Jordan Running Nothing But Mouth

“The rule is: the more you spend, the quicker you go. Cash is king and engine costs are huge, which restricts the quality of the drivers, staff – virtually everything.”
Jordan reckons Williams should have tried harder to keep BMW on board, if necessary by selling shares in the team to the German manufacturer.
“The logical move would have been for Frank and [co-owner] Patrick [Head] to sell part of their equity and embrace BMW as a shareholder and sporting partner, instead of allowing Sauber to sneak in and steal BMW from under their noses.
“In the current climate, I’d rather be a 50 percent part of something that’s winning than 100 percent of something that cannot win.”
Eddie, your 0 percent “in the current climate” and when you were a percent in 494 chances you won 4 races not really a winning record, but to top it off 25 percent of those wins were with Cosworth.
You have a point about the money but it won’t be felt next year, Cosworth’s long history and experience with V8’s will help Williams as all the other teams start from scratch. Williams problems are more related to chassis than engine and that is why BMW left.

German GP - Post

If I am going to call out Ralf Sheheen, Bill Adams, Brad Kettler and CBS I need to at least point out where I have gone wrong. First, it is obvious that I am a Kimi fan (reference - season predictions and all GP predictions) and that my predictions, though reasonable, are more of a wish list. Being reasonable, I believe and predict that Alonso will finish on the podium and he does. As to Kimi, it truly is “better to be lucky than good”, I feel sick. I do not mean to take anything from Alonso, he is a great racer, but even he admits that the Renault can’t keep up with the McLaren, evidenced by JPM from 20th to second, brilliant and a pleasure to watch. Second, I blew it big with Trulli, both him and the Toyota have lost something over the last couple of GP’s. I believe they will sort that out and finish the year with a bang and if this race says anything maybe even with a boost from Ralf. Third, I thought the tech glitch Renault suffered earlier in the weekend would effect their ability to finish, e.g. the Fisi DNF prediction. Which brings me back to being lucky, if Alonso had had to push the entire race his rear brakes would not have lasted and his race would not have been so “boring”. I love him for admitting that but even more for the answer to the dumb ass question posed to him before the race, “from third on the grid what do you have to do win?” Alonso, “overtake two cars”.
That takes me back to the announcers and CBS. CBS, your graphics take up a third of the screen and fifty percent of the action. Not once coming back from commercial did we get to see the gap between 1st and 2nd, that’s just bad. But even worse is not having an announcer that knows Formula 1. Less than five minutes into the broadcast they gave false information as to how points are awarded, a second place gives 8 points not six. Tire engineers can not “adjust the tire preasure” and it is checked on car. Only one team car can pit at a time, if both refueling rigs are at the ready it is called being ready for anything. If all you are doing in the pit is refueling that is just smart, it does not mean that there “maybe a problem with one of the rigs”. The German fans are great and love their racing and their air horns work because the drivers have an engine two feet from their head taching out at 19,000 rpms, they are not in a field hitting a little white ball, though that at times is called driving. And, this maybe nit picking but you guys said something was “very, very” at least four times, thats sounds very, very stupid.
Not wanting to end this post on the sour note the race left me on, I have to take my hat off to Button, that is some racing and a brilliant pass on Michael.

German GP - Predictions

Kimi (1) goes gate to gate. Trulli (2) and Alonso (3) fight for their spots on the podium. JPM (4) helps McLaren with his points and they make a gain as Fisi (20) DNF’s. Ralf (5) kicks it up a notch and doesn’t let his brother by, Michael (6). Button (7) and Sato (8) grab the last of the points, just ahead of Rubino (9). David (10) shows why Red Bull extended his contract and Massa (11) puts Villeneuve’s (14) position into greater question. Klien (12) finishes ahead of the Webber (13) and Heidfeld (15) as BMW have shut the door on their relationship with Frank. Karthi (16), Monte (17), Doornbos (18) and Kiesa (19).

GP2 has Bigger Names than F1

Scott Speed, third after Silverstone, gets more notice than he should, because he is an American. I took the FIA survey and said an American in Formula 1 would not make it more interesting to me, but more than that if his name is Speed I would want to see him beat and beat regularly.
The story in GP2 should be the second generation big names that are on the rise. Niko Rosberg (second in series with 41 pts) is the first driver in the series to score back to back wins and the first to score a victory from the pole, is the son of the 1982 F1 World Champion Keke Rosberg . Mathius Lauda is the son of three time F1 World Champion, Niki Lauda. And, Nelson Piquet, Jr. whose Dad is also a three time F1 World Champion all have more interesting stories than Speed. As interesting as all this is though, it doesn’t take into consideration Heikki Kovalainen, the newest Fly’n Finn, who is in front of the GP2 series by 20 points.

"French Orgy of Consumerist Decadance"- predictions

Activist Francois Schneider and his donkey Jujube's website says, "the French Formula 1 Grand Prix is a paroxysm of pollution and the wasting of natural resources. We want the end of this anachronistic leisure activity reserved for a score of spoilt rich brats." Bernie can't pay for that kind of publicity and it's nice to know the French have found someone to take the place of Jerry Lewis.
With Kimi losing 10 places on the grid for his engine replacement, I can't even give him a podium. Michael (1) starts third but pulls out the win with Alonso (2) and JPM (3) from the pole taking the last step on the podium. Kimi (4) just edges out Fisi (5), Rubens (6) and the Toyota of Trulli (7). BAR's Button (8) scores their first point, just ahead of Ralf (9) and Red Bull's the of Coultard (10) and Klien (11). Sato (12) and Massa (13) duel and beat out Villenueve (14) and the new areo packaged but underpreforming BMW Williams of Webber (15) and Heidfeld (16) driving the wedge deeper. Hopefully, Monte (17) and Fries (18) will be able to hold onto the new Jordan EJ15B and beat out the Minardi's (19) and (20).

USGP ? post

How could the FIA break the rules and change the circuit for the teams (on Michelins) that didn’t bring the right equipment? How could the Michelin teams not at least attempt the race? How does something like this happen at the highest level of racing?
If the FIA thought BAR looked like amateurs with there “fuel bladder” (fuel as ballast) how do they see themselves? The blame game works against them. Tony George was ready to drop a chicane into turn thirteen. It doesn’t help that Bernie Eccelstone was complaining about the lack of promotion for the event. The USGP rates as one of the highest in attendance, so I have to assume Bernie was bothered that the race wasn’t on Network TV. I’d say Bernie lucked out, any major network would have dropped the “farce” and since Americans don’t know who he is, Bernie didn’t get the ass kicking he deserved when he ducked out of the race early.
Michelin will probably skate blame by Americans, but this has to be one of the biggest screw ups in racing history and they should be embarrassed. Yes, adding a chicane seems like a reasonable solution to the problem, but the problem was not with the circuit it was with Michelin tires.
Had the Bridgestone teams (Ferrari) also boycotted, would there have been any race? Would a chicane have appeared? If a chicane had appeared would the FIA really have taken the USGP out of the Championship? And, if the FIA had taken the USGP out of the Championship would the teams have run at all?
Well Michael is third and only 24 points from the Drivers and Ferrari are tied for second and only 13 points from the Constructors. The most exciting season in recent history is scarred. It does look like the FIA don’t know what they are doing.
By the way Bernie, the Champ Car race was on Network and went off without a hitch.

American Speed

Would Formula 1 be more interesting for Americans if Scott Speed had a seat ? He is the hype and I like what Red Bull are doing. But, Speed is't even the best in GP2. I saw Heikki Kovalainen at the “Race of Champions”, he drove everything and beat Michael. Putting Heikki in a good seat means more to me than Speed.
Anyone who understands racing sees Speed as one more American who gets a chance because he’s American.
The Americans have the Nextel Cup, the IRL and the Champ Series and no one good enough for F1, let them be.

Post Canada

Everyone will admit that Fisi should have had the Canadian, as well as admitting that Kimi should have had the European but, “I’d rather be lucky than good”. Once again, Michael was both.
JPM raced like a kid, again. Reading the rules and understanding the rules are two different things. Without hearing the radio you have to blame the black flag on Ron Dennis. I didn't drop the Lolly, but I knew JPM was in trouble when he came out even with the safety car. It was nice for the Championships to see Alonso make an error.
If we are going to get Americans interested in F1, we don’t need “Speed”, we need color from someone who knows F1. Derrick getting “bleeped”( we all know what you said), was the only entertainment offered by those jokers. Thank God the USGP is on Speed Channel.

Pulling out the Stops

Seven tenths separate the top seven.
Barring any major incident this race will be won on race strategy.
I believe Ferrari and BAR are on a three (3) stop, so are Sauber. Renault and JPM are on a two (2) along with Williams, Toyota and Red Bull. Kimi’s seventh is due to being on a full tank, yes, a one (1) stop. Minardi and Jordan are probably on a three (3), but does it really matter?

Canadian Predictions, Wet/Dry

Do we need water to make the season more entertaining? Has Bridgestone got its wets right? It doesn’t hurt and yes.
Ferrari will dominate, from pole to Michael (1) and Rubens (2). Kimi (3) will be well behind but chased closely by Fisi (4) and Alonso (5). Heidfeld (6) continues driving like a veteran and the veteran David (7) shows another of the Red Bulls strengths. JPM (8) slides off a couple times but his McLaren makes up it. Trulli (9) out drives Webber (10) and Ralf (11). The odds favor Ville finishing (12). Button (13) can’t keep control of his BAR and Sato (14) doesn’t finish, but he is the last to not finish. Klien (15), Massa (16), Karthi (17), Monte (18), Albers (19) and Fries (20) drop out or fall off in the order provided.
If the track stays dry my order shuffles the Ferrari's to the middle of the field. Kimi (1), Fisi (2), Alonso (3), JPM (4), Heidfeld (5), Trulli (6), Webber (7), Rubens (8) Ralf (9), Button (10), Michael (11), David (12), Sato (13), Massa (14), Klien (15), Ville (16), Karthi (17), Monte (18), Albers (19), Fries (20).

Briatore Spins His Wheels

Flavio Briatore, Renault Managing Director says, "the sport is becoming more of a tyre championship rather than a car one”, and to some extent he is right. The races this year have been to exciting for me to complain about it though. That Briatore, ahead in drivers and constructors championships, said it, is what I find interesting.
First, no one at Ferrari made this comment over the last few years, either did Briatore for that matter. Though the One Tire Rule has it’s impact it is felt equally through the field. The pendulum has swung and Michelin (over 200,000 km of test data) are on top. Bridgestone (40,000 km test data), only on two of the ten teams don’t have enough time to adapt to the new rule. I guarantee the money saved by limiting tires at the track was spent in the lab.
Second, Briatore’s comment has a hint of lament, even though Renault is ahead in the Championships, the Championships are some how tarnished by Ferrari’s (Bridgestone’s) lack of performance.
Third is connected to two in that his comment shows his passion for Formula 1 and the competition. Though it’s far from in the bag, how many people in the lead in any field would make a negative comment on about the thing that is giving them the advantage.
Lastly, if it’s just down to the tires, all cars on the same tires would help level the playing field, but who wants another IRL or Champ series. I don’t and neither does Briatore.

Michael Catches Senna

I am proving my point with the poles and disproving any thing I had thought about the Senna / Michael comparison, percentage wise(stats. fed by F1db). Senna 162 starts 105 finishes 64.87%, Michael 218 starts, 172 finishes 78.54%. Senna 80 podiums, 49.38%, Michael 138, 63.01%. Times in points - Senna 96, 59.26%, Michael 166, 75.80%. Poles are the point RE. Michael can’t beat Senna. Fastest lap, Senna 19, 11.73%, Michael 68, 31.05%. Doubles, Senna 29, 17.90%, Michael 37, 16.89%. Triples, Senna 7, 4.32%, Michael 20, 9.13%.
Michael leads percentage wise in all categories, save the afore mentioned poles and in the doubles. Senna also has a large percentage of retirements 56, 34.57%, Michael 47, 21.46%.
I am sure all of this means something, just not what I want it to. I wanted a reason for Michael to be as hungary as he is. It’s not in the stats. Michael is just a racer. So, I will repeat myself and say that I would not have a problem with Ferrari winning the Constructors Championship or Michael winning the Drivers Championship.

Michael Can't Catch Senna

Michael will never catch up, with 63 poles he is just two poles behind Senna. Yes, the point is the record and there is a chance Michael can put his name on the top of that chart. But is the record broken? Senna had 65 poles in 161 starts, on the pole for 40% of his starts. Michael at 63 poles and 217 starts, sat on the pole for 29% of his starts and that decreases every time he starts. I don’t want to diminish what Michael has accomplished by unfair comparisons but they did race against each other and while Senna was alive Michael never took a pole.

Nurburgring Proves Slippery

Who didn’t fall off? I’m including myself here. About the only thing I got right was Webber and even I didn’t know he’d lose it on the first corner. BAR engines finished, Jordan beat Minardi, Rubens beat Michael and Red Bull luck out. Unbelievable race, Kimi on the last lap, brutal. Heidfeld, drives older than he looks, it will take a normal race to see where Williams stand, they’re looking tough. Rubino’s balls drop but I think it’s a little late. Even if he beats Michael in the points the kids have more to offer.

Post - Qualifying Europe

Hats off to Heidfeld and Webber, but running light on fuel they lose their advantage after the first stop. The rest of my predictions line up in the pit. McLaren on a one stopper drive off into the distance. Barrichello and Webber won’t be able to hold it together. Hopefully, Alonso will pass Trulli on the track - we know he can hold the best at bay and know his Renault is great off the line but can he make a move and make it stick? Michael’s Ferrari hits its stride around lap 45 but it is only enough for seventh. BAR engines weren’t changed and don’t go the distance, the heat doesn’t help. Replace Liuzzi with Klien, they are interchangeable aren’t they?

European GP Predictions

McLaren will continue their dominance Kimi (1), JPM (2). Renault will pick the right tires, Alonso (3) but Trulli (4) will out drive Fisi (5). William’s Heidfeld (6) will edge Michael (7) who Ralf (8) won’t be able to get around. Webber (9) won’t have to out drive Rubino (10), because Rubens will drive himself off the road. BAR will take the new engine penalty and come from the back of the grid to Button (11) Sato(12). Massa (13) will edge out Coultard’s (14) Red Bull. Klien (15) will avoid Villenueve (16) and the Minardis Albera (17), Friesacher (18) will beat out the Jordans Monteiro (19) and Karthikeyan (20).
If BAR don’t take the new engine penalty they won’t finish.

Montagny is First, from Third Seat

Frenchman Franck Montagny who replaced Dutchman Robert Doornbos in Jordan’s third seat has outpaced Narain Karthikeyan and Tiago Monteiro at the Nurburgring in Fridays second free practice. Montagny hasn’t raced regularly since taking the 2003 Nissan World Series. For the last three years Montagny has been testing for Renault. Flavio Briatore is Montagny’s manager and their contract states that Flavio will find Montagny a seat in 05.
Ask and you shall receive, RE Karthikeyan Can't Handle Pig.

Friday Second Practice - European GP

1. WURZ          McLaren   1m30.623s
2. ZONTA         Toyota    1m30.630s
3. HEIDFELD      Williams  1m31.813s
4. MONTOYA       McLaren   1m31.841s
5. RAIKKONEN     McLaren   1m31.870s
6. WEBBER        Williams  1m32.088s
7. BARRICHELLO   Ferrari   1m32.143s
8. ALONSO        Renault   1m32.335s
9. FISICHELLA    Renault   1m32.842s
10. R.SCHUMACHER Toyota    1m33.098s
11. TRULLI       Toyota    1m33.168s
12. KLIEN        Red Bull  1m33.174s
13. M.SCHUMACHER Ferrari   1m33.242s
14. COULTHARD    Red Bull  1m33.430s
15. SATO         BAR       1m33.514s
16. BUTTON       BAR       1m33.753s
17. MONTAGNY     Jordan    1m34.090s
18. MASSA        Sauber    1m34.274s
19. VILLENEUVE   Sauber    1m34.645s
20. MONTEIRO     Jordan    1m34.702s
21. LIUZZI       Red Bull  1m34.842s
22. ALBERS       Minardi   1m35.311s
23. KARTHIKEYAN  Jordan    1m35.791s
24. FRIESACHER   Minardi   1m36.702s

Friday First Practice - European GP

1. WURZ          McLaren   1m31.670s
2. M.SCHUMACHER  Ferrari   1m32.578s
3. ZONTA         Toyota    1m32.726s
3. MONTOYA       McLaren   1m32.873s
5. BARRICHELLO   Ferrari   1m32.984s
6. RAIKKONEN     McLaren   1m32.988s
7. HEIDFELD      Williams  1m33.142s
8. WEBBER        Williams  1m33.248s
9. KLIEN         Red Bull  1m33.304s
10. R.SCHUMACHER Toyota    1m34.018s
11. TRULLI       Toyota    1m34.212s
12. MASSA        Sauber    1m35.142s
13. COULTHARD    Red Bull  1m35.413s
14. VILLENEUVE   Sauber    1m35.716s
15. LIUZZI       Red Bull  1m36.129s
16. MONTEIRO     Jordan    1m37.021s
17. ALBERS       Minardi   1m37.406s
18. KARTHIKEYAN  Jordan    1m37.474s
19. FRIESACHER   Minardi   1m37.538s
20. MONTAGNY     Jordan    1m37.725s
21. SATO         BAR       no time
22. BUTTON       BAR       no time
23. FISICHELLA   Renault   no time
24. ALONSO       Renault   no time

Karthikeyan Can't Handle Pig

As I watched Monaco Qualifying I was amazed that the Jordan could stay inside the Armaco. Watching all the steering input I figured the car was just a pig.

Peter Windsor says there may be more to it. “I was quite impressed with Narain Karthikeyan’s bravery and car control in the semi-wet in Melbourne but ‘disappointing’ is the only word to describe his driving at Monaco. He threw the Jordan around the quick stuff, as you would expect, but he was astonishingly laborious through the more technical corners. He caused instability under braking, was too wide with his turn-ins, too abrupt with his throttle application and made no attempt to kill the ensuing understeer with additional lock against a decreasing brake pedal. I never cease to be amazed by drivers like Narain who seem to go out of their way not to follow the drivers who know what they are doing. At Monaco he only needed to sit behind someone like Kimi or Michael for a corner or two to see how wide of the mark he was with the Jordan. It’s a shame, because he has a lot of natural talent and I’m sure the Jordan-Toyota is a much better car than he made it look. Narain needs to learn how to learn, if you know what I mean.”

I do think that having a driver from India makes Formula 1 more international, but I find it hard to believe that there aren’t more talented and deserving drivers out there.

Racers V. Drivers

Itv.com pole likes Mikes actions
Michael Schumacher’s pass of teammate Rubens Barrichello on the last lap and lunge inside brother Ralf at the finish line at Monaco is considered good racing by approximately 75% of the respondents to the itv.com pole.
Michael's actions highlight the difference between racers and drivers.
Rubino is the only person at Ferrari who thinks he’s a racer. A racer would not take a back seat, even in a Ferrari. When Ferrari starts to look, if they haven’t already, they won’t be looking for another driver.
Ralf, it must be hard being Michael's brother, but when you're the bratty little brother it’s hard on all of us. Would you have attempted that pass on him or anyone else for that matter? Would you have even thought of it? Exactly, drive on bro.

Qualifying Changes

Formula One racing’s governing body, the FIA, has confirmed that Sunday morning qualifying is to be dropped as of this weekend’s European Grand Prix at the Nurburgring in Germany.
Grid positions will now be determined by the Saturday session alone, which will continue in the same single-lap format, but with cars required to qualify in race trim. They will then be kept under parc ferme conditions until the race.
I'm glad the aggregated qualifying is over for no other reason than I am tired of being told I don't understand it.
There is a chance we can get qualifying over a few hot laps back. Also, an outside chance that we could get the pole sitter a championship point. The FIA want your opinion, go to www.fia-amd-survey2005.com.

Monaco Post Race

05 Monaco post race.
Kimi - 3 seconds lead by lap 5 and on a one stop, come on!
JPM - To think that my predictions had you punting Kimi, I thought that since you and Ralf were separated there would be no more bitch boxing.

Williams 2 and 3 - Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then.
"It is certainly positive, yes, but we have been with Williams now for more than five years and you shouldn't take a strategic decision on a one-day event," said Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsports boss). Mario knows the score.

Michael - Retire? How hungary can a seven time world champion who has his name on the top of all but two records be? Hungary enough for the fastest race lap (4 seconds faster than his qualifying time) and to drive like a real racer for one point.
Michael - "I didn't think there was much risk involved in the moves," he said. "I am a full-blooded racer, that's why I'm here. "Do they think I came here just for a Sunday afternoon outing?”
Barrichello was incensed enough with Schumacher’s actions to complain to Ferrari boss Jean Todt. "He overtook me in a place where he shouldn't have," the Brazilian said. "He took a gamble for an extra point. But, if I hadn't moved out of the way, we would have crashed and lost the points we earned today. "I don't want to destabilize the team, but I have spoken to Michael and Jean Todt. A few years ago I wouldn't have said anything, and I don't suppose this will now change anything." A little late to grow balls, Rubino.

Ralf Schumacher, who successfully defended his place against Michael, said that the incident could have had a much more tragic outcome. “Michael's crazy," he said. "He should have switched on his brain before he tried that move. One more millimetre and one of us could have been dead. Sometimes Michael is just not right in the head." I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again as Michael’s little sister you should be more supportive.

Sauber lap 63 - you’re a racer if you make it stick and a joke if you stick in the tire barrier. I still love you Jacque but I’m sure Massa and Peter feel differently. Peter Sauber has summoned Jacques Villeneuve and Felipe Massa to explain themselves at his team's headquarters in Hinwil following their collision in the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday. The pair made contact on lap 63 at Ste Devote, as Villeneuve tried to pass Massa for eighth place while they were bottled up behind Giancarlo Fisichella's fourth-placed Renault.

Rethinking my predictions

Overall, I'll stick to them, but I will make a few comments.
1. I did underestimate the Bridgestone deficit, which effects both my predictions for Michael and the F2004M, sticking with my predictions though I still believe Michael could put the F2005 on a podium or two.
2. I underestimated the passion for racing and Formula 1 Ford's employees have. I called the car a "turd" and couldn't have been more wrong. I will eat my crow with the Ford exec.
3. Behind my JPM comment "if he can keep from knocking Kimi off the road" is the real issue, his emotional out bursts. He had a great come back in Monaco but the brake check in practice was childish and deserved the punishment.
4. As the one man fan club of David Richards I have to say I had BAR's chances wrong but still believe they would be in the hunt if he'd stayed, and Richards would never have "misinterpreted the rules".
And, I'll point out what I had right.
1.McLaren and Renault
2. I nailed Toyota, Jarno and Ralf.
3. Jordan behind Minardi?

Predictions

2005 F1 predictions ( made 02-25-05)
Drivers Championship
1. Kimi Raikonen - McLaren
2. Juan Pablo Montoya - McLaren
3. Fernando Alonso - Renault
4. Michael Schumacher - Ferrari
5. Giancarlo Fisichella - Renault
6. Jarno Trulli - Toyota
7. Mark Webber - Williams
8. Rubens Barrichello - Ferrari
9. Nick Heidfeld - Williams
10. Ralf Schumacher - Toyota
11. Jenson Button - BAR
12. Takumo Sato - BAR
14. Felipe Massa - Sauber
15. David Coultard - Red Bull
16. Jacques Villeneuve - Sauber
17. Christian Klien - Red Bull
- Crap Shoot -
- Points will only be scored if the other teams fall off the planet -
18. Tiago Monteiro - Jordan
19. Narian Karthikeyan - Jordan
20. Patrick Friesacher - Minardi
21. Christian Albers - Minardi
Constructors Championship
1. McLaren - 1.Michelin development advantage. 2. Two of the best drivers in F1. 3. Mercedes conservative nature works with two race engine rule and so will be served few penalties. Vs. 1. Can JPM keep from knocking Kimi off the road (no team orders at McLaren)
2. Renault - 1. Michelin. 2. First to master the new areo package (4th race). 3. Transmission / Launch control (will still be fastest off the line). Vs. 1. 72deg. V-angle isn’t fully developed and will serve a few penalties (which are balanced by Launch control).
3. Ferrari - 1. Michael is still the best and will pull a victory or two in the F2004M and a podium or two with the F2005. Vs. 1. Bridgestone’s lack of test data (Ferrair and Sauber will not be enough) but Michael's abilities will serve him well on tyre conservation. 2. The late release of the new car (F2005 @ race 4, after fly a ways) and loss of Rory Burne as Chief Designer will cause shake down problems and a possible return of last years car (F2004M) a-la 2003, never the less they will play catch up for the rest of the season. 3. Rubens might touch the podium in the first three races but will stay in the low points when they get back to Europe. ***In the wet the Bridgestone’s and Michael will dominate.

- 4, 5, and 6 will be to close to call, but here it is -

4. Toyota - 1. Deepest pockets in the Show. 2. Conservative mind set plays into Toyota’s hand when it comes to the two race weekend engine rule. 3. Jarno Trulli will hit his stride. Vs. 1. Conservative mind set still bites them in the ass as Aero-package goes. 2. Ralf will have a litany of excuses for his under performance compared to his teammate save lack of ability.
5. Williams - Yes, fifth - 1. the one and only, Michelin, which doesn’t matter when you’re in fifth place. Vs. 1. They were the “Walrus”, the name given to last years twin keel and front wing set up that they abandoned so late in the season last year that they start this year with an Aero development deficit. 2. BMW renegotiations calibrates money with performance clause, ouch! (BMW is also looking for customers in 2006, as of 02-22-05 both Sauber and Midland (bought Jordan - name change takes place next year) are rumored). 3. Frank Williams admits they lost Ralf and JPM because of the expense (loss of BMW $) and even though Frank is a master at pulling a rabbit out of his hat two new drivers is always a mistake. Webber has huge potential but even that can’t over come the lack of development. Heidfeld will ripen, but is still to green.
6. BAR - Vs. There can only be cons if I am going to put them in sixth after last years showing. 1. David Richards (the Prodrive CEO, WRC running, BAR turn-a-round genius) is gone. 2. British American Tobacco (BAT) want out ASAP as the tobacco ban comes into play near the end of the season (David Richards would have been a great help with new sponsorship money). 3. Jenson Button is only sitting here and not Williams because he couldn’t get out of his contract (David Richards plays Frank Williams kind of hardball).
***I agree with John Surtees (a Brit, like Button, and the only World Champion on both two and four wheels) that once it was confirmed that Button could not leave (BAR has him exclusively through 2005) he should have been sacked. Button’s only reason to shine is hope for a seat next year and that’s not much in a car that will under perform.
*** BAR disappears after this year. It’s ironic that Button’s out performance of Villenueve (who started BAR), was Jacques demise, is making his return (Sauber), after a two season hiatus, in time to watch the demise of Button and BAR. It will be a real ball buster if Villenueve and Button end up teammates next year on a back marker team.

- Does it really matter -

7. Sauber - 1. Felipe Massa. 2. Jacques Villenueve’s last chance. 3. Still Ferrari’s test team. Vs. 1. Still Ferrari’s test team but on the outs, move to Michelin and possibly BMW power next year.
8. Red Bull - 1. New deep pockets. Vs. 1. New deep pockets means new management structure. 2. New paint can’t polish the turd Jaguar left them.
9. Minardi - Need say no more.
***Okay, I need to say more. Paul Stoddard is still the best at recognizing talent in the rough, either or both his rookies, Christian Albers and Patrick Friesacher, could end up with a seat or test drive next year.
10. Jordan - Vs. 1. Even the new owner, Midland, isn’t willing to put their name on the car. 2. Two rookie drivers.
***If either Tiago Monteiro or Narian Karthikeyan make it to the end of the season I will eat my hat. They won’t for two reasons - 1. Midland move to a Dallara (who don’t need or want any of the EJ chassis’ info.) chassis next year and even if Dallara doesn’t become a sponsor the new management at Midland will want to give their next years drivers as much time in a seat as possible. 2. Midland has deep pockets and can afford to pay drivers, Jordan couldn’t (why they have two pay drivers and were sold). Sorry, Eddie, I will miss you.