nof1l.gif (4731 bytes)


F1 Merchandise

Formula 1 news, results and statistics when you need it

It is all over!   
27 September 2002 Volume 4 - Issue 27   

blank.gif (809 bytes)
blank.gif (809 bytes)
Main Page
Formula 1 News
2015 F1 Schedule
2015 F1 Line-up
2014 F1 Schedule
F1 Teams
F1 Drivers
NewsOnF1 Mobile
10 'n' Pole
Register - Submit
F1 Regulations
The Forums
Live F1 Coverage
Motorsport Shop
UK - USA
Motorsport Calendar

F1 Merchandise UK
F1 Merchandise USA

F1 Tours
F1 Tickets
F1 Diecast
F1 Videos
F1 Games
F1 Trivia
NewsOnF1 on Twitter
MotoGP Tickets
Past Formula 1 Seasons
2012 F1 Results
2011 F1 Results
2010 F1 Results
2009 F1 Results
2008 F1 Results
2007 F1 Results
2006 F1 Results
2005 F1 Results
2004 F1 Results
2003 F1 Results

2002 F1 Results

2001 F1 Results

2000 F1 Results

1999 F1 Results

1998 F1 Results

1997 F1 Results
Links
2010 World Cup
Translate
Search
Contact Us
About
Archives
Your Say
Diagnosis & Prognosis
By the Heretic
Controversy Corner
The Real Race
By the Quali-flyer
F1 Testing
F1 Team Reports
8 'n' Pole
2006 World Cup

Download the NewsOnF1.com
toolbar
powered by Alexa

Ferrari have won the championship, Michael Schumacher has won the driver’s championship and Barrichello is second from where he can only be beaten if Montoya wins both remaining races and he does not earn at least three points. Ralf has an even slimmer chance! That is pretty unlikely.

The Indianapolis circuit is a combination of Monza and Monaco. Half of it is very fast with long sweeping bends ant the other half is very slow and tight.

The first corner, tight right hander at 100km/H (62mph) almost immediately leads into an equally tight lefthander followed by a faster right sweep (turn 3 240km/H or 150mph) that tightens into turn 4. A short squirt on the accelerator and it is down to around 160km/H (100mph) for turn 5, another squirt and you are in the S of turns 6 and 7 before getting to the back straight where cars will get up to over 300km/H (186mph) before braking for the very tight combination of turns 8, 9 and 10 which will be negotiated at under 100km/H (60mph). They will hardly be on the accelerator before turn 11 (130km?H or 80mph) and then the fast bit starts. Turn 12 will be taken flat out at over 250km/H (155mph) and turn 13 at over 300km/H (186mph). Speed on the straight will exceed 350km/H (220mph).

Overtaking will be limited to the fast section of the track and the back straight.

The compromise between downforce and straight line speed makes this circuit very difficult to set up for. Too much wing will sacrifice top speed on the fast section too little wing will lose grip in the slower section.


Ferrari are still the team to beat. Schumacher may allow Barrichello through to totally secure his second place in the championship but I suspect that they will be allowed to race as there is little risk that Barrichello will not finish second by the end of the season. If they are allowed to race, team orders will again apply to the last part of the race, which makes sense. There is no point in risking both cars when they are way out in front.

Williams may use their qualifying engines for full race distance. That will undoubtedly make them faster, possibly even fast enough to be competitive, but reliability will then be an issue. Both cars could retire.

Of the two Williams drivers I expect Montoya to be faster, providing that he keeps his motivation up.

Unless McLaren have suddenly found a lot more power they will probably not fare well in Indianapolis.

Renault should be faster than the rest but after that it could be difficult to predict. Jaguar may be very fast again, Toyota could be fast but they'll struggle in the slower section, Sauber do not have the power, Honda power is also lacking so do not expect BAR or Jordan to do well and Arrows is turning into a has-been team. Minardi will fill in the last 2 positions as usual.

I expect both Ferrari drivers on the podium, the only question is who they will share it with. It could be a Williams but if I am right and both Williams retire with a blown motor it will be between McLaren and the very improved Jaguar.

Agree or disagree ?
Please submit any comments you have on this commentary below

Your comments and the Heretic's reply could be published on NewsOnF1.

Name:
Email address:
Country:

Comments:

Previous Heretic Issues
The Heretic's Season Preview
Main US GP Page   

Back to Top


Loading


Official 2004 F1 Season Review

Autocourse 2004 Annual

F1 World Championship Yearbook 2004

The Official Tribute To Ayrton Senna
1960 To 1994

Formula 1 Technical Analysis: 2003

Chariot Makers: Assembling the Perfect Formula 1 Car

The Science of
F1 Design

The Complete Book of Formula One: All Cars and Drivers Since 1950

Formula 1 Books

Race Driving Books

Race Car Design Books

Magazine Stand


Ayrton Senna

Past Formula 1 Drivers