The Korean Grand Prix may be one of the least-liked races on the Formula One calendar, but it could still play a pivotal part in the course of this year’s championship. That said, the destination of the title appears to be unchanged from the past three seasons: Sebastian Vettel has made our predictions relatively simply of late. However, with the Ferrari/Mercedes, Force India/McLaren and Caterham/Marussia battles getting closer and closer, could the race in Yeongam be another twist in the 2013 season?
Tony DiZinno (@tonydizinno)
Race winner: Sebastian Vettel. Utterly peerless in the dry of late and even if the rain forecast plays a role, Vettel has starred in those conditions as well. Won Monza ’08 and China ’09 and posted a dominant performance in the wet here in 2010 before his engine blew. Impossible to pick anyone else right now.
Surprising finish: Jean-Eric Vergne. After six consecutive non-points finishes, what better place to end that streak with a match of his eighth place or better last year. Both Toro Rossos have been in points in Korea each of last two years.
Most to prove: Esteban Gutierrez. He got into Q3 at Singapore for the first time. Would love to see a similarly strong qualifying effort to match this weekend. He needs to keep improving his game with the prospect of Sirotkin entering and perhaps a more experienced second driver coming on board at Sauber in 2014.
Christopher Estrada (@estradawriting)
Race winner: Sebastian Vettel. Fun fact (or not so fun if you’re trying to chase him): The three-time defending F1 World Champion has led all but 12 laps in the history of the Korean Grand Prix.
Surprising finish: Kimi Raikkonen. Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari have been the only teams to hit the podium in this race’s history. That could change with Raikkonen, as tire management will be important on the Yeongam circuit – and this year’s Lotus has been known for being easy on their Pirellis.
Most to prove: Paul di Resta. I have to stick with di Resta in this category- five races now without a point after such a strong start to the campaign. Can he begin to close out 2013 on a high note?
Luke Smith (@LukeSmithF1)
Race winner: Sebastian Vettel. The form book is convincing enough, but Seb has been totally dominant in Korea over the years as Chris touched on. Barring an act of God, get set to hear the German and Austrian national anthems ringing out over Yeongam – without the booing this time!
Surprising finish: Esteban Gutierrez. Gutierrez was highly impressive in Singapore, qualifying in the top ten and appearing to have a renewed vigor for the final flyaways. The speedy Mexican could pick up his first points of the season here in Korea, and it would be well-timed given that his future is yet to be confirmed for 2014.
Most to prove: Sergio Perez. If paddock talk is to be believed, Checo’s place at McLaren is at risk. Having threatened to bother the front runners in Singapore before his tires faded, the Mexican needs to up his game in the final few races and prove to the team that he has what it takes to be a serious championship contender.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
Race winner: Max Chilton. Just so I could pick someone other than Sebastian Vettel, who is surely going to win, barring some misfortune.
Surprising finish: Daniel Ricciardo. Hasn’t done much since signing for Red Bull. But he’s a dependable qualifier, went well here last year before suffering car problems, and Toro Rosso reckon the STR8 will suit Korea’s ‘a little bit of everything’ layout.
Most to prove: Sergio Perez. Has had a competent first season for McLaren but nothing that screams ‘star of the future’. Needs to start defying expectations – particularly in qualifying, where Button was always slightly weaker than Hamilton.