My 2004 Thread: https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=788108

Alright, well I guess i'll just do a rundown of how I perceive the teams are right now, and we can start from there.

Ferrari: M. Schumacher and Barrichello
Going to use a modified version of their 2004 challenger dubbed "F2004M" for the first five races of the season. Testing has been inconclusive, they have been dominant on some days and underperforming on others. Having been the team to beat the last five years, even if they aren't the fastest team on the grid in Melbourne, they are still light years ahead of everyone else in race strategy and reliability. And then there's that Schuey guy again...

BAR: Button and Sato
Finished 2nd in the championship last year because of the poor starts by Williams and McLaren. Button might not be as motivated after losing his potential Williams drive. Sato has been notorious for abusing the fragile honda engine. 2005 challenger has been lacking downforce and reliability in testing. Did their speed leave with David Richards?

Renault: Alonso and Fisichella
Arguably the best driver pairing in F1. Broke schumacher's winning streak in 2004 with a dominant victory in monaco by trulli. Aerodynamically the best car in F1, last years engine was down in power. This year, Renault claims to have 70 more bhp. R25 has been blindingly fast in testing, and with two very consistent and fast drivers, will they be able to pull out some race wins in 2005?

Williams: Webber and Heidfeld
After the 2 race engine rule was put into effect, BMW stopped development on the P85 (was supposed to be the 2005 engine), and decided to make the P84 bullet-proof. A conservative looking 2005 chassis, hasn't been too impressive in testing. Sam Michael will have his work cut out for him...

McLaren: Montoya and Raikkonen
Uh...MP4/19 was a dud. McLaren worked their asses off, released the MP4/19b that challenged for race wins since its release. New MP4/20 has been stupidly fast in testing. They can also run a 3rd car on friday, a tool that BAR exploited last year and undoubtedly helped them to their 2nd in the championship. Oh yeah, and did I mention they've employed the two drivers that challenged schumacher for the title in 2003? IMO they will be the team to beat in Melbourne.

Sauber: Villeneuve and Massa
Sexy looking C24 is the first car to benefit from their state of the art wind tunnel. However, it has not been fast in testing, and Peter Sauber believes it is a design flaw and hopes to have everything sorted out by the first race. JV is back, however after his 3 lacklustre races at the end of 2004 with renault, I don't think anyone is expecting much. He will have to prove himself by beating massa, something Fisichella was able to do with ease.

Toyota: R. Schumacher and Trulli
2nd biggest budget in F1 + 2 Proven Race Winners + Mike Gascoyne = ???? On paper, Toyota should be challenging for the world championship. In reality, they've lacked consistency and keep switching drivers and personnel...not the way to win a championship, right ferrari? Now, trulli is saying that the new car is fast, but chews up rear tyres within a few laps. The jury is still out on them.

Jordan: Karthikeyan and Monteiro
Just bought out by midland. Toyota power, and some testing, but 2005 probably won't produce anything...especially with two rookies with little experience. They will be looking to beat minardi. Look for better dallara chassis in 2006.

Minardi: Albers
Paul stoddart says the new car will be like "nothing we've ever seen before." Yeah right, he's probably just talking about the paint job. Another year at the back for minardi, we'll see how the drivers fare against eachother, as this is a stepping stone to the big teams. Think of Webber, Alonso, Fisichella, and Trulli and their seasons at minardi.

Red Bull: Coulthard and Klein/Liuzzi
Bought jaguar, fired purnell and pitchforth. Brought in successful F3000 boss horner, and the second most experienced driver for their rookie season. Should be able to run circles around Jordan and Minardi, but I doubt they'll have anything for Sauber or the big teams. Klien sucks, but watch out for Liuzzi, he'll definitely give coulthard a run for his money.

Well...those are my thoughts. What do you all got?

 

good write up! I might disagree on a few things

my thoughts are this year things are going to be a lot closer. Last year Mclearen and Williams took big risks in hopes of getting the edge on Ferrari and it back fired miserably.

This year Montoya and Kimi are going to be hot! I feel they will be battling with Ferrari for the top spot, then it will be BAR, BMW.Williams, and Renault right behind them. Getting wins here and there.

I am also interested in seeing how Heidfeld will do in a capable car, I think he is a bit underated but what do I know.

I am just pumped for the season to start! 26 days!!

-nate

 

I dont think Button will be lackluster this year. He's gotta keep looking good to keep his options open for next season if he's going to explore his options.

 

Nice write-up. I was wondering if anybody else was paying attention during the off season.

I cannot wait for the season to start either. Hopefully this year I will make it to two races.

Its going to be interesting to say the least. I do not particurly care for some of the news rules. Some being biased(2 engines per race) as others just seem over the top(tires).

As for teams I have to say ferrari will stay on top for as least the first five races. Hondas new engine cant seem to last practices much less 2 races. Williams I believe will be on point. and Mercedes is just like one of those questions that cant be answered. The rest of the teams are all subject to change.

I am getting ants in my pants.

Oh yeah anyone seen 2004 Year in racing, I thought the season was sumed up pretty well.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by alexr9000 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Yes, assuming they also keep off of each other’s side-pods.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Exactly what I was thinking. IMHO Kimi is the one who will dethrone micheal. (eventually)

 

It'll be interesting to see the Toyota, since Trulli said it handles like the Jordan he drove a few years ago and the rear tires wear really bad after 3 laps.

Brian

 

The new BAR has been really disappointing so far, and the Honda engine has been less than reliable. I don't have faith in it lasting one race right now, let alone two. I don't know how much will be tied up with Richards, and as much as it pains me to say it, but I think BAR will be slipping back this year. I'm thinking fourth.

Renault looks good, but how much will losing Gasgoyne hurt them? Their downfall has been a lack of power, but at the same time, they also have the lightest engine, so it balances out a bit. If they found a formula to get more power without adding weight, look out. I don't think they have it all together yet, but I'm excited to see Fisi in a competitive car though. I'll say third here.

Everybody has been waiting for Ferrari to fall, and I think it might happen this year. I think not having the new car ready for the start of the year is a mistake. I think they are a little too content with their current winning streak, and might have underestimated McLaren's challenge in 2005. Then again, they might be sandbagging as they are known to do, to lull the other teams into a false sense of security. The *real* Ferrari testing takes place at Fiorano, where the other teams can't see what is going on. My prediction... second.

McLaren just looks scary fast, with talent behind the wheel that brings back memories of the Senna/Prost pairing of the early 90s. The question becomes, will they split enough wins between them to allow Schumi to win another championship? We also don't know anything about their reliability compared to the ungodly solid Ferraris. Still though, I'll go out on the limb and say first.

Williams just looks boring at the moment, with a driver line up that doesn't do much to pep up the unexciting car. I've never been a big fan of Webber, and I think Heidfeld is a major underachiever. I might eat my words later, but I see them as fifth place.

Sauber just isn't impressive at all so far, and I don't think Villeneuve is the answer to anything. They'll be sixth just because the other teams suck so badly.

Toyota has the money, and nothing else. I don't agree with their driver selection, and even with Gasgoyne, they don't seem to be able to put together a decent car. They might get past Sauber, but I doubt it. Certainly nothing more. Seventh.

For the rest. I say Red Bull, Jordan, Minardi in order.

 

I agree with everything said above, except that I think renault will be more of a force than speedracer33 thinks. Gascoyne left a year ago, so this new renault has absolutely no input from gascoyne. His toyota is chewing up tires while the new R25 is running circles around the competition. Plus, renault have been improving every single year. The car manufacturer has said that if tangible results are not produced, then they might pull the plug (a la ford). I think it will be a good three-way fight between renault, ferrari, and mclaren.

You may be right about mclaren though, their 1997 season wasn't that great, and they came out in 1998 and lapped the field in austrailia...the difference then though, was that they had a superior tire as well. We'll have to wait and see.

 

I think Ferrari will outspend everyone by 50 katrillion dollars again and win it all again. They might NOT win... 4 races.

I prefer BTCC.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Catch 22 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I think Ferrari will outspend everyone by 50 katrillion dollars again and win it all again.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Ferrari don't win because they spend a shitload of money. Look at toyota, they have a shitload of money and don't win ****.

Ferrari win because of their consistent package. They have had the same drivers, designer, technical director, managing director, test driver, and team personnel for over 5 years now. They don't take risks with car designs. They always take the previous years car, adapt it to the new rules, and then make it better. Money does not always equal results in F1, you gotta be fast AND consistent.

Did I mention they have their own tire supplier?

 

Good Write up

I think its very hard to beat Schumi many things help but I think that is overlooked that fact that his teammate will do anything for him to win. Everybody is fighting for there jobs whether mechanics or drivers owners ect... It seems for teams to do well they have to replicate Ferrari.

I think many of the other team’s struggle to find a teammate who will help the other driver win. I think Sato is more of a team player though, I mean it’s hard to say what the problem is with his races, is it the driver the car or both. I still like him because he started racing really late in life, and won F3000 during a time of high competition and not much experience so if you look at that way maybe Button is getting the better car and Sato gets the Test car.

Assuming the Mclaren will be strong this year the battle between the two drivers Juan and Kimi probably be more exciting then the race itself, they seem to have different personalities that I don’t think would click and I am sure that neither of them would pull over to let the other win.


Toyota again on paper looks good but, I think Little Schumi rides way to much on his brothers coat tales and feel that many other drivers could take his place and do a lot better, especially a American since Toyota is number one in car sales in the USA. I would think having a American would help Formula 1 too. Maybe Next year Scott speed can jump in since the contract terms are year to year basis for Toyota.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by speedracer33 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I think not having the new car ready for the start of the year is a mistake. </TD></TR></TABLE>

They've done it the past 2 years and...

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by trigun7469 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Maybe Next year Scott speed can jump in since the contract terms are year to year basis for Toyota.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Scott speed would jump into a red bull, if anything. We'll see how he does in GP2 this year, I hope he kicks everyone's ***. BUT, an F3000/GP2 title does not always mean a guaranteed F1 drive (ask Wirdheim, Bourdais)

Toyota signed a 3 year deal with ralf, and a 2 year deal with trulli. I think they realize that they need to start keeping people around if they want to get anywhere in F1.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
They've done it the past 2 years and... </TD></TR></TABLE>
Uh, they did in 2002-2003, but in 2004 they came to albert park with the F2004.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by BauleyCivic &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Scott speed would jump into a red bull, if anything. We'll see how he does in GP2 this year, I hope he kicks everyone's ***. BUT, an F3000/GP2 title does not always mean a guaranteed F1 drive (ask Wirdheim, Bourdais)

Toyota signed a 3 year deal with ralf, and a 2 year deal with trulli. I think they realize that they need to start keeping people around if they want to get anywhere in F1.


Uh, they did in 2002-2003, but in 2004 they came to albert park with the F2004.</TD></TR></TABLE>

As long as Scott Speed Does not park his car and waves at the fans before he crosses the finish and loses the race, because he was show boating I think he has a better chance then Weirdheim, Bourdais(overated see 24hrs of ALMS and Daytona) but when Scott thinks he going to jump into a competitive car in F1, I think he will come back to reality and move back to the states.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by .RJ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

They've done it the past 2 years and... </TD></TR></TABLE>

Due to the drastic rule changes this year, they will be at a disadvantage. It is not like it was over the past two years.

 

I'm pretty much in agreement with you all that Ferrari, McLaren, and Renault will be the teams to beat this season. I think once BAR gets their stuff together they'll be right up there with the rest. Since all we have to go on right now is testing times it's hard to say who'll be where, but even with their "crappy" car right now Taku and JB have been able to pull out some respectable times. But again, it's testing and they could be running light.

I think Ferrari not bringing a new car might have been a mistake seeing as McLaren has basically had a year to prepare their new car since the last one was such a bust. (Once they realized what a POS they had they started development on the new car)

I definatly think we'll see a McLaren on the podium at Melbourne With Renault and Ferrari not too far off their heels. I have a feeling BAR and Williams will be in competiton with eachother this season kind of like McLaren and Williams were at the end of last year.

 

Nice writeup, pretty much on point as far as my own opinions go. I have this sinking feeling that BAR is going to regress horribly this year. Perhaps as far down as fifth overall. Last year they were fast in testing and they showed it during the year. This year they're really awful in testing. I know it's just testing, but it's all that we have to go on this time of year.

 

The testing times have been on and off but who knows what parameters they're datalogging. (Rossi hasn't been the quickest man at every MotoGP race but he's still the favorite.)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">BAR: Button and Sato
Finished 2nd in the championship last year because of the poor starts by Williams and McLaren. Button might not be as motivated after losing his potential Williams drive. Sato has been notorious for abusing the fragile honda engine. 2005 challenger has been lacking downforce and reliability in testing. Did their speed leave with David Richards?</TD></TR></TABLE>

David Richards left because Honda wanted him out of the picture for their own reasons - when Honda come in as a factory, they want control. There were also, allegedly, some personality differences. I doubt Button's lost motivation, Honda's a powerhouse and having just up'd their ante this year as a manufacture moving BAR one step closer to a works manufacturs effort their pace will be quick. Sato is and has been fast but he does seem to have a miraculous talent for imploding hardware - time will tell. I also doubt Button's lost the ghost.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Renault: Alonso and Fisichella
Arguably the best driver pairing in F1. Broke schumacher's winning streak in 2004 with a dominant victory in monaco by trulli. Aerodynamically the best car in F1, last years engine was down in power. This year, Renault claims to have 70 more bhp. R25 has been blindingly fast in testing, and with two very consistent and fast drivers, will they be able to pull out some race wins in 2005?</TD></TR></TABLE>

I taste a tinge of bias, no? Alonso and Fisi are both podium contenders but didn't Schumi end up in the wall last year at Monaco? I'll agree that Renault are aerodynamically superb (the car is beautiful to boot) and if they can retain their testing pace in race trim they should be close.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Williams: Webber and Heidfeld
After the 2 race engine rule was put into effect, BMW stopped development on the P85 (was supposed to be the 2005 engine), and decided to make the P84 bullet-proof. A conservative looking 2005 chassis, hasn't been too impressive in testing. Sam Michael will have his work cut out for him...</TD></TR></TABLE>

I don't know what's up w/ Williams, although I'm glad to see Heidfeld FINALLY getting a shot at a competative team.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">McLaren: Montoya and Raikkonen
Uh...MP4/19 was a dud. McLaren worked their asses off, released the MP4/19b that challenged for race wins since its release. New MP4/20 has been stupidly fast in testing. They can also run a 3rd car on friday, a tool that BAR exploited last year and undoubtedly helped them to their 2nd in the championship. Oh yeah, and did I mention they've employed the two drivers that challenged schumacher for the title in 2003? IMO they will be the team to beat in Melbourne.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I would agree. Both Kimi and JPM have taken the fight to Schumi. I'd put my money on Kimi if McLaren's new car isn't another disaster.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Sauber: Villeneuve and Massa
Sexy looking C24 is the first car to benefit from their state of the art wind tunnel. However, it has not been fast in testing, and Peter Sauber believes it is a design flaw and hopes to have everything sorted out by the first race. JV is back, however after his 3 lacklustre races at the end of 2004 with renault, I don't think anyone is expecting much. He will have to prove himself by beating massa, something Fisichella was able to do with ease.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Mid pack car, mid pack drivers. We'll see.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Toyota: R. Schumacher and Trulli
2nd biggest budget in F1 + 2 Proven Race Winners + Mike Gascoyne = ???? On paper, Toyota should be challenging for the world championship. In reality, they've lacked consistency and keep switching drivers and personnel...not the way to win a championship, right ferrari? Now, trulli is saying that the new car is fast, but chews up rear tyres within a few laps. The jury is still out on them.</TD></TR></TABLE>

They look like they'll end up going the way of Jag F1.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Jordan: Karthikeyan and Monteiro
Just bought out by midland. Toyota power, and some testing, but 2005 probably won't produce anything...especially with two rookies with little experience. They will be looking to beat minardi. Look for better dallara chassis in 2005.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Who?

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Minardi: Albers
Paul stoddart says the new car will be like "nothing we've ever seen before." Yeah right, he's probably just talking about the paint job. Another year at the back for minardi, we'll see how the drivers fare against eachother, as this is a stepping stone to the big teams. Think of Webber, Alonso, Fisichella, and Trulli and their seasons at minardi.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Moving Chicanes.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Red Bull: Coulthard and Klein/Liuzzi
Bought jaguar, fired purnell and pitchforth. Brought in successful F3000 boss horner, and the second most experienced driver for their rookie season. Should be able to run circles around Jordan and Minardi, but I doubt they'll have anything for Sauber or the big teams. Klien sucks, but watch out for Liuzzi, he'll definitely give coulthard a run for his money.</TD></TR></TABLE>

This is what Toyota should have done; I'm rooting for RedBull as I have a deep respect for the RedBull founder and his amazing passion for motorsport - of all types.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Well...those are my thoughts. What do you all got?</TD></TR></TABLE>

It's really going to be the race to second place. If I had to hedge my bets against last season, Ferrari's has the rest of the grid's number. BAR, McLaren and Renault are the big three this season. Williams, in my mind, has been slipping for the last 2 seasons and they blew an entire year of development on the Walrus.
Toyota, even with two competent drivers, lacks the stability and organization to win; the keep changing managment, drivers, engineers, etc. - they do have the most power but their car is a brick by most accounts and is hindered as such.
Melbourne should be interesting.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by bb6h22a &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I taste a tinge of bias, no? Alonso and Fisi are both podium contenders but didn't Schumi end up in the wall last year at Monaco? I'll agree that Renault are aerodynamically superb (the car is beautiful to boot) and if they can retain their testing pace in race trim they should be close.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Actually, Trulli would have won in monaco even if schumacher didn't crash. Remember, trulli pit under the safety car after alonso crashed...leaving schumacher in the lead. BUT schumacher hadn't pitted yet, so trulli would have inherited the lead and won anyway. End of story.

I just think renault have a very strong package. Alonso has been #1 at Renault for two years now, and is currently in Ferrari's agenda to succeed schumacher. Fisi on the other hand, wants to drive for ferrari more than anything...and has stated that publicly. He has made mincemeat out of every teammate he's ever had (R. Schumacher, Wurz, Button, Sato) and will be on his absolute best behavior to show ferrari that he's the guy they want. Both of them have more incentive than Montoya or Raikkonen because they are both after Ferrari drives.

 

Ferrari may have actually made a mistep this year in trying to maximize their 04 chassis into being a competitive 05 interim chassis until they unveal their "new" 05 design. The rules have changed drastically enough that I am not sure they can properly optimize the 04 car to to as competitive as the new designs from say McLaren. But they do have the advantage of knowing how to set up the old chassis as least from a mechanical grip standpoint.

McLaren looks pretty damn fast this year. We will see and so far reliability looks pretty good. I know Juan and Kimi will give no quarter to each other and that should be exciting in 05. Some of their side by side racing in multiple turns was mega-ballsy last year. But again they may win enough between themselves to give M. Schumi the driver's title since we all know how it works at Ferrari as to pecking order.

I would like to see BAR in the hunt.Time will tell.

You would think Toyota would be looking good flush with development money AND Mike Gascoyne now having full input on the car but it sounds like big problems instead with the rear tires gettting all chewed up. Williams had that problem too what, two years ago?

McClaren the team v. M. Schumi is the way I see it.

Barry H.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by apexinghonda &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Ferrari may have actually made a mistep this year in trying to maximize their 04 chassis into being a competitive 05 interim chassis until they unveal their "new" 05 design. The rules have changed drastically enough that I am not sure they can properly optimize the 04 car to to as competitive as the new designs from say McLaren. But they do have the advantage of knowing how to set up the old chassis as least from a mechanical grip standpoint.</TD></TR></TABLE>

This is an excellent point. However, knowing Ferrari, and their resources, the chances of catching them with their pants down are slim to none.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">McLaren looks pretty damn fast this year. We will see and so far reliability looks pretty good. I know Juan and Kimi will give no quarter to each other and that should be exciting in 05. Some of their side by side racing in multiple turns was mega-ballsy last year. But again they may win enough between themselves to give M. Schumi the driver's title since we all know how it works at Ferrari as to pecking order. </TD></TR></TABLE>

I think now that they've finished their Global Domination Megaplex they can get back to working on racing car rather than architectural masterpieces.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I would like to see BAR in the hunt.Time will tell. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Me too.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You would think Toyota would be looking good flush with development money AND Mike Gascoyne now having full input on the car but it sounds like big problems instead with the rear tires gettting all chewed up. Williams had that problem too what, two years ago? </TD></TR></TABLE>

Yes. The Williams car was WAY too stiff out back.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">McClaren the team v. M. Schumi is the way I see it.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Agreed.

 

The end of the season may look like this (but I feel that 3-5 is a toss up between Renault, BAR, and Williams):

1. Ferrari
2. McLaren
3. Renault
4. BAR
5. Williams
6. Sauber
7. Toyota
8. Red Bull
9. Jordan
10. Minardi

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by BauleyCivic &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Look at toyota, they have a shitload of money and don't win ****.</TD></TR></TABLE>

They are too busy building tool-box-looking cars for ricers, researching small airplanes that will fly themselves so everyone can have one, and developing hybrids with more bugs.

Toyota + F1 = blue screen error

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by BauleyCivic &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Actually, Trulli would have won in monaco even if schumacher didn't crash. Remember, trulli pit under the safety car after alonso crashed...leaving schumacher in the lead. BUT schumacher hadn't pitted yet, so trulli would have inherited the lead and won anyway. End of story. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Did you watch ANY races last year? M. Schumacher is his most dangerous when in the lead, a pit stop down. Time and time again last year, he'd stretch a lead longer than a pitstop like it was a sunday drive. And if that wasn't working, he just took an EXTRA pitstop. :boggle:

IMO, if he wasn't an idiot in the tunnel, he takes the Monaco win.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Greyout &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
They are too busy building tool-box-looking cars for ricers, researching small airplanes that will fly themselves so everyone can have one, and developing hybrids with more bugs.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Toyota has no actual input in its F1 programme. Their F1 team is based in Germany, and its only relationship to the parent company is its source of funds.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by maxQ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Did you watch ANY races last year? M. Schumacher is his most dangerous when in the lead, a pit stop down. Time and time again last year, he'd stretch a lead longer than a pitstop like it was a sunday drive. And if that wasn't working, he just took an EXTRA pitstop. :boggle:
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Yeah, too bad you didn't actually watch monaco. Michael hadn't pitted yet, when alonso crashed. Trulli and button dived into the pits, leaving schumacher in the lead, still having to pit.

"With the second Renault parked in a dangerous place on the track Charlie Whiting brought out the Safety car again. Immediately BAR and Renault hauled their drivers in for their second pit-stops and in doing so they made a decisive move to confirm their position ahead of the Ferrari team.

Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello looked to have been fuelled longer than the 1st place and 2nd place cars, yet they stayed out on track. In that moment Ferrari lost the Monaco Grand Prix. As the cars lined up behind the Safety Car, Trulli and Button were only yards back from Schumacher, yet Schumacher had to stop again, and so provided they didn’t hit mechanical problems they were home and dry."

See here: http://www.planetf1.com/news/story_15682.shtml