Wasn't Hamilton relegated to starting from the pit lane for not bringing his care back to the pits after a Qualifying session? Surely Alonso just did the same thing just after the race?

Synfection

Wasn't Hamilton relegated to starting from the pit lane for not bringing his care back to the pits after a Qualifying session? Surely Alonso just did the same thing just after the race?

Yes, and if there's any consistency there should be a grid penalty for the next race.  Be interesting to see what happens there

Its only illegal in qualifying

Sazzarella

Its only illegal in qualifying

Oh right - thought they had to give a fuel sample after the race too.  Just a penalty for Maldonado then.

I'm not too sure but coultard said it wasn't illegal in the actual race only qualifying

Gutted about Hamilton! Why didn't he just let Maldonado through! I think Maldonado will get a penalty for that, because watching the replay, he was off the track and went back onto the track and into Hamilton. 

But also Hamilton didny give him any space to get back on! However I'm biased!

He shouldn't have to, it's not his problem. He was racing on the racing line and Maldonado barged in. Maldonado would have gotten past him within a few more turns if he was more patient.

Knowing the FIA, they'll probably give Hamilton a five race ban.

Definitely a more entertaining race than previous years, mostly due to the unusual quali session and drivers being out of their usual position.  The refined DRS zone seems to have helped a bit too.  Still won't be sad to see the Valencia track skipped next year, though.
 
Even being slightly biased towards McLaren, I can't see any way in which the collision wasn't Maldonado's fault.  If he had been clearly in front, then fair enough.  But he was only alongside and then crashed into Hamilton, who had the racing line.  Open and shut IMO, but whether the stewards see it that way is anyone's guess.  It's not fair to say that Hamilton pushed him off, since Maldonado was trying to squeeze into a gap that was never going to be there come the apex.

Fuck me, am I seeing things??
 
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/18573966

I'm guessing Williams won't be too disappointed, as surely that would mean Senna gets promoted to Maldonado's 10th place.  They don't actually lose any points, heh.

Action packed race! Gutted for Hamilton, but unfortunately these things happen...

I've said it before and ill say it again. I hate the circuit. If they wanted a race in Valencia go to Ricardo Tormo. Fantastic circuit and I don't see why it can't be used. Would've been as long as the proposed Donington plans. No excuse not to go there other than to have another pointless street circuit.

In a world where Silverstone and Spa are under threat and France don't even have a Grand Prix, I don't see the justification in having two Grand Prix in Spain. They should do what they do with the new Nurburgring and Hockenheim and have it one year in Barcelona then one year in Valencia.

Synfection

In a world where Silverstone and Spa are under threat and France don't even have a Grand Prix, I don't see the justification in having two Grand Prix in Spain. They should do what they do with the new Nurburgring and Hockenheim and have it one year in Barcelona then one year in Valencia.

I agree, though to be honest the procession of the likes are Bahrain are the ones who should disappear (though they pay significant money!) rather than the alternating Nurburgring and Hockenheim. I thought there was already talk of the potential for the two Spanish races to alternate as well?
In the rumour mill - next year could see up to 23 races in the season: http://joesaward.wordpres...y-three-races-in-2013/ (Originally spotted on: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/gossip/)

As of next year, they will be alternating the Spanish gp between Valencia and catalunya. As far as I'm aware there is no euro gpnext year. It's being given to a country without a gp yet (apparently America will get two.(why?)

The reason they don't race in France is because Dijon prenois is too small now and mangy cours is in extreme debt. Plus the teams hate it because its apparently a bitch to get to...

As of next year, they will be alternating the Spanish gp between Valencia and catalunya. As far as I'm aware there is no euro gpnext year. It's being given to a country without a gp yet (apparently America will get two.(why?)

The reason they don't race in France is because Dijon prenois is too small now and mangy cours is in extreme debt. Plus the teams hate it because its apparently a bitch to get to...

And don't Portugal and Argentina have races next year?

You guys need to subscribe to Autosport

Rumours saying Vettel's going to Ferrari in 2014...