joyous japan
question 1
The first corner drama is fast becoming a highly discussed topic in Romain Grosjean's 2012 career. What do you make of his incident today and in relation to his previous 1st corner incidents in the season?
@jo_johnson63 : Grosjean's 1st corner incident was much the same error as all the others except this time he didn't take anyone out! I really don't know what Lotus are going to do with him to be honest. There is no malice about him at all, he's such a likeable character but he can't carry on doing this. When he made his return to F1, I really thought he had come back better than before, but he's reverting to how he was last time. If penalties aren't teaching him a lesson, I don't know what will. He just really tries too hard on the start.
@Donz358 : I felt a little sorry for Romain this weekend. Personally, I like him. He reminds me a bit of Lewis when he was younger – quick, fearless and a little reckless. He goes for it full throttle and sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t. I’d hate to see him lose his seat over it but I can understand that driver safety comes first.
@rkid84 : He has had his race ban, been warned, surely time is running out as opportunities are limited in F1, he isn't on a playstation with replays!
@NigelBeechey : Romain probably is now trying too hard and thinking more about what could happen than how to race 'in the zone'? That said, none of us really appreciate just what these drivers go through, how challenging it is etc. However, these guys are the elite. They should be capable of avoiding collisions from careless actions.
@hedgeryhoops: Grosjean's first lap incident seemed quiet typical of him his year. He is not malicious or that aggressive, but he seems to lack the natural ability of most F1 drivers to sense where others are, particularly during the crowded nature of race starts. If anything during this incident he was concentrating too much on Perez on his left, and didn't see Webber in front of him! I hope he improves. I think Webber was a bit too harsh in his words post race, many drivers haven't had the best of starts to F1, and I think we've seen that the talent is there for him to progress. I think I'm getting to be a soft touch!
@jo_johnson63 : Grosjean's 1st corner incident was much the same error as all the others except this time he didn't take anyone out! I really don't know what Lotus are going to do with him to be honest. There is no malice about him at all, he's such a likeable character but he can't carry on doing this. When he made his return to F1, I really thought he had come back better than before, but he's reverting to how he was last time. If penalties aren't teaching him a lesson, I don't know what will. He just really tries too hard on the start.
@Donz358 : I felt a little sorry for Romain this weekend. Personally, I like him. He reminds me a bit of Lewis when he was younger – quick, fearless and a little reckless. He goes for it full throttle and sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn’t. I’d hate to see him lose his seat over it but I can understand that driver safety comes first.
@rkid84 : He has had his race ban, been warned, surely time is running out as opportunities are limited in F1, he isn't on a playstation with replays!
@NigelBeechey : Romain probably is now trying too hard and thinking more about what could happen than how to race 'in the zone'? That said, none of us really appreciate just what these drivers go through, how challenging it is etc. However, these guys are the elite. They should be capable of avoiding collisions from careless actions.
@hedgeryhoops: Grosjean's first lap incident seemed quiet typical of him his year. He is not malicious or that aggressive, but he seems to lack the natural ability of most F1 drivers to sense where others are, particularly during the crowded nature of race starts. If anything during this incident he was concentrating too much on Perez on his left, and didn't see Webber in front of him! I hope he improves. I think Webber was a bit too harsh in his words post race, many drivers haven't had the best of starts to F1, and I think we've seen that the talent is there for him to progress. I think I'm getting to be a soft touch!
question 2
Which overtake particularly impressed you in the race and why?
@RobLMyers : Hamilton's pass on Raikkonen just after he'd come out of the pits. First of all a great stop by McLaren to give him the opportunity to jump Raikkonen, but the pass itself was really gutsy. It was also great to see two world champions giving each other room to race.
@F1_Fans_Updates : Hamilton on Raikkonen as he exited the pits. GREAT skill by both driver it if had been any other two I think there would have been a crash. Also a mention to Perez when he overtook Hamilton at the hairpin, not many people do that to Hamilton usually its the other way round.
@cwhite90999 : Massa's overtakes were good. Was nice to see him up the front for a change.
@RobLMyers : Hamilton's pass on Raikkonen just after he'd come out of the pits. First of all a great stop by McLaren to give him the opportunity to jump Raikkonen, but the pass itself was really gutsy. It was also great to see two world champions giving each other room to race.
@F1_Fans_Updates : Hamilton on Raikkonen as he exited the pits. GREAT skill by both driver it if had been any other two I think there would have been a crash. Also a mention to Perez when he overtook Hamilton at the hairpin, not many people do that to Hamilton usually its the other way round.
@cwhite90999 : Massa's overtakes were good. Was nice to see him up the front for a change.
question 3
Who was your driver of the day and why?
@RachThukral : Felipe Massa. Made the most of first lap accidents to move into 4th place from 10th. He had a fresh set of tyres and could stretch them longer than Kobayashi and Button who were also struck behind Ricciardo after the pit stops. Though he couldn't challenger Vettel for victory, he finished in a strong 2nd place, his first podium since Korea 2010.
@DarshanChokhani : Again not a single driver here. Massa, Kobayashi delivered a gritty performance with a podium finish. Hulkenberg, Ricciardo & Schumacher fought well to finish on the positions far off from their initial starting positions.
@cbeSudha : Driver of the day was Kamui Kobayashi. The first Podium of his career. Quite obvious that his seat is under pressure and he is driving for his career. To finish P3 after a royal battle with Button, in front of his home crowd was fantastic. Three cheers for 'the KOBE' for providing some 'goosebumps time'.
@alonsomanso : Nico Hulkenberg with the Force India, P7 in the race after that crash in FP2. Honourable mention for the Force India mechanics for rebuilding the car, surprisingly Nico could put the car into Q2.
@RachThukral : Felipe Massa. Made the most of first lap accidents to move into 4th place from 10th. He had a fresh set of tyres and could stretch them longer than Kobayashi and Button who were also struck behind Ricciardo after the pit stops. Though he couldn't challenger Vettel for victory, he finished in a strong 2nd place, his first podium since Korea 2010.
@DarshanChokhani : Again not a single driver here. Massa, Kobayashi delivered a gritty performance with a podium finish. Hulkenberg, Ricciardo & Schumacher fought well to finish on the positions far off from their initial starting positions.
@cbeSudha : Driver of the day was Kamui Kobayashi. The first Podium of his career. Quite obvious that his seat is under pressure and he is driving for his career. To finish P3 after a royal battle with Button, in front of his home crowd was fantastic. Three cheers for 'the KOBE' for providing some 'goosebumps time'.
@alonsomanso : Nico Hulkenberg with the Force India, P7 in the race after that crash in FP2. Honourable mention for the Force India mechanics for rebuilding the car, surprisingly Nico could put the car into Q2.
bonus question
The race brought great finishing positions for Massa and Kobayashi, do you think this has saved their F1 race seats or do you think it's too little too late?
@multicooldude34 : I think both of these drivers have now done enough to secure they stay where they are next year. Was suprised to see Kobayashi's future was even in doubt, as he is a top driver who regularly scores top points. But he can sometimes take too many risks. But with Perez leaving, Sauber must stick with him or they may be without a top, experienced driver next year. Massa has struggled this year, but with an improved car he will do much better next season. Also, would will Ferrari replace him with?
@EmTheEmu : It will have been a big boost for both, but I don't think their chances of retaining their seats will be based solely on those podiums. Kobayashi's been doing a solid job all year and Massa has been improving lately anyway. They'll be safe, for now.
@MarussiaF1Will: I think Massa was already safe for 2013, but his second place was a terrific result. Kobayashi might have saved this seat with his podium as it was in doubt before the race.
@multicooldude34 : I think both of these drivers have now done enough to secure they stay where they are next year. Was suprised to see Kobayashi's future was even in doubt, as he is a top driver who regularly scores top points. But he can sometimes take too many risks. But with Perez leaving, Sauber must stick with him or they may be without a top, experienced driver next year. Massa has struggled this year, but with an improved car he will do much better next season. Also, would will Ferrari replace him with?
@EmTheEmu : It will have been a big boost for both, but I don't think their chances of retaining their seats will be based solely on those podiums. Kobayashi's been doing a solid job all year and Massa has been improving lately anyway. They'll be safe, for now.
@MarussiaF1Will: I think Massa was already safe for 2013, but his second place was a terrific result. Kobayashi might have saved this seat with his podium as it was in doubt before the race.