Japanese Grand Prix – Fifth and sixth in Suzuka

Cars damaged in the race, but the team fights back
Suzuka, 7 October –Fifth and sixth places for Kimi and Seb respectively for Scuderia Ferrari in Japan. It was probably the most we could do after the problems in qualifying, both cars being damaged as a result of collisions in the race, which meant Sebastian had to fight his way back up the field.
FILM OF THE RACE –Kimi and Seb were on Supersoft tyres for the start, fourth and eighth respectively on the grid. It was hot, with an air temperature of almost 30 degrees and track temp at 37. Kimi maintained his position, while Seb hugged the right hand side and immediately made up two places. He then got past Grosjean with a miracle move around the outside of Spoon. At the end of the opening lap, Verstappen went straight on at the chicane and as he rejoined he nearly took out Kimi, who had to slow, which meant Seb moved up to fourth. The incident was investigated by the Stewards, who gave Max a 5 second penalty, while Ferrari Number 7 had some damage from then on.
Lap 3 and the Safety Car came out as bits of Magnussen’s tyre were all over the track. The race was on again on lap 7 without any changes to the order. On the next lap, Seb gave it a go, attacking Verstappen on the inside of Spoon, but they touched and the Ferrari spun. Sebastian rejoined in 18th place and began fighting his way up the order, passing Ericsson. The move was investigated but no action was required.
On lap 18, Kimi pitted taking on Mediums, before passing Ocon to go eighth. Seb meanwhile worked his way up to twelfth. Verstappen pitted and took his penalty. Kimi closed on him but lost time behind Gasly and could not pass. His lap times were affected by the earlier damage and he found himself fifth behind Ricciardo after the pit stop.
Vettel made his stop after 27 laps and fitted the yellow-banded Softs. It was showtime and he was straight back in the points, as high as seventh when he set a fastest race lap on lap 33. He then gained another place before his pace matched Kimi’s who was too far ahead to be caught. But in the end, Vettel at least had the satisfaction of the fastest lap of the afternoon in 1’32”318. “The car was strong,” commented Seb. Despite everything.