I am told the race in Shanghai was a bore, that nothing happened and it was a walkover victory for Lewis Hamilton. And so it was - there is no denying it. Bur it was also a welcome change in that there was no artificial drama created by idiotic stewarding decisions or political maneuvering; for once, we were allowed to have a grand prix without interference.
Lewis Hamilton
The one slightly controversial incident was what we all knew would happen anyway - Raikkonen slowed to give up his second place to Massa. It could have been done a little less obviously but there was never any chance of the stewards complaining; it was Ferrari flirting with the definition of "team orders", after all. We all know the rule is unenforceable and should be done away with, therefore, but as long as the stewards ignore it, there is no harm done. My fear is that it lurks in the regulations, ready to be used to manipulate the championship when the FIA sees fit.
Otherwise, everything proceeded according to the script, apart from the fact that McLaren had the edge on what is supposed to be a Ferrari circuit. That could have been due to the low temperatures and it is true that the Ferraris went for two stints on the medium compound tires, rather than the hards, in contrast to the other teams. Whatever the cause, the Ferraris could not challenge Hamilton on the day but Kovalainen was a different story. Smoking brakes on the grid indicated that the Finn had problems even before the start and so it proved. His retirement late in the race was probably a welcome end to a race that Heikki will want to forget.
Renault continue to look good suddenly and it was a pity that Alonso did not quite have enough speed to catch Massa. That would have told us just how serious he was in his aim to help Felipe to the title - and I cannot see him not overtaking the Brazilian if the chance presented itself. BMW did well to salvage fifth and sixth spots on a circuit that Kubica's car especially did not like. The other teams had forgettable races, to say the least.
So yes, the race was not one of the best but I maintain it was exactly what F1 needed. We have become so accustomed to interference from the officials that many of us were waiting to hear the announcement of stewards' inquiries after the race. Never mind that there was nothing worth investigating - that has not hampered their over-zealous approach in previous races. Shanghai was a reminder of the good old days when we could watch a race (no matter how boring) without even thinking about stewards.
The day after the GP there is some political news, however. It seems the teams are wary of the forthcoming meeting with Mosley over his proposals for standard engines and so on; they are sending only Luca di Montezemolo and John Howett, to avoid the possibility of Mosley attacking FOTA's fragile unity. With some of the teams half-hearted in their opposition to Mosley's ideas, one can see why they want to ensure that agreements made in FOTA meetings are adhered to.
The FIA have sent a letter to the teams outlining the agenda and it is far-reaching indeed. Cost cutting is given as the excuse, of course, but when it is considered that the document includes several proposals that will require the design and manufacture of new technology, as well as yet more changes to the regulations as early as 2009, one has to wonder whether there will be any saving on expenditure for the teams at all.
To the fans, the proposals must seem like a recipe for changing F1 into a different thing entirely but, as usual, they will not have a say and must hope that FOTA is able to introduce some common sense into the debate. It is a slim hope but all we have.
For what it is worth, the ING/F1 Racing survey is still open if you want to have your say. Not that I think you will be heard...