Button Third at Final Race, Poor Rubens Misses Out on Championship Runner Up

Well, I’m not entirely sure how to present my opinion of this race to you. My original opener was along the lines of, what a shame to come from such an exciting race in Brazil and finish the year with another F1 flashy procession. Those final laps between Webber and Jenson may well blur peoples ultimate opinions of that race, but if you ask me, we only got about five laps of true excitement today.

The start of the race set a precedent really. A clean getaway from all of the cars and next to no overtakes. Rubens was knocked by Webber into turn one, and although he suffered some damage to his front wing, he didn’t lose out too badly.

Jenson was all over Rubens from the start and managed to squeeze past on the first lap probably around turn 11 (the manoeuvre was never shown). Jenson gained P4, and it looked as if Rubens was slipping back into the clutches of Kubica who had done a good job of passing Trulli.

Kubica moved in on Rubens, Jenson moved in on Webber, and the pack closed in on a surprisingly slow Hamilton, but there were no overtakes.

By lap five, Hamilton had found some speed, but the Red Bulls were fast, too. Jenson and Rubens both looked safe and we were well and truly in the realms of procession racing. Sure it was good news in a way that Hamilton wasn’t pulling away, but it looked as if Vettel was only going to pass him through a pit stop.

Rubens made his first stop on lap 16. He took on 9.0 seconds of fuel and rejoined in P10. A couple of laps later, Hamilton and then Jens took to the pits. Jenson rejoined in P8 after taking on 10.2 seconds of fuel, but he was instantly under pressure from Kobayashi.

The one stopping Japanese rookie put some pro pressure on his Brazil nemesis and quickly took Jenson’s P8 after a few exciting corners. Jenson had managed to rejoin in front of Rubens, but being passed by Kobayashi wasn’t exactly brilliant.

Vettel was so fast that his first stop rejoined him right back at the front. After their first stops Vettel was the man to beat; Webber looked strong and the two Brawns were doing a good job holding on to P5 (Jens) and P7 (Rubens).

Around lap 20, we got our first really bad bit of news. Hamilton’s poor pace was explained by the unfortunate Brit having to retire. Although there didn’t seem to be a physical problem with his car, the computer had flashed up with warning signs and it was thought best that he retire.

We later learned that his right rear breaks were finished. An unfortunate finale for Lewis then, but I think he’s earned himself a hell of a lot more fans in 2009.

The McLaren’s exit promoted Jens and Rubens but Kobayashi was doing a good job in between the Red Bulls and Brawns. The young Toyota driver pitted on lap 30 having done a stellar job, but he wouldn’t provide any more troubles for the front runners.

With 20 laps left, my reason for loving Alonso was illustrated. The Spaniard put Kobayashi under pressure and excellently made a successful pass for P10. This was a great manoeuvre, but it was ultimately pointless as it was Alonso’s in lap!

Thanks Nando for giving us some actual bloody racing!

On lap 40 Webber pitted for 7.6 seconds and rejoined in clear air, P6. With 14 laps to go, Rubens took on 7.2 seconds of fuel and rejoined in P5 to quietly finish his race.

Jenson and Vettel stopped on the same lap (one after Rubens). Jenson took on 5.9 seconds of fuel and exited the pits to easily hold on to P3.

I thought that was game over then, Red Bull first and Second, the Brawns closing out the top four. However, on the soft tyres Jenson was on fire and with nothing to lose he pushed like crazy in an attempt to pass Webber.

I must admit I didn’t think it would be as close and exciting as it proved to be. It took Jens a few laps to reel Webber in, but with just two laps to go the racing was brilliant. Jenson attacked like a Champion and Webber defended fantastically.

I only wish we could have had a few more laps. I think it was those few laps that saved the 2009 season from ending in a very dull way indeed. Rubens had a very quiet evening and although he did well to finish P5, I think he’ll be gutted that he didn’t end 2009 at least in P2.

Jenson finished his season how he began it, on absolute fire! He looked as excited on the podium today as he did in Melbourne and that was lovely.

It has been a long season, with good times and bad ones, but as a long time Honda fan I have thoroughly enjoyed it. I will certainly enjoy writing my season review this year!

The season should have finished in Brazil, but I imagine Abu Dhabi will prove to be a great success. I don’t know who we’ll see in Brawn colours next year, but I think Jens and Rubes have earned decent drives wherever they end up.

Well done Vettel and Webber today and well done again, Brawn GP, Jenson and Rubens...roll on 2010!