10 Conclusions from the 2012 Bahrain GP

1. Never discount reigning world champions in the fight.

          The dread of another RedBull domination in 2012 was forgotten after the first 3 races of 2012 produced 3 winners not driving a RedBull car. Then came a Vettel hat trick in Bahrain. This though doesn't mean domination but rather a reminder that RedBull are still the there to fight.

2. Mclaren's pit mistakes did not cost Lewis a win, well maybe a podium at least.

          The relatively slow pace of Mclaren was baffling during the race given that they were the fastest package in the first 3 races. Their pit stop mistakes didn't help them either. Guessing if there weren't problems in the pits, Lewis would have ended 4th or 3rd the least.

3. Pirelli once again made the race a spectacle.

          It was very interesting how Force India won 6th place with their 2 stop strategy and how defeated Kobayashi was with his'. Di Resta snatched 6th with a brilliant 2 stop strategy versus the Ferraris and Mclarens who were on a 3 stop.

4. Nico got away with his racing incidents.

          Circulating around the web at this time is a rule stating, "Manoeuvres liable to hinder other drivers, such as deliberate crowding of a car beyond the edge of the track or any other abnormal change of direction, are not permitted". If that is the case then how did Rosberg not get a penalty? It was clear during the race how he fought with Lewis and Fernando.

5. If RedBull can fight for victories, then so does Lotus.

         The Lotus of Raikkonen and RedBull of Vettel were similarly paced and one cannot deny that had Kimi started higher on the grid or wasn't stuck behind Massa or Grosjean, he could have been stepping on the top of the podium.

6. A whole lot got excited knowing the iceman will be joining the post race conference.

          Kimi Raikkonen's answers during the post race conference were unusually lengthy but surely listening to him produced confused looks on people's faces trying to comprehend what he said.

7. Mercedes are not quite there yet.

          In qualifying, F1 was expecting Mercedes to take pole but they did not. During the race expectations for the Merc were similar but like Mclaren, they lost some edge. Could it be the track temperature? The changing wind directions? Or their cars just doesn't suit the circuit?

8. Follow driver's twitter accounts and you can read some interesting tweets.

          Alonso tweeted, "I think you are going to have fun in future races! You can defend position as you want and you can overtake outside the track! Enjoy!" This of course, was referred to the stewards' decision not to reprimand Rosberg and Hamilton.

9. Formula 1 is turning into a preserving the tyres game.

          Not just during the race do drivers need tyre preservation but during the whole weekend, saving tyres can be advantageous as well. In Q3, cars not battling for pole run around the circuit without a timed lap and unused set of tyres in qualifying can prove critical in the race.

10. 4 different winners in the first few races make a good championship.

          We've had 4 championship leaders, too. It's still early in the season and we hope there will be more new winners coming into the European leg of the season. The regulations this year are really restricted and little updates here and there can make a difference from being 10th or being on the top step of the podium.

10 Conclusions from the 2012 Chinese GP

1. Mercedes have found the solution to their tyre wear.

          No one knew in the Mercedes camp that their tyres were going to last that long. And to even beat other teams in the tyre wear contest was something new.

2. Mclaren need to convert their fast car into race wins.

          Clearly the fastest car in the grid, Mclaren need to clean up their act and get the opportunity to win when they can. Pitstops hasn't really been solid in the team and they need to work on it.

3. Shanghai proves to be a thriller even in a dry race.

          Sepang was an epic race but who could have guessed the Chinese GP would be as thrilling even without the aid of rain! There was overtaking on all sides of the track, TV broadcasters had a hard time choosing which battle to cover.

4. Pirelli got it right for the fans while Lotus got it all wrong.

          The mystery and uncertainty of Pirelli's tyres made the race a spectacle with teams trying different strategies. Lotus got it all wrong for Kimi going 2nd down to 14th by the end of two laps.

5. The DRS-aided wing of Mercedes may be like the double diffusers back in '09.

          The wing was controversial and now that the FIA declared it legal, most teams are looking into it much like the double diffusers who made Brawn world champions in 2009.

6. Ferrari are slower than Williams.

          In race pace, Alonso could not overtake Williams in the straight as they admittedly lacked speed and traction. So now that makes them like, the 6th fastest car behind merc, lotus, and williams unfortunately. Bad news for the tifosi.

7. Lotus, like Mclaren need to convert their fast car into podiums.

          Clearly the Lotus has quite a lot of pace in their bags. The team just need to sort out their priorities and strategies to convert their early pace advantage into podiums.

8. Caterham are still far from the midfield.

          Midfield is Toro Rosso, Force India, Sauber, Williams, and now Ferrari. Caterham just couldn't keep up with them. If they don't try something new, maybe Marussia will make them have a run for their money.

9. Mark Webber seems better than world champ Vettel.

          Trying the new exhaust layout, Mark Webber sky rocketted his two front wheels but got the better of his teammate two laps from the end. Two races now that Mark beat Sebastian in qualifying and in the race. Seb should be feeling quite a lot of pressure now.

10. We are going to Bahrain! (in the midst of political unrest)

          FIA said that they are not a political organization rather a sports org which means that the race in Bahrain will push through. I just hope for safety.

-AC