A new circuit is born – United States Grand Prix

You couldn’t have believed it if I told you Kimi Raikkonen had won the Abu Dhabi! You would have been in shock and said, “It just couldn’t be. Lewis Hamilton or Sebastian Vettel must have won it -Surely!?” Well as the event unfolded, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was as exciting as they come. Raikkonen’s win must have been celebrated all over the motor-sport world, following his recent return to F1.

Can the Finn do it all over again? Well, we’re into the last two races as we head to the USA. For most of the drivers, the Championship is pretty much over. But for Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel, ‘it’s not over – until it’s over…’ Alonso, who is now chasing the German after what could be one of the best drives I’ve seen this year – coming in third from a start in the pit-lane – it’s hard to see Alonso beating Vettel.

The Red Bull team had it all to ‘drive for’ at Abu Dhabi, but Mark Webber found himself with DNF (Did Not Finish) after a collision. But it’s evident that they have two very powerful cars and their performance has been consistent so far. So heading into Austin, Texas, I’m no doubt that the Vettel (@11/8) and Webber (@8/1) will deliver.

So where does this leave the McLaren’s? Well, if you have been keeping up with my blogs, you would know I’m a fan of the Brit drivers, and there’s no doubting their ability – but McLaren keep letting them down. The consistence is weak, and they just haven’t been able to capitalise on some crucial circuits. Take Abu Dhabi for instance; Hamilton was odds going into Sunday. He was a certainty to at least finish top three. He dominated the races at the beginning, and when we thought it was all over, the problems began; an engine failure let Hamilton down yet again.

Jenson Button managed a fourth place finish but again the complaints of lack of speed were on the agenda. Some good defensive driving from Button I think maintained his position. So where does this leave the McLaren duo ahead of Austin? Hamilton is currently (9/4) and Button (10/1). If it goes to plan, a top three finish can’t be rule out.
On to the Ferrari team; you just can’t help but think how stressful it has been for the boys in red. As a driver, Alonso has shown is prowess this season with an impeccable consistency. I can’t rule him out of a top four finish. Massa has proved to Ferrari he is a strong second driver and has retaining his contract next year. But it would be great to see him compete in the top five in Austin. As they currently stand, Alonso (5/1) and Massa (50/1).

Austin, Texas is a place I would love to be flying to, especially as the cold weather has settled in now. Although there was some doubt cast over whether the USA Grand Prix would take place, it has been confirmed. The track supposedly takes influence from Silverstone and hosts a steep climb from the start into a turn one hairpin. With a 120,000 capacity, I’m sure all the fans will be geared up for fantastic race.

I wonder who your money will be on?