Looks like the racing will be closer this season | FerrariChat
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Looks like the racing will be closer this season

Discussion in 'Other Racing' started by speedy_sam, Feb 18, 2005.

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  1. speedy_sam

    speedy_sam F1 Veteran

    Jul 13, 2004
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    #1 speedy_sam, Feb 18, 2005
    With the way Renault and Mclaren are performing in pre-season testing it looks like this season will be very close particularly while Ferrari are using their 2004M spec car.

    Last year, McLaren and BAR were blazing in pre-season testing while Ferrari was pretty ordinary. It turned out that their performance flattered to deceive. Ferrari was testing on different circuits from the Michelin boys. The latter tested on circuits that did not exploit high speed characteristics of the car. Come Melbourne, Ferrari thrashed them in a manner rarely seen.

    This year, however, all the top players have been testing in similar circuits and Renault and Mclaren have shown superior speed to the Ferrari. Renault is proving consistent on long runs.

    I think Ferrari might be on the backfoot till the F2005 comes out. Season looks good from a racing standpoint. Unless of course Ferrari is purposely sand-bagging their performance.

    Rubens and Michael have also issued recent statements noting Renault and Mclaren as the top contenders this year.

    Based on testing performance the rankings seem to be:
    1. Renault
    2. Mclaren
    3. Ferrari
    4/5 BAR, Williams
    6. Others

    Toyota looks ****.
     
  2. imperial83

    imperial83 F1 Rookie
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    #2 imperial83, Feb 18, 2005
    Race results are the only thing that matters. All this testing comparison means nothing.
     
  3. FLATOUTRACING

    FLATOUTRACING F1 Rookie

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    #3 FLATOUTRACING, Feb 18, 2005
    For once we agree on something. Testing is worthless. McLaren looked like they would contend for the title last year in testing, but once the racing started they had more explosions than Fallujah !

    I think Ferrari is sandbagging. Same with BAR !

    Regards,

    Jon P. Kofod
    www.flatoutracing.net
     
  4. imperial83

    imperial83 F1 Rookie
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    #4 imperial83, Feb 18, 2005
    Yes, I agree completely. Comparing test results before the season starts is absolutely pointless.

    Ferrari maybe a little slow of the mark with the F2004M for the first 4 races of the season. But once the F2005 is ready, Michael Schumacher is going to start another shock and awe campaign!

    BAR will be competitive too, but I think Renault will beat them out this year. Alonso is going to be hungry for points. He sniffed blood last season and this season he is going to be out to get as manypoints as he can.

    But make no mistake... Ferrari World Champions 2005!!! :D
     
  5. Mr Payne

    Mr Payne F1 Rookie

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    #5 Mr Payne, Feb 18, 2005
    It should be said that when Ferrari was slow in testing early 2004 that was with their 2003 tire. Once Bridgestone delivered their 2004 tire to Ferrari that instantly gave Ferrari a half second on everyone. That happened 3 weeks before Melbourne and no one thought it was 'real' pace.
     
  6. californiaspyderplease

    californiaspyderplease Karting

    Feb 3, 2004
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    #6 californiaspyderplease, Feb 20, 2005
    Ferrai will win again this year...the "winter grands prix" means nothing, zilch. Look carefully at the driver comments. I believe Trulli came out about two weeks ago stating "nobody will catch Schumacher this year". The heads of technical development seem to think that the Ferraris had an uncatchable lead...Briatore has stated that in 2004 "Schumacher was driving like a taxi driver, with one arm out the window, it was so easy for him". Look for more of the same.
     
  7. Mr Payne

    Mr Payne F1 Rookie

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    #7 Mr Payne, Feb 20, 2005
    I have to agree. The F2005 will make or break Ferrari. The car can be absolutely devastating. If not, it might simply be at Renault or McLaren's pace (the two top cars right now).
     
  8. F2003-GA

    F2003-GA F1 World Champ
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    #8 F2003-GA, Feb 20, 2005
    I think Ferrari are going to be venarable if not this season maybe next. They are getting ready to do an IPO so they will cut back on their racing budget in order to make their financials look good.
     
  9. Tuco

    Tuco Karting

    Mar 10, 2004
    148
    Texas
    #9 Tuco, Feb 20, 2005
    It would not be an astute move for Ferrari to jeopardise their F1 program in order to show a better bottom line for their upcoming ipo. Another championship will only improve the perception of the firms value. I can't wait.
    I agree that testing is just that. and cannot be used to predict actual race performance,The Meister shall reign once again.
    Although I am pleased McLaren seem to have improved somewhat, If KR can keep his teamate from forcing him off the track he should do very well.
    All I know is that if I am at a race that McLaren is using the same engine as the last race I'm ducking when they go by.
    Tuco
     
  10. Jameel

    Jameel Formula Junior

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    #10 Jameel, Feb 21, 2005
    I said this last year (around this time) and I'll say it again. "Winter testing lap numbers, mean nothing".
     
  11. PSk

    PSk F1 World Champ

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    #11 PSk, Feb 21, 2005
    Agree ... but here's hoping :)

    Pete
     
  12. tifosi12

    tifosi12 Four Time F1 World Champ
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    #12 tifosi12, Feb 21, 2005
    Ditto that.
     
  13. speedy_sam

    speedy_sam F1 Veteran

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    #13 speedy_sam, Feb 21, 2005
    Tritto that :)

    That's why I originally posted. Like Imperial, I normally discard testing performance but this time I feel that Ferrari is in for a fight atleast till the F2005 is out.

    Viva racing!
     
  14. Mr Payne

    Mr Payne F1 Rookie

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    #14 Mr Payne, Feb 21, 2005
    I wouldn't even go that far, the Renaults and Mclarens are blisteringly fast in testing. If Ferrari had 20 points at the end of the 4th race, I think that would be the best they could have hoped for (at least looking at their testing pace).
     
  15. imperial83

    imperial83 F1 Rookie
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    #15 imperial83, Feb 21, 2005
    11 days 22 hours to go!!!

    On to Melbourne and the next Ferrari 1 - 2!!!

    It is so easy to be a critic these days!!!
     

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