So as we go into the final race on Sunday I'm sure most people think the season is all wrapped up and winding down right? Wrong. For some in the paddock there is a nail biting finish coming up which could shape the whole of next season.
Sauber currently sit 7th in the Constructors table on 42 points whilst Toro Rosso sit in 8th with 41 points. Whilst both could mathamatically overhaul Force India with 57 points it seems unlikely as do other changes in the Constructors table. Does it really matter who comes 7th and 8th I hear you ask? It does to the teams and everyone who works for them. The difference when it comes to prize money is $3 millions dollers. A massive amount that could not only shape the teams development for next year but also directly effect mechanics and team members bonuses and wages. For them this is nail biting and you can bet they're working their butts off to make sure its their team in that 7th place.
Peter Sauber has already told the media that he is confident that he can secure the place after their Abu Dhabi pace but there is no hiding that its Toro Rosso that are the team on the move. Sauber have picked up only 15 points in the last 10 races compared to Toro Rosso's 25. In fact Sauber team leader Kamui Kobayashi broke his 8 race point scoring duck in Abu Dhabi and has been very much playing second fiddle to Sergio Perez for the second half of the season. Having said that if it wasn't for Kobi's run of six consecutive points scoring finishes at the begining of the season Toro Rosso would be well clear.
Toro Rosso's main points scorer has been Jamie Alguersauri on 26 points who has been a revelation for the second half the season scoring a top ten finish in all but 4 of the last 10 races. Good work for someone who was on the verge of losing his drive early in the season. Team-mate Sebastian Buemi has never been too far behind him and it could be said but for a few unlucky mechanical failures in the last few races that Toro Rosso would already have that 7th place secure.
The 2 teams have had polor season it could be said. Sauber started strongly and have faded as the season went on and have 2 drivers who signed contracts for next year nice and early and who are nice and secure in their seats. Toro Rosso have got stronger and stronger as the season has gone on and have 2 drivers who have no idea if they'll be in F1 next year and are fighting tooth and nail.
Most people are putting their money on Toro Rosso it has to be said - their car has looked better and better in the last few races and they have pace to be running in the top ten without having to resort to any clever tactical moves. Sauber have looked slow recently they will admit themselves and its only been some brilliant tactical races by Sergio Perez that have been landing them any points at all. However lets remember this is the nearest to a home race Perez has and this was also the first time we ever saw the fighting spirt of Kobayashi. Both Toro Rosso's drivers have cracked under pressure before and could it be that the pressure of having to get the team up to this 7th spot in order to save their entire careers is way too much. Alguersauri certainly vanished off the map last Grand Prix. Peter Sauber is a wyley old fox so expect some clever move from Sauber this weekend in order to bank a points finish.
Whichever way the result is going whilst your sitting there supping a beer or eating a sandwich or whatever it is you do whilst watching a Grand Prix probabaly having a little moan to yourself that with no championship to decide its all a bit pointless and a little dull just remember there are some mechanics, team members and drivers who are biting their nails down to the nibs at the huge amount this race means.
Sauber currently sit 7th in the Constructors table on 42 points whilst Toro Rosso sit in 8th with 41 points. Whilst both could mathamatically overhaul Force India with 57 points it seems unlikely as do other changes in the Constructors table. Does it really matter who comes 7th and 8th I hear you ask? It does to the teams and everyone who works for them. The difference when it comes to prize money is $3 millions dollers. A massive amount that could not only shape the teams development for next year but also directly effect mechanics and team members bonuses and wages. For them this is nail biting and you can bet they're working their butts off to make sure its their team in that 7th place.
Peter Sauber has already told the media that he is confident that he can secure the place after their Abu Dhabi pace but there is no hiding that its Toro Rosso that are the team on the move. Sauber have picked up only 15 points in the last 10 races compared to Toro Rosso's 25. In fact Sauber team leader Kamui Kobayashi broke his 8 race point scoring duck in Abu Dhabi and has been very much playing second fiddle to Sergio Perez for the second half of the season. Having said that if it wasn't for Kobi's run of six consecutive points scoring finishes at the begining of the season Toro Rosso would be well clear.
Toro Rosso's main points scorer has been Jamie Alguersauri on 26 points who has been a revelation for the second half the season scoring a top ten finish in all but 4 of the last 10 races. Good work for someone who was on the verge of losing his drive early in the season. Team-mate Sebastian Buemi has never been too far behind him and it could be said but for a few unlucky mechanical failures in the last few races that Toro Rosso would already have that 7th place secure.
The 2 teams have had polor season it could be said. Sauber started strongly and have faded as the season went on and have 2 drivers who signed contracts for next year nice and early and who are nice and secure in their seats. Toro Rosso have got stronger and stronger as the season has gone on and have 2 drivers who have no idea if they'll be in F1 next year and are fighting tooth and nail.
Most people are putting their money on Toro Rosso it has to be said - their car has looked better and better in the last few races and they have pace to be running in the top ten without having to resort to any clever tactical moves. Sauber have looked slow recently they will admit themselves and its only been some brilliant tactical races by Sergio Perez that have been landing them any points at all. However lets remember this is the nearest to a home race Perez has and this was also the first time we ever saw the fighting spirt of Kobayashi. Both Toro Rosso's drivers have cracked under pressure before and could it be that the pressure of having to get the team up to this 7th spot in order to save their entire careers is way too much. Alguersauri certainly vanished off the map last Grand Prix. Peter Sauber is a wyley old fox so expect some clever move from Sauber this weekend in order to bank a points finish.
Whichever way the result is going whilst your sitting there supping a beer or eating a sandwich or whatever it is you do whilst watching a Grand Prix probabaly having a little moan to yourself that with no championship to decide its all a bit pointless and a little dull just remember there are some mechanics, team members and drivers who are biting their nails down to the nibs at the huge amount this race means.
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