F1weekly podcast # 426
DINGO DAY AFTERNOON IN MONACO
Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Image
Australian stampede in the streets of Monte Carlo as both Mark Webber and fellow Aussie Daniel Ricciardo dominate their respective races from pole position.
“Absolutely incredible and for sure one of the greatest days of my life today,” declared the jubilant race winner who also triumphed last Sunday in Spain.
The charge of the Red Bulls started as the lights went off, Webber kept his kept his top of the grid position while teammate Sebastian Vettel sneaked through the Renault of Robert Kubica.
The opening lap was not even completed when the safety car was deployed following rookie Nico Hulkenberg’s crash.
Defending race winner and world champion was also a casualty under the first safety car period, his McLaren overheating, result of a blanking plate accidentally left across the car’s sidepod on the way to the grid.
Despite three other safety car periods Vettel was unable to challenge Webber for the win, and Kubica was unable to re-take his second starting sport from the German.
Massa and Hamilton, both looking for their first 2010 win, finished fourth and fifth respectively.
Schumacher out sprinted Alonso for sixth place on the run to the checkered flag as the safety car pulled in on the 78th and final lap. The Spaniard started from pit lane and relentlessly worked his way in the points.
The final safety car period was required after Jarno Trulli’s Lotus sailed over the HRT of Karun Chandok at Rascasse.
Webber’s win in Monaco is the first by an Australian driver since Jack Brabham took his trend setting rear-engine Cooper to victory in 1959, his first in Formula 1 competition.
With back-to-back wins Webber leads the world championship, sharing equal points, 78, with Vettel, but ahead on wins. Alonso is third five points behind.
The top three in constructors’ championship are: Red Bull 156, Ferrari 134 and McLaren 129 points.
More of the same in Monaco
Another Aussie Daniel Ricciardo, also supported by Red Bull, won the World Series by Renault event in dominating fashion from pole position. His first triumph in the series.
— Nasir Hameed
Post race interview quotes:
Mark Webber:
“Absolutely incredible and for sure one of the greatest days of my life today, To win here was very special, it started yesterday with qualifying when it went well but here it is such a test for two hours.
I had a lot of work to do, the track changed a lot, backmarkers and lot of safety cars – getting restarts and tyre pressures right – all the basics that could test were in front of you today. It is amazing – to join Ayrton Senna and those guys around here is great.”
Sebastian Vettel:
“Especially in the beginning and the restarts I wasn’t able to keep up with him, there was a big difference. Later on when I felt the grip he was too far off. There was no real point to make an effort to catch him, with overtaking him being so difficult.
To be honest I had to look more in my mirrors. Robert was pushing quite hard and it was quite difficult to get away from him at the restarts. I was going more sideways that straight, it was quite difficult.
It was our optimum today and I am very happy. A lot of good points – and those count at the end of the year.”
Robert kubica:
“It was known that starting from the dirty side would be difficult for me,” said Kubica. “Normally I would defend but I saw Mark did a slow pull-away so I thought I had a chance to overtake him.
I just got on the power too early and got wheel spin, so it was too late to close the door on Vettel and then had to defend from Felipe.
I was able to keep up pace with Seb. I think we were slightly quicker than them. Then with 30 laps to go, I had a big flat spot and big vibration and was really scared I might need to pit again and change tyres.
I couldn’t see the pit board and was surprised about pace. Third place we have to be positive about. No was expecting us to finish on the podium. Congratulations to Renault to have all the spots on the podium.”
Revised race results:
Pos Driver Team
1. Webber Red Bull-Renault
2. Vettel Red Bull-Renault
3. Kubica Renault
4. Massa Ferrari
5. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes
6. Alonso Ferrari
7. Rosberg Mercedes
8. Sutil Force India-Mercedes
8. Liuzzi Force India-Mercedes
10. Buemi Toro Rosso-Ferrari
11. Alguersuari Toro Rosso-Ferrari
12. Schumacher Mercedes
13. Petrov Renault
Fastest lap: Vettel, 1:15.192
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