Formula 1: Massa lifts, Alonso wins in Germany

Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro surprised the Formula 1 world in more ways than one at the German Grand Prix. The performance of the F10s, when they unloaded, stunned the pitwall. They were competitive, they took the fight, literally, to the Red Bulls and qualified second and third on the grid.

So, for the 10th time in 11 races, Red Bull Racing sat on pole, Vettel, ahead of Alonso, Massa and Webber in his worst starting position for 2010, in 5th.

Vettel

As the engines reached fever pitch, the five red lights went black and launch control directed movement from the grid. Vettel still has a lot to learn. He repeated the mistake made at the start of the last grand prix and allowed the Ferraris to sweep by, as his blocking tactic failed miserably. Massa took the lead, with Alonso in tow, which relegated Vettel to 3rd.

The Ferrari teammates battled briefly after the pit stops and as Alonso complained, the writing was on the wall. Massa is trying his best to show that he has what it takes to win a championship, so can you imagine how sick to the stomach he felt, when he got this message – “So, Fernando is faster than you. Can you confirm that you understood this message”.

Massa’s confirmation was quick in coming. Massa exited the hairpin, lifted and allowed Alonso by.

I still maintain, that if you are quicker, then you should pass your competitor on the track and not depend on team orders, which by the way aren’t allowed, to get you by.

Alonso

After being handed the position, Alonso secured his second victory in a Ferrari and improved his points standing in the championship. In the post race press conference, both drivers responded like politicians – lying with a straight face! According to one commentator, Alonso was diplomatic, while Massa was blunt. The bells may be ringing in Maranello, celebrating Ferrari’s victory, but they may be tolling the death of racing elsewhere.

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer