This race was indeed a boring affair as rightly pointed out
by the Heretic except for seeing Michael cross the finish line comfortably
ahead of his younger brother Ralf and hence, of arch rivals Williams. With a
narrow track in which things are visibly "squeezed", there were
hardly any overtaking possibilities and hence the race was to be decided by
the team with the faster car and a better strategy. The Ferrari F2002 is
arguably leading the pack right now although it has not shown
"path-breaking" speeds as were projected by the media and was
anticipated. But they have just the right speed to trouble the Williams
through the weekend. Ross Brawn has said the F2002 is yet not at its best so I
am left wondering about the rest of the competition when things will be made
"best" by Ferrari as the season progresses.
Williams seemed not being able to do much against them all through the weekend
and frankly admitted that they would need more preparation. Ralf as usual
drove in his calm composed style and had it not been for a rejuvenated
Barrichello in his F2002 and for Ferrari's pit work, he would have not let go
of his 2nd position. It was good to see a "loud-mouth" being silent
through the weekend and not crashing his car playing mindless tactics and manoeuvres
and getting a few points for his team instead.
McLaren look as if they are taking their own sweet time to build up this
season which makes me feel afraid that it will be too late by the time they
get competitive this year. Ron Dennis should get his act together soon if he
wants to challenge the Williams' and the Ferraris.
Button in his Renault passing a helpless Coulthard was an interesting sight
indeed. Button, a talented racer, didn't get a good year behind him last
season when the Renault (Benetton) was struggling all throughout and this year
he's making full use of his talent and his car. I expect them to get even
stronger as the season passes by due to the massive budgeting capabilities of
Renault and also due to Button behind the wheel of one of their cars. Its time
for Coulthard and McLaren to take stock of the situation.
BAR and Jordan seemed to be struggling through the race and they need vast
improvements if they need to give justice to a Villeneuve and a Fisichella in
their ranks.
Sauber showed great reliability and Massa is living up to the faith in his
talent that the Sauber head has had in him. His overtaking manoeuvre on the
Toyota was an interesting one which brought some interest to the race as far
as passing is concerned.
Webber is charged up in his Minardi after Melbourne and he seems to be a
fighter at heart. Its amazing what he's doing with his car at the moment - Yatin
- India (Reference Heretic 4-09 - A
cakewalk ?)
The Heretic replies:
Well, another race later it is just as boring. When will
one of the other teams get close?
Reliability seems to be the only issue left for Ferrari
and that is only a problem for Barrichello.
