British GP - The home challenge

08th July 2010

Formula One fans are in for a treat at the British GP. Not only is Silverstone celebrating its 60th birthday, there’s also the mouth-watering prospect of two Brits battling it out for victory on home soil.

As we head into the halfway point of the season, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button lead the championship standings. The McLaren aces have taken two victories each this season, and both are keen to add to that tally this Sunday. However, with their performances so closely matched, who will be first to the chequered flag?

On paper, it’s Hamilton who has the stronger record at the Northants venue. Since his top-level debut in 2007, the 25-year-old has been on the podium twice, winning in 2008. That victory, in soaking wet conditions, will go down as one of the all-time great grand prix performances (see Five, Page 34), and formed the basis for his maiden world championship success.

However, his form dipped at last year’s race, as McLaren struggled to come to terms with the 2009 technical regulations. After starting 18th on the grid, he only managed to make up two places by the finish. It’s an experience he’s confident he won’t be repeating in 2010, thanks in no small part to his McLaren MP4-25 racer.

“I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed driving an F1 car more,” said Hamilton. “You can push it to the limit, which is how I love to drive. I’m leading the championship now and I hope that we will be able to give the British fans a good race weekend.”

It’s a sentiment Button shares – and the 30-year-old knows all about race-winning machinery. In 2009, he stormed to the world title in the Mercedes-powered Brawn. But despite taking six victories on the way to clinching his crown, he failed to make the podium in his own backyard.

This has been a depressingly familiar Silverstone story for Jenson. He made his British GP debut in 2000 – seven years before Lewis stepped into a Formula One car. His best result to date was in 2004, when he dragged the BAR Honda up to fourth place. However, this year he will be aiming to reverse this dismal trend. The reigning champ is full of confidence following victories in Australia and China for new employer, McLaren. These wins were doubly pleasing given the criticism he received for leaving Brawn/Mercedes, the team that gave him the car that finally allowed his talent to shine.

“I know there were some people who openly questioned that decision, and my motivation for moving,” claimed Button. “But I think I’ve shown that it was the right move. I was looking for a new challenge, and that’s exactly what I’ve got.”

The competition with his team-mate has also spurred him on, with the pair taking a trio of one-two finishes in 2010. “It’s exciting to be working and racing alongside Lewis,” he said. “It is amazing to have two Brits heading into Silverstone first and second in the championship.”

Team boss Martin Whitmarsh is quietly confident that one of his men will top the podium this weekend. He’s worked hard on the development of the MP4-25, and it looks like his efforts are paying off.

“We’re in a position to have a strong second half to the season,” he explained. “The British Grand Prix is an important race for us. If we can be competitive at Silverstone, we have a good chance to win both championships.”

But Button and Hamilton can’t crack open the champagne just yet. There are a host of rivals breathing down their necks.

The Red Bull team is a major contender, and Silverstone’s high-speed layout will suit its RB6 racer. Plus, Sebastian Vettel took victory last year. Ferrari will be a force to be reckoned with, as will a resurgent Renault. And don’t forget Mercedes and Michael Schumacher – both squad and star driver are desperate for a strong result.

However, if McLaren has its way, then it will be a Union Jack that’s hoisted high to the strains of God Save the Queen. It would certainly be a spectacular way for Silverstone to celebrate its big birthday.