Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa gave Ferrari a perfect debut of the 2010 season with a one-two race finish in the heat of Bahrain Grand Prix.
Both Ferrari drivers took full control of the race when the comfortable leader Sebastian Vettel was obliged to slow down his pace after an exhaust crack that cost him power and an almost certain win.
In the press conference the winner quoted:
"Coming back the top of the podium is always special but even more special with Ferrari. We have history behind the team and all the expectations a driver has when he drives for Ferrari. There is no better way to start the relationship. This is the best team in the world, we worked hard all winter, the guys did a very good job in winter testing."
Lewis Hamilton benefited from Vettel's misfortune too, taking the third spot on the podium after a relatively unimpressed race eventhough his mysterious rear wing innovation that wa the talk be the race. Vettel's under-powered Red Bull did manage to hold on for fourth, keeping the Mercedes of Nico Rosberg behind in the closing stages.
Michael Schumacher's return was fairly satisfying finishing sixth, 3.9 seconds off his team-mate Rosberg but ahead 2009 champion Jenson Button. After a disappointing qualifying, Button had a frustrating race and never looked capable of matching the pace of the front runners. However, the real losers were Redbull drivers. apart from Sebastien Vettel exhaust problem, Mark Webber started the race with smoke billowing from his Renault V8 causing him panic, as it burnt off excess oil in spectacular blowup-like fashion. As a consequence he finished the race back in 8th position.
Considering that all 24 cars were starting on full fuel tank of 160 litres and cold tyres there was no major start incidents apart from Alonso overtake to Massa which by the end of the race proved crucial in order to win the first race since the controversial 2008 SingTel SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX.
Lotus proved to be the best of the new teams, with both cars finishing the race. Both Virgin, HRT and Sauber cars retired with mechanical and engine problems.
