Race Highlights: Solid Schumi, Heidfeld in a Hurry & points for Perez
by Jack Lamure on May 22nd, 2011A solid run for Schumacher
After a nightmare Turkish Grand Prix and the subsequent barrage of media questioning that followed (which Badger got fully involved with) Michael Schumacher had to perform in Spain - and he did, taking his best result of 2011.
On a day when sixth was the maximum his Mercedes was capable Michael achieved just that. No, it wasn't spectacular, but nor was it the scruffy, mistake-ridden race we saw from him in Istanbul. He made a mega start from P10 and ran sixth early on, defending from team-mate Rosberg later in the race to hold the position to the flag.
Will he be experiencing 'big joy'? Probably not, but you have to feel Michael will be thoroughly satisfied with his performance today. At least he'll have us lot off his back for a little while.
Heidfeld in a Hurry
It's proving to be true that not bothering to qualify, starting last and thus not wasting a single set of tyres is a solid option for F1's mid-pack teams in 2011. In Turkey we saw Kamui Kobayashi come from P24 to finish in the points, and today it was the turn of Renault's Nick Heidfeld. A fire ruled him out of qualy, but the German made steady progess through the field today to take P8 at the flag - well clear of team-mate Vitaly Petrov, who'd started 18 places up the gird from him.
In fact, given an extra few laps it looked likely that Heidfeld would have easily picked off both Mercedes. Good stuff from Nick, but you have to start asking questions about the Pirellis when they make qualifying well such a hinderance.
Points for Perez
After the heartbreak of losing his seventh place in Australia to a technical infringement and a few scrappy races Sergio Perez finally sealed his first F1 points today - and we can't see these being taken away from him.
The young Mexican enjoyed an all-round solid weekend, running well throghout free practice and beating team-mate Kobayashi in qualifying. He carried that form in to the race, moving in to the points-paying positions late on to take a well-deserved ninth place finish - ahead of his much-vaunted stablemate. Passing Felipe Massa - albeit in an ailing Ferrari - was a particular highlight for the Sauber man. This could well be the first of many strong results for the Sergio - watch this space.
