German Grand Prix preview

Massa and Alonso in 2010

Remember what happened the last time a Formula One race took place in Hockenheim?

For those that don’t, here is a reminder.

Felipe Massa was in first and leading his Ferrari teammate Fernando Alonso, but then after several radio messages from the latter, the controversial one came from Massa’s race engineer Rob Smedley.

“Okay... so... Fernando is faster than you. Can you confirm you understood that message?” was what Smedley said to his driver. Moments later, Massa lifted to allow Alonso through, who then went on to win the race, with Smedley then saying: “Ok good lad, just stick to it now. Sorry".

At the time, team orders were banned, but it was a clear coded message, and after the race everyone knew Ferrari broke the rules.

The matter was dealt with by the sport’s governing body, the FIA, and Ferrari were fined €100,000, but crucially, didn’t have the result taken away from them.

It was all to help Alonso win the world championship, and considering the Spaniard didn’t seal it in the final race at Abu Dhabi, many believe Ferrari got what they deserved.

Of course they will be reminded of what they did, but the Scuderia are only focused on one thing in 2012, and that is to deliver the championship through Alonso, the current leader of the drivers’ standings and the stand-out performer of the season so far.

The double world champion is looking to add to that tally come the end of the season, and with a 13-point lead over second-placed man Mark Webber, it is the experienced campaigners who are starting to break away from the chasing pack, which include back-to-back champion of the world Sebastian Vettel.

The Red Bull driver is seeking a maiden home win at the German Grand Prix having achieved a best second in 2009, and will he be the latest man to take a second win of the year behind Alonso and Silverstone victor Webber?

Vettel would have been the first double winner had he not suffered a mechanical failure in Valencia, and though he finished on the podium in Silverstone, he was very much outclassed by his teammate Webber, the story of the campaign so far.

At the moment Ferrari and Red Bull are the teams to beat, and this isn’t good news for McLaren, especially for Lewis Hamilton.

The 2008 world champion is yet to sign a new deal at McLaren, and it is still not known if he will. All depends on whether his current team can provide him a car capable of winning the championship.

McLaren- who have won two races- have now been leapfrogged by Lotus in the constructors’ standings, despite the latter not winning a race yet. Hockenheim could be their time to deliver.

Kimi Räikkönen never has any luck in Germany, retiring an incredible nine times, and the Finn is hoping that will all change. The other Lotus driver of Romain Grosjean when he hasn’t retired this season has ended up finishing second, third, fourth and sixth twice. However, the Frenchman is set to find it difficult to win as he will get a five-place grid drop for changing his gearbox.

But, a name already mentioned is Massa, and how ironic it would be if the Brazilian was faster than Alonso this weekend.

“Fernando, Felipe is faster than you” would be greeted with a chuckle from all involved in Formula One.

İsmail Vedat- Follow me on twitter

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