This week's Grapevine brings you information fresh from the paddock on: The Year That Was: 2001 Ralf Backs Up Sauber Target Nestle

The Year That Was: 2001

The year started with Jenson Button claiming that the new Benetton was a contender, and he would be exploring the limits of driving harder: if the price was a few trips through the kitty litter, so be it. As it turns out, his year did not live up to expectations! So, we've decided it is only sensible that the Grapevine takes a quick recap on what we said before the last season started – to be sure we, at least, deliver…

We opened the year in issue 2, with what would be a recurrent theme, reporting rumours that Honda were regretting getting tied to supplying two teams on works deals. As the season progressed, the denials from BAR and Jordan that there was any danger of Honda dropping one team or the other, and claims that neither needed to beat the other to be sure of their future, have changed. Now we've made it to the end of the season, and Jordan's appeal has lifted them above BAR, we can look back and say the position has moved: both teams have admitted they are only contracted until the end of next year. Honda may or may not cut their commitment, but without solid results in 2002, the expectation remains the same: Honda powered cars need to perform, or the contracts will not be renewed.

In issue 3, we remarked on the Williams chassis: arguably the best in the field in 2000, it had been improved for 2001, and the new engine was a big step. Although it's hard to know precisely the impact of running on Michelin rubber, there can be few arguments that we called that right. In the same article, we brought back Jordan's claims that they could be running with Williams this year – but they failed to make "best of the rest," since Sauber were a surprise dark horse.

One of Formula One's big themes – safety – was a feature of issue 4. With a spate of accidents taking place, apparently due to serious component failures, there was a sudden concentration of attention from Max Mosley and the FIA. He made it clear that, in his opinion, the accidents were due to teams cutting tolerances too fine, and issued a thinly veiled threat implying reprisals and rule changes. It's no surprise to learn that things improved across the board overnight!

In issue 5, we commented on how Mercedes was struggling against the performance envelope with their engine: first, they were wrong-footed by the delayed introduction of traction control, then Ferrari and Williams pulled away. Speculation that the Mercedes unit broke the 20,000 rpm barrier proved to be true – it was measured in testing just before Melbourne. Sadly for them, however, the basic grunt was just never on a par with McLaren's high expectations.

A week later, we reported on Pedro de la Rosa's unexpected departure from Arrows, or rather highlighted the fact it was over a funding spat with Repsol. Who, as it turns out, had the right of it when they offered only to sponsor the team on a cash per point basis, as Arrows (again) missed their claimed mark, scoring only one point all year. No wonder Tom Walkinshaw wasn't prepared to play that game…

And in issue 7, we noted Ferrari's work on a new undertray. Although we understood they believed a 5% improvement in downforce could be available, what we didn't pick up on, was that this was a cornerstone of the 2001 car. Being designed in from the outset, it allowed the team to gain downforce in the middle of the car with practically no drag penalty. This was one of the key elements to the excellent underlying balance Ferrari enjoyed with their F2001 this year.

Overall, we are pleased to say that the Grapevine has delivered: and we look forward to continuing to bring you the best pointers and insights on what's what in F1 through the off season!

Ralf Backs Up

This last week, an interesting conversation was repeated to the Grapevine, concerning a certain Patrick Head and Ralf Schumacher. Whilst neither party is prepared to admit it took place, and no-one else, of course, is in a position to know, it does bear retelling…

In the not so distant past, Ralf Schumacher, in conducting an interview with a German newspaper, let it be known that in his opinion, running with team orders is a surer way to bringing home the bacon. It's not surprising to know that this snippet of information was taken by the press, and turned into a big statement – Ralf was calling for team orders at Williams.

Of course, this sort of thing is fairly regularly handled by team owners – whilst drivers are not paid to have opinions, it's one of the prices of handling the type of ego that can climb into a car and attempt to out-brake a rival from over 200mph into a tight corner. All the same, rocking the boat is not really considered a game at Williams, so it wasn't long before Head called Schumacher for a chat.

Once the pleasantries were accounted for, Head asked Schumacher about the newspaper article. Of course, Schumacher admitted that the newspaper, whilst misquoting him, did fairly reflect his opinion. The remainder of the conversation went something along the following lines:

Head: So, you believe that team orders is the real only way forward for the team?

Schumacher: Basically, yes.

Head: Well. I have to say, thanks for letting us know. We're really glad you are prepared to take one for the team. We'll let you make the press announcement whenever you're ready. I take it you'll move over more promptly when asked this year?

[pause …]

Schumacher: That's not quite what I meant

Head: Thought not…

A Williams press announcement was released shortly afterwards, stating that the team would adhere to its policy of issuing no team orders.

Sauber Target Nestle

It may be pure coincidence, but following the news of Red Bull's intentions to end the relationship with Sauber at the end of the year, there is plenty of speculation concerning where the Swiss outfit will be getting funding from next year. Currently, rumours have them targeting a key new sponsor in Nestle.

The confectionery producer is known to be actively attempting to extend brand awareness, and is looking for stronger penetration in a number of markets. They have been struggling to improve their market share in Europe, and have been particularly troubled when attempting to gain momentum in the UK.

It seems that Sauber have approached the company with a strong proposal that could be seen as a direct Red-Bull replacement: in return for funding from $15 million per annum, Sauber would promote Nestle with strong branding on their cars. However, given the approach seemed to be met with some interest, the team's marketing department were surprised by Nestle's next move: namely, an announcement of their intention to purchase the ice-cream brand Haagen-Daaz.

This purchase brings a strong European brand into the Nestle fold, making it unclear how much value the Sauber deal would add in the European market, so the whole concept of tying up with Sauber is suddenly in doubt. That said, given the glamorous image the ice-cream manufacturer promotes, it's not inconceivable that there will be a couple of Haagen-Daaz Sauber Petronas competing in the 2002 Championships.