Formula 1 has a huge job on its hands. Following the disastrous unfolding of last week’s German Grand Prix, the sport is under scrutiny from fans, experts and the media with regards to its often poor attitude to the paying customer – whether that be money or time. The sport has once again touched rivers of controversy and may need to start swimming for it to recapture the love of the audience.
Apart from the lead swap from the Ferrari’s, it was not an awfully good race, but it wasn’t hugely bad either and with a Ferrari 1-2, followed by Vettel, the two McLaren’s and Webber, the state of the Championship was altered too much either.
The Hungaroring has hardly been known for the best racing in the world, due it’s mostly straights that are more reminiscent of short chutes and a long series of 2nd and 3rd gear corners; although the main straight was lengthened several years ago to allow for better opportunities to overtake.
Over the years, there have been some fantastic moments. Nelson Piquet provided one of the most audacious moves in modern Formula 1 history when he power-slid past Ayrton Senna in turn 1 at the 1987 event, while two years later Senna also fell victim to a wonderful opportunistic move from Nigel Mansell on the back half of the circuit as they attempted moves on a backmarker.
More recent memorable moments include Damon Hill’s slide down the inside of Michael Schumacher in his vastly underpowered Arrows, while the Ferrari driver could only look on and there was of course Jenson Button’s sensational début win in changeable conditions in 2006. Current Lotus driver, Heikki Kovalainen picked up his only Formula 1 victory when Massa retired three laps from the end in 2008.
As for Massa, he has tended to go well at the Hungarian circuit and this weekend he needs to beat Fernando Alonso – if only to save his career and to try and rebuild some of the respect lost when he let the Spaniard passed in turn 6 last Sunday.
