GPI 2016 Japanese Grand Prix | 页面 6

TITLE BECKONS 2016.17 Nico Rosberg made no mistakes as he powered to a very important victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, the Mercedes driver took advantage as his teammate and title rival Lewis Hamilton, starting from pole position, slithered slowly off the line and dropped down the order. From that point on Rosberg was never threatened and with the win he extended his lead at the summit of the championship table to 33 points. His first world title is starting to look a distinct possibility. In contrast Hamilton not only messed up the start, but also engaged in some bizarre off-track behaviour whereupon he pitted himself against the British media. Meltdown was the word in the F1 paddock describing the champion. Credit to him as he acknowledged his start-line error which saw him drop down to eighth on the opening lap. He recovered well to finish third with second place so near yet so far. In his way was young and always feisty Max Verstappen who, despite older tyres and a car that is no Mercedes, simply would not budge... This is the story of a tense and dramatic weekend at Suzuka. PUBLISHER • PEEVEE MEDIA EDITOR • PAUL VELASCO CONTRIBUTORS • GRAND PRIX 247 • LAT PHOTOGRAPHIC • GETTY IMAGES • HOCH ZWEI • REUTERS • F1 TEAMS & FIA MEDIA CONTACT • [email protected]