Brit Rule in Rain

Britain may be known for its rain; just as well, that Button was the man to take glory in a much rain affected Malaysian Grand Prix.

This was Button’s second win on the bounce; however, this was more of a hard fought victory compared to the hugely convincing win at Australia.

Button recovered from a bad start, where he dropped to fourth from pole, to win the Grand Prix after the race was abandoned due to torrential rain.

The Stewards and the FIA made the right decision in calling the race off early due to the heavy rain and the poor visibility.

BMW Sauber’s Nick Heidfeld was second ahead of Toyota’s Timo Glock to complete the podium.

Lying Lewis crept up to seventh to claim his first legitimate points of the season, well we will see.

In a surprising twist, the top eight will only receive half points to make the World Champion board look rather odd.

It was particular good to see common sense prevail for once as safety, and not entertainment, was the prime focus. The introduction of the red flag on lap 51 was welcomed, as it was clear that the race would not fulfil its allotted time.

Malaysia continued the dominance shown by Brawn GP this season and Button remains pinnacle of that.

Despite his poor start, where Williams’s Nico Rosberg, Toyota’s Jarno Trulli and Renault’s Fernando Alonso all sped past him, Button had the control and the speed to reclaim top spot with some impressive manoeuvres.

However, it was the strategy Ross Brawn implemented secured the victory. Button reaped the rewards when staying out for an extra two laps and producing the fastest laps of the Grand Prix. He made the most of that extra fuel that was on board to dazzling effect.

From then on, it was clear that there was only going to be one winner. When other cars were pouring into the pits to stick on the extreme wets, Button established a lead of 18 seconds, all by lap 26. This showed how ruthless Button could be when he is in the position to do just that.

It adds to his character that he is disciplined enough to handle a fast car in horrendous conditions.

Moreover, Ferrari’s poor season got from bad to worse. But don’t smile about it for too long; they will come good eventually.

Kimi Raikkonen, who showed good form in qualifying, was put on extreme wets too early and this caused him to finish 14th. With Felipe Massa finishing outside the points, the reigning constructor’s champions now sit last.

But this weekend, again, belonged to Button.

Keep those Brits proud, Jenson.

A Brit to be Proud off

Whilst one Brit is the butt of a nation, his fellow compatriot is taking all the plaudits.

Jenson Button claimed his second pole in a row whilst last year’s British F1 hero Lewis Hamilton looks a soulless withering sore loser in 12th spot. And it is what he deserves.

It could be easily forgotten that F1 fans around the world saw in bemusement as Lewis Hamilton took the World Championship in such dramatic fashion last November.

Now Lying Lewis is more of a pest than anything else, he has lost a lot of respect this week.

British favourite Button drove brilliantly in qualifying and Malaysia is set to be an exciting race.

He took pole position but only just, Toyota’s Jarno Trulli took second, a tenth of a second behind Button, and is ahead of teammate Timo Glock who will start in third.

Glock did move up two places since Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel was reprehended for his collision with BMW’s Robert Kubica at last weekend’s Australian Grand Prix that cost him 10 places and Brawn’s Rubens Barrichello, who was docked five places due to a change of gearbox on Friday, will start in ninth.

Felipe Massa continued his miserable spell as he starts in 16th. Partner Kimi Raikkonen drove with more conviction and he lasted until the last stage of qualifying, he will start seventh.

Williams’s Nico Rosberg, who was the quickest in Saturday’s final practice session, and will begin in fourth ahead of Mark Webber.
But this session once again belonged to Brawn GP and more specifically Jenson Button.

Hopefully, next week’s discussions will be about the positive aspects of Formula 1 rather than the negatives.

So next week, no lies, no cheats, no talk of the possible ill-use of rear diffusers (Appeal is soon), just pure, sheer, adrenaline pumping Formula Motoring Racing.

Please.

Sensational Button!

Jenson, you’ve done it! You beauty!
He won the first Grand Prix of 2009. Well we did expect him to, didn’t we?

My neighbours would have not been happy as joyful high-pitched screeches as early as 730 would have probably woken them up. But it doesn’t matter, Button you were definitely worth it.

The Brit is back and loving it, many thought, including me that he went off the boil when decided to devour many glamorous women, and had a poor habit of showcasing big ridiculous sunglasses in public.

Although the glasses are still there, and probably the women too, he looked a man obsessed, loving what he is doing. So much enthusiasm was evident as he took all the glory in what must be Ross Brawn’s proudest victory. Just over three weeks ago, this team never existed but what a breath of fresh air they are.

Button always threatened to throw a match on previous Honda cars but he is in a car now that he should be proud off, it suits his driving style to a tee and it definitely showed.

Button was not the only successful Brit as POMs ruled once again in Melbourne. Lewis Hamilton’s win last year was followed by a lucky shunt up to third at Jarno Trulli’s expense. But this podium symbolised so much more for the World Champion.

It had the essence of a true Champion drive, already knowing that he didn’t have the sheer pace to keep up, Hamilton solely relied on textbook methods to keep himself competitive. He attacked when the time was right and defended properly when he needed too.

It is the massive indication yet that he has matured with his racing. Lewis was even gracious and very much surprised that he took as many points and well done to him.

McLaren needs to improve and quick. Perhaps a rear diffuser could come in useful.

Nevertheless, this day belonged to Button and to his second win in F1. And on this form, he will add to that. The vastly experienced Rubens Barrichello came in second to give Brawn GP a 1-2 finish on their debut, the first time that has happened since 1954.

I was a little disappointed to see a German and Pole in conflict once again. But instead of drawing arms, they decided to batter each other’s car instead.

Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel showed great form and looked set on a decent finish but he paid the price when he gave BMW’s Robert Kubica time to catch up. They locked wheels and both retired a lap later after colliding. They are still two very young drivers that still have a lot to learn, they have massive careers in front of them.

To top the day off, Ferrari failed to do anything. Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen retired early on to make it an all round perfect weekend for the British viewer.

Roll on Malaysia!

Brawn Again

Jenson has done it, the widely acclaimed favourite to win here in Australia has taken pole with team mate Barrichello completing the front row.

Brawn GP were simply sensational on their debut, backing up their initial practice and qualifying promise to take a surprise lead in F1.

Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel and BMW Sauber’s Robert Kubica will make up the second role.

World Champion Lewis was left in the dust with a 15th position out of 20 as McLaren continued their dismal form. Lack of drive in the gearbox was blamed for a lack of speed. It looks very likely that he won’t win here tomorrow like he did in his Championship winning season.

Brawn GP pole position is a first for a brand new team since Scotland’s Jackie Stewart for Tyrrell at the Canadian GP in 1970.

And now the team has the backing of Sir Richard Branson’s money to fulfil their promise throughout the season. The team will soon be named Virgin BGP 001.

The top end of the field was two tenths of a second and shows early indication how close the race could be.

Let us hope for a thriller.