Sebastian Vettel wins season finale race in Abu Dhabi

Posted by Harvinder

November 2, 2009

Sebastian Vettel led Red Bull’s 1-2 victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which took place at the spectacular Yas Marina circuit. Along with the win, Vettel also secured his second place in the Driver’s Championship with 84 points, keeping Brawn’s Rubens Barrichello in third place. Vettel who qualified second spent the early part of the race behind pole sitter Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton suffered from brake problems and retired soon after making his first pit stop.

That handed both Vettel and his team mate Mark Webber an almost certain 1-2 victory. World Champion Jenson Button secured the final podium position ahead of his team mate Barrichello who suffered from a damaged front wing which he sustained on Lap 1.

Nick Heidfeld managed to finish in fifth position for BMW’s last Formula 1 grand prix since the automaker will not be in the sport next year. It was a good race for rookie Kamui Kobayashi who filled in for Timo Glock in Toyota. The gutsy Japanese driver showed the fraternity that he is worthy of a permanent race seat in Formula 1 as he collected some points with his sixth place finish. In his second race, Kobayashi also finished ahead of his team mate Jarno Trulli. He also made a sensational pass on championship winner Jenson Button, which helped improve his street credit.

The final point paying position went to Toro Rosso’s Sebastien Buemi. Nico Rosberg drove his last race for Williams and finished in ninth place. Rosberg is tipped to drive for Brawn or McLaren next year. Tenth place went to BMW’s Robert Kubica. Both McLaren and Ferrari failed to score any points today hence the Woking-based team maintained its lead from Ferrari and finished third in the Constructor’s Championship behind Red Bull and Brawn.

Leaving behind an interesting 2009 season, the Formula 1 circus will now focus on the 2010 chapter. Next year’s grid is expected to be made up by at least 13 teams. There may be 14 if the Qadbak-backed Sauber is allowed to participate. Williams along with the newer teams like Manor, Campos, USGPE and Lotus F1 will be powered by Cosworth engines. A number of drivers will also change their camps.

Alonso’s move to Ferrari and Kubica’s drive for Renault in 2010 make up the only confirmed driver change. Barrichello is rumored to leave Brawn and as mentioned, Rosberg may take his place. Jarno Trulli is expected to jump to Lotus F1 from Toyota and Kamui Kobayashi is looking good for an official race seat within the Japanese team.

Kimi Raikkonen is also on the market right now and many are linking him with McLaren. Nick Heidfeld is also on the lookout for a new team while the rest of the drivers in the paddock have yet to confirm drives in 2010, except for Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa. Both will continue to drive for their current teams. As for newly crowned World Champion Jenson Button, Brawn has yet to 100% confirm the Brit.