Not quite 1988: Those were drivers in their prime, this would be a onesided contest. Aside from the physical aspect they both wanted to proove to the world who's best.
I knew that you are not a MS fan, but give the man a little more credit, will you? A 7 time WDC deserve at least that much respect. Don't count him out before the first flag drops for the season. MS has surprised many people and many of us in the past, and so far, it has not been proven that he had lost any of his abilities and more importantly, speed and the understanding of how to win a WDC, not yet at least. I would love to see MS and KR at Ferrari in 2007, and I think both will be just as hungry and eager to prove that one is faster than another. For MS, beating KR will end the "MS never had any real competitions, not from the field nor within the team etc." crap. And as for KR, what better way to prove to the world that you are ready and that you are just as fast as any other by beating MS with an almost identical machinery.
I didn't mean it to be disrespectful. I do have a lot of respect for MS. And it might even surprise you to read that I have a replica MS suit and helmet in my F1 memorabilia collection. The man is one of the greatest drivers of all times, no question. Which is why I have the suit and helmet, out of respect, but not because I'm a fan. Anyway, so much for my own confusion. What I meant was that in 2007 MS is quite a bit older than Kimi and at an age where others have called it quits. Also nature does start to slow you down in reflexes etc. He makes up for that with his experience and having been through the fire etc. The other thing is mental: The fire and hunger must be burning red hot in Kimi (and might especially if he ends up 2nd this year again, which might happen) whereas what has MS to prove after 7 titles? That's not to say he doesn't have it, but it would be only normal if the appetite has diminished. 1988 was a very different situation: Both drivers at similar physical age and in similar points of their career. That's what I tried to express, but apparently failed. I also agree that MS still has what it takes to deliver the goods, although I have to say he did show signs of resignation if not plain stupidity last year when in a hopeless situation in midfield. Again, not disrespectful, just commenting on what I saw (e.g. spinning out during a pace car lap). PS: I just got another visor signed by MS.
Hey Andreas ... I think you are not a deserving MS fan ... hence you need to give me the driving suit and helmet for a princely sum of $1 and look happy about it .... Signed Disgruntled MS fan PS ... and the visor too
lol well, in a way andreas do have a point, where the reflexes are slower, etc. but heck, i think schumi still has the thing that can surprise everyone. remember, in 2005, it was the car, not him that was slow. plus, schumi has clearly stated that he'll call it quits for 2 reasons: 1) if ferrari don;t give him a competetive car this year. 2) if ferrari gives him a good car, but he's slacking behind the young guns. anyways, personally, i think ms should carry on racing till he's 40. whether or not he's racing for the title is another thing. as for the records, 7 world titles is heck alot. we might not even live to see if anyone can beat fangio's record of 5. oh yeah, schumi has only senna's pole record to break, and he'll regret it for the rest of his life, i'm sure, if he does not break it...
Couple more comments about 1988: - I'd actually love to see MS vs Kimi. It would be cool, but I think it is unfair to MS if we compare that situation to 1988 for the reasons I stated. - Kimi vs Alonso at McLaren would be very much like 1988, but alas that's probably not gonna happen. - Sam, sorry, you can't have the suit. Actually I'll need it in two weeks time when I go racing. How weird is that: A self proclaimed non MS fan in a MS suit. But before that I go racing at another event in my Eddie Irvine replica suit. - Remy, you're right about the pole record, but even if MS would get that record, it isn't the same anymore: With the non refueling in parc ferme rule they really took the glamour out of the pole position. If you have it is good, but it might mean that you simply put no fuel into your tanks.
I think folks should drive until they have the slightest little twinge of doubt: doubt in themselves, the car, the circuit, the team, other drivers, even a corner on a circuit. The slightest little twinge they feel is in reality an iceberg of doubt, but they tell themselves differently, and then..... it's not good. You see that every year in nascar racing: the young guns there < 5 years in a car take more 'chances' than a vet with > 15 years, this is why we see Johnson, Kahne, Biffle, Ewards, etc. usually a lot faster than the Rusty Wallaces, Mark Martins, Michael Waltrips, Schraders, Pettys, and so on.
nice!! andreas, yeah, ur right about that refuelling issue in parc ferme. nowdays, pole isn;t about the fastest car, but the best strategy. pluz, with the new quali format, i think somehow rather, this gonna mix the field up. might see DC doing some flying starts from midfield.
RACER did a lengthy analysis of the new qualifying format and the bottom line is, that the starting grid might be quite unusual and should mix things up. It won't be as good as reversed grid, but also not as predictable as in the past.
