Malaysia Qualifying

Once again the new qualifying routine has some kinks to work out.  Malaysia is the hottest circuit of the year and it is not unusual to see teams start to cut small holes in the bodywork of the cars to get air into them.  This year was no different.  

After a terrible Austrailian GP, Ferrari was back on top with an all-red front row.  That's a good sign because Australia marked the first time in 11 years that both Ferrari's had mechanical failure and the first time in 14 years that both cars didn't finish because of engine failure.  It wasn't looking like it was going to be there year.  I had my money on McLaren.

Here's where the new qualifying rules got in their way.  You now have to start the race with the fuel you end qualifying on.  What do the teams do to save fuel?  They coast to the pits after their flying lap in qualifying.  That's all well and good unless there are a half dozen or so cars still whipping around the track and you get in their way.   That's what both McLaren drivers were penalized with by the stewards.  McLaren had both their silver cars dropped down 5 places on the grid for impeeding the lap of the Heidfeld's BMW and Alanso's Renault.  It was a good call and I'm sure that there will be changes to the rules to avoid this happening again.

All in all it was an exciting session and the race....well you'll have to wait for the next post.