BAR beats Ferrari in testing?

I was reading on formula1.com this morning about the testing in Spain last week. BAR topped the times on Friday 1-2. Button is not that shocking, but Sato in second?. On Thursday in the wet Shumacher was 2 seconds quicker than the next driver (Alonso). Ferrari must have been sandbagging big time Friday. Even though Ferrari may have been doing a race simulation, there is still a point of pride for these drivers when these communal tests occur. You almost wonder if Shumacher and crew are just toying with the competition.

Look at Ralf in tenth, his own test driver beat him by over a second. Pathetic if you ask me.

1. Jenson Button, BAR (Michelin), 1:15.048
2. Takuma Sato, BAR (Michelin), 1:15.293
3. Michael Schumacher, Ferrari (Bridgestone), 1:15.628
4. Pedro de la Rosa, McLaren (Michelin), 1:15.798
5. Mark Webber, Jaguar (Michelin), 1:15.861
6. Marc Gene, Williams (Michelin), 1:15.924
7. Alexander Wurz, McLaren (Michelin), 1:16.272
8. Rubens Barrichello, Ferrari (Bridgestone), 1:16.521
9. Scott Dixon, Williams (Michelin), 1:16.610
10. Ralf Schumacher, Williams (Michelin), 1:17.190
11. Giancarlo Fisichella, Sauber (Bridgestone), 1:17.247

 

Notice the time for MS was almost identical with the one he posted previously in the rain!

I think Ferrari is laying low, just showing enough speed to 'look' competitive, while having enough in reserve to run and hide.

 

These times mean nothing. Wait untill race day.

 

Once Honda gets its act together, and it will, they will be F1 Champions again.

 

The announcers on Speed TV said they saw BAR and Renault replacing Williams and McLaren as the other 2 big dogs of F1.

Honda has there stuff together this year.

 

Honda and BAR are doing great. Nevertheless I'm wondering how much of a "Ferrari tyre" the Bridgestone has become: Notice that BAR got really quick once they dropped the Bridgestones and the Saubers still make not much progress.

Todt btw mentioned, that Ferrari will enhance the car quite a bit for Imola. Such an announcement must be salt in their competitors' wounds.

 

Oh yes, because Williams have proven themselves to be so slow this year...

 

I've been a Formula 1 fan for some time now and I can honestly say that it is the most exciting form of racing for me. Of course, with Ferrari dominating the way they are, makes the sport even that much more spectacular. However, Formula 1 teams are on cycles regarding their individual standings within the sport. Technologies change over time, R&D gets better and drivers change: It will not surprise me to see other teams exchanging places in the near future. I can recall a time when Honda, Renault and Ford was at the top.

 

Welcome to the board!

 

Welcome to the board Glenn.

As for the testing times, I don't take any of them seriously. The point isn't to show up the competition and let them know what they need to race against. That's what the races are for. They already know Ferrari is quick. I doubt Ferrari is out to give them a benchmark in testing to compete against either. Now if BAR is leading the back in San Marino, then we'll have something to talk about.

 

I think Minardi will lead the back and BAR can race up front if they wish.

 

(Did i see sarcasm in that post?)
It's nbot so much Williams has proven themselves slow (they have not really) But the fact that BAR have proven themselves so fast.

 

(Did i see sarcasm in that post? )
It's not so much Williams has proven themselves slow (they have not really) But the fact that BAR have proven themselves so fast.

 

Well.....hehe, I never doubted BAR this entire year and during testing. I actually thought they were going to jump to third place. Now, if Renault had Honda power things might be different...but they don't.

 

In regards to Ralf being slower then Gene, it was said on F1 live that he hurt his back in testing and had to leave a day early. That may be the reason, or maybe just another excuse for him.

 

eh, must of missed that. at least ya got the point

Funny thing is I read that as "Minardi will lead the pack" and thought, what are you thinking?

 

i like the way you think