I apologize to all differential fans for not getting the information up on the last issue of Atlas F1. I hope you'll find this issue of differentials "new and improved". As always, skip the next paragraph if you are a regular visitor.

As mentioned in the first edition of Atlas F1 Qualifying Differentials, we are going to keep an eye on the battle between teammates throughout the season by race and overall averages. The measurement is simple. We compare the intra-team difference in seconds on Saturday. Some may say compensation must be given in the favoritism between the number one and two seats within the team. We, on the other hand, do not grant that pardon. For better or worse, our analyses will be on the perfect world of egalitarian status in intra-team rivalry.

So, here we go once more. The season is almost half over and the differentials are averaging out. Let's see which drivers deserve bragging rights for the next three weeks.

Notables

1. Herbert. With the help of Fontana, Johnny has climbed to first on 1997 average differentials for active drivers -- edging out Barrichello after the Brazilian had engine problems at the British Grand Prix. Morbidelli is scheduled to return to face Johnny in Germany. However, the rumor is that Alexander Wurz will soon sign with Sauber. You can't blame Sauber if they let go of both Morbidelli and Fontana in exchange for the Austrian; both have been humiliated by the Happy Brit. Also, if we see Johnny dominate in a Herbert v. Wurz showdown, all doubts on Herbet's abilities must disappear due to Wurz' successes this year against Alesi. Personally, I doubt Wurz would let that happen... along with Benetton.

2. Barrichello. Domination by the Dane, Part 1. Ouch. Was it pay back or just a fluke? O.K., so Rubens had a horrible time with the new Ford engine. Yet, Jan had the same engine as well, no? Jan has been in the same situation a lot this year, so let's just give him this victory and observe if he can make the most of his qualifying victory last week.

3. Hill. Was Tom Walkinshaw that upset with Damon's performance going into the British Grand Prix? Anyone who reads Atlas F1 Qualifying Differentials would have to disagree with Tom's alleged accusations regarding Damon. OK, so he lost a round to Pedro in France. But, gee whiz, the guy is in the top four of active driver differential averages after Britain (only fifty-three thousandths of a second behind Schumacher). Damon, you can drive for our team anytime.

4. Schumacher. "The Man". Besides Herbert, Michael has the only unbeaten qualifying record this year so far for active drivers. His average differential against Irvine further backs his claim of highest paid driver in the world.
   

   

   

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   NOTES

   The raw data are copyright © 1997 Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (8 place de la Concorde, Paris 75008 France). These compilations are copyright © 1997 Atlas F1. Reproduction in any form of these compilations is forbidden without the express permission of Atlas F1 or Atlas WWW.

   The data are subject to revision. Atlas F1 will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

   Send comments to: kaizar@atlasf1.com