Redemption after disastrous start…

Massa took a determined and much-needed victory at Bahrain today to kick-start his season ahead of Kimi and the two BMWs of Kubica and Heidfeld in a race that had plenty of early action. Kimi played wingman bringing home a One-Two finish for Ferrari. Kimi was on the same engine that he used at Malaysia, second race on same engine meant he had to take more care of the engine. He drove a champions' race just a few seconds behind team mate Massa.

Kubica took pole for the first time ahead of Massa, Lewis and Kimi but the Pole's glory was short-lived as Massa clean beat him off the line to take the lead in turn one. There was action behind as Lewis slipped down to tenth and Heikki challenged Kimi for third throughout the first three corners, eventually yielding to the Ferrari. By end of Lap3 Kimi blasted past Kubica in turn one to set up a Ferrari one-two.

There was more action down the order as Lewis found himself behind former team mate Alonso and clipped the rear of the Renault, destroying his front wing. Ron Dennis almost banged his head on the pit counter in frustration as Lewis bounced off the back of Alonso; a racing error that effectively ended the competitive weekend for him. Lewis pitted at the end of lap three, rejoining at the back of the field.

Lewis seemed to be struggling with his McLaren's handling and was not making any progress down in 18th. Lewis made it up to fourteenth as everyone else pitted around him and overtook Fisi for thirteenth in turn one after a very fierce battle that lasted for more than 5 laps. At the end of the same lap Lewis pitted again to find himself behind the Force India car at the end of the race.

A special day for Force India Team as they move a step closer to achieving their dream. Both Fisi & Sutil completed the race for the team & one could say, if they continue the form shown in Bahrain, surely they are always present to grab points if the front runners have a bad day. Fisi had another good fight with the Honda Car of Rubens. He came very close to overtaking only to find the car not good enough yet.

Timo Glock, in the other Toyota car had some nervous moments defending his place from Alonso. Alonso was furious as he could not find a way past the Toyota car. Renault have a lot of work to do before the European races start in Barcelona. Hope testing there helps them. Last time round Alonso famously said that he had brought a few tenth's to McLaren team. McLaren have two new drivers in their lineup & Pedro doing the testing. It seems evident now.

At the back, Button lost control down the inside of the hairpin and slid into the side of David Coulthard, losing his front wing and pushing them both temporarily off track. Button pitted for repairs but eventually retired with too much damage to continue. Before the DC-Button incident button set the fastest lap of the race. Button found out that DC is not a very generous driver as did Massa in Malaysia.

Before the first set of pit stops both Ferraris were trading fastest laps. What would have been more humiliating for Lewis than being lapped by both Ferrari cars.

Heikki ended up fifth for McLaren, taking a mere four points for the team. Another good run for Trulli taking sixth for Toyota. Mark Webber claimed two points for Red Bull in seventh ahead of Nico Rosberg, getting Williams back into the points with eighth. All these points mean Kimi takes the lead of the drivers' championship & BMW for the first time are leading the constructors' championship.

Next race marks the start of European races. Home race for Alonso. He will want to put on a good show. Ferraris after the One-Two finish will want to continue their good run. BMW will look to defend the constructors' title they are leading. McLaren, I feel will bounce back. So all the makings of a great fight.

Till then & now drive safely.