Formula 1: Hungarian Grand Prix Preview
Here’s the latest update on the Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix from the friendly team at Bodog Sports.
Lewis Hamilton is the form driver of the world championship and the next race, the Hungarian Grand Prix, is traditionally a happy hunting ground for his team, McLaren. The omens couldn’t look better for Hamilton as he contemplates his next challenge, but will it all go to plan in Budapest?
Hamilton has fought back brilliantly in recent weeks; just as the critics were sharpening their knives (or pens) following a couple of disappointing races, he responded in perfect fashion. Victory at the British Grand Prix, victory at the German Grand Prix, a race dominated so often in the past by Ferrari. Once again, the Brit is back at the top of the driver standings and, though Ferrari are so close he can literally feel the heat from the immaculate red engines, he has a points advantage. A win in Hungary would be his third straight success, scoring psychological as well as actual points.
Last year, Hamilton won here, ahead of Raikkonen, Heidfeld and Alonso, though it was also the calm before the storm. In qualifying, he clashed with team-mate Alonso as the uneasy relationship simmered to boiling point. As a result of that incident, McLaren were denied points in the constructor’s championship and, after his victory, Hamilton won only one of his next six races, a sequence which eventually cost him the world title. Whatever happens in Budapest, Hamilton will know there is plenty of hard work ahead.
Having finished third (Massa) and sixth (Raikkonen) in Germany, Ferrari’s drivers are very much in contention, but they need an improved showing here to put Hamilton under sustained pressure. BMW Sauber continue to go well – Heidfeld and Kubica were both in the points – and have a realistic chance of finishing ahead of McLaren in the constructors’ championship if their drivers carry on performing.
There may be another challenge from Nelsinho Piquet, who drove superbly in Germany. Hamilton’s former GP2 rival came from 17th on the grid to finish second, putting his better-known Renault team-mate, Alonso, to shame. He’ll be greatly encouraged by that, but will find it difficult to repeat the feat at the Hungaroring.
Driver Standings
1. Lewis Hamilton (McLaren) 58
2. Felipe Massa (Ferrari) 54
3. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) 51
4. Robert Kubica (BMW) 48
5. Nick Heidfeld (BMW) 41
Constructor Standings
1. Ferrari 105
2. BMW Sauber 89
3. McLaren-Mercedes 86
4. Toyota 25
5. Red Bull-Renault 24
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Add comment July 31st, 2008