Tragic End to Solomon’s Heroics, Vettel Wins

by Klon  4/09/2015 | 2:40 0 Posted in 2010 - Present, FIA, Formula 1 

Qualifying:

* demoted five places for changing engine/gearbox

Report:

An engine failure robs Matt Solomon of what may turn out to be the best race of his life.

“Speed” is the keyword for success on the Akrotiri Bay International Circuit. Ferrari-powered teams were hoping for big points on the EU-member island. The start of the European season is always a crucial time of the year, many teams bringing valueable upgrades to the circuit in hope of adding that one missing puzzle piece.

Caterham had brought a major upgrade, hoping to smash any hopes of the competition. Sebastian Vettel did just that in qualifying, scoring his third pole of the 2018 Formula One season. In the end, he was the dominant man, even after losing the lead at the start and then again losing it due to the sloppy work of his pitcrew, he proved unstoppable, grabbing the lead in the championship.

The driver he lost the lead to on these two occasions was not a man you would expect in that role. Matt Solomon proved an unlikely hero, taking his best starting position and grabbing the lead at the start. He managed to stay in the same stratosphere as Vettel and was on course to finish on the podium when his engine failed on the final lap: Solomon could not hide his tears and it is hard to blame him.

Other underdogs were also in a good position to use their good engines and did so. Davide Valsecchi scored his best result since the win he scored for Force India, coming home in fourth. Scott Dixon, meanwhile, carries Flanders-Holden on his back: a fifth place will place them before Red Bull in the race for the red lantern.

Race:

Fastest Lap:

Matt Solomon – 1:09.082

Infinite Improbability Drive Of The Race:

Scott Dixon – Proved that he is worth every cent, a breathtaking effort.

Reject Of The Race:

Mercedes-Benz – Their engines proved completely worthless.

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