Track Torque: Vettel comeback needed in America

To make the last four races of the season interesting we really do need a comeback from Ferrari at the US Grand Prix this weekend.

Otherwise the result will be a foregone conclusion and Lewis Hamilton could be world champion again as soon as this weekend.

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Sebastian Vettel holds the lap record at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas which is a beautiful city famous for its musical festivals.

Vettel (and others) will be trying to better his time of 1:39:3 which he set in 2012 in his then Red Bull Renault 2.4 litre V8 car, as opposed to the 1.6 turbos.

Vettel will be giving it everything he has to make it a Ferrari win and will be ably backed by teammate Kimi Raikkonen.

Meanwhile, both Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas will do all they can to make the above not possible.

I have a feeling that it is Ferrari’s turn on this very challenging 20 corner, 5.5km track which should suit both Prancing Horses.

I also expect both Red Bull Renaults to be very quick on the track, driven by the young turks Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen.

So, it should be a really exciting race between the top six men, or any interloper who can get his car among them.

This could be Sergio Perez or Esterban Ocon in their Force Indias, with Williams drivers Felipe Massa and Lance Stroll as contenders.

If the McLaren Hondas are reliable they could also be in there via Fernando Alonso or Stoffel Vandoorne.

On the news front I am wrong about Aston Martin as they have already employed some ex-Ferrari designers and are definitely investigating building an engine of their own provided that costs can be contained.

Red Bull is still the preferred client and time will tell whether this materialises or not.

The race takes place this Sunday (22nd) at 10pm. Qualifying is at the same time this Saturday (21st).

Let’s enjoy the spectacle of what the stars and stripes can offer.

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