The Top Dog in Korea is...
- Published on Oct 16th, 2011 by Jack LamureHot Rod or Hot Dog is our regular post-grand prix column where we review the driver performances for the race. As part of the process, one driver is declared as Badger's "Top Dog" - and this week it's...
Superstar DJ/F1 driver Jaime Alguersuari
Sometimes you wonder whether there's any point in Toro Rosso. Their drivers can often fade into the background of a grand prix, rarely showing the ability they'll need to join the main Red Bull squad when Mark Webber decides he's had enough of this F1 lark.
Not today. Both drivers made it in to the points with Jaime Alguersuari seventh and Sebastien Buemi ninth. For a team of their size it was as good as a win.
The Spaniard in particular was impressive, running strongly throughout to find himself eighth late on. A last lap pass on the Mercedes of Nico Rosberg topped a stellar performance, one that equals his best finish in F1.
"The car had fantastic straight line speed which is how I managed to pass Nico on the final lap," Jaime reported afterwards. "I must say I did not think I could do it, I did not expect it, but I gave it one last effort at the end I was able to get past."
Honourable mentions must also go to Vettel - whose on another planet at the moment, a resurgent Lewis Hamilton and Lotus' Heikki Kovalainen. The Finn beat both Saubers across the line to end the race a mighty impressive 14th.
But Jaime's drive was the pick of the bunch. Maybe it's not quite enough to suggest that he could give Vettel a run for his money, but it was an impressive performance nonetheless. The double points haul brings them to within just three of the flagging Sauber squad, making seventh in the standings a very realistic aim. And for Jaime it means the Top Dog award for Korea. Nice work.
Jaime Alguersuari on his way to P7 in today's Korean GP - Photo: Sutton Images
Comments and Discussion
The driver of the day by far, and I think he could definitely give Vettel a run for his money! He is after all, only 21!!! And for me, he has been the most impressive and exciting driver this season - he really has put in some remarkable drives and definitely not faded into the background - Canada, Valencia, Qualifying at Belgium, Monza and today! I also think with three races to go, Toro Rosso could well overtake not just sauber, but Force India too in the constructors. The updates they brought today were outstanding!!!
I think it's a bit soon to suggest him challenging the Red Bull golden boy. But this season Jaime's come along in leaps and bounds, through the second half at least. He's been mighty impressive over the past two GP's.
Though, like his team mate his successes are punctuated by some crashes. It's just Alguersuari's highs are higher than what Buemi can manage.
He thoroughly deserves driver of the day here, as everyone else did what was expected of them, while he went above and beyond the call of duty. His laptimes were impressive throughout, and consistant.
Never mind the hype around Ricciardo, Jaime is the guy for the Red Bull seat in 2013 based on his current form.