Fallout from Sepang

Reaction to the Malaysian Grand Prix

by F1 Rumours for ITV-F1 Viewfinder

There are any number of articles floating around the net, concerning the disqualification of Ferrari, what it means for the Sport and Championship, and so on. Accordingly, the Viewfinder will have little to say on the subject, looking more at the details of the Grand Prix itself…

The promised rain never made an appearance, despite a small threat in qualifying. Ferrari were looking good all weekend - the changes they made ahead of Nurburgring finally coming good, coinciding with Schumacher's return. Indeed, the German had a fantastic weekend, ably demonstrating that his accident in Silverstone had, if anything, only had a positive effect on his pace.

Qualifying saw an all Ferrari front row, despite determined efforts by McLaren and Stewart to do something about Irvine, who was a second off the pace of his team-mate. It transpired that Coulthard finished ahead of Hakkinen, for a McLaren second row, whilst Johnny Herbert's resurgent confidence helped him out-qualify Barrichello by nearly half a second, for a Steward third row. Jordan had a disappointing session, with Frentzen spinning on his first flying lap, ending up fourteenth in the space, behind Hill, who made ninth on the grid. Ironically, in the race, Frentzen set a time in his race-car which would have seen him on the front row of the grid…

Sauber continued their poor qualifying form, which disappointed the Malaysian and Sauber sponsor Petronas; however, Alesi's race pace was impressive, and salvaged substantial pride for the team. The only problem with the car is it's qualifying pace - in race conditions, the team are just as impressive as last year, but need a better platform to run from.

The race was a relatively processional affair. Trulli departed on the warm-up lap, and Panis just into the race, which summed up Prost's weekend. The new engine is more powerful, but unreliable. Lots of work to be done ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix there! Damon Hill's dismal season continued - he was punted off at turn two - whilst Frentzen drove a solid race to sixth place. Herbert failed to hold off Hakkinen, finishing fourth ahead of Barrichello and confirming Stewart's return to form. Zanardi struggled, and failed, to pass Gene's Minardi, finishing effectively last in ninth place. Overtaking proved difficult for all…

The action at the front was all about team tactics. Despite being lauded as a track which promotes passing opportunities, there was little to be seen. Michael Schumacher let Eddie Irvine through, then turning into a mobile chicane, holding up Mika Hakkinen to great effect. His initial attempt to slow the McLaren of Coulthard failed as the Scot - seeing he had nothing to lose - decided to make a pass in true Schumacher style: clearly making the statement "the door is open, I'm coming through, or we're both going off." Those who believe he has trouble passing should take another look at that manoeuvre! Had his car not failed, he should have posed an interesting problem to Irvine's lead.

Otherwise, Schumacher played the perfect number two. He backed Hakkinen up effectively, and nearly won the Grand Prix despite running as slowly as practicable. Allowing Irvine through a second time to claim the win, having set the fastest lap of the race, said all about his capability. It was truly illuminating to see him playing this role, and confirms his abilities as the complete Formula One driver: in this case, fair but relatively slow and difficult to pass was the role he filled to near perfection. Whether or not you agree with "team orders," it was an impressive display.

It might have been a better display to see Irvine and Hakkinen dicing for the lead, however. True racing, without a doubt, means drivers striving to win on their own merits alone; but Formula One is a team sport, and has to be played accordingly. Whilst there is a Constructor's Championship, and multiple drivers in a team, this will always be so, whether or not it's in the open.

Of course, having totally dominated the weekend, and ensured a Ferrari one-two, the team were devastated by the cars failing scrutineering. The team does not deny that the cars failed to comply - the evidence was plain - so their hopes in Friday's appeal are very slight. The rules make no allowance for discretion based on whether a component "adds to performance," so the argument can hold no weight - and they will certainly be a penalty to pay. However, the cars, in identical configuration, passed scrutineering every day of the event, and after the race in Nurburgring. This might be enough to gain a reprive for the drivers, which would be good for the sport, and the last race of the year. But the cars were illegal, and that's likely to be the end of it.

Malaysian Grand Prix Weekend