Hamilton Victorious In Montreal

Topics:  Lewis Hamilton, Canadian Grand Prix

Anthony Fontanelle
June 12, 2007

McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton grabbed his maiden victory in the Canadian Grand Prix last Sunday. Though Hamilton’s victory is anticipated by some, Sunday’s race is crammed with unexpected events. One of which is Fernando Alonso’s dropping to the seventh spot. Another shocking event is the massive accident that befell BMW Sauber’s Robert Kubica.

“I’m on another planet after this - I simply can’t find the words to describe what it feels like to win my first Formula One race. The team has done a fantastic job and I’m so happy to be part of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes family. I made an OK start off the line - nothing spectacular but managed to get a good exit out of the first corner and whilst mayhem was happening around me I was able to keep my cool and focus. Obviously I’m pleased that my good friend Robert is OK after his accident,” said Hamilton.

He added, “It was only a few laps from the end I realized that victory was within my grasp and I started noticing things like the fans cheering and when I crossed the finishing line it was amazing. I now have to stay focused and keep up the good work. It’s been an incredible start to my Formula One career so far but I know there is a tough season ahead of us. Finally thanks to the entire team at McLaren and Mercedes-Benz for all the hard work they have put into the car – it’s an absolute pleasure to drive and be part of such a winning combination.”

The Canadian GP in Montreal all went right for Hamilton but went wrong for his double-world champion team mate. As Hamilton sped on to a controlled victory, a disastrous afternoon unraveled for his main rivals. Alonso suffered braking problems, and right at the end endured the indignity of being overtaken by Super Aguri’s Takuma Sato.

“I think this was a strange race with the Safety Car being deployed so many times which worked to Lewis’ advantage today and my disadvantage. I came into the pits for the first time on lap 24 as I had no more fuel so basically there was nothing I could do. It was a shame as this resulted in a ten-second penalty but I guess that unfortunately those are the rules but there was no alternative other than to stop on track with no fuel. After that I had to push as hard as possible because I was stuck in the middle of the field and when you push to the maximum you sometimes go off track but at that stage there was nothing to lose,” said Alonso.

“Whilst it was a difficult race for me I’m pleased for the team and Lewis that we were able to secure some important points and Lewis winning his first race and also that Robert is OK. I hope for a bit more luck for the US Grand Prix next week and at least I can leave Montreal with two points more than Massa,” the Spaniard added.

There were a bunch of accidents to add chaos to the race. Kubica had a horrible crash on lap 27 - his BMW Sauber hitting the outside wall and then rolling all the way down to the hairpin entry. The Pole was hospitalized with a suspected broken ankle.

All in all, Montreal event was a hectic, even frenzied race, but Hamilton’s finely judged victory. Aside from Hamilton, another jubilant winner was Kubica’s team mate Nick Heidfeld, who finished second, thanks to his reliable BMW park light, engine, powerful auto parts and exceptional driving skills.

Source:  Amazines.com