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Ask Nigel
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August 2008
How do you feel Juan Pablo Montoya’s modern achievement of having won races in F1, Indy/Champ Cars, NASCAR and at the Daytona 24 Hrs compares with those of other all-rounders such as Mario Andretti and Dan Gurney?
Jon Curry, UK. -
I’ve been a Williams fan since the demise of Team Lotus and wonder if Jenson Button had returned to the team, when Williams wanted him to, it would have been for the benefit of both parties?
I’ve just watched the Silverstone qualifying and, sad to say, remain unconvinced about Nico Rosberg although he clearly had car problems. Honda seem to be treading water despite promises about a bright future. What is your opinion?
David Stevenson -
July 2008
My favourite driver is Kimi Räikkönen, and I often hear him compared to James Hunt in attitude. I know nothing of James Hunt as I was too young when he raced. Can you tell me a little about him and how/if he is similar to Kimi?
Michael Spitale, USA -
I just read Mark Donohue’s wonderful autobiography and was wondering if you had any memories or thoughts about him. His modesty seems overwhelming in his book, and some perspective on his career accomplishments and legacy would be appreciated.
Ben Berentson, USA -
June 2008
In my opinion, Carlos Reutemann was one of the most naturally gifted drivers ever. What is your opinion of the great Argentine?
Pete Robertson -
Do you agree that tyre changes and refuelling have no place in FI? So many drivers apparently wait for the ‘pitstop strategy pass’ rather than attempt it on the circuit.
If the rules were changed, the rule makers and car designers would be forced to develop cars that could overtake each other.
Tony Elgood -
If you were stranded on a desert island, which three favourite motor racing books would you take with you, and why?
Martyn Hulland -
May 2008
I believe that the best ’50s Grand Prix racer is the Maserati 250F, would you agree?
Paul Chenard
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With the new season well under way now, and with traction control banned, it was good to see the cars sliding more and the drivers having to put more input into the control of the car. It got me thinking about yesteryear and the great overtaking manoeuvres there have been, and I wondered which you consider to be the greatest?
The ones that spring to mind for me and stand out in my memory are: Piquet around the outside of Senna at the Hungaroring in 1986 – outstanding car control. Prost taking Senna, who was asleep behind a Minardi, past the Signes kink at Paul Ricard in the 1988 French Grand Prix – wonderful opportunism. Jacques Villeneuve, also around the outside, this time of Michael Schumacher on the last corner at Estoril in 1996. His Indy years coming to the fore, and I think one of the bravest passes ever.
Speaking of Indy, an overtaking manoeuvre that I feel I have to mention is the one Arie Luyendyk did on Nigel Mansell around the outside of turn one in the 1993 Indy 500. It was after the last restart I think, with about 10 laps to go. There was so little room, and the speed with which Arie flew by must have made Nigel jump!
Berger passing Piquet after slipstreaming through the Peralta bend at Mexico in ’88, Alonso passing Schumacher at 130R in Japan in ’06, Häkkinen making a Zonta sandwich with Schumacher in Belgium in 2000 before Les Combes. Mansell on Berger at Peralta in Mexico 1990 are others that spring to mind.
It’s all opinion and open to conjecture of course, but it’s fun to think about and discuss!
Mark Smith -
May 2008
With reference to your ‘Reflections’ in the May edition of Motor Sport, if Bernie is so concerned about European audiences let’s hold more races in Europe (and fewer in the far East). There are plenty of circuits here, enough in fact to maybe run two Grands Prix in each major European country.
Lets include Donington, Zandvoort and the banking at Monza. And of course, Reims, Rouen, Paul Ricard, Osterreichring, Anderstorp, Zolder and Kyalami in South Africa (it’s even the same time zone).
Oh damn I have just woken up – what a lovely dream – but I do go back a long way and know all these tracks from over 50 years worth of Jenks and Motor Sport magazine! I think I will go back to sleep and dream some more. Here’s hoping!
Antony Ward
