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Malay Magic |
| September 28th-October 7th Test Times Analysis | by Michele Lupini, South Africa |
The Grand Prix circus spent an unusual three weeks away from a race, as teams prepared for the season-ending races in the Far East. But it wasn't a quiet period, by any means. The biggest news is the return of two significant factors to the F1 fold: Michael Schumacher and the Ferrari propaganda machine. While no one expected Michael's return, it seems it was well planned and coincided with the news that the German had smashed the current Ferrari's lap record at the Fiorano track, and that he'd successfully completed several race distances recently. Ferrari is famous for its unique way of publicising its plans and exploits, and after a few months in the doldrums, this one could be their all-time piece de resistance... We'll never know the truth about how it really all fell together, but this writer believes it was a well-orchestrated plan to catch McLaren on the wrong foot. From Eddie Irvine's ever-escalating statements of despair, to Michael's build-up, claiming he was out, prior to that about-turn after seeing the Pope and his boss, this is a marketing masterpiece. To top that, Ferrari have carried out one of the busiest two weeks testing in F1 history, not only bringing a significant set of new bits and pieces up to race speed, but running wet weather testing on an artificially dampened track on several occasions. With Malaysia expecting wet conditions, the Scuderia is ready, and their championship challenger goes to Kuala Lumpur in the knowledge that he'll have the protection of perhaps the most significant henchman in F1 history... Eddie has also taken a long, comfortable tour en route to Malaysia, spending time in hot, humid climates and becoming acclimatised to the weather he'll be driving in on the weekend. That may be an advantage over other drivers taking a long, heavy flight, all at once. But whatever Ferrari does, McLaren will be prepared to defend their small title lead in both championships. David Coulthard was quickest at last week's Barcelona test, edging out the teammate he'll now more than likely assist in an effort to ward off a full-strength Ferrari. They tested new components too, albeit in a shorter session, although there was another secret test elsewhere, blamed on 2000 parts testing. Following on his surprising European Grand Prix victory, Johnny Herbert celebrated by ending third in Barcelona, where Stewart-Ford tested some new components for the races in the east, prompting an air of optimism in the team. Fourth in Barcelona was 1999's dark horse, Heinz-Harald Frentzen, also coming away with a confident team, denying they attempted any fast times. They are expecting some new Honda tricks in a last-ditch title effort. Williams were in Spain too, working on set-up for Sunday's race in an uneventful session, as were Benetton, Prost, BAR and Sauber. But all interest is focussed on the battle up front. Ferrari have put in a mammoth effort and made a show of their star's return to assist his teammate to the world championship, while McLaren and Jordan have worked quietly on their plans. Sunday's race has all the ingredients of a great race. A brand new circuit, the returning Michael Schumacher, a title poised on tenterhooks and no guarantees on the weather in a monsoon district. If ever, Sunday's race shouldn't be missed for anything - it has everything going for it.
Barcelona F1 Testing
Mugello Ferrari Testing
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Fiorano Ferrari Testing
Driver Best 28 29 30 Sept 5 6 7 Oct M.Schumacher 1:00.941 - - - - - 1:00.94 Irvine 1.01.833 - - - 1:02.66 1:02.25 1.01.83 Salo 1:02.375 - 1:02.38 1.02.50 - - - Badoer 1:02.851 1:02.85 - - - - - |
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The Test Times Summary only includes drivers who are participating in the 1999 F1 World Championship and therefore does not include test drivers. For a full test times summary and previous test times set this year, visit Atlas F1's 1999 Testing section
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| Michele Lupini | © 1999 Kaizar.Com, Incorporated. |
| Send comments to: lupini@atlasf1.com | Terms & Conditions |