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2006 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix
Race Preview

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Can Alonso make it 5 in a row ?

Following his win in Canada last weekend, it is hard to bet against Alonso winning for the 5th race in a row at Indianapolis! He is very consistent and very quick. He has a very reliable and a very fast car as well as an efficient pit crew. He has to be the favourite. In Canada though we saw a strong challenge from Kimi Raikkonen and McLaren so they have to be contenders too. And Ferrari can't be discounted. If they have the right tyre, they will also challenge for the win.

Whoever the winner is, lets hope that Formula 1 puts on an exciting race to help erase the memory of that 6-car race in 2005.

The Indy track (layout) is a real comprise when it comes to setting up the car. The banked section requires minimum downforce while the slow and twisty infield section requires maximum downforce. The teams opt for a low downforce configuration to achieve a higher straight line speed. 
The track is also hard on engines as the cars spend over 20 seconds on maximum power without a break. This could affect those running the same engine from Canada.
Tyre selection will be tricky as usual. The banked section is abrasive while the infield section requires grip. 
This should be a very interesting race.

Few teams conducted very limited testing back in Europe as this race comes straight after the Canadian race without a break.

Teams and Drivers to watch:

Renault are once again the favourites after reversing the cycle of bad luck in Canada. And since not much development has occurred since the Canadian race, don't expect any major steps by any team. 
Expect Alonso's amazing record of all podiums so far this season to continue unless of course he runs into problems. A win is likely.
Fisichella looked like he was driving a different car to Alonso in Canada finishing 4th. Expect more of the same.

Ferrari didn't look very strong in low downforce configuration in Canada. Unless they have a very good tyre, don't expect them to fight for the win.
Michael Schumacher continues to lose ground to Fernando Alonso in the Championship and needs to finish ahead of him. That seems unlikely. A win is possible but a 2nd or 3rd is more likely.
Felipe Massa isn't helping Ferrari close the gap to Renault. He is finishing behind Fisichella and that isn't what the team wants. Points likely.

McLaren appear to be heading in the right direction. Raikkonen was actually poised to take the lead in Canada after the first pit stop but pit stop trouble ruined that. If the team gets it right, expect both their drivers to challenge for the win.
Kimi Raikkonen could win the race and so could Juan Pablo Montoya who races well at Indy.

Honda are in serious trouble. They are failing to even finish in the points. Expect more heads to roll!
Jenson Button appears to have given up on this season while Rubens Barrichello seems to be trying but the car isn't helping!.

BMW Sauber continue to improve. They were poised for another double points finish in Canada until Villeneuve went off while trying to lap Ralf Schumacher.
They have a good chance of scoring points again.

Williams struggled with tyre choice and an inexperienced driver. The tyre choice was poor and Webber only managed 12th. Rosberg's lack of experience showed when he closed the door on Montoya who spun him causing his retirement.
A better tyre should help them at Indianapolis but points will still be difficult.

Toyota had contrasting fortunes at Montreal. Trulli did well finishing 6th while Ralf Schumacher chose the wrong tyre and ended up parking it in the garage.
If they get their tyre choice right, they could challenge for points.

Red Bull did well scoring a point with Coulthard who started from the back. Are we starting to see Adrian Newey's input on the car ? Possibly!

Toro Rosso and MF1 Racing will be fighting at the back. Points almost impossible!

Super Aguri won't be able to fight with Toro Rosso or MF1 Racing (apart from the first few laps that is!).

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