Spa - Greatest Race of the Decade!!

I know that everyone is still reeling from the Belgian Grand Prix, not only the final verdict but the race as well. I see many posts and comments about the "Death of Formula One" and "how the stewards screwed up" but the way I see it, rules are rules. The rule clearly states that no driver can gain an advantage by cutting the chicane, which is exactly what Hamilton did. Had he waited till the run up to Eau Rouge, he would have no problem. But Hamilton clearly gained and set Raikkonen up for the corner, even if he had blocked the inside line into La Source, Hamilton would have gone around the outside. It is a pity as Hamilton and Raikkonen drove the wheels off their cars, and the result being neither of them winning the race. Let us not leave out Heidfeld's drive to second, which was quick thinking on the part of the BMW Sauber team. If Alonso had pitted a lap earlier he would have probably won the race.

The race started off in damp conditions with all drivers on soft dry tyres, barring Renault's Nelson Piquet, who was on a one-stopper. Raikkonen got the jump on Massa into Eau Rouge as Massa eased off slightly and then almost drove Massa off the road trying to secure his second place. Next lap Hamilton spun at La Source, giving Raikkonen a run on him coming out of Eau Rouge and muscling his way past. This set the tone for the remainder of the race with Massa in third, Alonso in fourth, Bourdais an impressive fifth, and Kubica, Vettel and Heidfeld behind. It looked like it will finish in this fashion, but with 4 laps from the finish, it started to rain and Hamilton closed in on Raikkonen. With 2 laps to go Hamilton was forced to go around the outside in to bus stop and cut the chicance thus leading to the controversy. Hamilton waited for Raikkonen letting him by and immediately pouncing on him going into La Source. It was a smart move by Hamiton, but maybe a little over smart. After that both drivers could hardly stay on track as they both used the run-off at Pouhon, then forcing Hamilton off to the grass on Fagnes. Raikkonen then spun and one would assume that this race was over. Think again, going into the next corner Nakajima went off and it was a miracle that both Hamilton and Raikkonen missed hitting him. However Raikkonen's luck finally ran out when he lost control and hit the wall just before bus stop. Now all Hamilton had to do was stay on track to win the race, which he duly did. Massa decided to take the eight points rather than risk it all. Heidfeld, who switched to intermediate tyres with 2 laps to go charged from 7th to 3rd on the last lap to finish an amazing race, with Alonso finishing fourth.   

However this is when the controversy exploded and Hamilton was given a 25 second penalty, Harsh yes but fair. However nothing can be taken away from Hamilton, and for that matter Raikkonen too, who declared it was 'all or nothing' for him. With this result, Massa is just 2 points away from Hamilton, heading to Monza this weekend.

Monza should suit the McLaren again and I expect Hamilton to be in a strong position  to win this weekend, with Ferrari's close behind. The question now is will Raikkonen help his teammate and repay the favour from last year? That we will get to see this weekend. While we cannot hope for Monza to bring the same excitement, the championship is definitely hotting up and one retirement for any of these drivers will determine the outcome of this championship. Monza, home of the Ferrari tifosi - Bring it on!!