For once, the toughest job this season isn’t the hatmaker who’s feverishly trying to fit another gold band onto the ever-so-common Schumi “World Champion” hats. It’s held by Pierre Dupasquier, Michelin’s motorsport director.
If you saw the USGP, you’ll know why. Forget the anti-Ferrari commentary team on SpeedTV, or Steve Matchett’s assertion that because F1 is so competitive, asking Michelin to bring a lower-performance tire was laughable.
No, the French – specifically Michelin – are to blame. Far better paid pundits will debate how the weekend unfolded, trying to figure out just who – and at what second – was at fault. I’ll save you some time. Michelin were caught blue-handed.
So what’s next? Well anyone who knows the FIA understands that they won’t change the regulations to allow tire changes. Also certain is that neither the teams, nor Michelin will back down. Flavio Briatore will claim, like the other Michelin runners, that they tried to compromise.
I will point to two things: First, during the race someone said that if it was the other way around – and Bridgestone were having tire failures – then the race would go down as the beginning of the end for Ferrari. The Michelin teams would chuckle confidently and soak up all of the constructor’s points. In other words, nobody would bat an eye.
Second, Michael Schumacher answered a question in the post-race (off camera) press conference. Question: “I understand you didn't make the decision but can you tell me why Ferrari was not in favor of having a chicane put in 13 at the last minute?”
“I tell you one story. Not so long ago in Monza, we had the death of a marshal, and all of us drivers agreed we would want for the first two chicanes yellow flags,” Schumacher said. “And there was no less than two or three team owners which told their drivers you would not respect the yellow flag. Just ignore what you have maybe said or not said, we want you to race and we force you to race. And it's the same people that have been today on the other side.”
“So Formula One is a tough business, we're working very hard. As I mentioned before, we have had a tire which is quicker. We didn't use that because we knew what is going to face us here. I'm not saying that the others purposely choose something wrong but whatever it is, it is their problem, not our problem. And I don't think you can ask the people who are not responsible to take the responsibility.”
So that’s where we stand. A stalemate. Expect, however, that FIA will hand down an immense fine to Michelin for failing to provide a suitable compound. Also expect the rest of the season to be a straight dogfight between Kimi Raikkonen, Fernando Alonso, and Michael Schumacher.
To those who say this is the darkest day for F1 is premature. In any event, a dog of a race has set up what will be undoubtedly the most exciting championship fight since the Schumacher/Häkkinen days.
Quote of the weekend goes to Nick Fry, CEO of Lucky Strike BAR Honda: “I think it’s the worst possible advert for Formula One at the moment. To only have six cars running, and none of them in contention for the championship. It’s a great shame. Unfortunately, in the interest of safety, this decision was made.”
Let me remind everyone that Minardi scored 7 points – putting them 7 points ahead of BAR, who still has none. In contention for the championship? It’s not golf, Nick.
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