2011 Korean Grand Prix

Last year, the Korean Grand Prix was one of the worst GP weekends. The circuit was 'green' (new) and the weather was, well wet. Martin brundle put it best by saying, "I am under the world's most expensive umbrella" trying to finish his grid walk while standing under the open gulwing door of the AMG SLS Safety car. 2011 was a different story. The rain held off and with the sun shining, provided one spectacular race.

The International Korean Circuit is quickly becoming one of the driver and fans favourites circuits. When cars are able to fight for position right into and through the turns, Mr. Tilke has managed to create something special. The 2011 Korean Grand Prix saw driver's fighting for position from lap one straight through to lap 55. 

Last year, we were witness to the likes of Mark Webber colliding with Nico Rosberg. This year, it was the other Mercedes. Michael Schumacher was turning in to turn 3 and Renault's Vitaly Petrov collided into the side of him, taking both driver's out in the only 'race ending' accident.  

Without a doubt, Jaime Alguersuari (who was chosen as fan driver of the day) proved that you don't need to be in the quickest car to give the spectators a show. After qualifying in 11, the young Toro Rosso driver did drop back during race start but quickly took the commentators attention. Leap frogging his way up to finish the race in 7th position. 

Just as Alguersuari was fans choice for 'driver of the day', we do have to give special commendations to Team Lotus. Yes, they were still out of points, but just. Lotus finally seemed to have gotten together and both Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen were present during the broadcast fighting for positions with Williams and Toro Rosso. Team principal Tony Fernandes said that the team was on their way up. No longer the 'rookie' in the paddock. Hopefully Korea has prove to the team that they are on the right track, that they are on the cusp of their goals.  

I am normally not one for counting the chicks before they hatch but I must admit, Red Bull have had a near perfect season in 2011. With Sebastian Vettel winning the Korean GP and teammate Mark Webber coming third, the combined points gave the pair and the team their second consecutive Constructors World Title for the team. With the drivers showing their appreciation to their team by going the final lap side-by-side right into parc ferme.

Sebastian Vettel	Winner
Lewis Hamilton	2nd
Mark Webber	3rd
Jenson Button	P4
Fernando Alonso	P5
Felipe Massa	P6
Jaime Alguersuari	P7 Your driver of the day
Nico Rosberg	P8
Sébastien Buemi	P9
Paul di Resta	P10
Adrian Sutil	P11
Rubens Barrichello	P12
Bruno Senna	P13
Heikki Kovalainen	P14
Kamui Kobayahi	P15
Sergio Perez	P16
Jarno Trulli	P17
Timo Glock	P18
Daniel Ricciardo	P19
Jérôme d'Ambrosio	P20
Vitantonio Liuzzi	P21
Pastor Maldonado	Retired (Engine)
Vitaly Petrov	Retired (collision)
Michael Schumacher	Retired (collision)