British Grand Prix (2011) RESULT

British Grand Prix 2011

The second British Grand Prix on the new Silverstone circuit was enmeshed in debate over the blown diffuser controversy, but still Red Bull filled the front row. Did it stay like that?

With all the arguments over the blown diffuser and how it would penalise Red Bull more than any other team on the grid, it was still business as usual with Webber and Vettel filling the front row of the grid.

Just for a change Webber was on pole, but that lasted all of a few yards as Vettel swept past his team mate on the first lap and stayed there until his second pit stop. Then it went a bit wrong.

In the first of a run of pit-stop problems which dictated the outcome of the British Grand Prix, Vettel’s pit crew struggled to get the back wheels on leaving Alonso – who pitted at the same time as Vettel, but from second place – to get out ahead of the German and go on to win Ferrari’s first Grand Prix since Korea last year.

Behind Vettel and Alonso Hamilton fought hard, almost redeeming his current childish behaviour in a demonstration of aggressive but grown-up driving.

A tussle with Massa on the last lap for 4th place was a joy to watch and thankfully, despite a touch and bits of wing flying off, it looks as though the stewards will leave this incident – a pure, proper and hard fought racing incident – well alone.

Webber fought hard through the race and looked to have the better of Vettel in the closing couple of laps. In fact, if it hadn’t been for team orders keeping Webber where he was (in third place behind Vettel), he would probably have taken 2nd spot. But the team orders were probably the right decision, although Mark Webber wouldn’t see it that way.

Button looked like he was capable of competing for a podium finish until the lollipop man let his car go in his pit stop before his front right wheel was attached. Button made it to the end of the pit lane and stopped, another unfortunate end to a British Grand Prix for the unfortunate Jenson, who has never managed to make his mark on his home Grand Prix.

Good race with lots of action, but despite the resurgent Alonso the title looks to be Vettel’s – and Red Bull’s.