Feliepe Massa has experienced the highest highs and lowest lows that Formula 1 has to offer in quick succession over the past two races. Both in Hungary and Valencia, the Brazilian drove like a man possessed with the sole objective of claiming the top spot on the points table, and proving his critics and detractors wrong.

At the Hungaroring, Massa started from 3rd on the grid but made an audacious move around the outside of Lewis Hamilton to take the lead at the first corner – a lead that he would only relinquish when his engine blew three laps from the chequered flag. His performance in Hungary was considered by many to be his best ever, since he demonstrated aggression and determination like never before.

Having experienced disappointment, he came to Valencia with a resolve that was firmer still. While he’s proven his unquestionable speed on a day when things are going well, on a day that’s less than perfect there still hangs a question mark against his mental toughness, and therefore his ability to be world champion.

At the beautiful new harbor-side street-circuit at Valencia, the Ferrari’s seemed to be trailing the McLaren’s once again during the practice sessions. Massa, however, aided by a well judged fuel strategy, managed to pull off pole position in qualifying. Thereafter, he never looked back, and even claimed the fastest lap as he drove a perfect and aggressive race once again – this time on his way to an unchallenged win. Redemption indeed for Hungary. On this occasion, it was the turn of his teammate and reigning world champion, Raikkonen, to suffer at the hands of a blown Ferrari V8 powerplant – caused by the same part failure that befell Massa’s engine in the previous race.

Championship leader, Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile went on to take an undramatic second place behind Massa at Valencia. Although he was less than 100% fit in Spain, it seems that Hamilton has matured as a driver, and is willing to settle for eight points or even less in order to keep his championship on track. The points table after Valencia has Lewis on top with 70 points, Massa in second place with 64, and Raikkonen in third with 57.

With six races to go in the world championship, the title fight is still wide open. But the intense competition means that none of the contenders can afford to give away any points. Reigning champion, Kimi Raikkonen, has been a shadow of his usual self over the past few races. His last race win came at Catalunya in Spain 8 races ago. He’s been struggling to generate heat in his Bridgestone tires during qualifying, and has therefore been consistently outpaced by his teammate. The fact that he’s seven points behind Massa on the points table may not necessarily affect the support he receives from his team, but the nature of Massa’s win, and Kimi’s current form, or lack thereof, could well change the dynamics within the Scuderia.

Going into the next few races, McLaren appear to have a slight advantage. Despite the fact that the Ferrari’s appear to have better race pace, Hamilton is leading the championship. More importantly, he has the full support of his team, whereas Ferrari are still in a position where they have to back both drivers fully. Raikkonen won’t be sidelined easily, and Massa will have to continue to demonstrate his stunning pace consistently. Their engine failures may have a known cause, and may be behind them, but Ferrari will have to ensure absolute reliability for both their cars from now till the end of the year.

Hamilton will be hard to beat, and while both Ferrari drivers need to take points off Hamilton, the real question is which Ferrari driver will lead the charge. It’s an intriguing question indeed, and if this season has proven one thing at all, it’s that anything can happen.

Gaurav Gill makes history in Indonesia

(Images: APRC TV)

Gaurav Gill returned to the APRC (Asia Pacific Rally Championship) in July at Rally Hokkaido, Japan, with a bang after recovering from injury from a motorcycle accident earlier this year. He battled torrential rain to stay with the leaders, but was forced to retire with gearbox problems.

In Indonesia, however, at the end of August, Gaurav had no such issues. As Indians in motorsport continue to make their mark on the world stage, Gill proved his inherent speed once again, and this time made history by becoming the first Indian to win an APRC event.

Gaurav Gill and co-driver Jagdev Singh took victory in Indonesia with a healthy lead in excess of one minute over MRF teammate Katsuhiko Taguchi, and more than two minutes over reigning series champion, Australian Cody Crocker.