F1 resumes its rights in Valencia

If the summer break allowed the pilots to take a few days of vacation, on the other hand, behind the scenes, there was a lot of excitement. The news was indeed rich during the four weeks which separate the Hungarian Grand Prix from that of Europe. Between the aftermath of Felipe Massa?s accident, the twists and turns concerning his replacement or the ousting of Nelson Piquet, the summer did not lack spice in the premier discipline of motorsport.

This week, the protagonists of the F1 return to the circuits where they are expected on the shores of the Mediterranean, in Valencia. It is precisely in the port of the Spanish city that the European Grand Prix will take place for the second consecutive year. Everyone seems ready to do battle before entering the home stretch of the season. With seven races still to go, nothing is yet decided in the two championships and all the better for the show.

Among the drivers, Jenson Button (Brawn GP) is still 18,5 points ahead of Mark Webber (Red Bull), its closest rival, but for several races, the level of performance of the Brawn GP has been worrying, starting with the team director. “ In the first part of the season we were able to get the most out of the tires and, unexpectedly, we have had problems since then. », Indicates Ross Brawn in the Gazzetta dello Sport. “ It's true [Also] that the opposition has strengthened. »

Symbols of this opposition, Red Bull drivers Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel, believe more than ever in their chances of returning to the team of Brackley. During the last three races, the latter have also regained 15 and 9 points on the championship leader. Worse, in the Manufacturers' ranking, Brawn GP is only 15,5 units ahead of Red Bull.

If the fight for the titles should be between these two teams, we will however have to count on the return of the historic teams for this second part of the season. The victory of Lewis Hamilton in Hungary thus came to remind us that McLaren was indeed back at the forefront after a difficult start to the year. “ The whole team was invigorated by this victory and hopes to achieve another good result this weekend », Comments Martin Whitmarsh, the team director. “ Fortunately, we have made an effort to make further improvements in Spain. " The Team Will Ferrari also try to confirm its renewed form after two consecutive podiums? a first this year? even if the absence of Felipe Massa, winner here last year and replaced by Luca Badoer, will be difficult to fill.