Vettel kept his cool to claim a very important victory at the Japanese Grand Prix. Alonso kept the title race alive with his finish in 4th but Vettel with have the opportunity to win the title in the next race. Grosjean surprised both of the Red Bulls at the start, passing Webber and Vettel to lead after the first lap. However, Vettel worked his way back into the lead whilst Webber managed to pass Grosjean deep into the race to claim second as Grosjean took third.
My Opinion:
Red Bull: Perfect day for Red Bull as they took first and second place. Vettel has one hand on the world title now and will look to wrap it up in the next race. Webber should be satisfied with second and he deserved it.
Ferrari: Both cars in the points but still off the pace compared to the Red Bulls. Alonso valiantly forced his way into fourth to prolong the title race whilst Massa struggled and lost five places.
Mercedes: Not the race Mercedes were hoping for at all. Hamilton was unlucky with his tyre puncture so early on in the race but was really struggling with the car. Rosberg dropped two places to 8th in a rather disappointing race for the German.
Lotus: A very solid day for Lotus. Grosjean led the race for a while but couldn't keep the Red Bulls behind him. Raikkonen impressed, climbing up to fifth from ninth.
Mclaren: Mixed day for Mclaren. Button climbed a place to ninth but Perez struggled and dropped four places to 15th.
Force India: Force India woes. Di Resta narrowly missed out on a point to finish 11th whilst Sutil could only climb to 14th.
Sauber: Great day for Sauber with both cars scoring points. Hulkenberg moved up a place to 6th whilst Gutierrez impressively climbed seven places to finish 7th.
Toro Rosso: So close but yet so far for Toro Rosso. Both cars missed out on points as Vergne and Ricciardo failed to make up for a poor qualifying result.
Caterham: Caterham beat Marussia in battle at the back. Pic won the mini driver battle, finishing 18th. Van Der Garde and Bianchi crashed into each other on the opening lap.
Marussia: Worst team race. Chilton came last whilst Bianchi did not finish.
Race Guide: Key Moments:
Start: Grosjean (up 3), Webber (down 1), Vettel (down 1), Rosberg (up 2), Massa, Alonso (up 2), Hulkenberg, Perez (up 3), Gutierrez (up 5), Button.
Hamilton front tyre puncture and drops down. Van Der Garde OUT after crashing with Bianchi OUT.
Lap 7: Raikkonen into 10th after passing Button. Ricciardo into 13th after passing Bottas.
Lap 9: Hamilton OUT after struggling with the car.
Lap 13: Vettel takes the lead as Grosjean makes a pit stop.
Lap 14: Perez into 11th after passing Button.
Lap 15: Grosjean takes the lead as Vettel makes a pit stop. Drive through penalty for Rosberg after unsafe release in the pits.
Lap 20: Alonso into 6th after passing Massa. Hulkenberg into 4th after passing Ricciardo.
Lap 21: Alonso into 5th after passing Ricciardo.
Lap 22: Raikkonen into 8th after passing Gutierrez. Rosberg into 10th after passing Button.
Lap 28: Rosberg into 12th after passing Sutil.
Lap 29: Ricciardo into 10th after passing Maldonado. Vettel takes the lead as Grosjean makes a pit stop.
Lap 33: Drive through penalty for Ricciardo for speeding in the pit lane.
Lap 34: Drive through penalty for Massa for speeding in the pit lane.
Lap 38: Webber takes the lead as Vettel makes a pit stop. Gutierrez into 9th after passing Vergne.
Lap 41: Vettel into 2nd after passing Grosjean.
Lap 42: Vettel takes the lead as Webber makes a pit stop.
Lap 44: Perez suffers rear tyre puncture.
Lap 46: Alonso into 4th after passing Hulkenberg. Rosberg into 8th after passing Massa.
Lap 52: Webber into 2nd after passing Grosjean. Raikkonen into 5th after passing Hulkenberg.
Lap 53: Vettel wins the Japanese Grand Prix. Webber second, Grosjean third.
Japanese Grand Prix Result:
1. Vettel (Red Bull) 1.26.49.301
2. Webber (Red Bull)
3. Grosjean (Lotus)
4. Alonso (Ferrari)
5. Raikkonen (Lotus)
6. Hulkenberg (Sauber)
7. Gutierrez (Sauber)
8. Rosberg (Mercedes)
9. Button (Mclaren)
10. Massa (Perez)
Fastest Lap: Webber (Red Bull) 1.34.587
Driver Standings:
1. Vettel (Red Bull) 297pts
2. Alonso (Ferrari) 207
3. Raikkonen (Lotus) 177
4. Hamilton (Mercedes) 161
5. Webber (Red Bull) 148
Constructor Standings:
1. Red Bull 445pts
2. Ferrari 297
3. Mercedes 287
4. Lotus 264
5. Mclaren 83
Performance of the Day: Gutierrez climbed seven places to finish in 7th.
Most Overtakes of the Day: Gutierrez with 6.
Shock of the Day: 8th was the best result for Mercedes with Rosberg.
Disappointment of the Day: Hamilton retiring from the race so early on.
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