The Top Dog for Abu Dhabi is...
- Published on Nov 13th, 2011 by Benson JammichelloHot Rod or Hot Dog is our regular post-grand prix column in which we review driver performances from the race. One driver is then declared as Badger's "Top Dog" - and this week it's...
We said it was difficult to choose a Top Dog for the Indian Grand Prix and we meant it. However, that decision pales in comparison to the choice for Abu Dhabi; in a race that peaked early, there wasn't anyone who really stood out.
The man we've plumped for started fifth, but appeared to find a new level in the race. His pace, consistency and sheer level of determination make him a formidable foe but, in this instance, he just didn't quite have the pace to climb the one further step he needed to first. Step forward Mr. Fernando Alonso.
The very fact that he managed to comprehensively out race his team mate indicates a) that he's getting more out of the car than it has to give and b) Massa's in a downward spiral. Just think, the Brazilian could have been world champion in 2008. No chance of that now.
Ferrari really need to give Alonso a car with which he can compete next season, otherwise he's going to find himself a part of a generation hamstrung by the excellence of Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull.
If Badger were Sebastian Vettel (yes, we know, but go with us) then the two people we'd want chasing us down least in order would be 1) Alonso and 2) Button. Over the course of a season (at least on this year's form), they're the most likely to put together a coherent title challenge. Give him the right car and he'll be there or thereabouts. Guaranteed.
Honourable mentions also go to Kamui Kobayashi and Rubens Barrichello; dishonourable mention to the Abu Dhabi circuit. No, no and no again.
Comments and Discussion
No argument there. In a car that nobody doubts is the third-fastest out there, Fernando managed to keep Lewis working hard all the way through the race, and gave me heartburn coming up to the second stops as, due to the superb coverage by MB and DC, it appeared there was a real chance of him going longer on his times and overhauling Lewis at the stops.
Lewis absolutely deserved his win today, and I cannot say how happy it made me to see him with a huge grin on his face again, but DOD today was Fernando.
As a side note, since 2007 I've always referred to him as Alonso or Teflonso, but his compliments this weekend regarding Lewis have changed that entirely. After 'that year', even though I respected his incredible ability and never-ever-give-up attitude, I could never warm to the man, there was too much of a taint there, especially with Singaporegate etc.
What he said this weekend was classy, and it was good to see some genuine warmth between the two protagonists on the podium this afternoon.
The circuit wasn't too bad I thought
Well said Rob, my thoughts exactly.
What I could not understand was those being able to go pass in the first DRS zone being overtaken in the 2nd why they didn't just get close in the first and then blast past in the second looked a bit staged to me.