Hungary: the Brawn – Red Bull clash

After six victories in seven races, the domination of the Branwn GP cars seemed inevitable last month. However, at Silverstone and the Nürburgring, the single-seaters from the factory Brackley appeared behind, even deserting the podium in Germany, a first this season. Dominated in the race by Red Bull, joined in terms of performance by certain rivals, Ross Brawn's team also stood out with unprofitable strategies, such as the three refuelings at the Nürburgring, which caused Jenson Button to lose a podium, however, and, above all, Rubens Barrichello. However, Ross Brawn is not worried. “ Our last two races, at Silverstone and the Nürburgring, were disappointing for the team because we were not able to exploit the potential of the car, confided the team boss. And, at the same time, the other teams have taken a big step forward. »

After this observation, Ross Brawn imagines a much better Hungarian Grand Prix. “ We are confident, because our BGP001 performed well during the first half of the season and the problems we have experienced recently are inherent to the racing circumstances. Then we will gain in efficiency, downforce and aerodynamic balance. »

But Red Bull, with three victories in nine races, including two in the last two Grands Prix, has acquired a taste for victory. The collaboration of the experienced Webber and the young prodigy Vettel seems to be bearing fruit, around Christian Horner's team. The healthy emulation that reigns in the Austrian team galvanizes drivers determined to fight for the title of world champion. Mark Webber, 1,5 points behind his teammate, gained further confidence with his first victory at the Nürburgring. For his part, Sebastian Vettel is considered the jewel of the team, and healthy emulation could become a counterproductive internal struggle.

The rivalry within the same team has not yet reached Red Bull but has already affected Brawn GP. Already disillusioned the day after the Spanish Grand Prix, where Jenson Button took advantage of a better strategy to win, Rubens Barrichello did it again on the evening of the Nürburgring. Having a car built to win, the Brazilian does not want to relive his years Ferrari next to Michael Schumacher, and could show his team that his driving skills are as good as those of Jenson Button. The Hungarian Grand Prix, contested on the hot Hungaroring arena, could provide rich lessons for the rest of the season. Unless other teams, such as Ferrari, McLaren ou Renault, prove that performance has returned to their camp…