From Our Resident Formula 1 Expert – Korean Grand Prix 14 October 2012
Seb Vettel and the Red Bull team have finally found their feet! (or wheels!). Following last weeks win in Japan, and Singapore prior to that, Vettel is now only 4 points behind Alonso, and is possibly heading for his 3rd championship in a row. He looks set to take pole in Korea after storming ahead during practice.
The lay-out of this track is spectacular, long, long straights with lots of twists and turns. The drivers spend a long time in 7th gear between turns 2 and three, followed by heavy braking, and a severe possibility of over-steering heading into the straight before turn 4. This can be incredibly trying on the tyres and the engine, the teams have to decide whether to set the car up for the fast straights or the tight turns. In terms of the faster cars, it will be up to the drivers to negotiate overtakes should they find themselves starting middle of the pack.
The single DRS zone between turns 2 and 3 will be invaluable to the slower cars and will certainly help them gain pace on the leaders, however, this track has probably the most overtaking opportunities so nobody will be safe, not even pole.
The best part of this race will be watching the drivers weaving their way round turns 11 to 18 this is the most challenging part of the circuit and with the sharp turn into the pit lane just before 18 expect to see some drama, especially if the weather conditions change.
The forecast at the moment is settled with cloud, but should the rain fall………..
Last year Hamilton took pole, but was beaten to second place by Vettel, who also got the fastest lap.
Pole position: Vettel
Fastest Lap: Vettel
Top ten finishers: Vettel, Hamilton, Webber, Button, Alonso, Raikkonen, Kobayashi, Rosberg, Di Resta and Perez
Enjoy the race, next stop, India
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