F1

The Hungarian GP is not known to be exciting. This one proved to be different though, with a lot of drama and a podium that few would have imagined. Rain caused havoc, with Michelin tyres having the upper hand. Alonso’s retirement opened the door for Schumacher to advance in the championship. Except, that was not to be. With three laps to go, Schumacher was forced to retirre. That, after having come back from a damaged front wing, poor performance due to the Bridgestone tyres and being lapped by Alonso. A lucky break allowed Schumacher to garner at least one point from the race after being advanced to 8th place due to Kubica’s disqualification. Alonso’s lead is 10 points, with 5 races remaining.

The inattentive Räikkönen caused a lengthy safety car phase after connecting with Liuzzi’s Toro-Rosso-Cosworth in spectacular fashion.

Finally, a deserved victory for Jenson Button. Unfortunately, ITV’s commentary, in true hail the British fashion, hardly non-partisan. Can’t they keep their celebrations off-air – not everyone forced to listen to their ramblings lives on that island off the coast of France, or supports their driver…

Current championship standings:

Position	Driver	Country	Team	Points
1	Fernando Alonso		Renault	100
2	Michael Schumacher		Ferrari	90
3	Felipe Massa		Ferrari	52
4	Giancarlo Fisichella		Renault	49
4	Kimi Räikkönen		McLaren-Mercedes	49
6	Jenson Button		Honda	31
7	Juan Pablo Montoya		McLaren-Mercedes	26
8	Rubens Barrichello		Honda	21

The Ferrari, Bridgestone and Schumacher combination is starting to produce the consistent results one expects. In the USA, Schumacher became the first driver to win five races at Indianapolis. This weekend, he achieved yet another first by becoming the first driver to win eight times at Magny-Cours.

Having qualified to start in pole position, Schumacher maintained a comfortable lead. Alonso had to bide his time in third place until Massa’s lengthy pit stop provided an opportunity to move up to second. With Schumacher inching closer to Alonso in the championship, the remaining seven races may be more interesting to watch.

Current championship standings:

Position	Driver	Country	Team	Points
1	Fernando Alonso		Renault	96
2	Michael Schumacher		Ferrari	79
3	Giancarlo Fisichella		Renault	46
4	Kimi Räikkönen		McLaren-Mercedes	43
5	Felipe Massa		Ferrari	42
6	Juan Pablo Montoya		McLaren-Mercedes	26
7	Jenson Button		Honda	16
7	Rubens Barrichello		Honda	16

This is getting downright boring. Now I know how all the non-Schumacher fans have felt for the past few years! Alonso has once again stamped his dominance all over the Formula 1 World Championship. By winning in Canada, he’s secured Michelin’s 100th Grand Prix victory and extended his lead for the championship title to 25 points over the second placed Schumacher.

Schumacher was fortunate to finish in second place. Alonso led the field from start to finish. Due to Villeneuve’s crash forcing the safety car onto the track for four laps, Schumacher was able to close the gap on Räikkönen. Räikkönen managed to lose control briefly in the same spot Villeneuve went off, allowing Schumacher to pass him.

Current championship standings:

Position	Driver	Country	Team	Points
1	Fernando Alonso		Renault	84
2	Michael Schumacher		Ferrari	59
3	Kimi Räikkönen		McLaren-Mercedes	39
4	Giancarlo Fisichella		Renault	37
5	Felipe Massa		Ferrari	28
6	Juan Pablo Montoya		McLaren-Mercedes	26
7	Jenson Button		Honda	16
8	Rubens Barrichello		Honda	13

Alonso continues his blistering pace and maintains his ability to stay ahead of the pack. Monaco, a very twisty circuit leaviing little overtaking opportunity, became the latest race won by the Spaniard. This time, a safety car phase prevented Räikkönen from launching a sustained attack. The McLaren’s engine didn’t last, giving Alsonso plenty of time to make it to the finish without too much stress.

Ferrari’s weekend was bleak. Massa damaged the spare car and Schumacher caused a hindrance after qualifying in pole position. That positioned both Ferraris at the back of the grid. The different in points is starting to increase, from Alonso’s first to Schumacher’s second position in the championship table.

Current championship standings: