Renewed Renault

Sundays Sepang GP was another 'Renault dominant Race' as Fernando Alonso made it to the Top of Podium. Ex-Renault driver Jarno Trulli was second driving impressively throughout hinting at the bright future for this year's TF105. Nick Hedfield ensured a BMW-Williams podium place in third position. Ferrari once again failed to impress with Schumacher in 7th position and Baricehllo out of the race.

Renault really seems strong at this moment of time in F1. Looking at the performances till date in the new season, we are forced to think that 'Days of Ferrari dominance are over'. At the same time I think these are the days of Renault dominance. I have little doubt in my mind about Alonso n Renault being on top this year. This car seems to have a very powerful engine as compared to earlier Renault cars with as always great aerodynamics giving it an edge in handling over the other cars( At least this is what I hear from other people and I haven't driven the new car, Hehe).

However, there was one disappointing thing for me so far as this new season is concerned and that is "New Montoya" that we see on the track. No aggression, no bolt overtaking, no amitious rash starts, no heated word-exchanges. This is not the Montoya we've been used to looking at. This is a very sad thing if Montoya has changed his attitude towards driving. He said to a press conference that he has absolutely no problem with him being second driver in the team and that even he thinks that Kimi is a better driver. If Montoya really thinks that way, I think this is the end of a great driver which F1 once had. Perhaps, he is waiting and watching at the start of the new season, getting used to the new rules and his new team( I hope so..). I think even in 2005, he has had better results compared to Kimi and he is as good as any other driver (i am talking about the front-runners) in F1.

Talking of Kimi, he drove a good race and in the process I think he tried a bit too hard ending in a tyre failure. The new Mclaren is not as impressive as it should have been after 'very poor performance not suitable to Mclaren reputation last year'.

All in all a good demanding race. Not a bad result for Montoya. Excellent performance by Alonso and Renault.