It gets tiresome reading your comments when it comes to
Montoya breaking down cars. It's evident that BMW motor since the start of the
2001 year has not been reliable. From Montoya's retirements in 2001, 6 or 7
were mechanical problems. Only 2 were driving errors by Montoya (Monaco and
Montreal). Then you have GP Brazil where a ridiculous pilot like Verstapen
crashes into the leader of the race. For the first 5 races in 2002, it seemed
as though BMW/Williams had resolved their reliability problems, but then came
Monaco and Montreal which proved the contrary.
Questions for you: Aren't pilots suppose to drive these state of art car to
the limit? Isn't that what the spectators want and pay for? Or do you want to
see a mediocre pilot such as Ralf Schumacher not challenge for positions. Take
a look at the following examples:
1. GP 2002 Brazil, clearly with a better car then his brother to over pass him
and he did nothing for more than 12 laps.
2. GP 2001 (can't remember the track), Ralf could not pass Alesi in a Jordan,
clearly again with a highly superior car.
3. GP 2002 Monaco, clearly with David Coulthard holding up the traffic Ralf
did not even try to pressure his brother during the first half of the
race.
4. GP 2002 Montreal, more than 1/2 the race behind Kimi, which evidently had a
inferior car. By the way, Montoya passed both of them at the same time.
Ralf only knows how to pass someone in the pit lane. I can go on if you want
more!
Yes, I agree that Montoya still needs to mature and gather more experience
such as the mistake he made in GP Brazil 2002, but at least he's brought back
the excitement to Formula 1 and puts on a show for the spectators.
Remember, it's only his 2nd year driving in Formula 1 and he's all ready
obtained 6 pole positions and 1 win (which could have been 5 all ready if it
wasn't for the breakdowns). It's unfortunate that Ferrari has such a superior
team and car because I could guarantee you that Michael wouldn't win the
championship if BMW/Williams could match them equally in performance of the
team and car. I also see that you only talk about Barrichello's over pass in
your diagnosis. The overpass of Montoya on Ralf and Kimi at the same time in
my opinion was the highlight of the race and will probably be nominated as the
best over pass of the year!
I really do not understand your analysis of Montoya's early pit; contrary to
your assumptions, Montoya was on a two stop strategy from the beginning, not
one. He would've easily finished the race if his motor wouldn't of
blown.
You have a clear statement by Patrick Head stating that it's nearly impossible
for the driver to breakdown. Therefore, I ask you to cease making such smart
ass remarks. - David - Brazil (Reference Heretic
4-17 - McLaren on the way up ?)
The Heretic replies:
David,
I also get wary when Montoya drives a brilliant race only
to retire. In my opinion he is one of the very few drivers that has the
ability to go after Michael Schumacher.
I do not disagree with your comments. The fact is that
with current telemetry and on board computing it should be possible to build a
car that prevents driver error failures. Even so Montoya has many more
breakdowns than Ralf and I believe it is because he pushes and races the car
while Ralf seems to be out for a Sunday afternoon drive.
As you say Montoya needs to settle in some more and we
will see an improvement – I can’t wait.
A last thought: Villeneuve, Montoya and Zanardi has or
had reputations for breaking F1 cars. I wonder if it is not a result or
consequence of CART racing.
