The F1 Pit Box

So, who's going to win in Hungary?  Unless something untoward happens, this will be Lewis Hamilton's race.

Ah well, sorry Lewis, that comment seemed to jinx your race didn't it!  It's all about the first corner at the Hungaroring and Felipe Massa staked his claim perfectly, Lewis was simply not expecting such an assault as he thought he had the race sewn up and had done since he secured pole on Saturday.  What is it they say about pride?

But to his credit, Massa's charge didn't throw him off balance completely as he never lost sight of the Ferrari until that puncture compounded the hurt he must have already been feeling.  This wasn't going to be a lucky puncture a la Monaco either, this one would need some serious driving and a little luck to bring his McLaren back in the points.  

In the closing stages, Massa was way out front and had to be thinking how great it would be to lead the championship before going off on his summer holiday.  His engine failure three laps from race end must have crushed him.  He drove an amazing race in a car no one expected to make such an impression - especially as in the hands of Kimi, it looked less competitive than the Toyota's throughout the race.  

Felipe's retirement handed the race win to Heikki Kovalainen, second to Timo Glock and third to Raikkonen, who was probably rather surprised to come away with a podium.  Glock's drive was also superb and showed not only that he had recovered from his crash two weeks previously, but how Toyota have improved too.  All this, plus a few pit stops and a spirited drive from Hamilton meant he finished fifth, salvaged some points and kept his dignity.

Heikki's maiden win may have been a bit of a gift, but there was no denying he kept his head throughout and really did what he should have.  Lewis was set for the win, Heikki was keeping position and was ready to bag as many points for the team as possible in the event of Lewis's problems.  It's no wonder he has been retained for foreseeable future.

Despite all this, Hungary should have been Massa's race.  He deserved to win and he deserved to lead the championship, instead he finds himself with even more work ahead.  Felipe Massa can be the 2008 World Champion, he just needs a little luck, some more drives like this and Kimi to remain in his odd slump.  A tall order?  Perhaps, but wouldn't it be great to see him do it!