CCYoshi's GTP-F1-10th-Anniversary Momentum-O-Meter
Round 3: Bahrain
Super 10 on the Momentumosity Meter: Charkaoui
A clean race in that he nearly wired-to-wired the whole event, but his reputation isn't being helped by the fact that he got involved in the retirement of points hopeful Shepherd early on in the race. But then again, he's driving an Aguri and winning the championship by 8 points after 3 races, and he's podium-ed all 3 times.
There is nothing we can do to save his rep, Doctor.
But at this pace, does he care?
9 (it's one less) on the Momentumosity Meter: Davidson
Things just keep getting better for Aguri as second driver Davidson finally scores his first podium of the year, helping push Aguri into the WCC lead. An excellent, albeit uneventful race for him, although at this rate who will be complaining? The rest of the paddock, that's who. But, can Aguri keep up this torrid (sorry
) pace all season? We'll find out at Sepang...
And yes, I know GTP-F1's already past Sepang. You know what I mean.
Something Funny About 8 on the Momentumosity Meter: Horton
The reigning champion is doing what he does best in laying low in second place, and he's one of the few who seem to be able to keep pace with the Aguris. He had a clean 4th place finish in the last race and is tied for 2nd overall with his teammate at McLaren.
7.75 on the Momentumosity Meter: Smith
It may be the season of the small guys after all. Although Spyker is an underdog team, Smith is no stranger to the spotlight, and he continues to bask in it after a strong 3rd-place finish in Bahrain. He near-singlehandly has propelled the former Midland team to 3rd in the WCC, and he remains in striking distance in the WDC.
7 Point 5 on the Momentumosity Meter: Trendell
Although the McLaren driver scored a relatively dismal 10th place this race, he is still tied for 2nd in the overall standings with 18 points, which is also an excellent improvement over last season. He may be able to work together with Horton to overtake the Aguri's in the standings, but when we get to the end and this team is still tied up near the top, how will they function?
And Then We Drop to 5.75 on the Momentumosity Meter: Haswell
And then there's everybody else. The top 5 drivers are all in double digits and the rest haven't scored more than a 3rd-place finish worth in points. Haswell could arguably be one of the stronger contenders from the second echelon, being one of the only ones to score 3 races straight, albeit not particularly much in any race. Another race, another point for Blake with a 8th place at Bahrain.
Five and 50/100 on the Momentumosity Meter: Skywalker
Sharky can be considered the leader of the second echelon with 6 points, and although he didn't score any in the third round he still had a solid drive to 9th place from the near-back of the field. A crucial pit error cost him a point but it's still been shown that this Red Bull has pace.
4.75 on the Momentumosity Meter: Taylor, Hutchinson, Nikolakopoulos
Can you say finally?
FINALLY!
Supposed strong teams Renault and Ferrari, after an embarrassing first 2 rounds, have finally put points on the board, and Toyota has gotten their maiden score as well. Taylor arguably had the best drive here, from 18th place up to 7th, but all 3 teams and drivers still have plenty of work to do to make up some ground.
4.25 on the Momentumosity Meter: Dubois, Mason
Both had very boring races that never got off the ground, except perhaps in Mason's case where he hopped a curb into the sand, and both drivers ended up retiring from the race. But the fact of the matter is that both drivers have proven they can score points, which is a lot more than some of the field can claim.
Quattro on the Momentumosity Meter: Kawasie
Kawasie has 4 points so far this season. The two drivers above him in the meter have 3.
What gives?
Kawasie's race, although ran to completion, was horribly messy with a bunch of what could arguably be called amateur mistakes, culminating in a 17th place finish. After a strong first race Kawasie has not proved much of anything other than he's likely a flash in the pan.
3.5 on the Momentumosity Meter: Graham
Bonus points for not ending up having to blacklist anyone this race. Also, he had decent pace, running in the points for much of the race before mechanical troubled and pit issues ruined his chances. Still has zero points for the Renault.
3.14 on the Momentumosity Meter: Beyens
A valiant effort, gaining 8 places in the BMW Sauber. But at the end of the day it was still only good for 14th place and zero points in the scoring column. It says volumes that I nearly forgot to write about him.
III on the Momentumosity Meter: Rees
A race where nothing really happened except shuffling around midfield for the BMW driver. Not much to say other than she has one point and 8 people below her have zero. But, is there really a difference?
e on the Momentumosity Meter: Butler, Machiels
Two drivers from two different underperforming teams in real life (what real life?) and in GTPF1. Almost had something going in this race...but not really. Sort of like how their whole season has been so far - close, but not quite.
2 Gold Stars on the Momentumosity Meter: AlMomen
Well, at least he finished a race. Perhaps could have finished higher if mechanical issues in the pits didn't hamper him, but we're talking difference between 18th and 17th here. Scores extra for actually putting in an effort (his car has the possibility)
1.75 on the Momentumosity Meter: Dunstan
Never got higher than 18th in the race. Could've been running around in a red-painted Kia for all we know with his pace. Do we have our first AWOL of the season?
1 on the Momentumosity Meter: Chang, Shepherd
Let me just say first that I really do admire the Williams team. They're active, they try hard, they're vocal in the community...
But do you ever get the feeling it's just not their season?
Despite qualifying quite well in the past 3 races, especially at Bahrain, Williams has brought home a total of zero points, less than every other team. Maybe lack of racing time has something to do with it as both cars have failed to finish in the previous two races, and both drivers were back in the trailer in Bahrain by lap 8.
The good news is, there's still 14 races left in the season. Williams can turn this around. But they better start soon.
(it's colour, not color, and tyre, not tire 
)
