Looking Ahead
Coming up in a fortnight is the US Grand Prix, held at the Circuit of the America's in Texas. After the inaugural race last year, it is something to look forward to following the string of boring tracks we've had, broken only by Japan. Whilst it may not be stunning like Spa, it is certainly more enjoyable than other new circuits and is finally a dedicated facility to Formula 1 in America, helping to bring the sport to them properly. Red Bull have nothing to play for bar Vettel's record gathering, and Mark Webber's hope to go out on a high in his final two races, something we'd all love to see. With Mercedes ahead of Ferrari now and looking stronger, the race in Texas will be key. Massa feels the Ferrari will be stronger there and in Brazil than it had been in India or Abu Dhabi, and Ferrari will certainly be hoping so as they seek to overturn the 11-point deficit that stands between them. Lotus are further behind but by no means out of reach, and if they can sort things out with the unpaid Iceman Raikkonen they might just be able to pull some big points in from one good race or strategic move given both Mercedes and Ferrari's fluctuating consistency. Behind them the battle still goes on for fifth place between McLaren and Force India and seventh place between Sauber and Torro Rosso. With Force India looking strong with another double points finish and seeming to really be back in the picture, McLaren need to push on and make the most of their steps forward in the final two races of the season. Sauber recently stole the march on Torro Rosso but are by no means home and dry after a poor showing this weekend with just a handful of points in it. Williams will be seeking to take anything they can and go out with a high in the last couple of races as Williams-Renault prior to moving to Mercedes turbo power in 2014. At the back, Marussia still hold the edge on Caterham in the title race but clearly not the performance, outpaced by them at all recent events. One lucky result could turn it with huge financial implications for either team, and at unpredictable places like Brazil anything can happen. So in Texas, like always, they'll be pushing hard to try and stamp their authority on tenth in the title race. Let's just hope it brings us more excitement than we got this weekend.