US Grand Prix
{ Posted on Jul 03 2006 by dScribe }
The 2005 US Grand Prix had 6 cars start under controversial circumstances when Michelin withdrew their competitors due to safety reasons. 6 cars finished the race.
This years race saw only a few more cars finish the race despite 22 cars lining up on the grid. A first-corner accident took out major players such as Kimi Raikkonen, Juan Pablo Montoya and Jenson Button.
A lacklustre performance from World Champion Fernando Alonso and Ferrari team orders meant the race was about as interesting as the 2005 farce.
Main points:
- Jarno Trulli – Without a doubt driver of the race. Well done to him and Toyota!Â
- The first corner incident was very unfortunate. It was surprising how a few little touches could result in such carnage. It robbed the US fans of a potentially good race for the 2nd year in a row. (then again, when you go to see a race live it’s more about the sound and the sights, not so much seeing the racing – you see more of the racing at home on the TV
) - Giancarlo Fisichella – Great to see him on pace. If we wasn’t held up by Fernando for so long Massa’s 2nd position could have been in doubt.
- Michael Schumacher did well.
- Felipe Massa did better.. at least for a while
- Fernando Alonso – Possibly the worst race he’s had in 2 years.
Seriously.
Trulli had the fortune of Bridgestone tires, in a race where Michelin were clearly off the pace, and a one stop strategy, in a race where the first lap turned that into the best option. In terms of the finishers, the only upset was that he beat a clearly off pace Alonso. Compare that to Fisichella who, on Michelin and in a car that Alonso couldn’t get to work, was almost able to match Ferrari and their Bridgestones. Or Massa who honestly beat Schumacher fair and square but chose to be a good 2. driver and let him win.