Ferrari: On The Up
by Julie Gates
The team: Top marks for effort and persistence. They worked incredibly hard over the winter and now have a package capable of mounting an attack on McLaren. Superb reliability and excellent handling are the hallmarks of this years car. They still lack the outright speed of McLaren, as evident from qualifying results, and aerodynamic efficiency is second to the Silver Arrows. But, they have a car that is a virtually certain to reach the chequered flag, and well placed on circuits which highlight mechanical grip. They lead the Constructors Championship, and are both drivers are close to Hakkinen in the Drivers Championship. Even with Schumacher sidelined from injury, it is too early to speculate about the title, as they could still pull it out of the bag.
Driver - Michael Schumacher: Has once again demonstrated why he is deemed today's greatest driver. After winning two grand prix this season, he led the championship by six points, though Hakkinen clawed the advantage back, and was eight points ahead when the Silverstone accident took place. Has generally performed well, applying pressure on McLaren at every opportunity. Whilst unable to match their pace in qualifying, he has utilised the genius of Ross Brawn to prove more than a match for them in race trim. Driven faultless races so far, except the mistake in Canada, despite constant pressure from his team-mate. The accident at Silverstone has smashed his Championship dreams for this year, but he'll be back and fighting.
Driver - Eddie Irvine: Arguably the biggest mover and shaker of the '99 grid. He has blossomed into a fine racing driver, winning his first grand prix at Australia, which has made even hungrier for success. Performances have been closer than ever to Schumacher, whom he out-qualified in Spain. He has also been in the thick of the action and is currently level with Schumacher in the Drivers' Championship. An engine failure at Imola cost him valuable points, and a third place at Brazil slipped through his fingers when he was called in for an emergency pit stop to replenish engine air pressure. He should have won the Silverstone Grand Prix, but botched a pitstop. He could certainly go a long way this season, and now has a chance to race for himself and prove it. Can be mouthy at times, and often offends people. However, that is the Ulsterman all over and we like him that way!
What next: They need to find extra speed and improve their aerodynamics. Their new engine - the 048B - appeared at the French Grand Prix, and raced competitively at Silverstone. With Salo to replace Schumacher, anything can happen for the remainder of the season.
Conclusion: Exceptional reliability, highly talented team and drivers, all putting in exceptional effort. Looking for improvements all round, with which they will fight McLaren all the way.
Rating: 9/10
Article is written by and copyright © 1999-2001 Julie Gates and The F1 Rumors Site
Julie Gates is happiest watching F1 and writing. Also interested in singing, cars, cinema, reading and going to concerts, she has little spare time to relax, but this is the way she likes it - rather being busy than idle as she can't stand still for five minutes! Totally committed to her career as a Formula One journalist, she is determined to succeed.
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