Video shows Vettel jumping start at Suzuka?
12 October, 2010
Sebastian Vettel
Oct.12 (GMM) A spectator’s video depicts pole sitter and Suzuka winner Sebastian Vettel almost jumping the start of Sunday’s Japanese grand prix.
Start of the Japanese GP
The footage, shot from the main grandstand opposite the pit buildings, shows the German’s Red Bull making a slight forwards movement just before the five red lights went out.
It is likely he was not penalised for the brief clutch release because Vettel’s car was apparently once again stationary by the time the lights did go out.
The 23-year-old admitted his “good start” from pole at Suzuka “was the key” to victory over his teammate and championship leader Mark Webber on Sunday.
The footage, with the incident located at around the 4:28minutes on the video below. Also Vettel’s engine note dipping slightly as his RB6 lurched forwards.
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Vettel was simply using the ‘AUTOMATIC’ two position clutch actuation that is fitted to all the cars.
It is of course totaly illegal according to the regulations but the drivers have no other way of starting cleanly without either a stall or uncontrolled wheelspin.
Its basicaly because of the 19th century clutch and geartrain design.
Peak of technology? I dont think so.
Yeah, if there was a problem, we’d have heard about it by now. But geez Mark got a bad start!
I concur. He probably rolled forward 3 inches if that and came to a stop before the lights went out. No jump start. I’m pretty sure the FIA has that figured out after the Massa incedent.
“almost jumping the start”
Which means ‘ NOT jumping the start’.
You could say “Hamilton’s hooning in Australia saw him almost kill someone”
And it’d be just as much a non-story.