Button Takes Victory In Australia At Season Opener

Race start and everyone had their fingers crossed. Being the first race of the 2012 season, fans wanted their drivers to have a great take off, praying for them to get through the first corner with all four wheels intact. Many people were worring with the rookie, Romain Grosjean in P3. Being his first F1 race, we all know that nerves can get the best of them (rookies). But to the amazement of many, Grosjean was able to take on the best of them and get a great take off (for his first GP). 

22 cars at take off and crucially, Button was able to take lead from Hamilton and Grosjean leading into the first corner. To the dismay of many, we watched Webber drop back from P5 to P9 and get 'sandwhiched' between a Toro Rosso and Sahara Force India. 

Michael Schumacher also made a good start to get ahead of Romain Grosjean, but both drivers' races soon fell apart. Grosjean found himself in a battle with Maldonado. The two made contact at turn 13, breaking Grosjean's suspension and putting him out of the race. 

Lap 11 and Schumacher was coming under pressure from Vettel for third. He sailed through the braking zone of the first corner, losing the position. Two corners later it became clear that the Mercedes had a problem and by the end of the lap Schumacher retired with a gearbox problem. In on screen interviews, Schumacher explained that he lost all braking capability due to gearbox issues and ran thought the kitty litter to slow the car down.

Lap 38 and the Kimi Raikkonen that we all remember came on the team radio, "Why are the giving me blue flags?" he demanded of his team. His race engineer calmly explained that they were for the cars behind him as he was lapping some of the back markers.

When the safety car was brought to track (due to Petrov crashing his Caterham into the walls) on lap 37, it allowed Vettel to squeeze between the two McLarens while Mark Webber tagged onto the back of the top three for a straight battle between the two McLarens and two Red Bulls to the flag. 

By far, the 2012 Australian Grand Prix had the most 'action packed' last lap. Starting with Maldonado swerving violently from left to right before slamming into the wall. To the dash to the finish line by Sergio Pérez, Daniel Ricciardo, Paul di Resta and Jean-Éric Vergne for the final points positions. Leaving Rosberg just out of points reach (12th) but managing to cross the finish line and parking his car at the side of the track.

This writer's driver of the day would be Fernando Alonso. Qualifying at Albert Park in 12th  (due to crashing out in Q2) and ended up finishing the race in 5th! The fan's choice is Jenson Button, having a superb drive and holding lead the entire race finishing ahead of Vettel and Hamilton.

Jenson Button	Winner     Fan's Choice
Sebastian Vettel	2nd
Lewis Hamilton	3rd
Mark Webber	P4
Fernando Alonso	P5
Kamui Kobayashi	P6
Kimi Räikkönen	P7
Sergio Perez	P8
Daniel Ricciardo	P9
Paul di Resta	P10
Jean-Éric Vergne	P11
Nico Rosberg	P12
Pastor Maldonado	P13 (collision)
Timo Glock	P14 (+1 lap)
Charles Pic	P15 (oil pressure)
Bruno Senna	Retired (collision)
Felipe Massa	Retired (collision)
Heikki Kovalainen	Retired (suspension)
Vitaly Petrov	Retired (steering)
Michael Schumacher	Retired (gearbox)
Romain Grosjean	Retired (collision)
Nico Hülkenberg	Retired (collision)
Pedro de la Rosa	DNQ
Narain Karthikeyan	DNQ