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March 31, 2004
Weapons of Mass Distraction
The continuing adventures of Dick "Bureaucrat-for-Life" Clarke and Condi "60 Minutes" Rice is just the typical Washington smokescreen that happens during an election year. Last year it was Kobe Bryant, Scott Peterson, and shark attacks that kept everyone distracted from real issues.
Anything that comes out of Clarke or Rice's mouths are not going to bring back the people killed on 9/11. And as much as some people would like to believe it, The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (aka 9-11 Commission) will not prevent another attack from occurring. People sitting in comfy leather chairs and armed with probing questions and television cameras don't prevent terrorism.
This is a political blame game and nothing more. That doesn't mean there aren't people to blame for 9/11, but the blame can probably be spread across several administrations, several decisions, and several pencil pushers. There is no single person responsible for why the US didn't prevent 9/11. The culpability is everywhere including, let's not forget, the terrorists themselves.
Meanwhile, gas prices are averaging $1.75 per gallon, terrorists are still trying to blow stuff up abroad, and apparently out-sourcing jobs actually creates jobs. Real issues, real problems, and real situations that these policy wonks would rather not deal with right now.
Another possible story the US media are missing this week, and it's no big surprise, is the possibility of terrorism at the Grand Prix of Bahrain this weekend. This is the first ever Grand Prix to be held in the Middle East. The brand new $150 million circuit will host thousands of team members, foreign press, guests, and over 50,000 on race day. That attendance is low by F1 standards, but understandable given the location and high temperatures, and it will still be the largest sporting event in the region. Add to all of this the 300 million worldwide viewers on television and the event could be a potential terrorist target.
The government of Bahrain has put in place extra security measures for the weekend, and everyone in the F1 Paddock appears to be taking things a little more seriously. The race itself stands to generate over $74 million in revenue for the region over the next few days. Let's hope the positive attention that the region will receive is enough of a deterrent.
March 31, 2004 in Politics | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
March 29, 2004
Hearing The Herd
Today was the debut of The Herd with Colin Cowherd on ESPN Radio. Cowherd takes over Tony Kornheiser in the same time slot. I told myself that I would give Colin a shot, just like Mr. Tony asked, and here are my thoughts after one show.
I will tune in and out over the next few days, but it's impossible to replace someone like Tony Kornheiser. I guess I will just be waiting like lots of other folks for the return of the caped one to radio in Washington, D.C. in a few months.
March 29, 2004 in Media Mayhem | Permalink | Comments (20) | TrackBack
March 26, 2004
Missing Mr. Tony Already
Today is the final broadcast of The Tony Kornheiser Show on ESPN Radio, or at least in its present nationally syndicated incarnation. Kornheiser has hinted all week long they he might take the day off so his last show may have already aired.
I've listened to Mr. Tony from 10am to 1pm, Monday through Friday, for more years than I dare say. If I was traveling on business or in a meeting I would usually listen to the archived show on the Internet later that day. I couldn't even begin to recount the things I've learned, the times I've laughed out loud, or the moments I wanted to clap my hands in affirmation listening to Kornheiser's show over the years. So I won't even try.
I have never met Tony Kornheiser but I consider him a friend. I can tell you about his jobs, his childhood, his college days, his days at various newspapers, his neuroses, his favorite movies, his favorite music, his friends, his enemies, the woman related to him by marriage, his daughter, his son, his late father, and his dog. One of these days I'm going to run into Tony and it's going to be like meeting an old friend. We're going to have so many things to catch up on.
(Thanks Mr. Tony for reading that last part on the air on Wednesday.)
One of the best tributes to Mr. Tony came from a frequent emailer, Mark in D.C., who captured the last six years of The Tony Kornheiser Show:
"Larry Beal limbo stick, the Trey Wingo thingamajingo, 'Old Guy Radio,' know your third-level heads, bingo, Roy Batelle and the Altones, the new clock, charity bocce games with Michael Jordan, 'affirmation baby, affirmation,' 'How 'bout Linda Cohn?,' Wolfspider, Mel's Picks, The Duke's Picks, Tina Turner still getting it done, America's quintessential sports writer Bob Ryan, Steven Hunter, Joe Barber, Norman Chad, the e-mail machine, product, Wilbon's America, the Chimp, Rosanne, Steve the Sycophant, Sherman, Tamara, 'Why'd ya blast Tamara? I liked Tamara', Being fat, bald, and orange...Priceless, 'No Tony. Yes David. No Tony,' the mock draft, the rock draft, the clock draft, Mr. Kornmissioner, how ya doing?, banned from the Kornheiser show, 'Forget it, we just can't take callers anymore,' knowing who's on 'The View,' knowing what Padma's cooking, the ESPN Sports Zone (ESPN Zone), Linda Cohn's twelve toes, Mia Hamm blowing it for all athletes, Led Zeppelin, the email jingle, The Show Killer, ESPN gift bag contents, on-air pleas to good colleges, Junior's boycott, mandatory extended vacations, exploding manhole covers, Maggie, 'You're a dope,' 'This show stinks, stinks, stinks,' 'That's it, that's the list,' 'Rack us, we're out'" - Mark in D.C.
Tony Kornheiser has my utmost respect for going out on top and on his own terms rather than be pushed around by "management" or dissed by laughable local programming. I'm sure he's questioned his decision to walk away for a while, but I know he won't be gone a moment longer than the lawyers say he has to be. When Mr. Tony returns to radio in about a year in the D.C. market there will be a whole band of loyal listeners clamoring to tune-in. We're going to have so many things to catch up on.
"If you're out on your bike tonight, do wear white." - Tony Kornheiser
March 26, 2004 in Media Mayhem | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack
March 22, 2004
2004 Malaysian Grand Prix Review
The 2004 Malaysian Grand Prix proved that Ferrari has their tire problems sorted out, Williams BMW and Renault are both very competitive, and that my two predictions were right. McLaren's weekend would have been considered a major success if not for Kimi Raikkonen's late retirement while running third. Instead the talk of the F1 Paddock was Jenson Button's first career podium for BAR Honda.
Jaguar's Mark Webber race couldn't have gone much worse. After qualifying second, his and the team's highest qualifying performance ever, the Australian nearly stalled at the start, had to pit for a right-rear tire change after clipping Ralf Schumacher's front wing, was later assessed a drive-through penalty for speeding in the pit lane, and eventually spun out near the final turn. Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello picked the wrong tire compound and his poor performance also probably held up Williams BMW's Juan Pablo Montoya. In the closing stages of race Montoya opted for the 8 points than risk a retirement like his teammate, Ralf Schumacher.
Despite changes in qualifying formats, new technical regulations, and a host of other variables the reality is that Ferrari have the best car and the best driver, Michael Schumacher, at the moment. Bridgestone also appear to have sorted out their warm weather tire problems from last season. This is not simply a matter of money. Toyota have the largest Forumula One budget but the Cologne-based team can't seem to build a chassis to match their powerful engine.
The unknown now lies ahead for each team as they head to the Middle East and the first ever Grand Prix of Bahrain at the newly built Bahrain International Circuit. The track temperatures will be even hotter than in Malaysia and the race engineers only have simulations to go on for race setups. Up until now the one engine rule has meant fewer laps but that should all change on the brand new Hermann Tilke designed circuit. The teams will need to get significant track time while still limiting engine revs. This could prove to be a slight advantage for teams like BAR, Jaguar, and Toyota that can run a third car during Friday practice.
POS DRIVER NATIONALITY ENTRANT LAPS TIME/RETIRE
1. MICHAEL SCHUMACHER Germany Ferrari 56 1h31m07.490
2. JUAN PABLO MONTOYA Colombia Williams-BMW 56 5.022
3. JENSON BUTTON Britain BAR-Honda 56 11.568
4. RUBENS BARRICHELLO Brazil Ferrari 56 13.615
5. JARNO TRULLI Italy Renault 56 37.360
6. DAVID COULTHARD Britain McLaren-Mercedes 56 53.098
7. FERNANDO ALONSO Spain Renault 56 1m07.877
8. FELIPE MASSA Brazil Brazil 55 1 Lap
9. CRISTIANO DA MATTA Brazil Toyota 55 1 Lap
10. CHRISTIAN KLIEN Austria Jaguar-Cosworth 55 1 Lap
11. GIANCARLO FISICHELLA Italy Sauber-Petronas 55 1 Lap
12. OLIVIER PANIS France Toyota 55 1 Lap
13. GIORGIO PANTANO Italy Jordan-Ford 54 2 Laps
14. GIANMARIA BRUNI Italy Minardi-Cosworth 53 3 Laps
15. TAKUMA SATO Japan BAR-Honda 52 4 Laps
16. ZSOLT BAUMGARTNER Hungary Minardi-Cosworth 52 4 Laps
R KIMI RAIKKONEN Finland McLaren-Mercedes 40 Transmission
R NICK HEIDFELD Germany Jordan-Cosworth 34 Transmission
R RALF SCHUMACHER Germany Williams-BMW 27 Engine
R MARK WEBBER Australia Jaguar-Cosworth 23 Spin
FASTEST LAP: MONTOYA Colombia Williams-BMW 28 1:34.223
DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS:
POS DRIVER NATIONALITY ENTRANT POINTS
1. MICHAEL SCHUMACHER Germany Ferrari 20
2. RUBENS BARRICHELLO Brazil Ferrari 13
3. JUAN PABLO MONTOYA Colombia Williams-BMW 12
4. JENSON BUTTON Britain BAR-Honda 9
5. FERNANDO ALONSO Spain Renault 8
6. JARNO TRULLI Italy Renault 6
7. RALF SCHUMACHER Germany Williams-BMW 5
8. DAVID COULTHARD Britain McLaren-Mercedes 4
9. FELIPE MASSA Brazil Sauber-Petronas 1
CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS:
POS CONSTRUCTOR POINTS
1. FERRARI 33
2. WILLIAMS-BMW 17
3. RENAULT 14
4. BAR-HONDA 9
5. MCLAREN-MERCEDES 4
6. SAUBER-PETRONAS 1
March 22, 2004 in Formula One | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 19, 2004
Splitting Screens
Look Here
Coverage of all things Howard Stern and his potential move to satellite radio continue over at SatRadio. This is all going to get a lot more interesting before the dust clears.
Slam Dunk
Mark Cuban, fellow IU alum, billionaire, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, and all around genius, is now blogging. Where else can you get a stock tip, what it's like dealing with the sports media, and the real story behind getting fined by the NBA. What I found most interesting are all the blogroll links to one of Jason Calacanis Weblogs, Inc. sites.
Malaysian Madness
The F1 circus is in Kuala Lumpur this weekend for the 2004 Malaysian Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit. Williams BMW and Renault should really do well in the hot conditions, but Ferrari are going to give them all they can handle. McLaren's struggles are probably going to continue unless their new front wing can help them out. My surprise team for the weekend: BAR. My surprise event for the weekend: Rain.
Book Notes
If I had a nickel for every time someone said I should write a book about the continuing adventures that are my life, then I could retire and probably write that book. Of course I'm too pragmatic and realistic to even think about doing the writing thing professionally. Not the life or lifestyle for me at all. Then it truly would become work and that's not the reason I started doing all this in the first place. Plus, I'd have to find another hobby besides hitting the gym.
The Long Goodbye
Next week is Tony Kornheiser's last days on ESPN Radio. While Mr. Tony will probably return to the Washington, DC airwaves next year in one form or another, there is going to be a void in my daily routine. I will probably write something more about this next week, but try and treat yourself to The Tony Kornheiser Show next week. It'll be classic and epic.
March 19, 2004 in Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 17, 2004
St. Patrick's Day Delerium Tremors
A quick read through today's various headlines and bloglines makes me think I've been partaking in the festivities a wee bit too early.
Deja Vous
The suspects in the Madrid train bombings were suspects years ago. Proving once again that everyone's got intelligence issues, and that terrorist attacks are not a matter of "if" but "when" for every country.
$800,000 Gamble
Ed Cone is seriously considering a run for Congress. Ed is a great guy and would make a strong representative for the people of North Carolina, but I fear he'll get run through the meat grinder by the political machine.
Stand by Your Man
Viacom President Mel Karmazin defended Howard Stern by saying that Stern's Feb. 24 broadcast "does not fall within the ambit of the indecency definition." Is Mel standing up for free speech or smart enough to know that Stern is about to go satellite?
Telling it Like it Is
The Chicago Tribune's Richard Rothschild comes out swinging in defense of Tony Kornheiser. Rothschild blasts Chicago's WMVP for replacing "the final hour of Kornheiser's show and the first hour of Patrick's program with two hours of blowhard Jim Rome, whose syndicator paid the station so he could get on the air in Chicago." The station later dropped Kornheiser's show for local content, and that is one reason why Mr. Tony has decided to end his show on ESPN Radio.
March 17, 2004 in Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 15, 2004
Welcome to Bracketville
Welcome to Bracketville, population 65. We hope that you enjoy your stay. A few of you will be here for a while but sadly most of you will not be staying for long. But no matter how long your visit lasts be sure to enjoy all of the sights and sounds.
Sadly, my Indiana Hoosiers won't be making the trip to Bracketville. The Hoosiers run of 18 straight NCAA tournament appearances, the third-longest streak in the history of the tournament and the second-longest current streak behind Arizona, came to an end this year. Indiana (14-15) had their first losing season since 1969-70 (7-17), and they won't be making a postseason appearance of any kind for the first time since 1976-77.
I suppose I will have to put my support behind Texas Tech for the moment and hope for the best. I can only hope that the reports of Indiana having the #1 recruiting class for 2004-05 are on the mark. Until then...
March 15, 2004 in Sporting Life | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
March 10, 2004
Random Thoughts in a Random Universe
Since our last episode...
Howard Stern says his days are really numbered this time, Jeff Jarvis keeps his ongoing vigil to free speech, Doc Searls finally chimes in on the issue, and Sirius Satellite Radio looks to be the likely Stern sweepstakes winner. The whole crackdown on "indecent" speech is a political move to appeal to base voters in November. The 2004 elections are going to be all about turnout because the country is essentially 50/50 on the issues and candidates. The Republicans can't afford to have certain groups not voting on Election Day.
Hard habit to break...
I spent the last two years doing a variety of freelance writing covering Formula One. I told myself that I wouldn't cover the 2004 season, but I suppose some habits are hard to break. I certainly don't have the time or energy to write full-time about F1 again, but you will forgive me if I choose to opine on the subject from time to time.
Quitting your day job...
We have our first soap opera moment in the microcontent industry. Nick Denton and Jason Calacanis are shadow boxing each other and Denton conceeds the first round. From what I've read and heard about Calacanis' model I doubt it will pan out. The only people who made money in the California gold rush were those people selling pick axes and, well, pots and pans. Nick Denton may get accused of paying his writers a pitance but as I recall he seems to be one of the only people I know of actually offering paid blogging jobs. Personally, I think Denton is just taking the SNL approach to giving young talent a chance and letting them make real money later on.
False Idol Worship
Martha Stewart is going to the crossbar motel for a while, Lady Liberty is not legal tender, William Hung just got a record contract, and the Freemasons are packing heat. People seem puzzled when I tell them I don't read fiction anymore, but with real stories like this who needs an imagination?
March 10, 2004 in Weblogs | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 08, 2004
2004 Australian Grand Prix Review
Ferrari dominates the weekend and finish 1-2. Another yawner Formula One season in the making? I don't think so. Scuderia Ferrari have dominated the Albert Park circuit in recent years, and the sudden drop in temperature for the race swung the tire advantage in their favor. A poor start by Williams BMW's Juan Pablo Montoya took the pressure off of Ferrari's Michael Schumacher. Brake problems with Rubens Barrichello's Ferrari also prevented any challenges at the front of the pack.
There is no question that Ferrari's F2004 was the best car on the grid in Australia, but there are still 17 races to go and miles to go before anyone sleeps. Michael Schumacher's Ferrari also appeared to be experiencing heavy brake wear, and the retirement by Sauber's Felipe Massa showed that their Ferrari-built Petronas-badged engine is not unbreakable. The "X" factor of course is Michael Schumacher, who captured his fourth career grand slam (winning from pole, leading every lap, setting fastest lap) on Sunday in Melbourne. The legendary driver Jim Clark accomplished the feat eight times during a career that was tragically cut short in 1968 at the age of just 32.
My prediction that Renault and BAR could bump McLaren from their top three perch began to take shape. Renault's engine might be down on power but their aero package is getting the job done, and their innovative approach to the launch control ban worked to perfection. BAR are showing signs that their strong winter testing performance was no fluke and Jenson Button brought home a sixth place finish on Michelin tires for the first time.
The F1 circus now moves to Sepang for the Malaysian Grand Prix. Much warmer temperatures and a circuit not known to be Ferrari friendly could mix things up a bit. I expect reliability to become a much bigger factor in Malaysia and Bridgestone will have their work cut out for them. Ferrari have indeed dropped the gauntlet and there are several teams vying to pick it up.
POS DRIVER NATIONALITY ENTRANT LAPS TIME/RETIRE
1. MICHAEL SCHUMACHER Germany Ferrari 58 1h24m15.757
2. RUBENS BARRICHELLO Brazil Ferrari 58 13.605
3. FERNANDO ALONSO Spain Renault 58 34.673
4. RALF SCHUMACHER Germany Williams-BMW 58 1m00.423
5. JUAN PABLO MONTOYA Colombia Williams-BMW 58 1m08.536
6. JENSON BUTTON Britain BAR-Honda 58 1m10.598
7. JARNO TRULLI Italy Renault 57 1 Lap
8. DAVID COULTHARD Britain McLaren-Mercedes 57 1 Lap
9. TAKUMA SATO Japan BAR-Honda 57 1 Lap
10. GIANCARLO FISICHELLA Italy Sauber-Petronas 57 1 Lap
11. CHRISTIAN KLIEN Austria Jaguar-Cosworth 56 2 Laps
12. CRISTIANO DA MATTA Brazil Toyota 56 2 Laps
13. OLIVIER PANIS France Toyota 56 2 Laps
14. GIORGIO PANTANO Italy Jordan-Ford 55 3 Laps
R FELIPE MASSA Brazil Sauber-Petronas 44 Engine
R NICK HEIDFELD Germany Jordan-Cosworth 43 Clutch
R GIANMARIA BRUNI Italy Minardi-Cosworth 43
R MARK WEBBER Australia Jaguar-Cosworth 29 Gearbox
R ZSOLT BAUMGARTNER Hungary Minardi-Cosworth 13 Electronics
R KIMI RAIKKONEN Finland McLaren-Mercedes 9 Engine
FASTEST LAP: M.SCHUMACHER Germany Ferrari 29 1:24.125
DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS:
POS DRIVER NATIONALITY ENTRANT POINTS
1. MICHAEL SCHUMACHER Germany Ferrari 10
2. RUBENS BARRICHELLO Brazil Ferrari 8
3. FERNANDO ALONSO Spain Renault 6
4. RALF SCHUMACHER Germany Williams-BMW 5
5. JUAN PABLO MONTOYA Colombia Williams-BMW 4
6. JENSON BUTTON Britain BAR-Honda 3
7. JARNO TRULLI Italy Renault 2
8. DAVID COULTHARD Britain McLaren-Mercedes 1
CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP POSITIONS:
POS CONSTRUCTOR POINTS
1. FERRARI 18
2. WILLIAMS-BMW 9
3. RENAULT 8
4. BAR-HONDA 3
5. MCLAREN-MERCEDES 1
March 8, 2004 in Formula One | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack
March 01, 2004
2004 Formula One Season Preview
The opening round of the 2004 FIA Formula One World Championship is just hours way. The F1 circus has converged upon Melbourne for the 2004 Australian Grand Prix on March 7th. For months now all ten teams have spent millions of hours and dollars preparing for the new season. Here is a preview of what to look for and what to expect from Formula One in 2004.
New Rules, New Drivers, and New Circuits
The rule changes for 2004 are not as dramatic as last season, but they will still have an impact on all of the teams and drivers. The biggest rule change is probably that a driver must use the same engine for the entire Grand Prix weekend or give up ten grid positions on race day. Engine changes after final qualifying will mean starting from the back of the grid. This was seen as a cost cutting measure but time will tell if it only drives up costs to achieve that kind of reliability. Another technical change is mandating minimum engine cover sizes, larger rear wing endplates for sponsors, and limiting the rear wing to just two main elements. Look for each team to find ways to bend but not break the new aerodynamics restrictions. In addition, launch control and fully automatic gear changing systems are banned for 2004.
The Grand Prix timetable has also been modified from last season's overhaul. Friday practice will consist of two, one-hour practice sessions, except for Monaco where the practice sessions traditionally take place on Thursday. The bottom six teams in the Constructors' Championship will be allowed to run a third car on Friday, but the driver is not allowed to have more than six F1 races under their belt. Saturday's schedule will include two, 45-minutes practice sessions followed by two rounds of qualifying. The first qualifying session will be run in the finishing order from the previous race, and the final session will be run just minutes afterwards beginning with the slowest driver from the earlier session out on the circuit first. The cars will still be held in Parc Fermé between qualifying and the race on Sunday.
The 2004 Formula One season will also see some new faces behind the wheel and some familiar ones with new teams. Felipe Massa returns to Sauber after a year of testing duties with Ferrari. The young Brazilian will be alongside Sauber newcomer Giancarlo Fisichella. The Italian driver's seat at Jordan was filled with Nick Heidfeld, who drove for Sauber the past two seasons. Heidfeld's teammate will be F1 rookie Giorgio Pantano, and another rookie, Christian Klien, will drive for Jaguar. Takuma Sato's season finale appearance with BAR will now be a season-long drive with the team. The Japanese driver spent a year with Jordan in 2002 before moving over to BAR in a testing role. Minardi will field a quasi-rookie duo of Gianmaria Bruni and Zsolt Baumgartner. Bruni has some limited F1 testing experience and Baumgartner filled in for two races at Jordan last year for a recovering Ralph Firman.
Formula One returns to Spa, much to the delight of everyone, and two new races in Bahrain and China mean a very grueling 18 race schedule. The newly built Bahrain International Circuit will host the new Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in April. The brand new Shanghai International Circuit will play host to Formula One and 200,000 spectators for the first ever Chinese Grand Prix in September. Both circuits were designed by the FIA's approved circuit designer Hermann Tilke.
The off-again on-again status of the Canadian and French Grand Prixs only helped to make the schedule more fluid during the off-season. The FIA has also moved certain dates around the 2004 calendar. The United States Grand Prix has been moved from its late September date to June and the Brazilian Grand Prix has replaced Japan as the F1 season finale. F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has also indicated that this will be the last year for the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola.
The Shark, The Walrus, and The Anteater
Formula One's best minds have been hard at work building their 2004 contenders. The result is a variety of different and unusual approaches to build a better, faster, and more agile car. Ferrari's F2004 may have dropped the shark-like gills from last year's championship winning car, but pre-season testing has revealed new innovations including shark-like teeth on the front wing.
The Williams BMW FW26's radical nose design surprised everyone at its Valencia unveiling in early January. But the tusk-nosed FW26 has shown promise in winter testing as a very formidable contender for the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships. McLaren Mercedes was the first of all the teams to hit the track with its new car. The anteater nosed MP4-19 borrows many characteristics from the ill-fated MP4-18, but the car's slow pace of late has even The Iceman, Kimi Raikkonen, a bit concerned.
Renault made the most of the Friday private testing sessions last year, and this year's R24 has all the signs of another race winner. The R24's new engine and radical side pod design has everyone in the F1 Paddock wondering if Renault can make a top three finish this year. Perhaps the biggest surprise of the winter testing season has been BAR Honda. The BAR Honda 006 has broken several track records and appears reliable, but it still remains unclear if the team has just been running light to attract some attention.
Meanwhile, Sauber has been getting a lot of mixed reactions for the C23's near look-alike design to last year's Ferrari 2003-GA. Sauber will already be running a Petronas-badged Ferrari under the engine cover and rumors in the F1 Paddock contend that there is even more sharing going on behind the scenes. Jaguar's R5 sports some aerodynamic changes but winter testing has brought mixed results. Toyota's TF104 is a completely new car from front to back, and the arrival of Renault's Mike Gascoyne as the team's new technical director can only help.
Jordan Ford and Minardi Cosworth are still two teams struggling to keep their spots on the F1 grid. Despite Eddie Jordan and Paul Stoddard's insistence that all is well, both men have been very busy in the off-season trying to raise funds and add sponsors. Jordan's EJ14 has some new chassis design changes and the team hopes the new 90-degree Cosworth CR-6 engine can be more reliable than last year. Minardi's greatest contribution to F1 may be Stoddard's ability to bring some of the best new talent into the sport.
Predictions, Hunches, and Wild Guesses
Ferrari is still the team to beat and Michael Schumacher is still the best driver in the sport. But the Scuderia have done a lot of private testing without the other teams present, and questions still remain about the off-season improvement of Bridgestone's tires. Last year showed that they can be beaten and there is an even larger cast of worthy contenders to deal with this season.
Williams BMW will make an all out push this season to take the Constructors' Championship. Juan Pablo Montoya is already signed to drive for McLaren next season and Ralf Schumacher wants a pay raise instead of the pay cut the team is proposing. Frank Williams and Patrick Head have shown in the past that they care more about the success of the team than the financial well being of their drivers. I expect them to pull out all the stops to win before they have to bring in new faces for 2005.
McLaren is probably the biggest question mark going into the 2004 season. They were very quick in early testing but have since been hit with reliability problems. Is the McLaren sandbagging it or are their real troubles brewing at the Woking-based team? Look for Renault and BAR to make a major effort to bump McLaren from their top three status. All signs point to Fernando Alonso getting another win for Renault and this should be BAR's Jenson Button's year to get a podium or two.
Jaguar and Toyota really need to start showing some results. Mark Webber has already proven that he can drive a sub-par car into the points at Jaguar. His new teammate, Christian Klien, will need to step up to the challenge and bring in some points for the leaping cat. Toyota has shown they have the engine power to win if they can just figure out their chassis problems, but it might take another year for Mike Gascoyne to work his magic. Sauber's interesting relationship with Ferrari might be the one thing that keeps them in the hunt for points this season.
Jordan is quite possibly in worse shape than anyone knows and Minardi's Paul Stoddard will probably produce more surprises in the pressroom than his cars will on the track. For Jordan, their one hope is having the same Cosworth engine as the factory Jaguar team. Reliability problems plagued the team last season, and their fortunes could be tied to Jaguar with this year's lump. Minardi is the ultimate underdog and it doesn't take much, like their provisional qualifying performance at Magny-Cours last season, for everyone in the F1 Paddock to cheer them on.
The single-engine rule per weekend could end up deciding the final standings in the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships. Teams will limit revs on Friday to preserve the engine and most of the work will be focused on getting the car's setup just right. Looking back over the past few seasons this rule would have had a serious impact on every single team from top to bottom. Because only the bottom six teams in the Constructors' standings can run a third car on Fridays, look for them to push things to the limit without reliability concerns. Reliability will mean everything this season.
The changes to the qualifying format will also bring strategy into play. Teams will essentially have two options: Run in qualifying trim and then race trim or make both runs with a race setup. Last seaon proved that a clean lap can be just as important as a fast one. The re-banning of launch control should also make the start of each race a bit more tense as well. If 2004 is anywhere close to being as exciting as 2003, then we should all be in store for a great Formula One season.
March 1, 2004 in Formula One | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack
