2006 Bahrain Grand Prix - FERRARI is BACK

It was racing at its best at the 2006 season's first race at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Reigning World Champion Fernando Alonso of Renault clinched the victory followed by Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen taking the second and third places on the podium.

With the scarlet Red Ferrari's occupying the front row, Michael Schumacher and Felipe Massa made an impressive start leaving no trace of the dismal 2005 season. Massa rose to the challenge acting as a barricade preventing Alonso from inching towards Schumi. However, it was not to last for long as the Spaniard cleverly maneuvered overtaking Massa and was behind Schumi's tail in no time. How I wish Massa had hit Alonso on the eighth lap.

What changed the race was lap 39 when Alonso went in for his second pit stop lasting a precise 7.7 seconds. As he emerged out of the pit lane, Schumi's Ferrari and Alonso's Renault were looking at each other. Schumacher had to back off and that sealed the race with Alonso never looking back easing his way to the Chequered Flag.

However, the true star of yesterday's race was Kimi Raikkonen. You got to give to this Finn. It takes nerves to start from the end of the grid and make it to a podium finish. Call it pit-stop, refueling strategy, call it team work, call it whatever you want. But this is one driver who has never let down the McLaren's and puts up a fight making his way through the pack of cars from 22nd to 13th position within 3 laps. Makes you wonder, if it really matters to him where he starts from!

It was a mini race of sorts for every position with Jenson Button, Kimi and Montoya vying for the 3rd,4th and 5th places. Rosberg and Klein for the 7th and 8th spots.

This season looks promising as we have 4 strong teams - Ferrari, Renault, McLaren and Honda. Williams is not too far either. Unlike last year, it is a competitive season with good reliability of the machinery of all the 4 teams, fast cars, great strategy and amazing drivers.

What/who to watch out for in the Malaysian Grand Prix:
Nico Rosberg

I hate to admit that it was a mixed feeling last evening to see Schumacher not winning. But I'm happy for Ferrari and Schumacher. They have made an impressive comeback. Go Ferrari!

Categories: grand prix, formula 1, bahrain

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