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?