The smile was back on two-time champion Sebastian Vettel’s face after the Red Bull driver went past Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso on the points tally following his win in the Korean Grand Prix earlier this month.
The 2012 season had been a little frustrating for both Vettel and his team, which had dominated the Formula One scene for the last two years, till they readied their cars to overcome the hurdles posed by the new regulations (which banned the use of blown diffusers).
Now, with the Indian Grand Prix knocking on the doors, Red Bull is perched atop the table with 367 points and looks the favourite to achieve its dream of winning the constructors’ championship for the third time in a row.
According to Mark Webber, the other Red Bull driver, the next two races would be crucial for his team. A strong result at the Buddh International Circuit will snuff the challenge out of its nearest rivals Ferrari (290) and McLaren (284).
Solid performances from the Red Bull drivers will also help Vettel (215), who is six points ahead of Alonso, inch closer to the drivers’ championship.
The German has won the last three races, including the 1-2 finish with Webber in Korea, and his team looks in ominous form to continue its stranglehold over the F1 crown.
Some stiff competition can be seen in the middle order as Sahara Force India, riding on the consistent showing of Nico Hulkenberg and Paul di Resta, has gathered 89 points so far and is ready to give a close chase to the sixth placed Sauber (116).
Narain Karthikeyan
The other attraction for the home fans will be Narain Karthikeyan on his HRT. Even though the lone Indian driver has been unlucky to face some ‘reliability’ issues, he is bound to attract attention.
The second edition the Indian GP may not have been able to match the euphoria of the inaugural year, but the success of the event will do a world of good to the overall health of motor sport in the country.