A FIGHTER WHO NEVER GIVES UP
Formula 1 and its fans had a lot to be thankful for in last weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix. For a few laps, it seemed like the victor would not be named until after deliberations in the stewards’ room. Lewis Hamilton’s attempt to overtake leader Max Verstappen at the fourth corner on lap 48 was unsuccessful as the Red Bull driver used all of the road on the exit of the downhill left-hander to run the Mercedes man off the road. Still, Hamilton gathered his thoughts and his pace and came on strong again at his Dutch rival before sweeping ahead for good at the same corner on lap 59.
That was a huge relief, because what had been a sensational grand prix could have been ruined had the officials got involved. They had done plenty to spice up the Brazilian Grand Prix already with penalties for both Hamilton and Verstappen in the build up to the race and would have been looking forward to a quieter Sunday. Eventually, they got one.
Hamilton himself was buzzing after the race in an event that did have all the hallmarks of his hero Ayrton Senna. It has also breathed life back into the championship battle, which could have faded away should Red Bull have prevailed at Interlagos. But it was saved by a Lewis masterclass despite all that was thrown at him.
In this issue, we also look ahead to that will be another two-way title thriller, this time in the British Rally Championship on the Ulster Rally. Osian Pryce and Matt Edwards will go head-to-head in what is, after dropped scores have been taken into account, effectively a winner-takes-all showdown. May the best man win.
The World Rally Championship will also reach its climax this weekend in Italy. Elfyn Evans has a very long shot at claiming a maiden title as he will have to outperform serial winner Sebastien Ogier as the Frenchman looks to bow out of a full-time ride in the top flight on a high.
Our preview for the Roger Albert Clark Rally is also printed this week. While the event might yet be a week away, the bobble hats will be packed and the Thermos flasks will be filled already as fans will trek into the forests by the time next week’s newspaper comes out. As you can read from Paul Lawrence, it is an event not to be missed.
Nick Garton looks at the environmental issues facing rallying while David Addison strolls down memory lane and traces the development of the British GT championship, one of the most popular series in the UK. The junior level single-seater category GB3 is also going to be popular in 2022, and Graham Keilloh gives us the lowdown on the reworked category on page 32.