WHO’S HOT
I have to admit this venue is growing on me. You can say what you like about
the tastelessness of a race track build in the desert but it really is a
field of dreams. It was built literally out of nothing. After three years it
really feels like it has an identity; the harbour, the hotels, the golf
course. You have to see it to believe it.
What happens here during the rest of the year I have no idea but it is a
spectacular grand prix. From not having to fill in a landing card on arrival
— why can’t every country do that? — to having a Starbucks in the baggage
reclaim area so you don’t have to sit and watch an empty conveyor belt.
Everything out here makes sense.
WHO’S NOT
I wouldn’t say Williams driver Rubens Barrichello is not hot but his future is
certainly on the line.
I hope for his sake that if he wants to continue next year he achieves his
goal. But what I would say is that if he doesn’t think he’s going to achieve
that goal then please give us the chance to give him the send-off he
deserves in Brazil; to clap him out of the paddock.
The worst thing would be if he left Interlagos without knowing his future and
then over the winter it is announced he is dropped.
THE CIRCUIT
I wouldn’t say that technically it is the most interesting of tracks — and we
haven’t had a truly exciting race here yet in two attempts — but let’s hope
for third time lucky. With two DRS zones and KERS we will see overtaking
here for sure.
WEATHER WATCH
30C and sunshine. Wish you were here.
PREDICTION
Just as they did two weeks ago in India, McLaren set the pace on Friday. I
suspect, as in India, it will be rather closer between them and Red Bull on
Sunday.
TV Times: Today: Qualifying, 1pm, BBC1.
Tomorrow: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, 1pm, BBC1.