European GP 2006

Certainly not a great race, especially for Williams, Honda or Red Bull. Coulthard's race came to an early end after contact with Toro Rosso's Liuzzi, Jenson Button suffering engine failure, and Williams just having a bad weekend in general.

Ferrari, mainly Schumacher, had the race largely in their control, even though Alonso led until the second round of stops Ferrari were always there. Massa driving a very mature race to grab his first podium finish.

Both Williams' Drivers had a ten place grid penalty as both had to change there Cosworth engines prior to Qualifying, Webber ultimately retiring after his hydraulics gave up. Rosberg, it could be said, had a good day, however, it could and should have been better. After making his first pitstop on lap 33/60 everyone thought he was on a one stop strategy. Wrong. He pitted again 11 laps from the end of the race. WHY?! After starting 22nd, Rosberg finished an impreesive seventh, but for that second stop he would have finished fifth (by my estimation). So why didn't he fuel to the finish on lap 33?

A lot of retirements for modern times with only 13 cars crossing the finish line. I wonder if it's to do with the hills and the lesser torque of the V8's putting extra stress where before there was none - or at least not as much - which could also explain Toro Rosso's relatively good pace as they are still running the V10?

CPT F1 Star Drive - Felipe Massa [Ferrari]