Grand Prix 2012 United States Grand Prix Practice, Qualifying & Race Discussion

Yeehaw!
Saddle up and let's mosey on down to Texas for the penultimate round of the 2012 season.

(Okay, that's quite enough of that...)

If it wasn't for the fact that Red Bull and Vettel have all but tied both titles up, this would be one of the most exciting ends to a season for a while.

What we should have had is two or three drivers on approximately level points heading to an unknown circuit, which by all accounts looks like it's going to be a challenge for even the best drivers. Turn one in particular is a blind left at the crest of a hill, which could either make or break the race.
Instead, what we have is a dominant Red Bull who need just four points to take the Constructors' title and Sebastian Vettel who only needs to outscore Fernando Alonso by 15 points or more over the next two rounds to take the Drivers'.

The wheels have come off at McLaren with yet another retirement for Hamilton when leading comfortably at Abu Dhabi; this time due to a faulty fuel pump. McLaren have prosecuted a dreadful campaing this year; without doubt they should have been in a position to take both titles and instead they are unlikely to even be runners up in both.
Where did it all go wrong?

Renault scored their first victory of the season with Kimi Räikkönen. Apparently it was "nothing to jump around about" so we'll say no more.

Mercedes had another race to forget with both cars finishing outside the top 10. Again. One has to hope that this is not a precursor to next season's performance and the redesigned car will be a lot more competitive. They may be able to hang on to fifth in the Constructors' but that will be dependent on how many points the Sauber drivers squander, of which Pérez has been doing an admirable job since he signed for McLaren.

Force India and Williams are in their own private battle in both championships but the Force Indias are in the driving seat (thank you, I'm here all week) and look as if they will just have the edge.

Sadly, for another year, the three "new" teams still occupy all of the bottom places. Caterham had an opportunity during last week's race of attrition to jump Marussia into 10th place, which they currently hold thanks to Timo Glock's 12th place finish at Singapore, but Kovalainen was overtaken in the closing stages. The really sad part is I can't see this ever being any different; the step change in performance required to breach the gap just seems to be unattainable.

For those who haven't seen the circuit, this is the view from the start-finish straight to turn one:
austin-straight-jpg.5108


Here's an onboard lap:

Galahad's circuit write up is here: http://cliptheapex.com/pages/circuit-of-the-americas/

Burgers, weak beer and popcorn are available from the concession stands (OK, OK, I'll stop now :D)
 
Not bad.
An interesting circuit which seems to have several overtaking places, which the drivers didn't hesitate to make use of.
 
Fantastic race, Hamilton showing his class in a car that has looked slower than the Bulls all weekend. Vettel amazes me throwing his toys from the pram blaming backmarkers for his second place when 5 laps previously hamilton lost 8 tenths due to back markers.
He really does act imature under pressure. Great talent in clear air but he needs to grow up.

Two great races in a row AND the championship lives all the way to Brazil. Lets hope its really hot and there are cooling problems with Vettels alternator. I just don't feel he deserves it.

Hammys last win until 2014?
 
Enjoyed that, shame Ferrari played tricks with Massa but it's within the rules. Nice win for Lewis, and we race on to Brazil where Vettel should be crowned WDC if there is any justice.
 
Mario has to be one of the greatest drivers ever, just take a look at what he has won on his Wiki page the list is endless.
 
Did anyone notice that Massa was fourth? That doesn't look like someone who has lost his confidence, rather the opposite.

Two weeks ago RBR took advantage of the rules in what many thought was an unfair manner. This week Ferrari do something similar. Not nice, but they both did what they needed to do.
 
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