Comments on: Will Schuey be another Lauda?

By: rob widdows

rob widdows — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:29:41 +0000

Very Sorry everyone but I have been unable to access the magazine website for the last week. Today my computer mechanic Glynn came in, rooted around a bit, unplugged the modem, plugged it back in again, and yes, suddenly the machine will get me to the website…………………I had been nervous about this because a) I was unable to join in the blog and b) I was afraid the problem might involve the famous British Telecom which is itself virtually inaccessible to its customers. It appears that the “faults” service is based in India………….though surely this cannot be true.
Valencia? Well, an interesting three days, although how much we can read into the times is open to question. Were ferrari running “light” – if so, the field is closely matched. If not, then the new car from Maranello is impressive. As for Schumacher, it was as I expected. He was methodical, measured, analytical and quick. As ever.
After Jerex we will have a better idea of the state of play. And after Bahrain an even better idea. Jerez will tell us more than Valencia because it’s a more meaningful test circuit for the modern era.
Ascari? yes, of course, I should have mentioned him in my ramblings on superstitions. But, look, if I mentioned them all, it would be no fun for any of you, would it?
RW

By: Marty Harris

Marty Harris — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:08:20 +0000

Rob – do you think the Valencia testing means you need to kickstart this discussion from scratch: From Valencia can we say whether Schumacher’s still got what it takes?

It would be a brave person who said no!

By: chris brooke

chris brooke — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 12:34:54 +0000

interesting discussions- Robin seems you didn’t mention what i recollect as the most superstitious of drivers Alberto Ascari and how that may have contributed to the dreadful crash- Also about the Rodriguez brothers esp Riccardo – was i wrong in recalling what Stirling said of RP’s driving in 1961 especially at Monza and the impact on Von Trips? Like so many above i am so looking forward to this year, as Jens says it has the potential of a corker- fingers x’d FIA don’t screw it for us – sad Donnington isn’t happening – still feel its the best UK circuit [apart from maybe Oulton Park] – but a Lotus back on the grid, ahh that bring a tear to my reasonably old eyes being a diehard fan that is-

By: JUAN RICO

JUAN RICO — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 06:35:53 +0000

Yes….Martin Brundle would only ever step into a racing car as long as he was absolutely sure he had no chance of winning whatsoever…….
JR

By: rob widdows

rob widdows — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:13:23 +0000

This is all very odd.
The FIA has approved Mercedes-Benz GP’s request that Michael Schumacher be given the number 3 car this season when he would normally hav driven car number 4.
Why?
Interestingly, and surprisingly, Schumacher is superstitious. You would not have thought this man would be superstitious. But many racing drivers have had this affliction over the years and many of today’s drivers have their little rituals which they keep to race in, race out. Nuvolari always carried his lucky golden tortoise, Fittipaldi always wore his Indy winner’s ring, Alex Wurz always wore odd shoes (different colours) and Coulthard always dressed in a certain order when preparing to get in the car. And so it goes on.
Schumacher has a supestition about racing with odd numbers. He has won all his titles with odd numbers, obviously with number 1, but also with numbers 3 and 5. So now he will race with number 3 on his Mercedes in 2010.
If you look back over history, you will discover that a great many top racing drivers had all sorts of superstitions.
I am sure you can name some of them…………..
RW

By: Ade

Ade — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 02:57:19 +0000

I honestly think Schumey can do it…. but not straight away, i expect it’ll be a good third of the way into the season before anything happens

By: rob widdows

rob widdows — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:53:33 +0000

Yes, but it will be a bit more exercise when he goes to visit Force India who also contribute to the M-B
coffers………….!
It is proving surprisingly difficult to ‘dovetail’ our guests into our recording schedule, partly because they are racing drivers…………..and partly because they have to come to London to join in the chat. In future we may try to record them remotely but that means getting a few more gizmos involved.
Anyway, we hope to get Damon in March.
Looks like Camopos Meta (the car is a Dallara) is struggling to find enough sponsorship to make the grid. I hope they succeed because it will give Bruno Senna a run in Formula One. Wonder how many new teams will make it and/or survive. I hear that USF1 is about to go testing at the Barber Motorsport Park, Virgin/Manor/Wirth are allegedly having Russian-branded Cosworths and Lotus launches it car mid-February. Hard work, this F1 business.
RW

By: Dave Cubbedge

Dave Cubbedge — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:25:56 +0000

can’t wait for that podcast with Damon. his father was never a man short of the right words at the right time, for sure.

fortunately for Herr Haug the two pits will be somewhat close together!

By: rob widdows

rob widdows — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 13:50:06 +0000

I’d like to see that Scuderia Rodriguez book. In fact, I’m just hatching a plan to write something about them myself. But right now I’m grabbing a sandwich while I garpple with my commissions for next month which have to be done eraly because I’m taking a week’s holiday at the end of this month. Didn’t get much of a break at Christmas.
Norbert Haug is a politician so he will probaby have a leg in each pit. He used to be a journalist, which is interesting, because most journalists would not make diplomats or politicians. Knowing Herr Haug, he will manage to be in the right place at the right time. And he will be busy because both teams, on paper at least, should be regular visitors to the podium this year.
To answer the question, I expect him to be allied closely with Mercedes-Benz GPbecause that is the works team. McLaren is now, to all intents and purposes, a customer team, albeit a with a very special relationship. In Stuttgart, they will be extremely keen, for many reasons, to see the Silver Arrows beat the McLarens. In Woking, they will be equally keen etc etc etc………………….
A fine season in prospect.
Our next podcast will be recorded on January 19th. Sadly, Damon Hill has just tole me he cannot make the date, but he will join us later in the year. And it’s worth waiting for, Damon being one of the more articulate, amusing and thoughtful racing drivers of recent times.
RW

By: Tony Geran

Tony Geran — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:44:12 +0000

Hey Rob, I wonder in which pit Norbert Haug will sit this year when McLaren start hosing off the works Mercedes team?

By: Santiago Fernández

Santiago Fernández — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 20:12:22 +0000

Indeed Pedro was very brave. I recall him being a bit annoyed by Sir Jackie’s push for more safety; this coming from a man who lost his brother (and eventually his own life) racing!

I also share the opinion that so far they’ve been the best chance Mexico has had to have a WDC; had things happened another way one (or both) would have been champions for sure, Ricardo having more chances on paper, considering he was very very young when he started (even tough he got 2nd place in qualy in Monza, his first race at the tender age of 19!!!) But he was, as Don Enzo said, a bit too brave for his own good; the accident he had was partly because he was trying to pip a certain Mr. Clark from the top spot.

Memoir’s of a racing man is a must read book! There’s a book issued by the Scuderia Rodriguez about the life of the two brothers. A commendable effort, but it could have used some of the writing talent present in the Motorsport magazine! I’m baffled as to why Mr Roebucks description of the BOAC 1000km wasn’t included.

By: rob widdows

rob widdows — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:13:18 +0000

Hey! Welcome Catherine! I was begiining to think this really was the preserve of men who are bored with the winter break.Congratulations on being the first lady to join our little debating society. There should be a prize. Anyway, thanks for your comments and I am sure Mr Schumacher will appreciate your views of his demeanour.
Muddy Brands Hatch? Oh, yes. It seemed to rain an awful lot in the 60s and 70s. Perhaps this was before global warming and the changes in our climate.
The thing about P.Rodriguez was that he was not only very skilful but he was also very brave. And of course, in those days, it helped to be brave. Especially in a Porsche 917 or perhaps a Cooper Maserati. My dear friend Jo Ramirez reckons that one, or even both, of the Rodrguez brothers should have been world champion. He knew them as kids in Mexico City and came with them to Europe, telling anyone who would listen how much talent they had. Certainly, watching Pedro race made your heart beat just that bit faster.
If you haven’t yet read Jo’s book ‘Memoirs of a Racing Man’, then you must.
RW

By: Santiago Fernández

Santiago Fernández — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:52:09 +0000

Yep Tony, the same Todt. Austria was and inexcusable disgrace, shouldn’t have happened, full stop. In Monaco 06, Schumi was punished, but I understand Todt’s choice in regards to not publicly chew out one of his employees. In any case, I just hope he does a good job at the helm of the FIA, the sport we’re all passionate about is counting on it :)

In less controversial topics, I’m really really happy Pedro Rodriguez’s drive is mentioned; but even though México has a lot of different climates (and where I live it really is very very dry) in Mexico City, there are light showers every other day; I’m sure he had his fair share of practice on greasy wet roads, not to mention the jungle of the Yucatán Peninsula; Also, inherent advantage of living in a country with sometimes dodgy roadwork is that you’re always expecting the unexpected :D

By: CasinoSquare

CasinoSquare — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:45:18 +0000

JR, up to your old tricks again. FYI did you know that the highest rating tv audience in the UK for a non track and field event at the last olympics was the womens beach volleyball match between Argentina and Brazil. I wonder why….

By: JUAN RICO

JUAN RICO — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 22:56:29 +0000

It’s nice to get the input of a woman for a change..
And she is quite correct that no ugly drivers should be allowed to win yet alone be let loose behind the wheel of a racing car.

And this is why I am writing a petition for the banning of the womens Shotput/javelin/hammer throw and any other Olympic sport where Ugly women are entered.

And for extra TV coverage of womens beach volleyball,that only fit shapely babe’s can be entered

It is refreshing that a woman bring important facts and idea’s to this forum as opposed to the usual anorak facts and stats.

I say more women please,,but only if they are fit..no weird looking ones please

By: john miller

john miller — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 22:37:54 +0000

Oh, and Rob, just read your comment on Pedro and the BOAC 500.

Being bred about 10 miles away from the circuit I knew all about rain and pushing the old man’s Ford Anglia out of the muddy car park just reinforced that.

But I always thought Rodriguez, being born in the parched, dried out country of Mexico never really cottoned on to rain and John Wyatt couldn’t bring himself to explain that it’s rubber’s natural lubricant.

By: john miller

john miller — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 22:29:16 +0000

I think the clue is in the article.

It’s only recently that racing cars have become bullet-proof. The vast majority of changes in race order in the “good old days” were due to mechanical failures. Where would Roebuck – oops, sorry – Lauda have finished at Brands had none of his competitors retired? Even so, Niki only won the championship by half a point, courtesy of a bit of a shower in Monaco – and I mean the rain, not young Mansell.

Reliability has always been important – ask Sir Stirling about Mike Hawthorn – but since the FIA fix to make sure Schuey didn’t win the title after 7 races, the points system has increased its influence. Following the introduction of the FIA’s ludicrous punishments carrying over from one race to another it is now paramount.

So, summarising a rather windy comment, Schuey can’t rely on his major competitors blowing up. He has to blow them away, which is a bit trickier.

By: catherine

catherine — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:41:27 +0000

i love watching f1 and yes it is nice to see a good looking man win a race or second or third not too picky. just hope button , hamilton and any others will keep schumacer of any of those steps as lets be honest he looks a bit weird. its fun reading all your messages and they said women could talk.

By: PeteH

PeteH — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:29:08 +0000

The only important thing next season is that a McLaren driver wins. I don’t care which one of course.

By: rob widdows

rob widdows — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:30:16 +0000

You’re so right. This is probably the preserve of men behaving oddly. I mean, nothing much has happened since November and nothing much else will happen before March. Unless, like me, you will watch Raikkonen in Sweden and the February testing in Spain.
But, yes, this is familiar territory. My stepdaughter has a thing for J.Button and my sister likes Mr Hamilton. Who says looks and money aren’t everything………..This is the funny thing, they go with the flow, all eyes on the top step.
What I do vividly recall is the affect that Carlos Reutemann had on my girlfriend way back when I was working at the British GP in 1980-something. She was goggle-eyed and he immediately became her absolute favourite racing driver. And now Carlos is Senator f Santa Fe and in the runing for President.
All film stars should look like Dan Gurney and all racing drivers should like Paul Newman. Or along those lines.
Nice, amusing blog Rich.
RW

By: Rich

Rich — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:10:27 +0000

I know a number of women that like sport, watch it live or on the box and support a driver or team. But I have never met a woman interested in talking about sport endlessly when it is not actually happening. That is the preserve of men.

My long-suffering girlfriend is now into F1 as a result of watching it with me. She sometimes even watches a Grand Prix when I am not there! We went to the BTCC at Silverstone last season and have out tickets for the 2010 British GP.

She is reasonably knowledgeable of the players and some of the politics etc but the common theme for each grand prix is an expression of amour towards the winner upon the podium.

Last year she was firmly supporting Hamilton but this year dumped him for Button. Upon the occasion of Webber’s first win, he got some attention. And Hamilton returned to favour following his Hungarian victory. I was shocked that she could be so mercenary.

Needless to say that McLaren’s new lineup has got her excited. If they prove to have a front running car the season could be a straight race for her affection. If not I guess she’ll just have to stick with muggins here, and Ill never win a race ;-)

By: rob widdows

rob widdows — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:58:14 +0000

Thanks for taking us away from the point. We will have enough of Schumacher later in the year.
Yes, you are spot on, and I should have mentioned all that. But I forgot, in my haste, that they did in fact get a run with the F1 team but sadly not when it was very competitive. Anyway, quite right, and I have just had a large piece of humble pie for my lunch.
I think I remember the race in Brazil and I seem to recall that Warwick wasn’t very happy. Despite being brought up on stock cars, he was always a fair and square racer which might help to explain why he never made it as far as he should have done.
This is what I love about these blogs. You all know more than I do………………..or perhaps your memories are in better shape. Which reminds me – to double check my facts in my next blog…………………
RW

By: Andrew Scoley

Andrew Scoley — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:58:37 +0000

We seem to have drifted off the point, but not to worry. Rob, Brian Henton and Derek Warwick went into F1 with the Toleman team in 1981, with Teo Fabi then replacing Henton in ’82, and Bruno Giacomelli replacing Fabi in ’83. So Derek had three seasons with Toleman before making what looked on paper to be a good move to Renault for ’84. Had a certain Mr Lauda not given the Renault a whack on a front wheel early in the Brazilion race, Warwick would almost certainly have won his first Grand Prix, may well then have gone on to better things , and Lauda wouldn’t have won his third title.
I’m afraid I was bored to death by Schumacher winning race after race and I sincerely hope Vettel, Alonso, Button and Hamilton keep him off the top step. Webber is fairly (or unfairly) compromising so maybe he’ll help Schumi into the weeds! A crucial year for young Rosberg, I hope he comes out well in the comparison.

By: rob widdows

rob widdows — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 12:19:11 +0000

Somebody still loves me! But it’s still not a female.
Ah well, a little peace and love beats a silly argument any day. Just as age and guile beat youth, innocence and a bad haircut.
Inductees? Sounds like something from a central heating boiler. Actually, folks, I do not get to choose who enters the Hall of Fame – that’s the province of the Big Chiefs like editor Damien and Editor-in-Chief Nigel who sit in the big executive seats.
But, if I were asked, I would probably concur that both Senna and Schumacher have their place in a motor racing hall of fame. For one thing, they are extremely ‘famous’ and for another – well, they had a huge influence on their respective eras. We must NEVER forget that both these drivers won a huge amount of races without any skullduggery and their skill is beyond question.
I don’t want to make any further comment on this because I am dreaming up a new blog which will move us away from what may, or may not, happen when we go racing in March.
Returning for a moment to Derek Warwick (one of my favourite motor racing people) I would just remind you that he and Brian Henton did a wonderful job for Toleman (and Hart) in Formula Two. But when the company went into F1 there was no place for them. This happens, especially when a man like Senna comes along, but if you look at Warwick’s career you will see that he was often in the wrong team at the wrong time. In my view, a much under-rated racing driver. And a really good, honest bloke.
RW

By: Frederico Pinheiro de Melo

Frederico Pinheiro de Melo — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:33:39 +0000

“It’s tough to leave out Senna and Schumacher in our lists of The Greats. But I guess we have to if we are to consider sportsmanship.”

Right you are, Rob, which brings me to something I wanted to ask: how do you go about selecting inductees (awful word) for the Hall of Fame? I ask this because I see that both Senna and Schumacher are there already, and as “founder members” no less.

If it were me making the choices, I probably wouldn’t have had the guts to keep them out either, if nothing else because of the sheer force of statistics, but I was hoping your selection panel might have come up with some magnificently argued reasons for excluding them, if not from the Hall itself, at least from the founding list.

Ah, well, I still love you and still think Motor Sport is the best motoring magazine there is, and am looking forward to seeing how the Hall grows over time: will you limit entries to so many per year? Who is your selection panel? Do you need any suggestions of names (just joking)?

By: DDT

DDT — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 06:25:40 +0000

If the Mercedes is not dominant, Schumacher will struggle. First, the cars are much closer than they were. But we also have a crop of first class drivers in the top teams: Alonso, Hamilton, Vettel, Button, Massa, Weber. None of these guys is remotely intimidated by Michael. They are all in their prime, and they all have extremely fast machinery.

Michael’s most serious challengers were Montoya, and Hakkinen. Montoya was brilliant, but a total hot head. Hakkinen was solid but not in the same league. I really think every one of these new drivers is better than either of those two. Well maybe Weber is not quite a Montoya.

Perhaps more important, all these guys went to school on Schumacher. He set a new standard, and these guys all took that to a new level. Remember Alonso beat Schumacher twice, and Hamilton beat Alonso in the same car. And this year Button schooled Vettel, who made way too many mistakes.

Its just that so any people think Vettel is the next Schumacher. Perhaps he is, but there are 4 drivers better than he is right now. They’re also better than the old Schumacher.

Schumacher will come in 4th at best. Unless the Mercedes rips everybody a new one, in which case Ross Brawn is the new Schumacher.

By: Tony Geran

Tony Geran — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 01:01:46 +0000

Santiago,is this the same Jean Todt who orchestrated Barrichello’s 2nd place in Austria in 2002 and who saw nothing wrong in Schumacher’s parking escapades at Monaco in 2006?

By: Santiago Fernández

Santiago Fernández — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 21:04:21 +0000

It is odd that there aren’t more female readers here, but in the end most of us who are commenting on this blog have had a similar experience like Rob’s. In my case I was lucky my friend’s first race was the 09 Brazilian GP. She was lucky to have such an eventful race, tough I had a lot of things to explain beforehand, and during the race!

It is unfortunate that both Senna and Schumacher will always have those points to tarnish their legacy, but we’re all entitled to our flaws and their’s just happened to be a consequence of what made them so good. Poor handling of the situation by the stewards and authorities was the real problem here as pointed out by Rob, not some person’s very human flaw.

The thing about Todt that gives me hope is that the people who work under him speak of him very differently than do those he goes against. He is uncompromising when he knows what needs to be done, hopefully he’ll be uncompromising in doing what’s best for the sport.

By: rob widdows

rob widdows — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:02:25 +0000

Just to clarify – as I seem to have temporarily lost the use of the English language – I meant that Barrichello thought so too.
That’s headed them off at the pass.
RW

By: rob widdows

rob widdows — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:01:02 +0000

What was going through my head? Well, I just thought it was odd that not a single female had ever joined our ramblings. I took a girlfriend to the BOAC 500 race at Brands Hatch back in 1960-something – that was a 6-hour race- and it rained most of the day – and I can tell you, that took some recovering……………
(It was a GREAT race. Pedro Rodriguez won in a Porsche, and I don’t think anyone told him it was raining.)
I do think that Todt had a depressing influence on Ferrairi’s sporting tactics. So did Barrichello. And Schumacher is by no means blameless. But his consistency, his will to win, was extraordinary and every sport has to be ‘policed’ properly so that unsporting tactics are kept to an absolute minimum.
That means red cards in football, drugs checks in athletics and authoratative stewarding in motor sport. The stewards should have taken far stronger action against both Senna and Schumacher from the start. Just like, if Ronado dives in the penalty area, he should get a red card.
It’s tough to leave out Senna and Schumacher in our lists of The Greats. But I guess we have to if we are to consider sportsmanship.
Hopefully the new stewarding system, using people who have driven Grand Prix cars, will go some way to
improving tactics. But I wonder. Big money, big companies and big sponsors have changed the game over recent years. And not just in motor racing.
RW