Buzzin F1 - Formula One Blog

The Formula One circus heads into Sao Paulo’s Interlagos circuit in Brazil for the final race of the season, this weekend, with Britain’s Lewis Hamilton  in pole position for the drivers title, seven points clear of his only rival, Felipe Massa.

Once again the drivers title will go down to the wire, but unlike last season when Kimi Raikkonen stole in at the eleventh hour, while the world was focused on the battle between Hamilton and Alonso, there will be no other driver waiting in the wings to steal the trophy this season.

Third place Robert Kubica, considered by many as the driver of the season and certainly a very fast racer, is out of contention for the title, but needs points to stay ahead of current world champion Raikkonen to retain his position in the standings.

Raikkonen ’s F1 results this season have been disappointing as reigning champion and he will certainly be looking to help team mate Massa to a top scoring position, as in the last race in China, when he allowed Massa to overtake him for second place.

Former World Champion Damon Hill has backed fellow Brit, Hamilton, to take the title at only his second attempt, saying that he has learnt from his mistakes and showed through his victory in China that he has the correct mindset to win the championship in Brazil.

Hamilton showed superb composure in Shanghai, taking pole position in qualifying and remaining in complete control throughout the race and is the obvious favourite to win the championship. Massa on the other hand relied on his team mates generosity in China, and only a win on his home track in Brazil will give him a chance in the title race. Even then Hamilton would only need to finish in fifth place to be champion.

In other Formula 1 news, the teams have agreed to cut costs for smaller teams competing in next seasons championship, with the cost of engines supplied to independent teams capped at €10million per year. Engines will be used for three meetings instead of two. The agreement will also see significant cost savings for 2009 and 2010. Full details are yet to be finalised.