At the mid-point of the Formula One break, it is a perfect time to review what has happened so far in the Championship, as well as to unveil the predictions for the return to business in Belgium.
The year started with Jenson Button leading the chase, with his spectacular performance in Australia, closely followed by his team mate Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel. Things looked to follow the lead of the previous season, with the Red Bull and McLaren at the top of the chain. However as the weeks went by Ferrari started to perform very well, with times closing down to Red Bull. The culmination of this came with Fernando Alonso´s victory in Malaysia, from then on, at least one Ferrari car, was ready to fight with the big ones.
Alonso´s second position in Spain and his victories in Valencia and Germany catapulted him to the first position on the standings. The Spaniard served as the revalidation of the poor performance displayed by Ferrari the previous season, this time the red machine was at the top to stay.
The pressure from Red Bull has not been enough to make Ferrari uncomfortable, even though Mark Webber won at Monaco and in Great Britain. The constant points from Alonso has secured his place at the top.
The end of the first part of the season leaves us with a leading Alonso and a follow up by Red Bull, however it also leaves us with the possible come back of Lewis Hamilton, who´s brilliant performance at the Hungaroring makes McLaren aware of their possibilities, there is still long to go and Hamilton wants to be part of the fight at the top of the standings.
For the second part of the championship, starting in September, we can expect more of the same if things role with the same vibe, but much more action from part of the McLarens can be expected too. If Ferrari maintains their level it would be hard to take Alonso´s so far achievement away, Vettel and Webber are waiting for any error from the Asturian, they both are the real threat for the red team.
Hamilton, again, is the promise. McLaren will through everything they have to step up to the chase after Ferrari. The first exam, at Belgium, will prove the speculations, either Ferrari will keep the lead, Red Bull will knock the Reds off or McLaren will join the fight for the 2012 Formula One Championship.
With nine races to go, the consistent drivers are the ones with the advantage favouring the actual leader of the competition, Fernando Alonso. However, only time will tell who can maintain the good performance, Belgium will be judge.
What do you think will happen in the final nine races? Let us know with a comment or on Twitter @formula1fancast
Chuck Arnold Rene Arnoux Peter Arundell Alberto Ascari Peter Ashdown
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