The Korean Forecast

The Korean Grand Prix doesn’t seem to be a much loved venue for the Formula 1 fraternity. Stuck in the middle of nowhere (attracting nobody), the circuit is situated in a half built complex, which I’m sure was meant to be completed some time ago. A lot of the hotels in the area are somewhat dubiously dubbed love hotels; I suppose that has a kind of charm!

But that actual track is pretty good, some long straights, with a flowing fast section followed by a slowed down more street course style on the way back, with concrete walls bordering the circuit. It’s got two DRS zones, one on the start finish straight followed immediately by another after turn one.

Pirelli are bringing the medium and super-soft compounds, which is a slightly more conservative choice than last year, and depending on degradation levels will make for an interesting strategy call. The medium at least should provide a durable tyre as we’ve had now for the last few races.

Whether the dry tyres come into play on the Sunday is another matter as rain is forecast for the drivers to enjoy. Practice and qualifying should be dry though, so we should see a normal grid with a chance of a mixed up race which is always a good thing. It’s been ages since we have a proper wet race, it’s about time we had one.

Despite Sebastian Vettel playing down his chances for this weekend how could you bet against him? Winner of the last three races, he’s also won here the last two years. Vettel is driving better than ever and his Red Bull appears to just be getting quicker and quicker. This isn’t a driver team combination that you can talk down its chances.

Putting that to one side however, there’s still a chance for Mercedes. They probably would have had a podium in Singapore if not for the safety car, so they’re still around fighting, and despite Nico Rosberg edging Lewis Hamilton at the last round, you just never know what Lewis can extract from a car. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a Mercedes back on pole position here. They like long straights and twists and turns, so they should certainly be a factor.

But I don’t really wish to play up their chances because let’s face it, Vettel will be near the front, if he’s near the front and gets into the lead, he’ll win. He’s fooling nobody by saying others might be favourites. No they’re not. It’s foolish to think at the moment that this season has been anything other than a demonstration of Red Bull domination.

However, again Ferrari, or rather Fernando Alonso stole a second place, he can do that here too. He’s the only other winner at this track, and will be determined to not let this championship die just yet. It’s not completely over, one retirement and a win for this Ferrari driver and it’ll suddenly be much closer.

I will predict that Kimi Raikkonen’s back injury will be ok this weekend. It seemed to plague him at Singapore but he managed to get on the podium from 13^th. I really can’t wait to see him back in a Ferrari against Alonso.

Felipe Massa is the occupier of that Ferrari seat at the moment and he feels like he’s let off the leash so will again be out for himself as he looks to secure a new seat with specifically Lotus in mind. I think Romain Grosjean will be one to watch. In my opinion he is getting better, and he looked good in Singapore; it was unfortunate he suffered a car failure otherwise it would have been his Lotus on the podium. Even though he was visibly upset about it, I think he’s maturing into what will one day be a Grand Prix winner.

Let’s not forget Mark Webber. He crashed in 2010 which caused an almost knockout blow to his one shot at the title. I would love to see Webber finally get a win this year, and put some of those bad memories to rest.

Toro Rosso’s should be strong again, while Paul di Resta in the Force India was showing good form at the last race before crashing. He should have been around sixth, so perhaps it’s worth watching the Silverstone team, it looks like they might finally be getting an understanding of the tyres.

Other drivers to watch include Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg, who might, just might be fighting over the McLaren seat. Hulkenberg’s most likely destination should be Lotus, but Perez hasn’t exactly sparkled in his debut McLaren season. Having said that I don’t think he’s done badly either and deserves a second shot at the big time. Hulkenberg just deserves a shot, Sauber need to provide with another chance to shine before the year is out. He’s in danger of being left in the midfield again, or worse.

Finally watch out for Esteban Gutierrez again. Points, he’s going to get points this time.

So pole position will go to a Mercedes (probably a Red Bull) with the win being a battle between the Silver squad and the cans of drinks (Vettel will win), while if it rains, it’s wide open (Vettel is a bit good in the wet).

all photo's taken from autosport.com