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The past seven years I have spent much time watching Formula 1. I'm not sure what's so enticing about it, but it's something I just can't resist. It could be the sleek, beautiful cars, or the amazing speed at which they go at. Maybe it's the massive crashes (without injury though), or perhaps it's the tactical side of things-pit stops, reliability, letting people through etc. In my opinion, it's a mixture of all these.
But there's one more reason. When I started watching in 1995, I was only 7, and I liked the colour red. So, I supported Ferrari. Back then they were unimpressive and it was frustrating when Benetton and Williams dominated. In 1996 Williams were the only team in it, but, Micheal Schumacher did win a couple of times I believe. Over the next few years I watched almost every qualifying session and every race, cheering on Schumacher and Eddie Irvine. Unfortunately, thanks to firstly Jacques Villeneuve in the Williams, and then to Mika Hakkinen in the McLaren, World Championship success still evaded Jean Todt's men.
Around 2 years ago, in 1999, Mike was looking for his third title in a row. However, Schumacher and his friends had other ideas. Ferrari zoomed their way to both the Constructors and the Drivers Championship. I was overjoyed, but was sad to see Eddie Irvine go. He was replaced by Rubens Barrichello, and I have now grown to like the small Brazilian. There was more glory for Ferrari, but then, I found out about another team.
I read a book on all the teams ever involved in Formula 1 and came across the minnows Minardi. I had of course heard of them, but because they were always at the back of the field I never really got a glimpse of their car, or their drivers. I became interested and found out more about them, and last year had enough info to write a decent topic on them. {:) Because of this, I was desperate to see Minardi get a point. A point for Ferrari was nothing, they always wanted the full 10. I was extremely disappointed in 1999 when Luca Badoer drove his way (or fluked his way) to an amazing 5th place in his silver Minardi. With just a few laps to go, his car unusually broke down (although it may surprise you to know, Minardi has been associated with decent reliability over the past couple of years) and he was left crying at the side of the track.
In 2001, despite some excellent performances from driver Alonso, Minardi failed to win a point.
The European Minardi is owned by Australian Paul Stoddart, and because of lack of success he's had to put millions of his own money into the team. They've had to race with the worst engines and no TV time. This of course meant sponsors weren't keen to sign with them, because the car was never seen! The only decent sponsorship usually came with the drivers, such as this year thanks to Alex Yoong. Stoddart even bought a Boeing 747 out of his own money to fly his cars to the races.
As last season came to a close, Minardi were struggling. Points meant money, but they could get none. Stoddart was confident though, and promised they would make it to the 2002 season. Thankfully, they did, but they were still ignored. They came into this year with two relatively new drivers; Alex Yoong, had only driven twice before I believe and Mike Webber, the Australian who was imported from F3000. On friday night/saturday morning the qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix took place, Webber managing a decent 18th in front of the Jaguars and Yoong ended up 21st. The race took place last night, and what an amazing and awesome race it was.
The race started like a dream for Minardi. The only advantage at qualifying near the back was that they managed to miss a lot of the first-corner crashes that regularly took place in F1, and the same happened today. Ralf Schumacher of the Williams smashed into Barrichello's leading Ferrari, taking them both out. Thanks to this, carnage was wreaked behind them, with a lot of the mid-runners having to retire. Both Saubers crashed out, Button in the Renault was involved, Kimi Raikonnen's Mclaren suffered, the Arrows didn't even start the formation lap (although they did manage to compete) and many more. As the first lap was completed, only 12 drivers were left, two of them being the Minardi's in 7th and 8th. These positions were already extremely high for the team, but luck was set to go their way.
Jarno Trulli span out from 2nd, David Coulthard had to retire, Sato had problems, the Arrows who managed to get themselves into the race were disqualified, and as the race neared the end Webber, the Australian hero, was in an awesome 5th place with his teammate Yoong just behind. However, Yoong was passed by the faster Salo in his Toyota, and with just 5 laps to go Salo and Webber battled it out. Salo had more experience and the better car, but to the crowd's and my delight, Salo made a small mistake to let Webber pull away. Webber, in the European Minardi, finished in a glorious 5th position, gaining 2 points for the joyous Minardi team. And because it was the Australian GP, there wad much more TV time for them. They had all the attention, and even got a chance to celebrate on the podium. Minardi had 2 points. It may not sound like much, but it's massive for Minardi. Yoong was unluckly to finish out of the points, but 7th is an excellent accomplishment too.
This was a great race for me-Schumacher won in the Ferrari, and of course Minardi got those brilliant positions. A buzz will surround F1 for a few weeks now, the fact that this tiny team overcame all the odds, and with a bit of luck on the way managed to achieve the supposedly unachievable. This is another wonderful high for the biggest motor racing championship in the World, and you never know, maybe Minardi can gain some more of those precious points this year. This ranks along some all-time great moments for me, even higher than the interview with Mclaren boss Ron Dennis after he lost last year's Championship. Great stuff.
Thanks for reading, Ant.
But there's one more reason. When I started watching in 1995, I was only 7, and I liked the colour red. So, I supported Ferrari. Back then they were unimpressive and it was frustrating when Benetton and Williams dominated. In 1996 Williams were the only team in it, but, Micheal Schumacher did win a couple of times I believe. Over the next few years I watched almost every qualifying session and every race, cheering on Schumacher and Eddie Irvine. Unfortunately, thanks to firstly Jacques Villeneuve in the Williams, and then to Mika Hakkinen in the McLaren, World Championship success still evaded Jean Todt's men.
Around 2 years ago, in 1999, Mike was looking for his third title in a row. However, Schumacher and his friends had other ideas. Ferrari zoomed their way to both the Constructors and the Drivers Championship. I was overjoyed, but was sad to see Eddie Irvine go. He was replaced by Rubens Barrichello, and I have now grown to like the small Brazilian. There was more glory for Ferrari, but then, I found out about another team.
I read a book on all the teams ever involved in Formula 1 and came across the minnows Minardi. I had of course heard of them, but because they were always at the back of the field I never really got a glimpse of their car, or their drivers. I became interested and found out more about them, and last year had enough info to write a decent topic on them. {:) Because of this, I was desperate to see Minardi get a point. A point for Ferrari was nothing, they always wanted the full 10. I was extremely disappointed in 1999 when Luca Badoer drove his way (or fluked his way) to an amazing 5th place in his silver Minardi. With just a few laps to go, his car unusually broke down (although it may surprise you to know, Minardi has been associated with decent reliability over the past couple of years) and he was left crying at the side of the track.
In 2001, despite some excellent performances from driver Alonso, Minardi failed to win a point.
The European Minardi is owned by Australian Paul Stoddart, and because of lack of success he's had to put millions of his own money into the team. They've had to race with the worst engines and no TV time. This of course meant sponsors weren't keen to sign with them, because the car was never seen! The only decent sponsorship usually came with the drivers, such as this year thanks to Alex Yoong. Stoddart even bought a Boeing 747 out of his own money to fly his cars to the races.
As last season came to a close, Minardi were struggling. Points meant money, but they could get none. Stoddart was confident though, and promised they would make it to the 2002 season. Thankfully, they did, but they were still ignored. They came into this year with two relatively new drivers; Alex Yoong, had only driven twice before I believe and Mike Webber, the Australian who was imported from F3000. On friday night/saturday morning the qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix took place, Webber managing a decent 18th in front of the Jaguars and Yoong ended up 21st. The race took place last night, and what an amazing and awesome race it was.
The race started like a dream for Minardi. The only advantage at qualifying near the back was that they managed to miss a lot of the first-corner crashes that regularly took place in F1, and the same happened today. Ralf Schumacher of the Williams smashed into Barrichello's leading Ferrari, taking them both out. Thanks to this, carnage was wreaked behind them, with a lot of the mid-runners having to retire. Both Saubers crashed out, Button in the Renault was involved, Kimi Raikonnen's Mclaren suffered, the Arrows didn't even start the formation lap (although they did manage to compete) and many more. As the first lap was completed, only 12 drivers were left, two of them being the Minardi's in 7th and 8th. These positions were already extremely high for the team, but luck was set to go their way.
Jarno Trulli span out from 2nd, David Coulthard had to retire, Sato had problems, the Arrows who managed to get themselves into the race were disqualified, and as the race neared the end Webber, the Australian hero, was in an awesome 5th place with his teammate Yoong just behind. However, Yoong was passed by the faster Salo in his Toyota, and with just 5 laps to go Salo and Webber battled it out. Salo had more experience and the better car, but to the crowd's and my delight, Salo made a small mistake to let Webber pull away. Webber, in the European Minardi, finished in a glorious 5th position, gaining 2 points for the joyous Minardi team. And because it was the Australian GP, there wad much more TV time for them. They had all the attention, and even got a chance to celebrate on the podium. Minardi had 2 points. It may not sound like much, but it's massive for Minardi. Yoong was unluckly to finish out of the points, but 7th is an excellent accomplishment too.
This was a great race for me-Schumacher won in the Ferrari, and of course Minardi got those brilliant positions. A buzz will surround F1 for a few weeks now, the fact that this tiny team overcame all the odds, and with a bit of luck on the way managed to achieve the supposedly unachievable. This is another wonderful high for the biggest motor racing championship in the World, and you never know, maybe Minardi can gain some more of those precious points this year. This ranks along some all-time great moments for me, even higher than the interview with Mclaren boss Ron Dennis after he lost last year's Championship. Great stuff.
Thanks for reading, Ant.
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SHEEPY wrote:
Oh I can drive a car faster than you, please give me millions of pounds...
Just like football then, Oh I can kick a ball better than you, please give me millions of pounds.
Or golf or cricket, Oh I can hit a ball better than you, please give me millions of pounds.
Oh I can drive a car faster than you, please give me millions of pounds...
Just like football then, Oh I can kick a ball better than you, please give me millions of pounds.
Or golf or cricket, Oh I can hit a ball better than you, please give me millions of pounds.
Grandprix wrote:
> I remember the team Forti. The bright yellow cars that used to sit at the back
> of the grid. I remember the last race Forti tried to get into. It was
> Silverstone and I was there at Luffield. It was qualifying and the Forti's were
> not going to make it. They were trying too hard and one Forti spun right in
> front of me.
Ahhh, Silverstone brings a lot of good memories.
----------------------
Yeah Forti were bad, Badoer couldn't do anything there. If you're interested in bad teams and drivers, go to www.f1rejects.com.
I always support Minardi because I always like the underdogs. They've had some decent drivers though. I can remember when Minardi were reasonably good. Pierluigi Martini and Christian Fittipaldi used to be regularly in the points ages ago. They also used to occaisonaly beat Ferrari.
This year Minardi are probably a one man team. Webber can be really good but in F3000 he used to be a bit of a crasher and it cost him the title. He is far better than Yoong who is only there because he is Malaysian. He has never won a senior race, his best was a second in F3. This could be a handicap for Minardi against Arrows, Jaguar, Toyota, and ex-Prost (nameless at the moment) where every oppurtunity needs to be maximised.
> I remember the team Forti. The bright yellow cars that used to sit at the back
> of the grid. I remember the last race Forti tried to get into. It was
> Silverstone and I was there at Luffield. It was qualifying and the Forti's were
> not going to make it. They were trying too hard and one Forti spun right in
> front of me.
Ahhh, Silverstone brings a lot of good memories.
----------------------
Yeah Forti were bad, Badoer couldn't do anything there. If you're interested in bad teams and drivers, go to www.f1rejects.com.
I always support Minardi because I always like the underdogs. They've had some decent drivers though. I can remember when Minardi were reasonably good. Pierluigi Martini and Christian Fittipaldi used to be regularly in the points ages ago. They also used to occaisonaly beat Ferrari.
This year Minardi are probably a one man team. Webber can be really good but in F3000 he used to be a bit of a crasher and it cost him the title. He is far better than Yoong who is only there because he is Malaysian. He has never won a senior race, his best was a second in F3. This could be a handicap for Minardi against Arrows, Jaguar, Toyota, and ex-Prost (nameless at the moment) where every oppurtunity needs to be maximised.
Booorrrinnnng
Oh I can drive a car faster than you, please give me millions of pounds...
Oh I can drive a car faster than you, please give me millions of pounds...
Your Honour wrote:
Seriously though, apparently Charlie Whiting
> (race Director) had said that he would re-start less races this season to try
> and make the drivers more careful.
Well that bit worked a treat then !!!
I read today that Both Coulthard and Ralfie boy agreed with Charlie to pull out the safety car instead of stoppoing the race so if the drivers were happy enough then the track must have been ok.
Seriously though, apparently Charlie Whiting
> (race Director) had said that he would re-start less races this season to try
> and make the drivers more careful.
Well that bit worked a treat then !!!
I read today that Both Coulthard and Ralfie boy agreed with Charlie to pull out the safety car instead of stoppoing the race so if the drivers were happy enough then the track must have been ok.
I think I know why the race wasn't stopped.
The Australian GP, with an Australian Team (well, kind of) with an Australian driver in 8th (as he was then), it's obvious, surely...
Seriously though, apparently Charlie Whiting (race Director) had said that he would re-start less races this season to try and make the drivers more careful.
Also, re-starting a race causes havoc with TV schedules the world over, so that could be another reason why they want to restart less races...
The Australian GP, with an Australian Team (well, kind of) with an Australian driver in 8th (as he was then), it's obvious, surely...
Seriously though, apparently Charlie Whiting (race Director) had said that he would re-start less races this season to try and make the drivers more careful.
Also, re-starting a race causes havoc with TV schedules the world over, so that could be another reason why they want to restart less races...
nh wrote:
> Not only was it a great result for Minrdai >
Oops Minardi !!
> Not only was it a great result for Minrdai >
Oops Minardi !!
Not only was it a great result for Minrdai but also for Jaguar and Toyota. With both of them scoring points already and securing there TV revenue for next season it has taken alot of pressure of three teams that all had to achive something.
Though I do think that Martin Brundle was right when he said that he was suprised the race wasn't stopped to clear the debris, apart from anything else - for the spectacle of watching the race itself.
It wasn't so interesting watching only 13 cars make it after the start and only 7 finishing, though the battle with Schuie and Montoya was great to watch.
Lets hope the season carries on bringing us some great racing.
Though I do think that Martin Brundle was right when he said that he was suprised the race wasn't stopped to clear the debris, apart from anything else - for the spectacle of watching the race itself.
It wasn't so interesting watching only 13 cars make it after the start and only 7 finishing, though the battle with Schuie and Montoya was great to watch.
Lets hope the season carries on bringing us some great racing.
Boblin Brown wrote:
> Yeah the Aussie Grand Prix kicked a**e. The damamge caused in that first crash
> was estimated to be worth about £10,000,000!!! Ah well, at least no one
> was hurt.
Yep, all that money for just one crash. Still, that's racing.
> Yeah the Aussie Grand Prix kicked a**e. The damamge caused in that first crash
> was estimated to be worth about £10,000,000!!! Ah well, at least no one
> was hurt.
Yep, all that money for just one crash. Still, that's racing.
I remember the team Forti. The bright yellow cars that used to sit at the back of the grid. I remember the last race Forti tried to get into. It was Silverstone and I was there at Luffield. It was qualifying and the Forti's were not going to make it. They were trying too hard and one Forti spun right in front of me.
Ahhh, Silverstone brings a lot of good memories.
Ahhh, Silverstone brings a lot of good memories.
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