Ferrari's Massa wins Turkish Grand Prix

Brazilian Felipe Massa swept to a hat-trick of Turkish Grand Prix victories from pole position with another domineering display for Ferrari at Istanbul Park.

The Brazilian triumphed by 3.7 seconds ahead of McLarens British driver Lewis Hamilton with reigning champion Finn Kimi Raikkonen less than half-a-second behind in third in the other Ferrari.

Hamilton pulled off the overtaking move of the race on Massa and denied Ferrari a likely one-two despite adopting a three-stop fuel strategy compared to his rivals two stopper.

But there was no stopping Massa who controlled the 58-lap race on the 5.338km track which he clearly loves.   Â

Raikkonens lead in the championship was cut to seven points with Massa now second, on countback, from last years runner-up Hamilton.

Ferrari extended their lead in the Constructors championship to 19 points over BMW with McLaren two points further back after Finlands Heikki Kovalainen paid for an early pit-stop to finish 12th having started second.

The Finn - who suffered a dreadful crash at the Spanish Grand Prix a fortnight ago - suffered an opening lap puncture after a suspected collision with Raikkonen on the opening lap.

Polands Robert Kubica was fourth for BMW just ahead of team-mate German Nick Heidfeld with Spains two-time champion Fernando Alonso sixth for Renault. Red Bulls Australian Mark Webber was seventh and German-born Nico Rosberg eighth for Williams.

BARRICHELLO THE MOST EXPERIENCED

On the other hand, Rubens Barrichello became Formula Ones most experienced driver at the Turkish Grand Prix. The 35-year-old Brazilian competed in his 257th race at the Istanbul Speed Park Circuit to surpass Riccardo Patreses 15-year mark.

However, there was no points finish for Brazils Rubens Barrichello in his record-breaking appearance as he finished 14th for Honda.

Honda was marking the feat over three races to appease those who have suggested that Barrichello was still three short of breaking Patrese’s mark.
 
The former Ferrari and Stewart Grand Prix driver didn’t start three races after completing the formation lap. But just taking part in the formation lap counts, according to FIA rules.

Every Turkish Grand Prix so far has been won from pole position. The Turkish GP that was held in Augus at previous years has been moved up to May from its usual date in the hot days of summer.

Photo: AA