Wet Weather Rubber the Difference in Hamilton Victory

Lewis Hamilton’s victory at Silverstone was to a large extent decided by the contrasting tyre selections of the McLaren and Ferrari teams. The British team’s car places greater loads on its tyres than its Italian counterpart, which was – for the rain-hit British Grand Prix at least – an advantage, as it allowed the McLaren’s tyres to attain critical racing temperature quickly: one of the difficulties in using Bridgestone’s F1 wets was overcome.

Kimi Raikkonen’s challenge, which appeared strong in the early stages of the race, faded after Ferrari refitted intermediate tyres in the first round of pit stops. The rain that ensued almost immediately after the stop put paid to any hopes Raikkonen may have harboured for turning around his mid-season slump in form, though he did manage a respectable fourth place and took the fastest lap. The result leaves Hamilton, Raikkonen and Ferrari’s other driver Felipe Massa – who endured a torrid time, finishing in thirteenth – tied at the top of the Championship table on 48 points, with the BMW Sauber of Robert Kubica within touching distance. The season appears to be set for the closest finish in years.

Selected Placements:

1. Lewis Hamilton, McLaren
2. Nick Heidfeld, BMW Sauber
3. Rubens Barrichello, Honda
4. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari

13. Felipe Massa, Ferrari
R Robert Kubica, BMW