Seems to me this is a crucial race for Ferrari. Monaco is what it is because it's so hard to pass on that tight circuit. But now we're back to MS's home track, they've hopefully done some more work on the tires, and I believe we switch to the one lap race-trim/fuel qualifying session, correct? I think this will be a defining race for the rest of the season, don't you guys?
I'd say too late for that from a Ferrari perspective. Melbourne and Barcelona were IMHO the defining races this year. One showed Renault's dominance, the other Mc Laren's. I think that trend will continue. If anything I wonder more what Toyota will do in its home race (Cologne is nearby) and where BAR stand now that they have to carry some extra weight to make up for their fuel tank (of which they decided NOT to change the design). Prediction: 1) Kimi 2) Alonso 3) Ralf
i predict imp-y will be irritated with Sato's race even when F annouces they're giving him ruby's seat alonso fisci mikey
I have a feeling Schumacher will find the pace again. Kimi will be fast but the McLaren fragile. Alonso will continue to feel the weight of his point lead on his shoulders. NH, MW, RS, & JT will come back down to Earth. Coulthard will be in the points. JPM will whine but be fast. Button will be midpack but still consider himself Schumacher's equal. 1. MS 2. KR 3. FA 4. JPM 5. GF 6. MW 7. RB 8. DC
I think our boys will do the miracle...I think the good old days will come back again... QUAL: 1. MS 2. RB 3. DC RACE: 1. MS 2. RB 3. RS
Obviously I am going for a Ferrari 1 - 2 If McLaren does use team orders, that should be most interesting. It seems that they want Whinney to be motivated - if they want points and a good shot at a driver/constructor championship I don't think they should put strings on Kimi who is obviously their best tool. If Renault picks the right tire this time, then Alonso should do well. I think I shall write off both Hondas. DC was fast in the first practice this morning, thus perhaps RBR will be in the points unless a Minardi driver screws up and causes turmoil. Williams may be up there too - Quick Nick's home race and it would be nice for him to place in the points over Wacky Webber. Ralf had better get his act in gear and drive instead of rachet-jawing. Being basically bias, MS RB then followed by . . . FA KR Time will tell. Carol
Kimi Alonso Trulli DC Montoya Webber Ralf I just don't see Michael and Rubens doing that well this weekend.
It will be a battle between the KR McLaren, the 2 Williams and Alonso's Renault. The Ferraris are middle of the pack cars this year.
The Ferraris have been the fastest RACE cars in 3 out of the last 4 GPs. They are middle of the pack QUALIFYING cars. As it is next to impossible to pass on most of these circuits mid-pack is where they will stay. When you get close to another car your aeros get all messed up because your picking up that car's "dirty air" and your car starts lacking grip. What a mess F1 has become. Thanks Mosley! It has become an endurance run-engines lasting 2 races, one set of tires, etc. Why don't we put fenders on the cars and run them at Le Mans?
How many stops is this race normally? I think Michael is running more fuel than the others so if it is normally 2 stops MS will do it in 1, etc. Top three: 1-KR 2-JPM (he'll always be a biatch!) 3-MS FYI:If this assinine 2.4 liter V-8 rule comes into effect I'll be REALLY PISSED!!!!! Seriously, I almost wish Ferrari would go back into sportscar racing.....
I'd say two stops for everybody. Maybe Kimi on a one stop. Michael made a mistake in qualifying (yet again!), that's why he is behind Rubens.
I am holding on a glimpse of hope that MS is on one stop strategy and can come up through the field 1/3 into the race.
Mosley has really screwed up F1 with his lame rules. If they get rid of so much aero dependence and bring back some Mechanical Grip (i.e. Slick Tires) it would be far more entertaining than the crap we have now. Who comes out of the pits first? This isn't a chess match, when one guy tries to overtake it becomes the end of the world if it doesn't go down smoothly. If anyone watched the French GP in 79 when Arnoux and Villeneuve dueled for second place, they would see how backwards F1 has gone.
Hate it as much as you do. Also in qualifying, who has more fuel and who's empty. I didn't see it live but saw a replay. Best F1 duel I'v ever saw.
