Post by schumi on May 31, 2007 13:57:51 GMT
Next stop for the formula one circus is Canada – circuit Gilles Villeneuve - named shortly after he died in 1982. Gilles was a local hero and the first ever winner of the race.
Notoriously hard on cars, but providing the opportunity for passing, and not least the “wall of champions”, Montreal is a driver’s favourite, and rightly so. And let’s face it, it has to be more exciting than Monaco was. Please?
Last year’s race was won by Fernando Alonso. Can he repeat it this year, or will the Ferraris regain their dominance? He’ll need to keep a cool head if he’s to win this one, and I think the main challenge will come from his team-mate, Hamilton.
Lewis will be wanting to turn the tables – he’s chasing that elusive first win and had the car on the ragged edge in Monaco. His driving style is different to Alonso in that he throws the car into the corners, but it suits him, and he seems to be able to handle it, though I do keep thinking surely he’s going to hit something soon.
Kimi Raikkonen has scored points in Canada on every one of his six visits there, but how is his mindset? He didn’t look happy after a poor qualifying session in Monaco, and I’m not the only one questioning his commitment. I think it likely he’ll retire within the next few years, but with his distinct lack of emotion even when he’s winning races will anyone notice? Perhaps he’s another one fed up with the Hamilton mania that is so prevalent, after all, Kimi was tipped for big things himself, though I feel he’s always going to be an also-ran. Or maybe he’s had enough of the ghost of Michael Schumacher hanging over his shoulder, who just isn’t going to go away.
Felippe Massa has never won in Canada, his best finish being 4th for Sauber in 2005. He’ll give a solid drive, but I think the Ferrari is just losing its edge. Massa should beat his team mate, barring any first corner incidents.
I would mention the rest of the Brits, but what’s to say? Expect them to be well out of the points, but not plum at the bottom. Rumour has it Ralf could be replaced before the season ends, so he’ll be looking to put in a performance, but with neither of the Toyotas particularly impressing I think he’ll find it difficult.
The Renaults really need to sort themselves out – have they even been turning up for the races? I’m not sure I’ve seen them this season, or maybe that’s because they’re trying to hide a dire paint job, which surely has to be up there with the paper mache monstrosity that is the Honda. My children were making better models than that five years ago.
With so many variables, and not one driver in particular standing out, I’m going to go for a prediction of a McLaren win, but which one? I think after Monaco Lewis might just find the fire to pip his team-mate in qualifying, or is that wishful thinking? Let the press have their story about the “rising star”, then maybe we can settle down and watch some good racing without the hype and the anticipation. Roll on Canada.
Notoriously hard on cars, but providing the opportunity for passing, and not least the “wall of champions”, Montreal is a driver’s favourite, and rightly so. And let’s face it, it has to be more exciting than Monaco was. Please?
Last year’s race was won by Fernando Alonso. Can he repeat it this year, or will the Ferraris regain their dominance? He’ll need to keep a cool head if he’s to win this one, and I think the main challenge will come from his team-mate, Hamilton.
Lewis will be wanting to turn the tables – he’s chasing that elusive first win and had the car on the ragged edge in Monaco. His driving style is different to Alonso in that he throws the car into the corners, but it suits him, and he seems to be able to handle it, though I do keep thinking surely he’s going to hit something soon.
Kimi Raikkonen has scored points in Canada on every one of his six visits there, but how is his mindset? He didn’t look happy after a poor qualifying session in Monaco, and I’m not the only one questioning his commitment. I think it likely he’ll retire within the next few years, but with his distinct lack of emotion even when he’s winning races will anyone notice? Perhaps he’s another one fed up with the Hamilton mania that is so prevalent, after all, Kimi was tipped for big things himself, though I feel he’s always going to be an also-ran. Or maybe he’s had enough of the ghost of Michael Schumacher hanging over his shoulder, who just isn’t going to go away.
Felippe Massa has never won in Canada, his best finish being 4th for Sauber in 2005. He’ll give a solid drive, but I think the Ferrari is just losing its edge. Massa should beat his team mate, barring any first corner incidents.
I would mention the rest of the Brits, but what’s to say? Expect them to be well out of the points, but not plum at the bottom. Rumour has it Ralf could be replaced before the season ends, so he’ll be looking to put in a performance, but with neither of the Toyotas particularly impressing I think he’ll find it difficult.
The Renaults really need to sort themselves out – have they even been turning up for the races? I’m not sure I’ve seen them this season, or maybe that’s because they’re trying to hide a dire paint job, which surely has to be up there with the paper mache monstrosity that is the Honda. My children were making better models than that five years ago.
With so many variables, and not one driver in particular standing out, I’m going to go for a prediction of a McLaren win, but which one? I think after Monaco Lewis might just find the fire to pip his team-mate in qualifying, or is that wishful thinking? Let the press have their story about the “rising star”, then maybe we can settle down and watch some good racing without the hype and the anticipation. Roll on Canada.