Raikonnen and Liuzzi crashed into each other, and the race ended for both of them there. Liuzzi did apologize and admitted that it was his mistake that caused the crash. It did look spectacular though!

This was easily the best race of the year for me. Incredible racing from start to finish, drama and crashes in between, and the first win for Honda and Jenson Button! In one word... Classic!

Next stop... Turkey!

Life is Beautiful!