Posted on 14th October 2012
The Maestro that is Adrian Newey once again improved the aerodynamics on the Red Bull's to produce a front Row lock out in qualifying, this time Webber securing pole ahead of his team mate who admitted to a mistake on his final qualifying lap.
On race day, despite holding Pole, Webber was beaten by Vettel into the first corner, and the Red Bull driver never really looked in any trouble thereafter, quickly building a lead that ensured he was not within the DRS zone of Webber who slotted into second. Alonso also managed to pass Hamilton into the first corner for third spot where he remained until the end of the race.
Button starting down in 11th made a great start, but Perez ran into the Force India in front meaning that Button had to take avoiding action. In turn three Kobayashi unable to stop, hit Button's front right and also took out Rosberg, retiring both the Mercedes and McLaren drivers. Kobayashi pitted for repairs, but was handed a drive through penalty for causing the accident. A case oh “Hero to Zero†following his impressive third place in Japan.
Although the commentators did their best to make the race sound exciting, the Korean Grand Prix was pretty processional.
Front right tyre wear was always going to be a problem on this circuit, and several teams had to alter their strategy to cope with degrading tyres. Hamilton really struggled on the softer compound and lost his place to Massa who was closing on Alonso until ordered to back off by his team, Massa certainly seems to be matching Alonso for pace at this stage of the season.
Hamilton suffered further misfortune towards the end of the race, picking up some Astroturf on the right hand side of the car which reduced downforce, and with other mechanical issues finally finished 10th
Webber managed the fastest lap this time, after Vettel was ordered to nurse his tyres.
The final result was Vettel, Webber, Alonso, Massa, Raikkonen, Hulkenberg, Grosjean, Vergne Ricciardo and Hamilton the final points scorer.
Vettel having won 3 races on the trot now leads the championship for the first time this season by 6 points from Alonso. The championship is now a two horse race going into the GP of India
