The 2012 Formula One season got off to an entertaining start in Melbourne, as Jenson Button headed a tightly packed field.
After months of waiting and wondering, F1 Fanatics finally got to see some racing, and rated it a respectable 7.662.
Here’s what they had to say:
Few were excited about the battle for the lead:
The only disappointment was that the top four never actually fought each other, the gaps between them just stayed static. Other than that, great race.
Slr
Sure the midfield action was chaotic but at the sharp end of the grid almost nothing was happening. After the safety car Webber couldn’t pass Hamilton who couldn’t pass Vettel who couldn’t pass Button. This could have been a race from 2011.
Tom
The midfield battles were exciting until the very end, though many regretted the retirements:
The midfield battles added to the depth and excitement, though it’s a shame that Grosjean and Schumacher were out of the race early ?������ they would have spiced the entertainment factor up even more!
Marty
Pastor Maldonado impressed before his last-lap crash:
Maldonado raced really well and even though I’m an Alonso fan, I would have loved to have seen Maldonado pass him. It’s a shame he crashed in the end, he’s quick but just needs to cut out those mistakes.
Slr
Many thought the race set us up for a great season ahead:
If the McLaren boys keep their game up, with Jenson and Lewis scoring valuable points, the championship might be over much sooner that some of us would like.
Here’s hoping that Red Bull will sort out their problems and improve enough to challenge McLaren.
AlexNK
Seven different constructors scored a world championship point, which can only be a good thing:
Great to see so many different constructors in the top ten.
smokinjoe
But not everything was equally celebrated:
Were Red Bull deliberately making McLaren pit stop longer by pretending to be waiting for their drivers as the commentators were suggesting?
DT
Finally, Kimi Raikkonen’s return was greeted with almost universal appreciation:
The return of Raikkonen led to some pretty hilarious conversations namely, “Why are the blue flags waving?” “They are not for you” and an unheard one where he apparently said “oops” when Kobayashi passed him.
MahavirShah
Previous Australian Grand Prix ratings
Race | Average rating |
2008 Australian Grand Prix | 7.609 |
2009 Australian Grand Prix | 7.937 |
2010 Australian Grand Prix | 8.638 |
2011 Australian Grand Prix | 6.751 |
2012 Australian Grand Prix | 7.662 |
What did you think of the race? Did it set the tone for the season or will it all change? Have your say in the comments.
Voting is still open on the ‘Rate the Race’ poll for Malaysia, so add your vote here:
2012 Australian Grand Prix
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Image © Daimler/Hoch Zwei
Alfisti37 (@alfisti37)
27th March 2012, 13:09
People often say that Albert Park is a very non-overtaking-friendly circuit, but it often turns out with great passes in the midfield. (well except the 2011 GP)
AlonsoWDC
27th March 2012, 19:08
I’m not so sure this is a common opinion. Melbourne invariably ranks in the upper half of virtually any F1 follower’s circuit list, and most would probably rate it in the top third.
I have no doubt the GP benefits from its early calendar date as the teams are more likely to be shuffling themselves about, and the track isn’t as great as its counterpart in Montreal but dull races at Albert Park are few and far between.
matt90 (@matt90)
27th March 2012, 16:21
I hope that story about Kimi saying “oops” is true.
alexf1man (@alexf1man)
27th March 2012, 17:49
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=merbp7mxJ78#t=58s
Jake (@jleigh)
27th March 2012, 16:48
there’s been a lot of laughter about Kimi’s blue flag comments, but one thing that nobody has pointed out is that JB had the exact same conversation.
Nixon (@nixon)
27th March 2012, 17:13
You cant hate Kimi Raikkonen.
UKFan (@)
28th March 2012, 3:24
Im sure it was better than the 08 race by a country mile still I think the most important is that this race showed us that in the dry tottally normal conditions this season might end up to be the best season (racing wise) in alot of time.
AndrewTanner (@andrewtanner)
28th March 2012, 7:49
I think 7.6. is a fair representation. There was no battle for the lead but at least the pole sitter didn’t win which creates a microcosm of drama.
AndrewTanner (@andrewtanner)
28th March 2012, 13:02
That’s not to say I find the pole sitter winning boring!