Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Driving for Fifth

Congratulations to Lewis Hamilton - F1 drivers champion. Well deserved it is too. We have seen him learn so much this year, and he is clearly a better driver. It was an exciting race, to finish an exciting season. All sport is better when there are many talented people at the top. When there is only one, it gets boring.
So Lewis had to be Fifth to win the championship, and drove his race with that in mind. Not trying to win can be as dangerous as trying to win too hard. It is good though to take the longer view in the championship. As a supporter I found it hard to watch the race, especially as I had to go and preach half way through. The Personal Video Recorder took care of that. SO I arrived back no knowing anything to watch the last 46 laps. Lewis was fourth, then fifth, and it was all going to plan after the last pit stops. Then rain. Normally that is a GOOD thing for Lewis, he has a good sense of where the car is and where it can be made to go. Today it was a 'but' day. The car was set for dry conditions and straight line speed - not good for wet conditions. The driver behind is probably the best current driver in wet conditions, and his car was better set up for the conditions - he was soon past. Sixth - not good enough. The rain has done its job and upset things. Some other driver didn't change to wet tyres. One of them was in fifth place. As the rain got heavier he struggled, and on the last bend Lewis passed him and crossed the line in fIfth.
I was too exhausted / relieved / happy / glad that it was over, to even cheer.

Is it a record - The drivers championship going down to the last corner?

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