2012 Formula One Hungarian Grand Prix Preview

After Alonso completed his treble at the Hockenheimring last weekend, we head to Budapest for a back to back double header. After the Spanish Matador drove the Italian marquee to a resounding third victory, he proved to us that the driver is still a very integral part of Formula 1 in spite of all the technology used today. This is solely because it is evident that the Prancing Horse isn’t the fastest amongst its counterparts in the paddock.

With tight and twisting confines, it brings back memories of Monaco. The race will be all about maximising high down force performance. The circuit has only one straight really. Mechanical grip will be as important as aerodynamic grip to manoeuvre the car around the circuit at high speeds. The Pirelli will mostly bring in its soft and super soft compound owing to this and tyre strategy and race car setup will be on the top of all the teams’ priority lists.

Word is out that Hamilton is going to stay put at McLaren. And with Button finally getting a hang of the McLaren with his podium finish last weekend, the team will be looking to put the past behind them and score good points this weekend.

The Red Bulls have always looked impressive and their good tire wear will help them go a long way in being successful this weekend. On the good tire wear front, you also have to look forward to the Lotuses of Kimi and Grosjean and of course, Fernando Alonso, the maestro.

Alonso with a 34 point lead over second place Webber will be leading the championship after this race for sure, but one mistake on the snaky Hungaroring and he’ll see his lead rapidly cut down by his rivals. With that said, Alonsi has always done well in the past ere. He also became the youngest Grand Prix winner when he was with Renault and if he gets it right here, he is surely looking at a third Formula One world championship.

The Force Indias of Hulkenburg and Di Resta will be looking at damage control this weekend as their cars have performed well only on circuits with good straights. Their straight line speed will be rarely tested and they need to get their act right if they want to cement their 5^th place spot.

Perez and Maldonado have been the kids to look out for. With Maldonado having wont at Spain and Perez finishing on the podium for the first time, both the drivers have grown increasingly ambitious. They have to keep a tab on their ambition and they will deliver the goods.

Warm and rainy conditions are predicted for this weekend’s Grand Prix at Budapest and like always, it is a Formula One race and it will not disappoint. A fascinating race on the cards, and watch this space for the review and the post race analysis.

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