Button on the Catalunya Track (courtesy of AFP)

“I think for all of us we’re happy to race in Europe. Surely we have races overseas which we enjoy. For instance, we all love going to Australia… I think every country we go to, there is a strong culture for motor sport.  It makes us feel very special when we are on the grid, to see that the grandstand is packed and usually around here are a lot of fans, cheering, especially for Fernando and the Spanish drivers, but it’s the same when we go to Silverstone, they’re cheering for their drivers. I think we can be very happy everywhere we go, and hopefully put on a great show so that the people enjoy it as well and they come back next year.” – Sebastian Vettel, Official Press Conference, 11 May 2012.

Well, after FP2, I am already feeling pretty excited about the Barcelona experience, with one very big (excuse the pun) qualifier on my enjoyment; the race is not going to be in HD on Australian TV. Thanks to the shining stars at Channel 10, we are getting F1 only in SD as from Bahrain, although due to protests at least it is being shown live in WA, NT and SA again (Bahrain was delayed). This is due to ‘cost cutting’ – I am not going into this here (my rant will come separately) but the storm across the country has nowhere near settled. I personally will be streaming it concurrently on the net simply to see detail whilst watching with my Band of Vroomy Brothers.

So how are things looking for the leading drivers? I am very happy to say that after the blasting disappointment that was Bahrain, McLaren’s Jenson Button is looking strong, finishing second practice with a lap of 1.23.399 – although of course there’s a long way to go between FP2 and pole. Vettel unsurprisingly was close behind, with Rosberg, Hamilton and then the Lotus twins Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean hot on their heels. Button is still appearing bewildered regarding switching in with the Pirelli tires, but this time is very encouraging and bodes well for FP3 and Qualifying.

The only real thrills from FP2 came from Mark Webber having a bit of four wheel drive off track action and some serious gravel spray at Turn Four – he ended up in seventh as a result. Otherwise, notwithstanding Ferrari sitting at 11th and 14th, which considering the immense work they have put into the cars for Spain, is not fabulous, even at practice stage, all could be said to be pretty on par with expectations.

And so I suppose to the predicts. What it comes down to for the Barcelona bull ring is not who has the skill – because the level is so even this year that it is almost ridiculous – but who has the hunger? Who wants to be top toreador, who is prepared to be the most ruthless in their lunge towards the line?

I think it’s going to be a toss-up between the grim British phlegm of Button and the fiery Finn, Kimi. Grosjean is in the mix but I think Raikkonen really, really wants this – and is willing to throw his life at it. Vettel is pure technical perfection (and I really don’t like him so it pains me to say that) – but I don’t think he has the heart that the Spanish circuit asks of its drivers. Button, for all his polite demeanour, has that steely eyed glint which says ‘don’t mess with me – I am in this for a reason’ and the track knows it. I may sound fanciful, but there is a pulse to every circuit and Barcelona has that Spanish beat – which Vettel doesn’t seem to comprehend. Obviously Alonso does, but I think he is too wrapped up in his own whinging at the moment to pay attention to what’s going on on the track, as opposed to trackside. Do I think Webber is in with a podium chance? Possibly. But he also needs to stop navel-gazing and just get on with it. He is getting distracted by Vettel and he is not driving his own strategy these days , which will have to change if he is going to keep up with emerging superstars like Grosjean and my long-range pick Kobayashi.

I adore Button. I think he is a smart, clean, savvy driver. I like his style, I like his team play and I like his fairness on the track. But gosh I’d like to see Kimi bring it home. He is the sparkplug of F1 – the sport needs drivers like him.

Mi me gusta.

Now Ten just needs to sort itself.

Somehow I think I’ll see Kimi standing highest on the podium before I see F1 in HD on Australian TV again.

Formula One Standings After Bahrain GP

About Kate Stone

Kate Stone (known on Twitter as oskythespy for reasons best known to herself) is cricket mad, rugby union madder and would cheerfully marry Jenson Button, but call her a grid girl and she will kick you. A Waratahs supporter for her sins, you will find her tweeting crankily about the state of Australian cricket, roaring about rugger and frothing about F1. You can follow her personal blog at http://40isthenew30.me for a more positive spin on life. Sometimes.

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