US Grand Prix – Qualifying

The US Grand Prix qualifying results were no surprise, at least at the top of the time sheets.    Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel and McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton were both very quick throughout the practice sessions, and these two drivers have been consistently battling for the front in the last several races.  Vettel ultimately claimed the pole position by 0.1 seconds.  Somewhat surprising was the poor showing by Ferrari.  Both Fernando Alonso and Felipe Mass struggled to get performance out of their tires and finished qualifying in ninth and seventh respectively.  Fernando will need a tremendous performance in tomorrow’s US Grand Prix to keep Vettel from all but wrapping up the Formula 1 Championship.

US Grand Prix – Circuit of the Americas

Even though crowds were much larger today, logistics seem to be holding up quite well at the Circuit of the Americas.  Traffic was heavier, and getting into a specific parking lot took longer, but overall, not too bad.  The weather in Austin was absolutely spectacular, which made it easier to bear with crowds and minor inconveniences.  The highlight of my day was getting to relax in the Turn 20 Hospitality Suite after qualifying with a well-connected great friend.  As the sun was getting low on the horizon, I decided to take the new, 85 MPH limit, Route 130 toll road back toward San Antonio.  Just over an hour track-to-hotel.  Nice.