Rosberg and Kovalainen topped Friday’s practices at the Turkish Grand Prix.
After a first session in which all drivers struggled for grip was briefly red flagged – due to the astro turf being ripped up – Rosberg pipped Hamilton to first place in the dying moments of the session. In the second practice, Kovalainen took first place. Many drivers span during both sessions. Hamilton said that the pace of the McLaren car was “better… than we anticipated”, and a second and a first seem to confirm that view. Meanwhile, championship leader Button was far from happy, complaining about oversteer, twitchiness, rear grip, front grip and hopping. Quite a lot to sort out then? Red Bull will be hoping that their car will do well, possibly in readiness to try to beat Brawn. Although they used the new double-decker diffuser at Monaco, it will be more effective here – meaning that, with Brawn struggling, Red Bull may get a chance to win.
This is the fifth race held in Turkey, and all four previous races have been run from pole position, and by Ferrari. The previous three races have been won by Felipe Massa, but I will be shocked if Ferrari win this race. Although they have made improvements, for roar pace they still seem to be behind both Brawn and Red Bull. We’ll have to see how much they have improved here.
Will it be another Brawn win – or can another team beat them? We’ll find out on Sunday.
