"It's good to finish in the points in the first race and have three points under my belt already, commented the outgoing Brit. "It's the first time I've finished with points in Australia. My start wasn't particularly great and it was very slippery out there, but I managed to hold on to fourth for some time. Ralf was able to get past me in the pit stop when we had a delay with the refueling nozzle. Then Montoya got by on the circuit. I think we need a little more in the way of race pace but it's a solid start to the season."
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| How is it the less powerful Ferrari's are blowing away the more powerful BMWs and more aerodynamic Renaults? (Photo: Toyota Canada) |
BMW-Williams, McLaren-Mercedes and Renault, last year's top teams in F1, run on Michelins, and BMW is well known as the maker of the series' most powerful engine. Renault has been respected for superior aerodynamics and handling, or at least last year they were. How then, can the less powerful Ferrari outpace its fastest competitor by more than a second per lap? To many analysts it comes down only to the tires.
Still Michelin motorsport director Pierre Dupasquier, was outwardly positive in stating, "We might not have won today but the season is in its formative stages and it will take a few races for the full picture to become clear. The next few grands prix will be very important and we are working flat out with our partner teams in the never-ending quest for greater performance. I was encouraged by Fernando Alonso's performance today - he was fast and consistent once again and Renault has promised that there are significant developments to come, which bodes well for the future."