Formula 1: Raikkonen Takes First Ferrari Win of 2009 in Belgian Grand Prix

Fin, Kimi Raikkonen, in the red of Ferrari, won his – and Ferrari’s – first Formula 1 Grand Prix since 2008 in lifting the Belgian Grand Prix by under 1 second from Giancarlo Fisichella of Force India.

The Italian, Fisichella, secured Force India’s best ever finishing position with an excellent drive, during which his pace was oft better than that of the Ferrari man in front, however, the team in Red managed to produce when required in every pit stop to maintain their lead and announce their arrival back at the head of Formula One.

Championship leader, Brit Jenson Button once again had a difficult time as he crashed out at the start of the race. He remains at the head of the drivers championship, however, after yet another set of new names at the head of the podium.

Sebastian Vettel chipped yet more points off Button’s total by finishing third with a solid performance.

Those in charge of Formula 1 will surely be pleased that there were three different cars on the podium, and that, it seems, several teams appear to be competitive this year.

Perhaps the drive of the day – yet again – came from Rubens Barrichello, who nursed his Brawn home for three laps with smoke pouring from the car’s engine. Just after bringing the car home in 7th place, the Brazilian’s car burst into flames.

Here is the final classification for the Belgian Grand Prix, which took place today, Sunday 30th August 2009:

1. K Raikkonen – Ferrari
2. G Fisichella – Force India Mercedes
3. S Vettel – RBR-Renault
4. R Kubica – BMW Sauber
5. N Heidfeld – BMW Sauber
6. H Kovalainen – McLaren Mercedes
7. R Barrichello – Brawn Mercedes
8. N Rosberg – Williams Toyota
9. M Webber – RBR Renault
10. T Glock – Toyota
11. A sutil – Force India Mercedes
12. S Buemi – STR-Ferrari
13. K Nakajima – Williams Toyota
14. L Badoer – Ferrari

Retired:

• F Alonso – Fenault
• J Trulli – Toyota
• J Button – Brawn Mercedes
• R Grosjean – Renault
• L Hamilton – McLaren Mercedes
• J Alguersuari – STR Ferrari

Drivers Championship After Belgium:

1. Jenson Button – 72
2. Rubens Barrichello – 56
3. Sebastian Vettel – 53
4. Mark Webber – 51.5
5. Kimi Raikkonen – 34
6. Nico Rosberg – 30.5
7. Lewis Hamilton – 27
8. Jarno Trulli – 22.5
9. Felipe Massa – 22
10. Heikki Kovalainen – 17
11. Timo Glock – 16
12. Fernando Alonso – 16
13. Nick Heidfeld – 10
14. Giancarlo Fisichella – 8
15. Robert Kubica – 8
16. Sebastien Buemi – 3
17. Sebastien Bourdais – 2

The Formula 1 World Championship is now wide open after the early leaders appear to be struggling, and those who were struggling early seem to have produced better cars.