The Q1-Q2-Q3 Alternative Championship

[Klon]

Round 14: Belgium

Alonso comes to Spa with the confidence of a straight sweep in Italy. This confidence does wonders for him and earns him another 10 points, really putting young Hamilton under pressure. Ferrari cannot challenge Fernando Alonso for the Q1 win but their performance is enough to earn (?) them the team championship.

Result: F. Alonso - F. Massa - K. Räikkönen - L. Hamilton - R. Kubica - N. Heidfeld - N. Rosberg - H. Kovalainen

With the constructor's title assured, Ferrari want to strike again and remove the driver's championship from McLaren as well. Räikkönen does the right thing and beats both McLarens. Unfortunately Massa can "only" beat Fernando Alonso who is not phased by this result. BMW Sauber will most likely go unchallenged for second place in the title race.

Result: K. Räikkönen - L. Hamilton - F. Massa - F. Alonso - R. Kubica - N. Heidfeld - H. Kovalainen - M. Webber

Q3 is the perfect result for Ferrari, now both red cars slaughter the McLarens of Lewis and Fernando. Kubica seems to be Mr. P5 of this season. Rosberg impresses by splitting both BMWs in dramatic fashion while Webber scores two more points for the slightly struggling Red Bull team.

Result: K. Räikkönen - F. Massa - F. Alonso - L. Hamilton - R. Kubica - N. Rosberg - N. Heidfeld - M. Webber


Championship standings after Belgium (drivers):
1.: F. Alonso - McLaren-Mercedes - 314 Pts.
2.: L. Hamilton - McLaren-Mercedes - 301 Pts.
3.: F. Massa - Ferrari - 250 Pts.
4.: K. Räikkönen - Ferrari - 247 Pts.
5.: N. Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 138 Pts.
6.: R. Kubica - BMW Sauber - 124 Pts.
7.: H. Kovalainen - Renault - 49 Pts.
8.: N. Rosberg - Williams-Toyota - 45 Pts.
9.: G. Fisichella - Renault - 36 Pts.
10.: M. Webber - Red Bull-Renault - 27 Pts.
11.: J. Trulli - Toyota - 24 Pts.
12.: R. Schumacher - Toyota - 19 Pts.
13.: S. Vettel - BMW Sauber - 6 Pts.
14.: R. Barrichello - Honda - 5 Pts.
15.: V. Liuzzi - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 4 Pts.
16.: D. Coulthard - Red Bull-Renault - 3 Pts.
17.: A. Wurz - Williams-Toyota - 3 Pts.
18.: A. Davidson - Super Aguri-Honda - 3 Pts.
19.: J. Button - Honda - 2 Pts.
- Drivers who can still win the title are marked in italics

Championship standings after Belgium (teams):
1.: Ferrari - 497 Pts.
2.: BMW Sauber - 262 Pts.
3.: Renault - 82 Pts.
4.: Williams-Toyota - 48 Pts.
5.: Toyota - 43 Pts.
6.: Red Bull-Renault - 30 Pts.
7.: Honda - 7 Pts.
8.: Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 4 Pts.
9: Super Aguri-Honda - 3 Pts.
DSQ: McLaren-Mercedes - 565 Pts.*

*-50 points for pit lane incident in Hungary

[Klon]

Round 15: Japan

Mt. Fuji has seen quite a number of strange and interesting races. This weekend is no exceptions with qualifying being started on wet tyres. Only a few surprises among the point scorers, though. The biggest one must be Sebastian Vettel in seventh. He becomes the first one to score points for two different teams in this championship format.

Result: F. Massa - F. Alonso - K. Räikkönen - L. Hamilton - M. Webber - N. Heidfeld - S. Vettel - R. Kubica

Hamilton apparentely has understood that he can become the world champion in his first F1 year and starts to attack his famous team mate. Although it may be justified to ask if his efforts are "too little, too late" seeing as Lewis only has seven sessions left to make up the ground he has lost to Alonso. Button scores his best result of the year.

Result: L. Hamilton - F. Alonso - K. Räikkönen - F. Massa - N. Heidfeld - J. Button - R. Kubica - M. Webber

Once again, Hamilton beats his team mate and chews a bit on his advantage. Norbert Haug and Ron Dennis must be in joy, especially since this result means that Ferrari are out of the battle for the driver's title with two events left. Button takes 7th position and overtakes his team mate in the standings.

Result: L. Hamilton - F. Alonso - K. Räikkönen - F. Massa - N. Heidfeld - N. Rosberg - J. Button - M. Webber


Championship standings after Japan (drivers):
1.: F. Alonso - McLaren-Mercedes - 338 Pts.
2.: L. Hamilton - McLaren-Mercedes - 326 Pts.
3.: F. Massa - Ferrari - 270 Pts.
4.: K. Räikkönen - Ferrari - 265 Pts.
5.: N. Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 149 Pts.
6.: R. Kubica - BMW Sauber - 127 Pts.
7.: H. Kovalainen - Renault - 49 Pts.
8.: N. Rosberg - Williams-Toyota - 48 Pts.
9.: G. Fisichella - Renault - 36 Pts.
10.: M. Webber - Red Bull-Renault - 33 Pts.
11.: J. Trulli - Toyota - 24 Pts.
12.: R. Schumacher - Toyota - 19 Pts.
13.: S. Vettel - BMW Sauber/Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 8 Pts.
14.: J. Button - Honda - 7 Pts.
15.: R. Barrichello - Honda - 5 Pts.
16.: V. Liuzzi - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 4 Pts.
17.: D. Coulthard - Red Bull-Renault - 3 Pts.
18.: A. Wurz - Williams-Toyota - 3 Pts.
19.: A. Davidson - Super Aguri-Honda - 3 Pts.
- Drivers who can still win the title are marked in italics

Championship standings after Japan (teams):
1.: Ferrari - 535 Pts.
2.: BMW Sauber - 282 Pts.
3.: Renault - 85 Pts.
4.: Williams-Toyota - 51 Pts.
5.: Toyota - 43 Pts.
6.: Red Bull-Renault - 36 Pts.
7.: Honda - 12 Pts.
8.: Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 6 Pts.
9: Super Aguri-Honda - 3 Pts.
DSQ: McLaren-Mercedes - 614 Pts.*

*-50 points for pit lane incident in Hungary[/quote]

[Klon]

Round 16: China

Only six qualifying sessions are left in the championship and for Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, each one of them has to mean everything to them. Hamilton takes this to heart and squeezes himself between the superior Ferrari cars. Coulthard scores points and Toro Rosso look extremely strong with Luizzi in ninth and Vettel in eight.

Result: K. Räikkönen - L. Hamilton - F. Massa - F. Alonso - R. Kubica - N. Heidfeld - D. Coulthard - S. Vettel

A great driver like Fernando Alonso sees chances when they arise and uses them. Alonso beats Hamilton to third place and helps his title bid quite a lot. Both McLarens had no answer to the faster Ferrari cars. BMW protect the old pecking order - "Keine Experimente", to use an old German political slogan.

Result: K. Räikkönen - F. Massa - F. Alonso - L. Hamilton - R. Kubica - N. Heidfeld - D. Coulthard - M. Webber

Lewis Hamilton wins Q3 and with only five points between Alonso and Hamilton, we can hope for a thrilling qualifying battle in Interlagos. Two well-paid drivers do know the risk of their F1 careers ending, so they push extra hard for once - David Coulthard and Ralf Schumacher do not disappoint in Q3.

Result: L. Hamilton - K. Räikkönen - F. Massa - F. Alonso - D. Coulthard - R. Schumacher - M. Webber - N. Heidfeld


Championship standings after China (drivers):
1.: F. Alonso - McLaren-Mercedes - 354 Pts.
2.: L. Hamilton - McLaren-Mercedes - 349 Pts.
3.: K. Räikkönen - Ferrari - 293 Pts.
4.: F. Massa - Ferrari - 290 Pts.
5.: N. Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 156 Pts.
6.: R. Kubica - BMW Sauber - 135 Pts.
7.: H. Kovalainen - Renault - 49 Pts.
8.: N. Rosberg - Williams-Toyota - 48 Pts.
9.: G. Fisichella - Renault - 36 Pts.
10.: M. Webber - Red Bull-Renault - 36 Pts.
11.: J. Trulli - Toyota - 24 Pts.
12.: R. Schumacher - Toyota - 22 Pts.
13.: D. Coulthard - Red Bull-Renault - 11 Pts.
14.: S. Vettel - BMW Sauber/Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 9 Pts.
15.: J. Button - Honda - 7 Pts.
16.: R. Barrichello - Honda - 5 Pts.
17.: V. Liuzzi - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 4 Pts.
18.: A. Wurz - Williams-Toyota - 3 Pts.
19.: A. Davidson - Super Aguri-Honda - 3 Pts.
- Drivers who can still win the title are marked in italics

Championship standings after China (teams):
1.: Ferrari - 583 Pts.
2.: BMW Sauber - 297 Pts.
3.: Renault - 85 Pts.
4.: Williams-Toyota - 51 Pts.
5.: Red Bull-Renault - 47 Pts.
6.: Toyota - 46 Pts.
7.: Honda - 12 Pts.
8.: Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 5 Pts.
9: Super Aguri-Honda - 3 Pts.
DSQ: McLaren-Mercedes - 653 Pts.*

*-50 points for pit lane incident in Hungary[/quote]

[Klon]

Round 17: Brazil

Lewis Hamilton vs. Fernando Alonso, Round 1. Said first round goes to Alonso who takes second place behind the superior Ferrari. With the unintended help from Kimi Räikkönen, Alonso increases his advantage to eight points. BMW do struggle with their performance: Nick Heidfeld is not able to score another points finish in Q1.

Result: F. Massa - F. Alonso - K. Räikkönen - L. Hamilton - M. Webber - R. Kubica - D. Coulthard - J. Trulli

Alonso has the chance in Q2 to win the world championship. Unfortunately, he screws up and and only gets a fourth place, again behind Felipe Massa. The Spanish fans can be happy though, Hamilton does not manage to gain to much ground, Räikkönen is once again a very helpful brownie and beats the brown driver.

Result: K. Räikkönen - L. Hamilton - F. Massa - F. Alonso - R. Kubica - M. Webber - N. Rosberg - J. Trulli

Alonso does not try hard enough and only finished fourth. This means that Hamilton might have a chance if he wins the last session. Unfortunately, Brazilian patriotism is quite something, so Massa beats the British star and give Alonso his thrid F1 Driver's World Title. Webber scores an excellent fifth place and RBR takes fourth in the team standing from WilliamsF1.

Result: F. Massa - L. Hamilton - K. Räikkönen - F. Alonso - M. Webber - N. Heidfeld - R. Kubica - J. Trulli

[Klon]

2007 Championship Results (drivers):
1.: F. Alonso - McLaren-Mercedes - 372 Pts.
2.: L. Hamilton - McLaren-Mercedes - 370 Pts.
3.: F. Massa - Ferrari - 316 Pts.
4.: K. Räikkönen - Ferrari - 315 Pts.
5.: N. Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 159 Pts.
6.: R. Kubica - BMW Sauber - 144 Pts.
7.: N. Rosberg - Williams-Toyota - 50 Pts.
8.: H. Kovalainen - Renault - 49 Pts.
9.: M. Webber - Red Bull-Renault - 47 Pts.
10.: G. Fisichella - Renault - 36 Pts.
11.: J. Trulli - Toyota - 27 Pts.
12.: R. Schumacher - Toyota - 22 Pts.
13.: D. Coulthard - Red Bull-Renault - 13 Pts.
14.: S. Vettel - BMW Sauber/Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 9 Pts.
15.: J. Button - Honda - 7 Pts.
16.: R. Barrichello - Honda - 5 Pts.
17.: V. Liuzzi - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 4 Pts.
18.: A. Wurz - Williams-Toyota - 3 Pts.
19.: A. Davidson - Super Aguri-Honda - 3 Pts.
- Drivers who can still win the title are marked in italics

2007 Championship Results (teams):
1.: Ferrari - 631 Pts.
2.: BMW Sauber - 303 Pts.
3.: Renault - 85 Pts.
4.: Red Bull-Renault - 60 Pts.
5.: Williams-Toyota - 53 Pts.
6.: Toyota - 49 Pts.
7.: Honda - 12 Pts.
8.: Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 5 Pts.
9.: Super Aguri-Honda - 3 Pts.
DSQ: McLaren-Mercedes - 692 Pts.*

*-50 points for pit lane incident in Hungary

[Phoenix]

I can't believe Alonso still wins this despite how much was he fragged off. By the way, he was 3rd in my alternative qualifying results championship.

[Klon]

I can't believe Alonso still wins this despite how much was he fragged off. By the way, he was 3rd in my alternative qualifying results championship.

Consistency won it for him, I'd say.


2008 Formula One season
Round 1: Australia

Two things have not changed despite the new season: we still start in Australia and the 10 points go to someone debuting for their team. Heikki Kovalainen takes the first lead in the championship on his first outing with McLaren. He beats a strong Nick Heidfeld and Felipe Massa. World Champion Alonso does not score.

Result: H. Kovalainen - N. Heidfeld - F. Massa - R. Kubica - K. Räikkönen - N. Rosberg - R. Barrichello - D. Coulthard

Hamilton, however, does apparentely not like being beaten by his team mate and responds appropriately by finishing first in Q2. Kovalainen is pushed back to third place not only by his British team mate but also by an uprising Robert Kubica. Young Sebastian Vettel impresses with a sixth place.

Result: L. Hamilton - R. Kubica - H. Kovalainen - N. Heidfeld - F. Massa - S. Vettel - N. Rosberg - D. Coulthard

Now, the fuel comes into play and Hamilton succeeds again. Matter of fact is the first three are not changed although they might have been if it had not been for an error by Kubica on his final lap. David Coulthard and Nico Rosberg score points in all three sessions, while Jarno Trulli puts Toyota on the map for the first time this weekend.

Result: L. Hamilton - R. Kubica - H. Kovalainen - F. Massa - N. Heidfeld - J. Trulli - N. Rosberg - D. Coulthard


Championship standings after Australia (drivers):
1.: H. Kovalainen - McLaren-Mercedes - 22 Pts.
2.: R. Kubica - BMW Sauber - 21 Pts.
3.: L. Hamilton - McLaren-Mercedes - 20 Pts.
4.: N. Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 17 Pts.
5.: F. Massa - Ferrari - 15 Pts.
6.: N. Rosberg - Williams-Toyota - 7 Pts.
7.: K. Räikkönen - Ferrari - 4 Pts.
8.: S. Vettel - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 3 Pts.
8.: J. Trulli - Toyota - 3 Pts.
10.: D. Coulthard - Red Bull-Renault - 3 Pts.
11.: R. Barrichello - Honda - 2 Pts.

Championship standings after Australia (teams):
1.: McLaren-Mercedes - 42 Pts.
2.: BMW Sauber - 38 Pts.
3.: Ferrari - 19 Pts.
4.: Williams-Toyota - 7 Pts.
5.: Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 3 Pts.
5.: Toyota - 3 Pts.
7.: Red Bull-Renault - 3 Pts.
8.: Honda - 2 Pt.

[Klon]

Round 2: Malaysia

Quite a few surprises are on the table after the end of Q1 - the biggest upset surely the win of Jarno Trulli, who scores a perfect ten for Toyota. Heikki Kovalainen adds to his small championship lead but Massa and Hamilton really are not that far behind. BMW Sauber suffers a significant drop in performance, whereas Webber scores his first points of '08.

Result: J. Trulli - H. Kovalainen - F. Massa - L. Hamilton - M. Webber - K. Räikkönen - N. Heidfeld - R. Kubica

Kimi Räikkönen's first sessions of this year were not quite as neat as he would have loved them to be. Therefore he was under pressure and responds brilliant by dominating Q2. BMW return to their Melbourne power while Jarno Trulli gets a call from reality and drops down to seventh position.

Result: K. Räikkönen - F. Massa - L. Hamilton - N. Heidfeld - H. Kovalainen - R. Kubica - J. Trulli - M. Webber

There is something very interesting about Q3, mainly because we see the same eight drivers getting points as in the sessions before. Sounds boring ... and to be honest, it is. Massa takes his first win of this season and does so in dominating fashion. After the McLaren-Ferrari dou, Trulli enjoys his fifth place.

Result: F. Massa - K. Räikkönen - H. Kovalainen - L. Hamilton - J. Trulli - R. Kubica - N. Heidfeld - M. Webber


Championship standings after Malaysia (drivers):
1.: H. Kovalainen - McLaren-Mercedes - 40 Pts.
2.: F. Massa - Ferrari - 39 Pts.
3.: L. Hamilton - McLaren-Mercedes - 36 Pts.
4.: R. Kubica - BMW Sauber - 28 Pts.
5.: N. Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 26 Pts.
6.: K. Räikkönen - Ferrari - 25 Pts.
7.: J. Trulli - Toyota - 19 Pts.
8.: N. Rosberg - Williams-Toyota - 7 Pts.
9.: M. Webber - Red Bull-Renault - 6 Pts.
10.: S. Vettel - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 3 Pts.
11.: D. Coulthard - Red Bull-Renault - 3 Pts.
12.: R. Barrichello - Honda - 2 Pts.

Championship standings after Malaysia (teams):
1.: McLaren-Mercedes - 76 Pts.
2.: Ferrari - 64 Pts.
3.: BMW Sauber - 54 Pts.
4.: Toyota - 19 Pts.
5.: Red Bull-Renault - 9 Pts.
6.: Williams-Toyota - 7 Pts.
7.: Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 3 Pts.
8.: Honda - 2 Pt.

[Klon]

Round 3: Bahrain

Felipe Massa most certainly wants to win the Formula 1 World Championship and taking the lead in said championship is always helpful. So Massa goes on and wins Q1 in Bahrain. Due to Hamilton only being fifth and Kovalainen failing to score points, this helps a lot. Trulli continues to impress and Button and Glock take their first points.

Result: F. Massa - J. Trulli - K. Räikkönen - L. Hamilton - J. Button - T. Glock - R. Kubica - N. Rosberg

Massa's domination does not know limits, he wins Q2 with almost 0.6 seconds advantage. Kovalainen takes second and has no interest in dropping the ball. BMW finally recover from their loss in recent sessions to take third and fourth. Glock and Button fail to continue their story of success and cannot score points.

Result: F. Massa - H. Kovalainen - R. Kubica - N. Heidfeld - L. Hamilton - K. Räikkönen - J. Trulli - N. Rosberg

Everyone knows scoring three wins in a row is hard. What they do not expect however is Robert Kubica ruining the Scuderia's party time. Massa still stays in second and therefore comes as close to complete 30 points as you can get. McLaren drop behind and cannot manage to challenge either Massa or Kubica.

Result: R. Kubica - F. Massa - L. Hamilton - K. Räikkönen - H. Kovalainen - N. Heidfeld - J. Trulli - N. Rosberg


Championship standings after Bahrain (drivers):
1.: F. Massa - Ferrari - 67 Pts.
2.: H. Kovalainen - McLaren-Mercedes - 52 Pts.
3.: L. Hamilton - McLaren-Mercedes - 51 Pts.
4.: R. Kubica - BMW Sauber - 46 Pts.
5.: K. Räikkönen - Ferrari - 39 Pts.
6.: N. Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 34 Pts.
7.: J. Trulli - Toyota - 31 Pts.
8.: N. Rosberg - Williams-Toyota - 10 Pts.
9.: M. Webber - Red Bull-Renault - 6 Pts.
10.: J. Button - Honda - 4 Pts.
11.: T. Glock - Toyota - 3 Pts.
11.: S. Vettel - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 3 Pts.
13.: D. Coulthard - Red Bull-Renault - 3 Pts.
14.: R. Barrichello - Honda - 2 Pts.

Championship standings after Bahrain (teams):
1.: Ferrari - 113 Pts.
2.: McLaren-Mercedes - 103 Pts.
3.: BMW Sauber - 80 Pts.
4.: Toyota - 34 Pts.
5.: Williams-Toyota - 10 Pts.
6.: Red Bull-Renault - 9 Pts.
7.: Honda - 6 Pts.
8.: Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 3 Pts.

[Klon]

Round 4: Spain

Unusual is a very good description of the results of the first qualifying session in Barcelona. Catalunya sees Kimi Räikkönen take the victory in front of Jarno Trulli and Fernando Alonso who takes the first points of his Renault comeback in third place. Renault score big on their first successful outing with Nelson Piquet Jr. in fifth.

Result: K. Räikkönen - J. Trulli - F. Alonso - L. Hamilton - N. Piquet - R. Kubica - T. Glock - H. Kovalainen

Felipe Massa returns with a vengeance from a shameful Q1 outing and wins in Q2. It is, however, extremely close with only 13 thousands of a second between Massa and second-placed Robert Kubica. Räikkönen drops to third and we have both Renaults scoring points again.

Result: F. Massa - R. Kubica - K. Räikkönen - F. Alonso - N. Heidfeld - H. Kovalainen - L. Hamilton - N. Piquet

Beating your team mate is always the first thing you have to do in F1 and Kimi Räikkönen does just that in Q3, scoring ten points for himself. Fernando Alonso, however, came awfully close to getting the ten points. Massa down in third but still ahead of both McLaren drivers who lose out big time.

Result: K. Räikkönen - F. Alonso - F. Massa - R. Kubica - L. Hamilton - H. Kovalainen - M. Webber - J. Trulli


Championship standings after Spain (drivers):
1.: F. Massa - Ferrari - 83 Pts.
2.: K. Räikkönen - Ferrari - 65 Pts.
3.: L. Hamilton - McLaren-Mercedes - 62 Pts.
4.: R. Kubica - BMW Sauber - 62 Pts.
5.: H. Kovalainen - McLaren-Mercedes - 59 Pts.
6.: J. Trulli - Toyota - 40 Pts.
7.: N. Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 38 Pts.
8.: F. Alonso - Renault - 19 Pts.
9.: N. Rosberg - Williams-Toyota - 10 Pts.
10.: M. Webber - Red Bull-Renault - 8 Pts.
11.: N. Piquet - Renault - 5 Pts.
12.: T. Glock - Toyota - 5 Pts.
13.: J. Button - Honda - 4 Pts.
14.: S. Vettel - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 3 Pts.
15.: D. Coulthard - Red Bull-Renault - 3 Pts.
16.: R. Barrichello - Honda - 2 Pts.

Championship standings after Spain (teams):
1.: Ferrari - 148 Pts.
2.: McLaren-Mercedes - 121 Pts.
3.: BMW Sauber - 100 Pts.
4.: Toyota - 45 Pts.
5.: Renault - 24 Pts.
6.: Red Bull-Renault - 11 Pts.
7.: Williams-Toyota - 10 Pts.
8.: Honda - 6 Pts.
9.: Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 3 Pts.

[Klon]

Round 5: Turkey

Felipe Massa has described the Istanbul Park as one of his favourite tracks and if we look at his Q1 performance, we can understand why. Only Hamilton is able to even remotely challenge the Brazilian. Toyota continue their strong performances in Q1 with both cars in 4th and 5th, while Kovalainen and Kubica drop down the field.

Result: F. Massa - L. Hamilton - K. Räikkönen - T. Glock - J. Trulli - H. Kovalainen - R. Kubica - M. Webber

While Massa drops down to third Ferrari still has a lot to be happy about with Räikkönen taking the win against a pushing Robert Kubica. David Coulthard returns to point-relevant positions while Fernando Alonso beats both Nick Heidfeld and Toyota's own Jarno Trulli and scores points for the fourth time this year.

Result: K. Räikkönen - R. Kubica - F. Massa - H. Kovalainen - M. Webber - L. Hamilton - D. Coulthard - F. Alonso

Räikkönen has one win, Massa has one win. The Ferrari showdown goes down to Q3. Unsurprisingly, McLaren almost ruins the fun of their great rivals. Almost. Felipe Massa takes the win and beats both Hamilton and a Kovalainen who seems to have returned to form here. Webber continues to impress.

Result: F. Massa - H. Kovalainen - L. Hamilton - K. Räikkönen - R. Kubica - M. Webber - F. Alonso - J. Trulli


Championship standings after Turkey (drivers):
1.: F. Massa - Ferrari - 109 Pts.
2.: K. Räikkönen - Ferrari - 86 Pts.
3.: L. Hamilton - McLaren-Mercedes - 79 Pts.
4.: R. Kubica - BMW Sauber - 76 Pts.
5.: H. Kovalainen - McLaren-Mercedes - 75 Pts.
6.: J. Trulli - Toyota - 45 Pts.
7.: N. Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 38 Pts.
8.: F. Alonso - Renault - 22 Pts.
9.: M. Webber - Red Bull-Renault - 16 Pts.
10.: T. Glock - Toyota - 10 Pts.
11.: N. Rosberg - Williams-Toyota - 10 Pts.
12.: N. Piquet - Renault - 5 Pts.
13.: D. Coulthard - Red Bull-Renault - 5 Pts.
14.: J. Button - Honda - 4 Pts.
15.: S. Vettel - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 3 Pts.
16.: R. Barrichello - Honda - 2 Pts.

Championship standings after Turkey (teams):
1.: Ferrari - 195 Pts.
2.: McLaren-Mercedes - 154 Pts.
3.: BMW Sauber - 114 Pts.
4.: Toyota - 55 Pts.
5.: Renault - 27 Pts.
6.: Red Bull-Renault - 21 Pts.
7.: Williams-Toyota - 10 Pts.
8.: Honda - 6 Pts.
9.: Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 3 Pts.

[Klon]

Round 6: Monaco

Seeing Felipe Massa win is something the haters have get used to, because he does it again in the most difficult Q1 of the year. At least the McLaren are close and may strike at any moment. Nico Rosberg amazes with a fifth place, beating Robert Kubica. The two Red Bull drivers duel themselves for the last two points positions.

Result: F. Massa - H. Kovalainen - L. Hamilton - K. Räikkönen - N. Rosberg - R. Kubica - M. Webber - D. Coulthard

Q2 has an interesting result but it really doesn't help the championship. Not only can Massa take the ten points, no, he gets aid from Nico Rosberg who goes beyond the limits of his Williams and takes P2. Both McLaren are behind the German with Räikkönen again playing fourth fiddle.

Result: F. Massa - N. Rosberg - L. Hamilton - H. Kovalainen - K. Räikkönen - R. Kubica - J. Trulli - M. Webber

Everyone dreams of dominating all three qualifying sessions. Unfortunately, it takes legendary skill to achieve this feat. Massa proves his legendary skill - and that in Monaco of all places. Räikkönen becomes useful for once and covers his team mate with second place.

Result: F. Massa - K. Räikkönen - L. Hamilton - H. Kovalainen - R. Kubica - N. Rosberg - F. Alonso - J. Trulli


Championship standings after Monaco (drivers):
1.: F. Massa - Ferrari - 139 Pts.
2.: K. Räikkönen - Ferrari - 103 Pts.
3.: L. Hamilton - McLaren-Mercedes - 97 Pts.
4.: H. Kovalainen - McLaren-Mercedes - 93 Pts.
5.: R. Kubica - BMW Sauber - 86 Pts.
6.: J. Trulli - Toyota - 48 Pts.
7.: N. Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 38 Pts.
8.: N. Rosberg - Williams-Toyota - 25 Pts.
9.: F. Alonso - Renault - 22 Pts.
10.: M. Webber - Red Bull-Renault - 19 Pts.
11.: T. Glock - Toyota - 10 Pts.
12.: D. Coulthard - Red Bull-Renault - 6 Pts.
13.: N. Piquet - Renault - 5 Pts.
14.: J. Button - Honda - 4 Pts.
15.: S. Vettel - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 3 Pts.
16.: R. Barrichello - Honda - 2 Pts.

Championship standings after Monaco (teams):
1.: Ferrari - 242 Pts.
2.: McLaren-Mercedes - 190 Pts.
3.: BMW Sauber - 124 Pts.
4.: Toyota - 58 Pts.
5.: Renault - 27 Pts.
6.: Williams-Toyota - 25 Pts.
7.: Red Bull-Renault - 25 Pts.
8.: Honda - 6 Pts.
9.: Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 3 Pts.

[Klon]

Round 7: Canada

It is time to go overseas and the winds of change are blowing. This is proven by Lewis Hamilton, who takes the win in Q1, scoring 10 points for the first time since Australia. Massa does his job and takes as much points as possible, while everyone talks about Kazuki Nakajima's first point.

Result: L. Hamilton - F. Massa - H. Kovalainen - K. Räikkönen - F. Alonso - R. Kubica - M. Webber - K. Nakajima

Hamilton once again has the control over qualifying, dominating Q2. Still, he does not manage to ban Massa to the places further down the results, so he once again only manages to get two points. Nick Heidfeld, who was disappointing so far, joins Kovalainen as the last pair of point finishers.

Result: L. Hamilton - F. Massa - K. Räikkönen - F. Alonso - M. Webber - R. Kubica - H. Kovalainen - N. Heidfeld

The third session really throws a spanner in Ferrari's works. Championship leader Felipe Massa only finishes in sixth position, barely ahead of Heikki Kovalainen and with more than one second far away from Q3 winner Lewis Hamilton. Kubica impresses in second place, despite being far away from Lewis as well.

Result: L. Hamilton - R. Kubica - K. Räikkönen - F. Alonso - F. Massa - H. Kovalainen - N. Heidfeld


Championship standings after Canada (drivers):
1.: F. Massa - Ferrari - 158 Pts.
2.: L. Hamilton - McLaren-Mercedes - 127 Pts.
3.: K. Räikkönen - Ferrari - 120 Pts.
4.: H. Kovalainen - McLaren-Mercedes - 103 Pts.
5.: R. Kubica - BMW Sauber - 100 Pts.
6.: J. Trulli - Toyota - 48 Pts.
7.: N. Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 40 Pts.
8.: F. Alonso - Renault - 36 Pts.
9.: N. Rosberg - Williams-Toyota - 25 Pts.
10.: M. Webber - Red Bull-Renault - 25 Pts.
11.: T. Glock - Toyota - 10 Pts.
12.: D. Coulthard - Red Bull-Renault - 6 Pts.
13.: N. Piquet - Renault - 5 Pts.
14.: J. Button - Honda - 4 Pts.
15.: S. Vettel - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 3 Pts.
16.: R. Barrichello - Honda - 2 Pts.
17.: K. Nakajima - Williams - 1 Pt.

Championship standings after Canada (teams):
1.: Ferrari - 278 Pts.
2.: McLaren-Mercedes - 230 Pts.
3.: BMW Sauber - 140 Pts.
4.: Toyota - 58 Pts.
5.: Renault - 36 Pts.
6.: Red Bull-Renault - 31 Pts.
7.: Williams-Toyota - 26 Pts.
8.: Honda - 6 Pts.
9.: Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 3 Pts.[/quote]

[Klon]

Round 8: France

Back in Europe and order is apparentely restored with both Ferraris finishing in the front. Anyone trying to hunt them really is not helped with Jarno Trulli's very good third place. Toyota seems to be going well with Glock in sixth place. David Coulthard denies Nelson Piquet Jr. a place in the points.

Result: F. Massa - K. Räikkönen - J. Trulli - L. Hamilton - R. Kubica - T. Glock - F. Alonso - D. Coulthard

Ferrari are controlling Magny-Cours and have no intention of letting go, once again with Massa and Räikkönen taking P1 and P2. Jarno Trulli impresses again, but this time he just does not manage to keep Hamilton behind him. Glock is in the points once again.

Result: F. Massa - K. Räikkönen - L. Hamilton - J. Trulli - F. Alonso - M. Webber - T. Glock - H. Kovalainen

Ferrari have been told multiple times during the Schumacher years that they make the results predictable and boring. Apparentely, they do not like to deal with this anymore and they do not have to: Räikkönen wins Q3 and Massa is a generous second-placed finisher.

Result: K. Räikkönen - F. Massa - L. Hamilton - F. Alonso - J. Trulli - H. Kovalainen - R. Kubica - M. Webber


Championship standings after France (drivers):
1.: F. Massa - Ferrari - 186 Pts.
2.: K. Räikkönen - Ferrari - 146 Pts.
3.: L. Hamilton - McLaren-Mercedes - 138 Pts.
4.: H. Kovalainen - McLaren-Mercedes - 107 Pts.
5.: R. Kubica - BMW Sauber - 106 Pts.
6.: J. Trulli - Toyota - 63 Pts.
7.: F. Alonso - Renault - 47 Pts.
8.: N. Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 40 Pts.
9.: M. Webber - Red Bull-Renault - 29 Pts.
10.: N. Rosberg - Williams-Toyota - 25 Pts.
11.: T. Glock - Toyota - 15 Pts.
12.: D. Coulthard - Red Bull-Renault - 7 Pts.
13.: N. Piquet - Renault - 5 Pts.
14.: J. Button - Honda - 4 Pts.
15.: S. Vettel - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 3 Pts.
16.: R. Barrichello - Honda - 2 Pts.
17.: K. Nakajima - Williams - 1 Pt.

Championship standings after Canada (teams):
1.: Ferrari - 332 Pts.
2.: McLaren-Mercedes - 245 Pts.
3.: BMW Sauber - 146 Pts.
4.: Toyota - 78 Pts.
5.: Renault - 52 Pts.
6.: Red Bull-Renault - 36 Pts.
7.: Williams-Toyota - 26 Pts.
8.: Honda - 6 Pts.
9.: Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 3 Pts.

[Klon]

Round 9: United Kingdom

Some people on the continent say that things on the British islands are always a bit strange. Well, Q1 does not help to disturb this talk, while seeing both McLaren win is nothing too special, having Sebastian Vettel in the Toro Rosso behind them surely is. Bourdais joins him with a sixth place.

Result: H. Kovalainen - L. Hamilton - S. Vettel - K. Räikkönen - R. Kubica - S. Bourdais - F. Massa - N. Piquet

Hamilton and Kovalainen keep rocking the British Islands. Mark Webber tries to get attention and succeeds in doing so with a third place. Ferrari still struggle big time along with Scuderia Toro Rosso in Q2. BMW may not rock the boat, but at least both drivers are scoring points on a consistent basis.

Result: L. Hamilton - H. Kovalainen - M. Webber - R. Kubica - N. Heidfeld - K. Räikkönen - F. Alonso - F. Massa

Lewis Hamilton is for once not the alphamale at McLaren, Heikki Kovalainen rules and takes the 10 points, beating Mark Webber who once again shows why people consider him a qualifying specialist. Hamilton is only in fourth position and Vettel returns to the points.

Result: H. Kovalainen - M. Webber - K. Räikkönen - L. Hamilton - N. Heidfeld - F. Alonso - N. Piquet - S. Vettel


Championship standings after the United Kingdom (drivers):
1.: F. Massa - Ferrari - 189 Pts.
2.: L. Hamilton - McLaren-Mercedes - 161 Pts.
3.: K. Räikkönen - Ferrari - 160 Pts.
4.: H. Kovalainen - McLaren-Mercedes - 135 Pts.
5.: R. Kubica - BMW Sauber - 115 Pts.
6.: J. Trulli - Toyota - 63 Pts.
7.: F. Alonso - Renault - 52 Pts.
8.: N. Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 48 Pts.
9.: M. Webber - Red Bull-Renault - 43 Pts.
10.: N. Rosberg - Williams-Toyota - 25 Pts.
11.: T. Glock - Toyota - 15 Pts.
12.: S. Vettel - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 10 Pts.
13.: N. Piquet - Renault - 8 Pts.
14.: D. Coulthard - Red Bull-Renault - 7 Pts.
15.: J. Button - Honda - 4 Pts.
16.: S. Bourdais - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 3 Pts.
17.: R. Barrichello - Honda - 2 Pts.
18.: K. Nakajima - Williams - 1 Pt.

Championship standings after the United Kingdom (teams):
1.: Ferrari - 359 Pts.
2.: McLaren-Mercedes - 296 Pts.
3.: BMW Sauber - 163 Pts.
4.: Toyota - 78 Pts.
5.: Renault - 60 Pts.
6.: Red Bull-Renault - 50 Pts.
7.: Williams-Toyota - 26 Pts.
8.: Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 13 Pts.
9.: Honda - 6 Pts.

[Klon]

Round 10: Germany

In the United Kingdom, Felipe Massa looked weak and had his championship advantage decreased. Therefore striking back with a win in Q1 is the right thing to do for the Brazilian. Kimi Räikkönen works as a perfect wingman and robs Hamilton of two points. Vettel impresses in his home race, just like Glock.

Result: F. Massa - K. Räikkönen - L. Hamilton - H. Kovalainen - S. Vettel - T. Glock/J. Trulli - N. Heidfeld

Hamilton realises the threat posed by Felipe's win and so he countered with a great job to win Q2. Kovalainen, however, is slightly weaker than Räikkönen, since he cannot beat Massa. The German heroics of Q1 are gone, but Robert Kubica and David Coulthard manage to score points.

Result: L. Hamilton - F. Massa - H. Kovalainen - F. Alonso - K. Räikkönen - R. Kubica - J. Trulli - D. Coulthard

A win would give Lewis the chance to equal his losses from Q1 and that actually happens. Jarno Trulli earns his reputation as a qualifying specialist in order to achieve a fourth place. Alonso looks good as well in fifth. Webber scores points for the first time this weekend.

Result: L. Hamilton - F. Massa - H. Kovalainen - J. Trulli - F. Alonso - K. Räikkönen - R. Kubica - M. Webber


Championship standings after Germany (drivers):
1.: F. Massa - Ferrari - 215 Pts.
2.: L. Hamilton - McLaren-Mercedes - 187 Pts.
3.: K. Räikkönen - Ferrari - 175 Pts.
4.: H. Kovalainen - McLaren-Mercedes - 152 Pts.
5.: R. Kubica - BMW Sauber - 120 Pts.
6.: J. Trulli - Toyota - 68 Pts.
7.: F. Alonso - Renault - 61 Pts.
8.: N. Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 49 Pts.
9.: M. Webber - Red Bull-Renault - 44 Pts.
10.: N. Rosberg - Williams-Toyota - 25 Pts.
11.: T. Glock - Toyota - 18 Pts.
12.: S. Vettel - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 14 Pts.
13.: N. Piquet - Renault - 8 Pts.
14.: D. Coulthard - Red Bull-Renault - 8 Pts.
15.: J. Button - Honda - 4 Pts.
16.: S. Bourdais - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 3 Pts.
17.: R. Barrichello - Honda - 2 Pts.
18.: K. Nakajima - Williams - 1 Pt.

Championship standings after Germany (teams):
1.: Ferrari - 390 Pts.
2.: McLaren-Mercedes - 339 Pts.
3.: BMW Sauber - 169 Pts.
4.: Toyota - 86 Pts.
5.: Renault - 69 Pts.
6.: Red Bull-Renault - 52 Pts.
7.: Williams-Toyota - 26 Pts.
8.: Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 17 Pts.
9.: Honda - 6 Pts.

[Klon]

Round 11: Hungary

One of the slowest tracks of the 2008 season awaits the F1 drivers. Toyota is up to the challenge and they become the stars in Q1. With Nick Heidfeld struggling in recent weeks, continued performances like in Q1 may allow the Japanese manufacturer to challenge BMW. Meanwhile Hamilton just beats Massa.

Result: L. Hamilton - F. Massa - J. Trulli - H. Kovalainen - T. Glock - K. Räikkönen - R. Kubica - M. Webber

Toyota continues to impress and Glock even interferes in the championship battle by squeezing himself just between L. Hamilton and F. Massa, the Brazilian once again profiting from outside interference. Trulli manages a decent fifth place while Kubica tries to rescue BMW.

Result: F. Massa - T. Glock - L. Hamilton - H. Kovalainen - J. Trulli - K. Räikkönen - R. Kubica - F. Alonso

Heikki Kovalainen does what is asked of him and beats Felipe Massa in order to help his partner. Massa only manages third and loses four points of his advantage. Toyota cannot match their previous performance once race fuel comes into play, Glock is fifth and Trulli finishes 35 hundreds of a second off the points.

Result: L. Hamilton - H. Kovalainen - F. Massa - R. Kubica - T. Glock - K. Räikkönen - F. Alonso - M. Webber


Championship standings after Hungary (drivers):
1.: F. Massa - Ferrari - 239 Pts.
2.: L. Hamilton - McLaren-Mercedes - 213 Pts.
3.: K. Räikkönen - Ferrari - 184 Pts.
4.: H. Kovalainen - McLaren-Mercedes - 170 Pts.
5.: R. Kubica - BMW Sauber - 129 Pts.
6.: J. Trulli - Toyota - 78 Pts.
7.: F. Alonso - Renault - 64 Pts.
8.: N. Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 49 Pts.
9.: M. Webber - Red Bull-Renault - 46 Pts.
10.: T. Glock - Toyota - 35 Pts.
11.: N. Rosberg - Williams-Toyota - 25 Pts.
12.: S. Vettel - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 14 Pts.
13.: N. Piquet - Renault - 8 Pts.
14.: D. Coulthard - Red Bull-Renault - 8 Pts.
15.: J. Button - Honda - 4 Pts.
16.: S. Bourdais - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 3 Pts.
17.: R. Barrichello - Honda - 2 Pts.
18.: K. Nakajima - Williams-Toyota - 1 Pt.

Championship standings after Hungary (teams):
1.: Ferrari - 433 Pts.
2.: McLaren-Mercedes - 383 Pts.
3.: BMW Sauber - 178 Pts.
4.: Toyota - 113 Pts.
5.: Renault - 72 Pts.
6.: Red Bull-Renault - 54 Pts.
7.: Williams-Toyota - 26 Pts.
8.: Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 17 Pts.
9.: Honda - 6 Pts.

[Klon]

Round 12: Europe

The battle for the 2008 Formula 1 World Championship continues on the new track on the streets of Valencia. While Massa manages to beat his rival by a mile and by three points, the true stars of this session were Jarno Trulli and Sebastian Vettel who scored first and second respectively.

Result: J. Trulli - S. Vettel - F. Massa - F. Alonso - R. Kubica - L. Hamilton - T. Glock - M. Webber

In Q2, Massa enjoys his superiority once more, he gains another four points on his biggest championship rival by doing the same time as Heidfeld. Nobody talks about this, however, since Sebastian Vettel does great things and becomes the youngest session winner in Formula 1 history. Toro Rosso take the ten points and hope for more in the third one.

Result: S. Vettel - F. Massa/N. Heidfeld - J. Trulli - L. Hamilton - R. Kubica - H. Kovalainen - K. Räikkönen

Whilst Lewis Hamilton goes up the table, he still finishes behind Felipe Massa who wins Q3. Germany's newest hero Sebastian Vettel, however, manages another sixth place, bringing his total up to 21 (more than his points total before this round) - total domination compared to Bourdais' zero points.

Result: F. Massa - L. Hamilton - R. Kubica - K. Räikkönen - H. Kovalainen - S. Vettel - J. Trulli - N. Heidfeld


Championship standings after Europe (drivers):
1.: F. Massa - Ferrari - 263 Pts.
2.: L. Hamilton - McLaren-Mercedes - 228 Pts.
3.: K. Räikkönen - Ferrari - 190 Pts.
4.: H. Kovalainen - McLaren-Mercedes - 176 Pts.
5.: R. Kubica - BMW Sauber - 143 Pts.
6.: J. Trulli - Toyota - 95 Pts.
7.: F. Alonso - Renault - 69 Pts.
8.: N. Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 58 Pts.
9.: M. Webber - Red Bull-Renault - 47 Pts.
10.: T. Glock - Toyota - 37 Pts.
11.: S. Vettel - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 35 Pts.
12.: N. Rosberg - Williams-Toyota - 25 Pts.
13.: N. Piquet - Renault - 8 Pts.
14.: D. Coulthard - Red Bull-Renault - 8 Pts.
15.: J. Button - Honda - 4 Pts.
16.: S. Bourdais - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 3 Pts.
17.: R. Barrichello - Honda - 2 Pts.
18.: K. Nakajima - Williams-Toyota - 1 Pt.

Championship standings after Europe (teams):
1.: Ferrari - 453 Pts.
2.: McLaren-Mercedes - 404 Pts.
3.: BMW Sauber - 201 Pts.
4.: Toyota - 132 Pts.
5.: Renault - 77 Pts.
6.: Red Bull-Renault - 55 Pts.
8.: Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 38 Pts.
7.: Williams-Toyota - 26 Pts.
9.: Honda - 6 Pts.

[Klon]

Round 13: Belgium

After having seen a large egg on his face, Sebastién Bourdais needed to react in order to save his career. Is there a better way of doing that than finishing first in the first Belgian session? Meanwhile, Felipe Massa continues to beat Lewis Hamilton, although it was awfully close.

Result: S. Bourdais - H. Kovalainen - F. Massa - L. Hamilton - K. Räikkönen - N. Piquet - R. Kubica - D. Coulthard

Sadly, the French success story does not go any further, only an eight place remained for Bourdais. However, he still beats his German team partner by nearly three tenths of a second. Meanwhile, both McLaren counter the enemy effort to take a one-two, sadly not in the desired order.

Result: H. Kovalainen - L. Hamilton - K. Räikkönen - N. Heidfeld - F. Massa - F. Alonso - R. Kubica - S. Bourdais

The championship battle is the main feature of the third qualifying session. It is Lewis Hamilton, who dominates the session and once again keeps Massa behind him, an essential victory in the battle for the title. Kovalainen has the advantage against Räikkönen in the Finnish fight for third place in the title race.

Result: L. Hamilton - F. Massa - H. Kovalainen - K. Räikkönen - N. Heidfeld - F. Alonso - M. Webber - R. Kubica


Championship standings after Belgium (drivers):
1.: F. Massa - Ferrari - 281 Pts.
2.: L. Hamilton - McLaren-Mercedes - 251 Pts.
3.: K. Räikkönen - Ferrari - 205 Pts.
4.: H. Kovalainen - McLaren-Mercedes - 200 Pts.
5.: R. Kubica - BMW Sauber - 148 Pts.
6.: J. Trulli - Toyota - 95 Pts.
7.: F. Alonso - Renault - 75 Pts.
8.: N. Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 67 Pts.
9.: M. Webber - Red Bull-Renault - 49 Pts.
10.: T. Glock - Toyota - 37 Pts.
11.: S. Vettel - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 35 Pts.
12.: N. Rosberg - Williams-Toyota - 25 Pts.
13.: S. Bourdais - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 14 Pts.
14.: N. Piquet - Renault - 11 Pts.
15.: D. Coulthard - Red Bull-Renault - 9 Pts.
16.: J. Button - Honda - 4 Pts.
17.: R. Barrichello - Honda - 2 Pts.
18.: K. Nakajima - Williams-Toyota - 1 Pt.

Championship standings after Belgium (teams):
1.: Ferrari - 486 Pts.
2.: McLaren-Mercedes - 451 Pts.
3.: BMW Sauber - 215 Pts.
4.: Toyota - 132 Pts.
5.: Renault - 86 Pts.
6.: Red Bull-Renault - 58 Pts.
8.: Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 49 Pts.
7.: Williams-Toyota - 26 Pts.
9.: Honda - 6 Pts.

[Klon]

Round 14: Italy

A wet Autodromo Nazionale Monza: welcome to anarchy! Surprisingly, the McLaren cars take the lead in Q1, not showing much chaos at all. However, behind him, the Germans took over, three of them in the remaining top eight. Massa loses another four points compared to his British enemy.

Result: H. Kovalainen - L. Hamilton - S. Vettel - N. Rosberg - F. Massa - S. Bourdais - R. Kubica - N. Heidfeld

While we did not quite recieve the chaos we were looking for in Q1, the second session did not fail to disappoint: a strategic error robbed Hamilton of the chance to gain further points or even make Q3. Felipe Massa makes Q3, but by the lowest margin. Vettel takes his second win in a war with Kovalainen.

Result: S. Vettel - H. Kovalainen - N. Rosberg - J. Trulli - S. Bourdais - M. Webber - F. Alonso - T. Glock

Sebastian Vettel and Sebastién Bourdais show that the Scuderia Toro Rosso was running in Q3 on mere merit, it was clearly the fastest car in this weather. Only Webber's brilliant third place avoids the ultimate humiliation of the Red Bull mothership. Felipe Massa scores three very important points, while Rosberg makes his third consecutive points position.

Result: S. Vettel - H. Kovalainen - M. Webber - S. Bourdais - N. Rosberg - F. Massa - J. Trulli - F. Alonso


Championship standings after Italy (drivers):
1.: F. Massa - Ferrari - 288 Pts.
2.: L. Hamilton - McLaren-Mercedes - 259 Pts.
3.: K. Räikkönen - Ferrari - 205 Pts.
4.: H. Kovalainen - McLaren-Mercedes - 226 Pts.
5.: R. Kubica - BMW Sauber - 148 Pts.
6.: J. Trulli - Toyota - 102 Pts.
7.: F. Alonso - Renault - 78 Pts.
8.: N. Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 68 Pts.
9.: M. Webber - Red Bull-Renault - 58 Pts.
10.: T. Glock - Toyota - 38 Pts.
11.: S. Vettel - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 61 Pts.
12.: N. Rosberg - Williams-Toyota - 40 Pts.
13.: S. Bourdais - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 26 Pts.
14.: N. Piquet - Renault - 11 Pts.
15.: D. Coulthard - Red Bull-Renault - 9 Pts.
16.: J. Button - Honda - 4 Pts.
17.: R. Barrichello - Honda - 2 Pts.
18.: K. Nakajima - Williams-Toyota - 1 Pt.

Championship standings after Italy (teams):
1.: Ferrari - 493 Pts.
2.: McLaren-Mercedes - 485 Pts.
3.: BMW Sauber - 216 Pts.
4.: Toyota - 140 Pts.
5.: Renault - 89 Pts.
6.: Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 87 Pts.
7.: Red Bull-Renault - 67 Pts.
8.: Williams-Toyota - 41 Pts.
9.: Honda - 6 Pts.

[Klon]

Round 15: Singapore

The championship comes closer to its climax and aside from the obvious candidates Massa and Hamilton there are others who still have a shot - one of them is Kimi Räikkönen who manages to take ten points in the first session held at nighttime. Vettel gains even more points with Rosberg making a nice impression with eight place.

Result: K. Räikkönen - H. Kovalainen - L. Hamilton - F. Massa - R. Kubica - F. Alonso - S. Vettel - N. Rosberg

Felipe Massa does not wish to lose this title so he does what he needs to do - finish first in Q2. Luckily for him, Hamilton really struggles in this session and only finishes tenth, even behind Kazuki Nakajima. The two BMWs are only one tenth and one point apart from each other. Rosberg and Vettel impress even more.

Result: F. Massa - H. Kovalainen - K. Räikkönen - S. Vettel - N. Rosberg - T. Glock - R. Kubica - N. Heidfeld

Massa continues to rule the Singaporean streets while Lewis Hamilton strikes back with a vengeance and takes second place with Räikkönen completing the Q3 podium in F1's first ever night weekend. Vettel manages to pull off his sixth consecutive points-paying results

Result: F. Massa - L. Hamilton - K. Räikkönen - R. Kubica - H. Kovalainen - N. Heidfeld - S. Vettel - T. Glock


Championship standings after Singapore (drivers):
1.: F. Massa - Ferrari - 313 Pts.
2.: L. Hamilton - McLaren-Mercedes - 273 Pts.
3.: H. Kovalainen - McLaren-Mercedes - 246 Pts.
4.: K. Räikkönen - Ferrari - 227 Pts.
5.: R. Kubica - BMW Sauber - 155 Pts.
6.: J. Trulli - Toyota - 102 Pts.
7.: F. Alonso - Renault - 81 Pts.
8.: N. Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 72 Pts.
9.: S. Vettel - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 70 Pts.
10.: M. Webber - Red Bull-Renault - 58 Pts.
11.: N. Rosberg - Williams-Toyota - 45 Pts.
12.: T. Glock - Toyota - 42 Pts.
13.: S. Bourdais - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 26 Pts.
14.: N. Piquet - Renault - 11 Pts.
15.: D. Coulthard - Red Bull-Renault - 9 Pts.
16.: J. Button - Honda - 4 Pts.
17.: R. Barrichello - Honda - 2 Pts.
18.: K. Nakajima - Williams-Toyota - 1 Pt.
- Drivers who can still win the title are marked in italics

Championship standings after Singapore (teams):
1.: Ferrari - 540 Pts.
2.: McLaren-Mercedes - 519 Pts.
3.: BMW Sauber - 227 Pts.
4.: Toyota - 144 Pts.
5.: Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 96 Pts.
6.: Renault - 92 Pts.
7.: Red Bull-Renault - 67 Pts.
8.: Williams-Toyota - 46 Pts.
9.: Honda - 6 Pts.
- Teams who can still win the title are marked in italics

[wmetcalf68]

Come on Felipe! You got it! He has a good lead with I think 2 more races left!

[Klon]

Actually we are three races away from the finish - time for the first showdown.

Round 16: Japan

We are at the home track of Toyota and what more could the Japanese manufacturer ask for than a win in Q1 at the hands of an amazing Timo Glock. Meanwhile the truly interesting story plays out only a few spaces behind him, Hamilton takes two points out of Massa's lead. Coulthard and Piquet surprise in the top eight.

Result: T. Glock - L. Hamilton - F. Massa - K. Räikkönen - H. Kovalainen - F. Alonso - N. Piquet - D. Coulthard

With every session that passes, the championship chance of Felipe Massa grows more and more realistic, he knows that and impresses with a first place. Heikki Kovalainen is, sadly, in Hamilton's way and takes two important points from the Brit. Toyota still remains the third-strongest force.

Result: F. Massa - H. Kovalainen - L. Hamilton - J. Trulli - T. Glock - S. Vettel - K. Räikkönen - F. Alonso

Fear is a powerful force - Hamilton fears his chance at a world title dying and pushes with full force to take another win. Thanks to Räikkönen and his own team mate, Hamilton can make up another six points on Massa, while Toyota makes their fifth points-paying position in a row.

Result: L. Hamilton - K. Räikkönen - H. Kovalainen - F. Alonso - F. Massa - R. Kubica - J. Trulli - T. Glock


Championship standings after Japan (drivers):
1.: F. Massa - Ferrari - 333 Pts.
2.: L. Hamilton - McLaren-Mercedes - 297 Pts.
3.: H. Kovalainen - McLaren-Mercedes - 264 Pts.
4.: K. Räikkönen - Ferrari - 242 Pts.
5.: R. Kubica - BMW Sauber - 158 Pts.
6.: J. Trulli - Toyota - 109 Pts.
7.: F. Alonso - Renault - 90 Pts.
8.: S. Vettel - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 73 Pts.
9.: N. Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 72 Pts.
10.: M. Webber - Red Bull-Renault - 58 Pts.
11.: T. Glock - Toyota - 57 Pts.
12.: N. Rosberg - Williams-Toyota - 45 Pts.
13.: S. Bourdais - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 26 Pts.
14.: N. Piquet - Renault - 13 Pts.
15.: D. Coulthard - Red Bull-Renault - 10 Pts.
16.: J. Button - Honda - 4 Pts.
17.: R. Barrichello - Honda - 2 Pts.
18.: K. Nakajima - Williams-Toyota - 1 Pt.
- Drivers who can still win the title are marked in italics

Championship standings after Singapore (teams):
1.: McLaren-Mercedes - 561 Pts.
2.: Ferrari - 552 Pts.
3.: BMW Sauber - 230 Pts.
4.: Toyota - 166 Pts.
5.: Renault - 103 Pts.
6.: Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 99 Pts.
7.: Red Bull-Renault - 68 Pts.
8.: Williams-Toyota - 46 Pts.
9.: Honda - 6 Pts.
- Teams who can still win the title are marked in italics

[Klon]

Bah, why does wikipedia have to play the upholder of moral standards when I am trying to do my stuff? Thank HWNSNBM for the Spanish wikipedia.

Round 17: China

While Fernando Alonso said he wishes to help Felipe Massa, his good performance does exact the opposite, Ferrari aren't having a good time in Q1 and so Massa gets banned to P6 while Hamilton gladly takes all points on the table. Sebastian Vettel has another brilliant performance with a third place.

Result: L. Hamilton - H. Kovalainen - S. Vettel - F. Alonso - K. Räikkönen - F. Massa - N. Piquet - J. Trulli

Felipe Massa has lost out big time, his current advantage just wouldn't be enough to be able to seal the world title in Q2, no matter how it would end. Hamilton has no intention of giving up yet, he scores another win with his rival quite close and both Toro Rosso's enter the points.

Result: L. Hamilton - F. Massa - H. Kovalainen - K. Räikkönen - S. Vettel - N. Heidfeld - F. Alonso - S. Bourdais

A hattrick in China keeps Lewis Hamilton's dreams of winning his first title very much alive, Räikkönen comes in Massa's way and reduces the Brazilian's advantage to just 23 points. Mark Webber impresses after having just done enough to make Q3.

Result: L. Hamilton - K. Räikkönen - F. Massa - F. Alonso - H. Kovalainen - M. Webber - N. Heidfeld - S. Vettel


Championship standings after China (drivers):
1.: F. Massa - Ferrari - 350 Pts.
2.: L. Hamilton - McLaren-Mercedes - 327 Pts.
3.: H. Kovalainen - McLaren-Mercedes - 282 Pts.
4.: K. Räikkönen - Ferrari - 259 Pts.
5.: R. Kubica - BMW Sauber - 158 Pts.
6.: J. Trulli - Toyota - 110 Pts.
7.: F. Alonso - Renault - 102 Pts.
8.: S. Vettel - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 84 Pts.
9.: N. Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 77 Pts.
10.: M. Webber - Red Bull-Renault - 61 Pts.
11.: T. Glock - Toyota - 57 Pts.
12.: N. Rosberg - Williams-Toyota - 45 Pts.
13.: S. Bourdais - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 27 Pts.
14.: N. Piquet - Renault - 15 Pts.
15.: D. Coulthard - Red Bull-Renault - 10 Pts.
16.: J. Button - Honda - 4 Pts.
17.: R. Barrichello - Honda - 2 Pts.
18.: K. Nakajima - Williams-Toyota - 1 Pt.
- Drivers who can still win the title are marked in italics

Championship standings after China (teams):
1.: McLaren-Mercedes - 609 Pts.
1.: Ferrari - 609 Pts.
3.: BMW Sauber - 235 Pts.
4.: Toyota - 167 Pts.
5.: Renault - 117 Pts.
6.: Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 111 Pts.
7.: Red Bull-Renault - 71 Pts.
8.: Williams-Toyota - 46 Pts.
9.: Honda - 6 Pts.
- Teams who can still win the title are marked in italics

[Klon]

Round 18: Brazil

27 points difference - to make it simple, if Massa finishes ahead of Hamilton, he is the new Formula 1 World Champion. You all know what Massa's win in Q1 means? Yes, he IS the world champion. Congratulations are in order. He and Räikkönen also give Ferrari the upper edge in the constructor's championship.

Result: F. Massa - K. Räikkönen - L. Hamilton - F. Alonso - T. Glock - N. Piquet - H. Kovalainen - N. Heidfeld

McLaren-Mercedes have lost their driver's title, but they are not willing to give up on the other championship just yet. Heikki Kovalainen does his job and takes the victory in Q2. A McLaren 1-2 is avoided by a fabulous lap by Sebastian Vettel, Massa and Räikkönen take P4 and P6, being split by Timo Glock.

Result: H. Kovalainen - S. Vettel - L. Hamilton - F. Massa - T. Glock - K. Räikkönen - N. Heidfeld - S. Bourdais

McLaren have countered and it is up to newly-crowned world champion Massa and Räikkönen to take the win and the team championship, which is what they do. They almost get away with a 1-2 after an awesome lap by Felipe Massa, only to have Jarno Trulli pull out all the stops and conquer the second position.

Result: F. Massa - J. Trulli - K. Räikkönen - L. Hamilton - H. Kovalainen - F. Alonso - S. Vettel - N. Heidfeld

[Klon]

2008 Championship Results (drivers):
1.: F. Massa - Ferrari - 375 Pts.
2.: L. Hamilton - McLaren-Mercedes - 344 Pts.
3.: H. Kovalainen - McLaren-Mercedes - 296 Pts.
4.: K. Räikkönen - Ferrari - 276 Pts.
5.: R. Kubica - BMW Sauber - 158 Pts.
6.: J. Trulli - Toyota - 118 Pts.
7.: F. Alonso - Renault - 110 Pts.
8.: S. Vettel - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 94 Pts.
9.: N. Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 81 Pts.
10.: T. Glock - Toyota - 65 Pts.
11.: M. Webber - Red Bull-Renault - 61 Pts.
12.: N. Rosberg - Williams-Toyota - 45 Pts.
13.: S. Bourdais - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 28 Pts.
14.: N. Piquet - Renault - 18 Pts.
15.: D. Coulthard - Red Bull-Renault - 10 Pts.
16.: J. Button - Honda - 4 Pts.
17.: R. Barrichello - Honda - 2 Pts.
18.: K. Nakajima - Williams-Toyota - 1 Pt.

2008 Championship Results (teams):
1.: Ferrari - 651 Pts.
1.: McLaren-Mercedes - 640 Pts.
3.: BMW Sauber - 239 Pts.
4.: Toyota - 183 Pts.
5.: Renault - 128 Pts.
6.: Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 122 Pts.
7.: Red Bull-Renault - 71 Pts.
8.: Williams-Toyota - 46 Pts.
9.: Honda - 6 Pts.

[wmetcalf68]

2008 Championship Results (drivers):
1.: F. Massa - Ferrari - 375 Pts.
2.: L. Hamilton - McLaren-Mercedes - 344 Pts.
3.: H. Kovalainen - McLaren-Mercedes - 296 Pts.
4.: K. Räikkönen - Ferrari - 276 Pts.
5.: R. Kubica - BMW Sauber - 158 Pts.
6.: J. Trulli - Toyota - 118 Pts.
7.: F. Alonso - Renault - 110 Pts.
8.: S. Vettel - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 94 Pts.
9.: N. Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 81 Pts.
10.: T. Glock - Toyota - 65 Pts.
11.: M. Webber - Red Bull-Renault - 61 Pts.
12.: N. Rosberg - Williams-Toyota - 45 Pts.
13.: S. Bourdais - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 28 Pts.
14.: N. Piquet - Renault - 18 Pts.
15.: D. Coulthard - Red Bull-Renault - 10 Pts.
16.: J. Button - Honda - 4 Pts.
17.: R. Barrichello - Honda - 2 Pts.
18.: K. Nakajima - Williams-Toyota - 1 Pt.

2008 Championship Results (teams):
1.: Ferrari - 651 Pts.
1.: McLaren-Mercedes - 640 Pts.
3.: BMW Sauber - 239 Pts.
4.: Toyota - 183 Pts.
5.: Renault - 128 Pts.
6.: Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 122 Pts.
7.: Red Bull-Renault - 71 Pts.
8.: Williams-Toyota - 46 Pts.
9.: Honda - 6 Pts.

YES! FANTASTIC! *Vettel finger*

[Klon]

2009 Formula One season
Round 1: Australia

Once again, the F1 begins a new world championship battle in the city of Melbourne - and boy, do things have changed. Neither a Ferrari, nor a McLaren manage to enter the Top 5. The story of Q1 is the absolute domination by the remnants of the Honda team, now called "Brawn".

Result: R. Barrichello - J. Button - M. Webber - T. Glock - N. Heidfeld - F. Massa - N. Rosberg - K. Räikkönen

Rubens Barrichello continues to dominate, closely followed by his team mate. Red Bull also seem strong, again third place, only this time conquered by Sebastian Vettel. Webber needs to accept P6, still a good result for him. Both Toyotas enter the points.

Result: R. Barrichello - J. Button - S. Vettel - N. Rosberg - R. Kubica - M. Webber - J. Trulli - T. Glock

The last session of the first race sees a change of fortune at Brawn, Jenson Button manages to beat Rubens Barrichello. Behind them, Sebastian Vettel takes another third. Are we looking at a championship contender here? Again, both Toyotas score points and Rosberg makes his third points finish.

Result: J. Button - R. Barrichello - S. Vettel - R. Kubica - N. Rosberg - T. Glock - F. Massa - J. Trulli


Championship standings after Australia (drivers):
1.: R. Barrichello - Brawn-Mercedes - 28 Pts.
2.: J. Button - Brawn-Mercedes - 26 Pts.
3.: S. Vettel - Red Bull-Renault - 12 Pts.
4.: N. Rosberg - Williams-Toyota - 11 Pts.
5.: M. Webber - Red Bull-Renault - 9 Pts.
6.: R. Kubica - BMW Sauber - 9 Pts.
7.: T. Glock - Toyota - 9 Pts.
8.: N. Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 4 Pts.
9.: F. Massa - Ferrari - 3 Pts.
10.: J. Trulli - Toyota - 3 Pts.
11.: K. Räikkönen - Ferrari - 1 Pt.

Championship standings after Australia (teams):
1.: Brawn-Mercedes - 53 Pts.
2.: Red Bull-Renault - 21 Pts.
3.: BMW Sauber - 13 Pts.
4.: Toyota - 12 Pts.
5.: Williams-Toyota - 11 Pts.
6.: Ferrari - 4 Pts.

[Klon]

Round 2: Malaysia

It was crucial for the other teams to beat any Brawn car after they dominated in Melbourne; they stop Button by putting him in seventh place - they don't stop Barrichello who wins his third session of the year. Toyota look very strong and McLaren-Mercedes score their first points.

Result: R. Barrichello - J. Trulli - T. Glock - S. Vettel - M. Webber - H. Kovalainen - J. Button - N. Rosberg

Now it was Button who needed to stop Rubens from getting away and he does that, nearly equalising the situation in Q1. Red Bull and Toyota continue to be the apparent alternative to a Brawn championship. Ferrari score points whilst Rosberg scored his second 8th place in a row.

Result: J. Button - J. Trulli - M. Webber - T. Glock - S. Vettel - R. Barrichello - K. Räikkönen - N. Rosberg

Their fans hoped for an exciting battle between Barrichello and Button. However, Trulli and Vettel do not like that and push hard. They are not good enough however to avoid the sixth Brawn win in a row; Brawn GP might get close to breaking this championship's record of nine in a row (Ferrari: Spain - Monaco 2008)

Result: J. Button - J. Trulli - S. Vettel - R. Barrichello - T. Glock - N. Rosberg - M. Webber - R. Kubica


Championship standings after Malaysia (drivers):
1.: J. Button - Brawn-Mercedes - 48 Pts.
2.: R. Barrichello - Brawn-Mercedes - 46 Pts.
3.: J. Trulli - Toyota - 27 Pts.
4.: S. Vettel - Red Bull-Renault - 27 Pts.
5.: T. Glock - Toyota - 24 Pts.
6.: M. Webber - Red Bull-Renault - 21 Pts.
7.: N. Rosberg - Williams-Toyota - 16 Pts.
8.: R. Kubica - BMW Sauber - 10 Pts.
9.: N. Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 4 Pts.
10.: H. Kovalainen - McLaren-Mercedes - 3 Pts.
10.: F. Massa - Ferrari - 3 Pts.
12.: K. Räikkönen - Ferrari - 3 Pts.

Championship standings after Malaysia (teams):
1.: Brawn-Mercedes - 93 Pts.
2.: Toyota - 51 Pts.
3.: Red Bull-Renault - 48 Pts.
4.: Williams-Toyota - 16 Pts.
5.: BMW Sauber - 14 Pts.
6.: Ferrari - 6 Pts.
7.: McLaren-Mercedes - 3 Pts.

[Klon]

Round 3: China

We welcome two new members in the points club, last year's title contender Hamilton scores his first points of this year and Toro Rosso rookie Sébastien Buemi scores his first career points. Meanwhile, Button takes Brawn win #7. Will it be the "lucky seven"?

Result: J. Button - R. Barrichello - M. Webber - L. Hamilton - N. Rosberg - K. Räikkönen - F. Massa - S. Buemi

No, it is not. Red Bull Racing use their full Newey-skill and dominate Q2 with both Brawn cars behind them. Jarno Trulli is the apparent "best of the rest" in front of Hamilton. Fernando Alonso scores the first points of 2009 for Renault.

Result: S. Vettel - M. Webber - R. Barrichello - J. Button - J. Trulli - L. Hamilton - F. Alonso - N. Rosberg

A late Q3 charge by Sebastian Vettel allows him to rob Fernando Alonso of pole position and 10 points. The Spaniard still wins many hearts with a passionate performance, making Mark Webber and both Brawns look silly. Rosberg is eight, but scored points in every session of this year whereas Nakajima has none.

Result: S. Vettel - F. Alonso - M. Webber - R. Barrichello - J. Button - J. Trulli - N. Rosberg - K. Räikkönen


Championship standings after China (drivers):
1.: J. Button - Brawn-Mercedes - 67 Pts.
2.: R. Barrichello - Brawn-Mercedes - 65 Pts.
3.: S. Vettel - Red Bull-Renault - 47 Pts.
4.: M. Webber - Red Bull-Renault - 43 Pts.
5.: J. Trulli - Toyota - 34 Pts.
6.: T. Glock - Toyota - 24 Pts.
7.: N. Rosberg - Williams-Toyota - 23 Pts.
8.: F. Alonso - Renault - 10 Pts.
9.: R. Kubica - BMW Sauber - 10 Pts.
10.: L. Hamilton - McLaren-Mercedes - 8 Pts.
11.: K. Räikkönen - Ferrari - 7 Pts.
12.: F. Massa - Ferrari - 5 Pts.
13.: N. Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 4 Pts.
14.: H. Kovalainen - McLaren-Mercedes - 3 Pts.
15.: S. Buemi - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 1 Pt.

Championship standings after China (teams):
1.: Brawn-Mercedes - 132 Pts.
2.: Toyota - 58 Pts.
3.: Red Bull-Renault - 90 Pts.
4.: Williams-Toyota - 23 Pts.
5.: BMW Sauber - 14 Pts.
6.: Ferrari - 12 Pts.
7.: McLaren-Mercedes - 11 Pts.
8.: Renault - 10 Pts.
9.: Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 1 Pt.

[Klon]

Round 4: Bahrain

It is a close battle between Barrichello and Button ... but could a different dog run away with the bone? If you'd ask Sebastian Vettel, he'd agree and takes first place. Button and Barrichello do battle in the middle point regions with the Brazilian barely losing out. Nakajima scores the first points of his season and Hamilton takes his first podium.

Result: S. Vettel - J. Trulli - L. Hamilton - J. Button - R. Barrichello - K. Räikkönen - T. Glock - K. Nakajima

The fight between the Brawns could not get closer than it did in Q2, both cars managed to achieve the same time. However, that time only gives them four points each. Sebastian Vettel storms away at the front and has cut the championship lead significantly. Toyota are looking strong with P2 and P3, can they do more?

Result: S. Vettel - T. Glock - J. Trulli - K. Räikkönen - R. Barrichello/J. Button - F. Alonso - L. Hamilton

Indeed they can, the other teams have no response to the Japanese power. Button triumphs over his team mate but is out of luck, Vettel defeats him for the fifth time in a row, taking third place. Last year's champion Massa, admittedly struggling so far, scores points again.

Result: J. Trulli - T. Glock - S. Vettel - J. Button - L. Hamilton - R. Barrichello - F. Alonso - F. Massa


Championship standings after Bahrain (drivers):
1.: J. Button - Brawn-Mercedes - 81 Pts.
2.: R. Barrichello - Brawn-Mercedes - 76 Pts.
3.: S. Vettel - Red Bull-Renault - 73 Pts.
4.: J. Trulli - Toyota - 58 Pts.
5.: M. Webber - Red Bull-Renault - 43 Pts.
6.: T. Glock - Toyota - 42 Pts.
7.: L. Hamilton - McLaren-Mercedes - 23 Pts.
8.: N. Rosberg - Williams-Toyota - 23 Pts.
9.: K. Räikkönen - Ferrari - 15 Pts.
10.: F. Alonso - Renault - 14 Pts.
11.: R. Kubica - BMW Sauber - 10 Pts.
12.: F. Massa - Ferrari - 6 Pts.
13.: N. Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 4 Pts.
14.: H. Kovalainen - McLaren-Mercedes - 3 Pts.
15.: S. Buemi - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 1 Pt.
15.: K. Nakajima - Williams-Toyota - 1 Pt.

Championship standings after Bahrain (teams):
1.: Brawn-Mercedes - 157 Pts.
2.: Red Bull-Renault - 116 Pts.
3.: Toyota - 100 Pts.
4.: McLaren-Mercedes - 26 Pts.
5.: Williams-Toyota - 24 Pts.
6.: Ferrari - 24 Pts.
7.: Renault - 14 Pts.
8.: BMW Sauber - 14 Pts.
9.: Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 1 Pt.´

[Klon]

Round 5: Spain

A champion returns! Felipe Massa wins Q1 and can be happy about that. His compatriot can not quite be so content, he loses ground to Button, who has luck and is able to defeat Sebastian Vettel by seven thousands of a second. Nakajima returns to the point and Williams take their first double points finish.

Result: F. Massa - M. Webber - J. Button - S. Vettel - N. Rosberg - R. Barrichello - K. Nakajima - T. Glock

Barrichello is under pressure, but he's not the one with most GP participations for nothing - a win in Q2 is what he needed to achieve. Luck is on his side, Button and Vettel have a weaker session and suffer defeat at the hand of Mark, Timo and Felipe. Kubica scores another point and must be quite happy.

Result: R. Barrichello - M. Webber - T. Glock - F. Massa - J. Button - S. Vettel - N. Rosberg - R. Kubica

Now it is Button's turn to reach the top, a great last-minute hot lap earns him 10 points and a good helping for his title chances. Vettel and Barrichello are close to him, however. Toyota finally get both cars in the points again and the home hero Alonso robs the final point from Kubica and Rosberg.

Result: J. Button - S. Vettel - R. Barrichello - F. Massa - M. Webber - T. Glock - J. Trulli - F. Alonso


Championship standings after Spain (drivers):
1.: J. Button - Brawn-Mercedes - 101 Pts.
2.: R. Barrichello - Brawn-Mercedes - 95 Pts.
3.: S. Vettel - Red Bull-Renault - 89 Pts.
4.: M. Webber - Red Bull-Renault - 63 Pts.
5.: J. Trulli - Toyota - 60 Pts.
6.: T. Glock - Toyota - 52 Pts.
7.: N. Rosberg - Williams-Toyota - 29 Pts.
8.: F. Massa - Ferrari - 26 Pts.
9.: L. Hamilton - McLaren-Mercedes - 23 Pts.
10.: K. Räikkönen - Ferrari - 15 Pts.
11.: F. Alonso - Renault - 15 Pts.
12.: R. Kubica - BMW Sauber - 11 Pts.
13.: N. Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 4 Pts.
14.: H. Kovalainen - McLaren-Mercedes - 3 Pts.
15.: K. Nakajima - Williams-Toyota - 3 Pts.
16.: S. Buemi - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 1 Pt.

Championship standings after Spain (teams):
1.: Brawn-Mercedes - 196 Pts.
2.: Red Bull-Renault - 152 Pts.
3.: Toyota - 112 Pts.
4.: Ferrari - 41 Pts.
5.: Williams-Toyota - 32 Pts.
6.: McLaren-Mercedes - 26 Pts.
7.: Renault - 15 Pts.
8.: BMW Sauber - 15 Pts.
9.: Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 1 Pt.

[Klon]

Round 7: Monaco

Nico Rosberg looks like a rich girl, so it's no wonder he likes Monaco so much: 10 points for him in Q1, a valueable win for Williams. Meanwhile Jenson Button continues to build on his championship lead, while Toro Rosso delivers a convincing performance and gets a point for it.

Result: N. Rosberg - J. Button - M. Webber - F. Massa - R. Barrichello - H. Kovalainen - K. Räikkönen - S. Buemi

Just when you think Räikkönen was lost in the intrateam battle at Ferrari, he comes back with a great Q2 effort to steal the prized 10 points from his rivals. Another extremely convincing performance by Heikki Kovalainen who leaves the title contenders behind,

Result: K. Räikkönen - H. Kovalainen - M. Webber - R. Barrichello - S. Vettel - F. Massa - J. Button

Now it is Button's turn to reach the top, a great last-minute hot lap earns him 10 points and a good helping for his title chances. Vettel and Barrichello are close to him, however. Toyota finally get both cars in the points again and the home hero Alonso robs the final point from Kubica and Rosberg.

Result: J. Button - K. Räikkönen - R. Barrichello - S. Vettel - F. Massa - N. Rosberg - H. Kovalainen - M. Webber


Championship standings after Monaco (drivers):
1.: J. Button - Brawn-Mercedes - 120 Pts.
2.: R. Barrichello - Brawn-Mercedes - 111 Pts.
3.: S. Vettel - Red Bull-Renault - 97 Pts.
4.: M. Webber - Red Bull-Renault - 76 Pts.
5.: J. Trulli - Toyota - 60 Pts.
6.: T. Glock - Toyota - 52 Pts.
7.: N. Rosberg - Williams-Toyota - 42 Pts.
8.: F. Massa - Ferrari - 37 Pts.
9.: K. Räikkönen - Ferrari - 35 Pts.
10.: L. Hamilton - McLaren-Mercedes - 23 Pts.
11.: H. Kovalainen - McLaren-Mercedes - 16 Pts.
12.: F. Alonso - Renault - 15 Pts.
13.: R. Kubica - BMW Sauber - 11 Pts.
14.: N. Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 4 Pts.
15.: K. Nakajima - Williams-Toyota - 3 Pts.
16.: S. Buemi - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 2 Pts.

Championship standings after Monaco (teams):
1.: Brawn-Mercedes - 231 Pts.
2.: Red Bull-Renault - 173 Pts.
3.: Toyota - 112 Pts.
4.: Ferrari - 72 Pts.
5.: Williams-Toyota - 45 Pts.
6.: McLaren-Mercedes - 39 Pts.
7.: Renault - 15 Pts.
8.: BMW Sauber - 15 Pts.
9.: Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 2 Pts.

[Klon]

Round 7: Turkey

By now it is undeniable that this championship has come down to a battle between Red Bull and the underdogs at Brawn and so it is no surprise to see these two teams fighting each other for the win in Q1 with young Vettel taking another win.

Result: S. Vettel - J. Button - R. Barrichello - M. Webber - F. Massa - N. Rosberg - J. Trulli - K. Räikkönen

Vettel continues to do his job well in the second session, his speed on this Turkey track being very impressive. Meanwhile Webber and Barrichello struggle and lose ground to their team mates while Trulli interferes in the championship battle.

Result: S. Vettel - J. Trulli - J. Button - F. Massa - K. Räikkönen - M. Webber - R. Barrichello/N. Rosberg

The proper order in the championship chase has been restored with the four best cars battling for the first four spaces and the result is just like in Q1: Vettel makes it three in a row, a very convincing showcase of his abilities over one lap.

Result: S. Vettel - J. Button - R. Barrichello - M. Webber - J. Trulli - K. Räikkönen - F. Massa - F. Alonso


Championship standings after Turkey (drivers):
1.: J. Button - Brawn-Mercedes - 142 Pts.
2.: S. Vettel - Red Bull-Renault - 127 Pts.
3.: R. Barrichello - Brawn-Mercedes - 125 Pts.
4.: M. Webber - Red Bull-Renault - 87 Pts.
5.: J. Trulli - Toyota - 74 Pts.
6.: T. Glock - Toyota - 52 Pts.
7.: F. Massa - Ferrari - 48 Pts.
8.: N. Rosberg - Williams-Toyota - 47 Pts.
9.: K. Räikkönen - Ferrari - 43 Pts.
10.: L. Hamilton - McLaren-Mercedes - 23 Pts.
11.: H. Kovalainen - McLaren-Mercedes - 16 Pts.
12.: F. Alonso - Renault - 16 Pts.
13.: R. Kubica - BMW Sauber - 11 Pts.
14.: N. Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 4 Pts.
15.: K. Nakajima - Williams-Toyota - 3 Pts.
16.: S. Buemi - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 2 Pts.

Championship standings after Turkey (teams):
1.: Brawn-Mercedes - 269 Pts.
2.: Red Bull-Renault - 214 Pts.
3.: Toyota - 126 Pts.
4.: Ferrari - 91 Pts.
5.: Williams-Toyota - 50 Pts.
6.: McLaren-Mercedes - 39 Pts.
7.: Renault - 16 Pts.
8.: BMW Sauber - 15 Pts.
9.: Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 2 Pts.

[Klon]

Round 8: United Kingdom

Williams have produced a relatively fast car, that much can be said: it took 10 points in Monaco's Q1 and has been quite handy in Rosberg's hand. However, Kazuki Nakajima still stuns fans worldwide as he wins Q1.

Result: K. Nakajima - M. Webber - S. Vettel - J. Trulli - J. Button - K. Räikkönen - F. Massa - F. Alonso

Sadly his heroics are shortlived, as the mighty Bull takes his spot at the top again, banishing the Japanese driver to P7. However he's still ahead of a struggling Button which is good news for both him and Barrichello/Webber/Vettel.

Result: S. Vettel - M. Webber - J. Trulli - R. Barrichello - K. Räikkönen - K. Nakajima - N. Rosberg - J. Button

Vettel really something going now with his fifth win in six sessions giving him P1 in the championship. Meanwhile Timo Glock finally takes some points after having been humiliated by Trulli over the last few weeks, this should help the German a bit.

Result: S. Vettel - R. Barrichello - M. Webber - J. Trulli - K. Nakajima - J. Button - N. Rosberg - T. Glock


Championship standings after United Kingom (drivers):
1.: S. Vettel - Red Bull-Renault - 153 Pts.
2.: J. Button - Brawn-Mercedes - 150 Pts.
3.: R. Barrichello - Brawn-Mercedes - 138 Pts.
4.: M. Webber - Red Bull-Renault - 109 Pts.
5.: J. Trulli - Toyota - 90 Pts.
6.: T. Glock - Toyota - 53 Pts.
7.: N. Rosberg - Williams-Toyota - 51 Pts.
8.: F. Massa - Ferrari - 50 Pts.
9.: K. Räikkönen - Ferrari - 50 Pts.
10.: L. Hamilton - McLaren-Mercedes - 23 Pts.
11.: K. Nakajima - Williams-Toyota - 20 Pts.
12.: F. Alonso - Renault - 17 Pts.
13.: H. Kovalainen - McLaren-Mercedes - 16 Pts.
14.: R. Kubica - BMW Sauber - 11 Pts.
15.: N. Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 4 Pts.
16.: S. Buemi - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 2 Pts.

Championship standings after United Kingdom (teams):
1.: Brawn-Mercedes - 288 Pts.
2.: Red Bull-Renault - 262 Pts.
3.: Toyota - 143 Pts.
4.: Ferrari - 100 Pts.
5.: Williams-Toyota - 71 Pts.
6.: McLaren-Mercedes - 39 Pts.
7.: Renault - 17 Pts.
8.: BMW Sauber - 15 Pts.
9.: Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 2 Pts.

[Klon]

Round 9: Germany

This championship is hotter than barely-legal girls as we arrive in Southwest Germany. Mark Webber sets the first mark by winning ten points in Q1. Outrageously awesome laps by Alonso and Hamilton throw the other title contenders off their game.

Result: M. Webber - F. Alonso - S. Vettel - L. Hamilton - J. Button - N. Rosberg - F. Massa - J. Trulli

With rain affecting Q2 it was clear that only the smartest minds could prevail in these conditions, and apparentely F1's answer to Tesla, Einstein and Nietzsche are Barrichello, Piquet and Sutil: this unlikely trio rules Q2 with an iron fist.

Result: R. Barrichello - N. Piquet - A. Sutil - M. Webber - J. Button - L. Hamilton - S. Vettel - H. Kovalainen

Without rain, proper Ordnung is restored in Germany with Red Bull vs. Brawn being the duel for the top, won by Mark Webber. Interesting to note: after admittedly the environment helped him a lot, Sutil still managed to take another two points in Q3. Vijay Mallya must be proud of him.

Result: M. Webber - R. Barrichello - J. Button - S. Vettel - L. Hamilton - H. Kovalainen - A. Sutil - F. Massa


Championship standings after Germany (drivers):
1.: S. Vettel - Red Bull-Renault - 164 Pts.
2.: J. Button - Brawn-Mercedes - 164 Pts.
3.: R. Barrichello - Brawn-Mercedes - 156 Pts.
4.: M. Webber - Red Bull-Renault - 134 Pts.
5.: J. Trulli - Toyota - 91 Pts.
6.: N. Rosberg - Williams-Toyota - 54 Pts.
7.: F. Massa - Ferrari - 53 Pts.
8.: T. Glock - Toyota - 53 Pts.
9.: K. Räikkönen - Ferrari - 50 Pts.
10.: L. Hamilton - McLaren-Mercedes - 35 Pts.
11.: F. Alonso - Renault - 25 Pts.
12.: K. Nakajima - Williams-Toyota - 20 Pts.
13.: H. Kovalainen - McLaren-Mercedes - 20 Pts.
14.: R. Kubica - BMW Sauber - 11 Pts.
15.: N. Piquet - Renault - 8 Pts.
16.: A. Sutil - Force India-Mercedes - 8 Pts.
17.: N. Heidfeld - BMW Sauber - 4 Pts.
18.: S. Buemi - Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 2 Pts.

Championship standings after Germany (teams):
1.: Brawn-Mercedes - 320 Pts.
2.: Red Bull-Renault - 298 Pts.
3.: Toyota - 144 Pts.
4.: Ferrari - 103 Pts.
5.: Williams-Toyota - 74 Pts.
6.: McLaren-Mercedes - 55 Pts.
7.: Renault - 33 Pts.
8.: BMW Sauber - 15 Pts.
9.: Force India-Mercedes - 8 Pts.
10.: Toro Rosso-Ferrari - 2 Pts.