Mid-season review: Part 3

It is time for the final part of my mid-season review. I didn't realise how much has happened in the first half of the season.
 
Lotus: Lotus decided to miss the first pre-season testing and that has shown to be a mistake. They have big reliability issues with 9 retirements between them. Gorsjean always pushes hard, especially in qualifying. Maldonado has had a poor start to the season with his new team. However, he is staying with the team. Lotus haven't impressed so far, it will be interesting to see how they come back after the break.
 
Marussia: What a start for them! Getting their first points in Monaco. They are challenging for higher places this year and seem to have improved from last year. Bianchi can overtake and achieved their highest position of 9th to get their first points. Bianchi has said he 'feels ready for Ferrari', he might have to wait a while till a seat becomes available. Chilton is taking more risks this year. He had his first retirement of his F1 career this year. Marussia are a team to keep your eyes on.
 
Sauber: They struggled with reliability issues at the start but in recent races have improved. The drivers are working their way up the field and getting into Q2 and gaining positions in the races. I think the main thing that has helped Sauber is they've kept positive. Adrian Sutil got close to 10th in Hungary and got their highest position of this year at 11th. Gutierrez highest position has been 12th showing the car has improved. Although the team has had 10 retirements overall, they have been challenging and have become more reliable. Sauber always manage to turn things around and I'm sure they will crack the top 10 and have points.
 
Caterham: They have had a difficult season so far and have been another team to suffer with reliability issues. Kobayashi is happy to be back but has only managed the best position of 13th. However, he is an experienced driver who can help rookie Ericsson. I feel as if Ericsson hasn't been able to show us what he can do just yet. I think people need to remember it is his rookie season and the cars are so different this year. He did manage to finish 11th in Monaco, one position away from the points. That is impressive. The team will come back more focused than ever.
 
So, that's all the teams. I am looking forward to the Grand Prix next week in Belgium. How I have survived during the break I'm not sure. I hope the second half of the season will be just as exciting as the first half.
 
-ShortySian
 


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