Taking a breather - summer holidays, Formula One style

Source : www.formula1.com

Since the season got underway back in March, the Formula One fraternity has jetted between continents, seen the midfielders beat the frontrunners, cheered four different race victors, and contended with a healthy dose of controversy. So with 10 of 17 races complete, the sport is more than ready for its traditional summer holiday.

Of course, ‘holiday’ means different things to different people. Jenson Button completed a triathlon last weekend, Kimi Raikkonen competed in Rally Finland and Jaime Alguersuari was busy winning in the World Series by Renault. Others were enjoying more relaxing pursuits. We discovered a few of their plans…

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull:
"I haven’t planned anything so far. I am rather spontaneous and don’t book my vacations in January. I like the mountains and as I live in Switzerland you will probably find me up there, maybe for one week. And, of course, I will spend time in my hometown Heppenheim."

Nick Heidfeld, BMW Sauber:
"I am looking forward to a real family vacation: (wife) Patrizia, the kids and I will head for a Greek Island. Shush! Which island is a secret! We will build sandcastles, have picnics on the beach, do all those things that other parents do with their youngsters."

Robert Kubica, BMW Sauber:
"I will stay at home during the summer break. I will relax a little bit. I will go karting and work out a bit. That’s all. Doesn’t read very fancy, does it?"

Jenson Button, Brawn GP:
"After the London Triathlon at the weekend I will relax a bit in the South of France before getting into gear again for the European Grand Prix."

Lewis Hamilton, McLaren:
"I will head to New Delhi for a Vodafone promotional event and as I am already far out east, maybe I will find myself a beach retreat for a week. But honestly, nothing definite is planned yet."

Heikki Kovalainen, McLaren:
"After going back to the factory for a debrief, I’ll head off for two weeks into the sunset. Where? That’s my secret."

Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari:
"After Rally Finland I will relax with friends, maybe a bit motor biking in Finland and then I’ll head to the beach for a bit. That’s the vague plan for the moment."

Adrian Sutil, Force India: "I will spend a week at home in Switzerland before flying to Bali for a holiday with my family. Bali is one of my favourite destinations. It’s a charming place. Then I will return to Switzerland again, before heading for Valencia for the European Grand Prix."

Giancarlo Fisichella, Force India:
"I will spend time with my family and friends on board my boat, the Fizzy. The plan is to sail in the waters around Sardinia and Corsica and have a good time."

Sebastian Buemi, Toro Rosso:
"I will spend a couple of days at my parents’ home in Switzerland, then go down to Malaga for one week with my physio for a workout. And for a little extra treat I’m going to fly to New York for four days to inhale a bit of metropolis life."

Jaime Alguersuari, Toro Rosso:
"The weekend after Budapest I am racing in Portimao. After that I will head for Ibiza to work on my fitness - and of course have a little fun!"