Mixed Messages From Michael Keep Everyone Off Balance
Written by George Katinger · August 31, 2005
With rumors rife throughout formula one concerning Michael Schumacher’s, and hence the entire paddock’s future, can this be of any benefit to the Marlboro Ferrari racing team? Yes and no.
sportinglife.com: SCHUMACHER DELAYS DECISION
planet-f1.com: Ferrari woes hamper Monza ticket sales
timesofmalta.com: ‘Monza podium may be beyond Ferrari’ - Schumacher
motorsport.com: Schumacher motivated for Ferrari’s home race
speedtv.com: Ferrari Downbeat for Monza
crash.net: Schumacher: Ferrari will not be subdued easily.
speedtv.com: Raikkonen and Rossi at Ferrari in 2007?
planetf-1.com: Sunshine and showers at Monza
Yes, the good part at least for Ferrari, is the knowledge of the havoc they are sowing amongst the other teams and their future driver lineups. And no doubt the distraction will assist the Scuderia in their efforts to steal a win or podium this weekend at the Italian GP in Monza. At the highest levels of competition of any sport, peak focus and concentration are vital. With the rumors of Kimi to Ferrari, Michael retiring or going elsewhere, Jenson going who knows where, Fischella on the move, and testers of all kinds looking for racing seats, it can’t hurt Ferrari, only help.
I have to believe that Michael and Ferrari both know Schumy’s plans for the future; he will either retire at the end of ‘06, or with any indication of team improvement next year sign on for two more seasons. Michael has invested much too much in Ferrari, and vice versa, for the two parties to have any acrimonius ending to their mutually beneficial and historic relationship to date. And the wild card in all the speculation is the impact of the new regulations on competition next year. The new rules package have the potential to shake up the top five teams in any order you can imagine, depending on how each team responds to the new parameters. If team Ferrari miraculously develop the best package on the grid, including a superior Bridgestone tire, he isn’t going anywhere. What would be the point?
As to the negative part to all of this it has to have a huge impact on Ferrari team morale, as the plot twists must be closely held secrets between Michael, Jean, and Luca. If the team were privy to the future direction choices open to Ferrari, no doubt it would be leaked in a heart beat. So the continuing doubts over the teams direction causes angst amongst the team and the Tifosi. Witness the lack of ticket sales for Monza this weekend.
Schumacher and Todt have stated unequivically that if Micheal races after 2006, it will only be for Ferrari. There are no issues, only if Michael will continue or retire. Stranger twists have occured, so there will always be lingering doubts. But that does not lessen the impact on other teams and their ability to sign future talent, does it? And with a bit of doubt in the minds of the other teams, and some divine weather intervention in the form of rain this weekend, Ferrari may yet squeeze out a win or podium. Maybe even a double?
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Rumors, rumors, rumors!
Think I’ll start one.
Schunmie will complete his contract with Ferrari. Then be the lead driver for the Italian team in the A1GP.
And note Michael’s manager is the owner (”seat holder as they call them”) of the Italian team.
BTW George, did you see the story today that one of the two US A1GP events scheduled for the US was replaced by Brazil. Chalk it up to the power of Emmo Fittipaldi I guess.
Not sure it’s a very smart move they should have just added Brazil and made the season 13 events long.
As, you mention George, regulation changes often stir up the grid order for a new season.The scuderia’s budget, resources & design team continuity make them well placed to jump back up the grid next season.
However, is the the 2005 Ferrari a bad chassis/engine? How much of this seasons poor performance is accountable to Bridgestone, 80%, 90%? I get the feeling, from the teams diplomatic politeness on the matter, that it is 99% rubber related.If Bridgestone cannot provide the scarlet Italians with a fast pair of shoes they will continue to tread water.
By the way, what kind of divine intervention did you have in mind? Max & the F.I.A?…… sorry,I’m being cynical again.