Formula One-on-One

So, my first post. And there's little better to kick off with than today's Formula 1 showdown finale in Abu Dhabi, to see crown the 2010 World Drivers Champion. Getting straight to the point, I wonder if there is actually a neutral perspective on the prospective victors?

Fernando Alonso, this year's undoubted dark horse, recovered from a poor early period in the season despite the initial victory, to lead the championship into this final round. But is his margin of 8 points tainted by that fateful team-ordered overtake of Felipe Massa at Hockenheim? While any F1 motormouth can argue all day long about his (un)involvement in the 'Crashgate' scandal that rocked Renault F1 in 2008, this year's decisive moment was far more blatant, and therefore inflammatory. Yet does it matter, in such a high paced, high priced, split second sporting world? Does 'doing a Suarez', bending the rules to breaking point in order to gain your advantage, justify the means? However you call the Machievellian traits of the Spaniard's behaviour, the fact is he remains a force to be reckoned with in today's race.

Sebastian Vettel? A young Schumacher, perhaps. A talented one lap specialist, undoubtedly. And a future world champion, probably? But in 2010? It's fair to remain sceptical that despite Red Bull's dominance (and arguable favoring of the German) he remains a little impatient, inexpericed, and impertinent. His lack of concentration throughout the season has led to pit lane speeding, poor behind safety car control, and in the worst of cases, ending not only his race but that of Jenson Button at Spa, skewering the defending champ in the greasy braking zones. So is it to be Vettel? Maybe.

Most people in and out of F1 have an opinion on Lewis Hamilton, mostly it consisting of 'if I drive really fast, will I bag a Pussycat Doll?' His challenge today is that of an outsider who has struggled this season, with a car not quite up to scratch, and his own ambition to prove his slim title win in 2008 was no beginner's luck. His second place grid position stands him in good stead for him to produce a performance like Button's curtain call at Brawn in Interlagos, and Hamilton could well have #1 back on his McMerc's nose next year if he profits from Vettel's inconsitency between pole position and chequered flag.

Now, as a Brit, I'm about to blashpheme. In the most playground of terms, I want Webber to win. Mark Webber, Mr 'Not Bad For A Number Two Driver', the bridesmaid of Formula One, deserves it most, simply. He's driven brilliantly, all season. He does not indulge in the mind games and political red tape that engulfs F1 every fortnight. Plus, he's knocking on a bit and won't have another season in all likelihood to lay claim to the crown.

As a final aside, it'll be cracking to see how Abu Dhabi plays into the mix, and if the vast investment and lucrative end of season timing lives up to the billing as a classic, rather than a boring parade. It's time for Dhabi to deliver, and take over title-deciding classics from Interlagos with gusto.

So that's my first Tyre Roar blog post, and my hat in the ring regarding F1, which won't feature that regularly here. And the best bit is that whether my horse (or Bull) comes home first or not, I'll still have plenty of ammo to strike up a second.

Comments, as always, welcome.