CAN anyone beat Sebastian Vettel? Answer: for the championship Fernando Alonso has a very slim chance but the reality is no; but for the race in New Delhi this Sunday, yes, there are a number of drivers who can beat the German ‘wunderkind’.
Lotus came away from Japan very excited about the performance of their long wheelbase version of the RS27 car and confident that it can attack Red Bull again this weekend at the Indian Grand Prix.
Romain Grosjean is full of youthful fire and ready to make the most of his opportunities, hopefully without taking anyone out!
He and Kimi Raikkonen should be able to give a very good account of themselves on the medium-fast 5.125km circuit, which the long wheelbase car will suit. A tight track would suit a short wheelbase car.
Mercedes have the resources to fight to the end of the season, despite money having to be spent on completely new 1.6-litre V6 turbo cars for next year and they say that Red Bull’s success has given them a challenge to do better.
Expect both Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton to give of their very best for a victory in the Merc W04 cars which are now very good, well-fettled machines.
Ferrari is the only other team that I think could surprise us, particularly Alonso, although a highly motivated Felipe Massa, who is charging hard to earn a seat for next year, could surprise us.
No doubt, Red Bull and Vettel are favourites, but Mark Webber remains the wild card at any grand prix. He has the determination and ability to win a race if Vettel flounders.
No doubt the race will be another interesting and exciting one, with the above top men fighting for a podium position. But watch out for the younger talents such as Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) and Daniel Ricciardo (Torro Rosso) to set the cat amongst the pigeons behind them.
It should be hot and humid and we can expect the lap record, which is presently held by Vettel to be beaten. He won the first two grand prix races in India so is on a hattrick.
Times: qualifying is this Saturday (26th) at 10.30am; race is on Sunday (27th) at 11.30am.
