This week's Grapevine brings you information fresh from the paddock on: Michelin Target Indy Silly Season Update

Michelin Target Indy

Despite the dominance of Bridgestone and Ferrari this year, Michelin's tyre sales are doing better than expected in a tough market - demonstrating the benefit of being in the public eye.

However, it's not as simple as that; there is pride at stake, and Michelin is in the sport to win, not just to make money. Accordingly, they are working hard with McLaren and Williams to build the package that will allow them to take the fight back to Ferrari.

Williams understand the wear problems they have been struggling with on the rear tyres, and have a fix to take to Hungary; they are also working on a better solution, which is expected to be on the cars for the US GP. Coincidentally, McLaren have always gone well at Indy, and expect to do so again this year, leading Michelin to believe that this is probably going to be the best chance to beat Ferrari again this year.

Returning to the money making side, Michelin's marketing department could use a competitive race in the States. Goodyear is strong in their home market, and Bridgestone is recovering well from the Ford Explorer/disintegrating tyre scandal. A good race, better still a win, gives marketing something to really get their teeth into.

Of course, a good, competitive race would suit race fans rather well, too!

Silly Season Update

With the teams officially 'on holiday', there is little going on in the public eye, so the Silly Season is swinging along in fine form - fuelled strongly by Heinz-Harald Frentzen's defection from Arrows, and Alex Yoong's inadequate qualifying performance in Germany.

The rumour mill is looking busier than usual for the back of the grid so early in the season. Ferrari and McLaren will not be changing their lineup, and despite not announcing Montoya for 2003, Williams are '95% certain' to retain him, though there is no surprise no drivers are holding out on that one in twenty shot! Renault have Alonso and Trulli signed, leaving the probable top four teams for next year full.

Whilst other teams are undoubtedly less attractive at the moment, a Formula One drive is not something to be sniffed at, and some of the seats have potential, even if there's little chance of realising it.

Jordan and Sauber are the perennial nearly teams, often able to showcase drivers' talents, and sometimes living up to the potential they claim to offer. Jordan have even won races with Damon Hill and Heinz-Harald Frentzen, though neither team looks likely to do so again soon. Giancarlo Fisichella's seat at Jordan, and Nick Heidfeld's at Sauber, are set for next year, but there continues to be rumours that their partners could be on their way out.

Jordan's Takuma Sato has been quick this year, but inconsistent. His early record has included a tendency to over-explore the limits of the car; the results have been entertaining for spectators, but the repair bills have been expensive for Jordan. However, recent performances have been much stronger. Pace has been good - closing on Fisichella's - whilst his racing acumen is improving all the time. Consistency is coming along, and Jordan's early season support for the driver is starting to look well founded. Replacing him at this stage only makes sense in line with the politics of a sponsor appeasement move.

Peter Sauber is in no hurry to commit to next season. Those listening to the rumour mill would be forgiven for thinking that Felipe Massa has had a terrible year, judging by the scores of 'replacements' that are being lined up to replace him. It's hard to believe he has scored four Championship points, and would only be one behind Heidfeld if team orders had not reversed their positions in Germany... That said, his temperament has been called into question more than once, and general feeling from those around him is that he might have come to the sport too young in himself.

Jaguar's continued poor performances are making it seem unlikely that they will see Irvine in particular as part of their solution for much longer. The Irishman's lacklustre race weekends compound the issue with his development input being insufficient to drive the team forward; accordingly the Big Cat is considering alternatives for the new year. Both Alonso and Webber impressed in tests earlier this year, so the 'young charger' is being seriously considered for the future: Webber is hot favourite to make an appearance at Jaguar next year.

Toyota's bright start to the season has led many to see them as a bright star for the future; however, despite being able to qualify in the top ten at the start of the year, the story now is one of struggle, as the relentless pace of development in Formula One has left them helping Minardi prop up the grid. It bodes ill for next season, unless they are able to produce a significant step forward in the off season - possible, but unlikely. Much of the blame for slow development falls on the shoulders of Gustav Brunner, but there is also a question mark over the drivers: whilst Mika Salo's place is more secure than Allan McNish's, neither is producing the feedback required to keep the team up with their rivals. The odds show NcNish losing out in 2003 to a driver with proven F1 development experience.

Cue the rumours concerning Frentzen's future.

The German's departure from Arrows has left a world of speculation over his final destination. In perspective, the only reasons for leaving the team are because he has a new role lined up, or Arrows need the income from his replacement to make ends meet, or the prospective purchaser needs him gone as a precondition to completing the buyout.

If Frentzen has a role lined up at another team, then he'll be racing for them in Hungary - there's no point in missing races for no reason, after all. The team may not have spoken to or handled the release of their 'second' driver yet, which would prevent any party making announcements of what's coming, but it would be sorted before the next race. However, financial concerns could be the significant factor. Arrows are desperate for cash, and if the rumours that Red Bull have bought them out are true, then the Red Bull marketing plans would be bolstered by having an American driver in the seat.

Frentzen's availability also makes things interesting for Mark Webber's future: Jaguar could well in interested in the German's experience, and he comes with experience of the Cosworth engine. and a chassis that has been able to use it.

The question is, given that Jordan appear to have lined up an expensive, multi-year customer deal for Ford engines, and their big German sponsors would really be appreciative of a talented, German driver, could Frentzen possibly be persuaded to return to the outfit?