2011 Formula 1 discussion
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 975
Likes: 15
From: Cathedral City, CA
No: the 2C ran only in 1965, http://www.chaparralcars.com/legacy.php
the 2E was the 1967 Can-Am car, http://www.wsrp.ic.cz/canam1966.html
This is the 2C. The Flipper is more of a Spoiler rather than a Wing to me because it almost comes down to the body when moved to the high downforce position.
SABRE: Sorry I didn't see your post this morning. This was supposed to upload after I went to bed, but it never did. I think your photo came from the same place.
Yes
No: http://www.chaparralcars.com/legacy.php
No: the 2D was 1966, the 2F was 1967 http://www.chaparralcars.com/legacy.php
Yes: one win each for the 2D and the 2F http://www.chaparralcars.com/legacy.php
Pretty sure the endurance cars, the 2D and 2F, are the originals. The 2H and 2J definitely are.
the 2E was the 1967 Can-Am car, http://www.wsrp.ic.cz/canam1966.html
This is the 2C. The Flipper is more of a Spoiler rather than a Wing to me because it almost comes down to the body when moved to the high downforce position.
SABRE: Sorry I didn't see your post this morning. This was supposed to upload after I went to bed, but it never did. I think your photo came from the same place.
Yes
No: http://www.chaparralcars.com/legacy.php
No: the 2D was 1966, the 2F was 1967 http://www.chaparralcars.com/legacy.php
Yes: one win each for the 2D and the 2F http://www.chaparralcars.com/legacy.php
Pretty sure the endurance cars, the 2D and 2F, are the originals. The 2H and 2J definitely are.
Last edited by flatlander_48; Apr 22, 2011 at 07:13 PM.
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 975
Likes: 15
From: Cathedral City, CA
As am I...
Solutions converge, given time and tools to properly evaluate designs
Fault the rules, not the teams...
Visibility and flooding: do you want to drive on the highway when it's foggy or flooded enough that you could aquaplane? And don't say that they are paid to drive. There is risk and stupid risk. They are not the same think.
Yes, but they are all either retired or dead. Try as we might, we can't resurrect the careers of 70 and 80 year olds.
Solutions converge, given time and tools to properly evaluate designs
Visibility and flooding: do you want to drive on the highway when it's foggy or flooded enough that you could aquaplane? And don't say that they are paid to drive. There is risk and stupid risk. They are not the same think.
Yes, but they are all either retired or dead. Try as we might, we can't resurrect the careers of 70 and 80 year olds.
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 975
Likes: 15
From: Cathedral City, CA
One of the things about Chaparral that wasn't commonly known for a long time was how they recycled and upgraded their cars. On the surface it looked like they built a bunch of cars, but that was never the case. I think that Chaparral was always a small organization with a relatively small facility and that they couldn't just whip out new cars on a whim. Also, it probably took longer to build a fiberglass tub because you had to make molds first. Perhaps they just didn't have the resources to keep building completely new cars. It might be better to consider them a development organization that raced rather than a racing team.
There is another curious thing that perhaps someone can sort out. I've run across references to the EBJ, or the Eye Ball Jiggler, as Jim Hall called it. This relates to the 2C as it was an aluminum tub and didn't have the natural damping qualities of the fiberglass tubs. However, what I remember is EBJ referring to a tire test vehicle that they used at Rattlesnake that was essentially a car sized go-cart with no suspension.
Any thoughts?
There is another curious thing that perhaps someone can sort out. I've run across references to the EBJ, or the Eye Ball Jiggler, as Jim Hall called it. This relates to the 2C as it was an aluminum tub and didn't have the natural damping qualities of the fiberglass tubs. However, what I remember is EBJ referring to a tire test vehicle that they used at Rattlesnake that was essentially a car sized go-cart with no suspension.
Any thoughts?
Ok...
2C - 1965. One of the pair won the 1965 Sebring 12 hours
2D - 1966. This car was rebult from the 1965 Sebring winning car, and won the 1966 Nurburgring sports car race.
2E - 1966 USRRC sports car, one win.
2F - 1967 FIA Championship of makes, one win, 1967 Brand Hatch
2G - 1967 Follow on of the 2E, almost killed Jim Hall at Las vegas
2H - 1968 Possibly the worst Chaparral ever produced.
2J - The "Sucker Car."
2K - The Indy Car
2C - 1965. One of the pair won the 1965 Sebring 12 hours
2D - 1966. This car was rebult from the 1965 Sebring winning car, and won the 1966 Nurburgring sports car race.
2E - 1966 USRRC sports car, one win.
2F - 1967 FIA Championship of makes, one win, 1967 Brand Hatch
2G - 1967 Follow on of the 2E, almost killed Jim Hall at Las vegas
2H - 1968 Possibly the worst Chaparral ever produced.
2J - The "Sucker Car."
2K - The Indy Car
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 975
Likes: 15
From: Cathedral City, CA
Ok...
2C - 1965. One of the pair won the 1965 Sebring 12 hours
2D - 1966. This car was rebult from the 1965 Sebring winning car, and won the 1966 Nurburgring sports car race.
2E - 1966 USRRC sports car, one win.
2F - 1967 FIA Championship of makes, one win, 1967 Brand Hatch
2G - 1967 Follow on of the 2E, almost killed Jim Hall at Las vegas
2H - 1968 Possibly the worst Chaparral ever produced.
2J - The "Sucker Car."
2K - The Indy Car
2C - 1965. One of the pair won the 1965 Sebring 12 hours
2D - 1966. This car was rebult from the 1965 Sebring winning car, and won the 1966 Nurburgring sports car race.
2E - 1966 USRRC sports car, one win.
2F - 1967 FIA Championship of makes, one win, 1967 Brand Hatch
2G - 1967 Follow on of the 2E, almost killed Jim Hall at Las vegas
2H - 1968 Possibly the worst Chaparral ever produced.
2J - The "Sucker Car."
2K - The Indy Car
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,164
Likes: 399
Folks there is a four part video series available here -- my apologies if this is old news...
The bad old days - during which my love of the sport emerged and strengthened. The era which prompted the Barnaby Conrad quote "There are only three sports - Formula 1, mountaineering, and bull fighting - everything else is a game".
Jackie Stewart and others saved many lives through their (at the time) unpopular and disruptive efforts to correct some terrifying deficiencies in the safety aspects of the sport.
http://www.tvracer.com/videos.htm
The bad old days - during which my love of the sport emerged and strengthened. The era which prompted the Barnaby Conrad quote "There are only three sports - Formula 1, mountaineering, and bull fighting - everything else is a game".
Jackie Stewart and others saved many lives through their (at the time) unpopular and disruptive efforts to correct some terrifying deficiencies in the safety aspects of the sport.
http://www.tvracer.com/videos.htm
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,743
Likes: 5
From: Hot Springs Village, AR
I had to chuckle at Alonso's comment that "Fifty points between the two of us is not much and we know our performance is not good enough at the moment, but we are aware that this can change very quickly." True, 50 points over the course of the season isn't insurmountable, BUT, that's 50 points in HOW many races???
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,248
Likes: 1
From: USA - Illinois
Then again what else can he say... Hopefully the engineers at the Scuderia will find a cure to what ails the Prancing Horse so that Alonso can contend for the title. It is sad to see such a talent struggling to get speed out of the red car.
Anyway he's got 15 races to make up alot of points... yes I realize that a win is 25pts but that means that SebVet and Hammy have to fail to score alot of points in those races and that would seem highly unlikely!
Gotta love the man's never say die attitude though! Alonso has got grit!
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 975
Likes: 15
From: Cathedral City, CA
The late Cameron Argetsinger, founder of the original road race in the Village of Watkins Glen, was Hall's business manager. I'm assuming this was during the 60's, but I don't know for sure.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,248
Likes: 1
From: USA - Illinois
Seems that film makers these days are taking a look at F1 for subjects on which to base new movies. the documentary Senna was released to great acclaim recently and now comes news of this project...
Lauda to be Subject of New Movie
GMM Newswire / 29 April, 2011 / London, UK
Apr.29 (GMM) A British film writer is working on a script to immortalise the most famous season in F1 great Niki Lauda's successful career.
The Oscar-nominated Peter Morgan, best known for writing The Queen and Frost/Nixon, is focusing on the 1976 season, when Lauda almost burned to death in a fiery crash but returned six weeks later to battle James Hunt for the title.
The typically-blunt Lauda joked to Vienna radio Oe3 that he is giving some thought to which actor might depict him.
"Anyone who is 25 or 26 with his right ear burnt off and dreams to be made up to look like me can start making plans," he said.
DPA news agency said Morgan, who is being actively supported by 62-year-old Lauda, is seeking a producer and director for the project.
Lauda won 25 grands prix and three world championships and is also famous for his airline businesses.
He is still a regular in the F1 paddock, appearing as a pundit for German television.
Lauda to be Subject of New Movie
GMM Newswire / 29 April, 2011 / London, UK
Apr.29 (GMM) A British film writer is working on a script to immortalise the most famous season in F1 great Niki Lauda's successful career.
The Oscar-nominated Peter Morgan, best known for writing The Queen and Frost/Nixon, is focusing on the 1976 season, when Lauda almost burned to death in a fiery crash but returned six weeks later to battle James Hunt for the title.
The typically-blunt Lauda joked to Vienna radio Oe3 that he is giving some thought to which actor might depict him.
"Anyone who is 25 or 26 with his right ear burnt off and dreams to be made up to look like me can start making plans," he said.
DPA news agency said Morgan, who is being actively supported by 62-year-old Lauda, is seeking a producer and director for the project.
Lauda won 25 grands prix and three world championships and is also famous for his airline businesses.
He is still a regular in the F1 paddock, appearing as a pundit for German television.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,248
Likes: 1
From: USA - Illinois
It's always about the money it would seem... 
Of course F1 is money driven but when is enough, enough? It already is an expensive venture to buy a ticket to Bernie's Traveling circus, add in travel expenses, etc. and WOW, the cost becomes heady!
Therefore for most of us, TV is the magic mirror that lets us participate in the fantasy that is F1. But there are those out there that want more from us and may just restrict our viewing of the sport. 
I would assume that F1 revenues are already very healthy and that impoverishment is not around the corner for Bernie and friends, yet we keep hearing news of PPV (Pay Per View) F1 telecasts.
Yes fellow enthusiasts I can see the day coming (if these guys get their way) when commercials will appear on your TV stating, "Like racing? Love Formula One? Then tune in for the Galapagos Island Grand Prix on Pay Per View for only $39.95!"
If F1 is to continue to expand its viewer/fan base then it must be accessible to the masses worldwide not restricted to those who can afford to pay to watch it.
F1 must not race behind pay-wall - Virgin's Lowdon
GMM Newswire / 28 April, 2011 / London, UK
Apr.28 (GMM) F1 must remain on free-to-air television, Virgin sporting director Graeme Lowdon insists.
With News Corporation looking into buying the sport's commercial rights, Bernie Ecclestone said he is sceptical because it might make negotiations with other broadcasters difficult.
Another potential issue is News mogul Rupert Murdoch's famously negative attitude to free media content, with some commentators fearing formula one might disappear behind a pay-wall.
"If you remove the majority of the public, it removes a lot of the spirit of what F1 is about, as well as the ability for the teams to stand on our own two feet without reliance on the commercial rights holder," Lowdon told the BBC.
"F1 is way bigger than pay-per-view and deserves its place on the global stage with the viewing figures it gets," he added.
It has also been suggested that Murdoch may want to remove Ecclestone as chief executive in the event of a takeover, but astute observer Sir Jackie Stewart is not so sure.
"Bernie knows Rupert Murdoch," the Scottish former triple world champion told the Telegraph. "If they (News) take over they may turn around and say 'why try to fix a wheel if it's not broken?'
"After all F1 has never been more popular than it is now, which considering the economy is pretty impressive whichever way you look at it," he added.
RaceTripper stated awhile back, "F1 took a back seat to sportscar racing a long time ago. I've been to 10 or so ALMS races since the USGP ended in 2007, and I"m not looking back."
If this (PPV) does come to pass then I guess I will be joining him at the next ALMS race. Great racing, cheaper tickets, fan friendly, no PPV, all add up in my book. 
Bernie and friends better realize that there are alot of series out there competing for the entertainment dollars that people spend. He better not price himself out of the market!
Of course F1 is money driven but when is enough, enough? It already is an expensive venture to buy a ticket to Bernie's Traveling circus, add in travel expenses, etc. and WOW, the cost becomes heady!
Therefore for most of us, TV is the magic mirror that lets us participate in the fantasy that is F1. But there are those out there that want more from us and may just restrict our viewing of the sport.
I would assume that F1 revenues are already very healthy and that impoverishment is not around the corner for Bernie and friends, yet we keep hearing news of PPV (Pay Per View) F1 telecasts.
Yes fellow enthusiasts I can see the day coming (if these guys get their way) when commercials will appear on your TV stating, "Like racing? Love Formula One? Then tune in for the Galapagos Island Grand Prix on Pay Per View for only $39.95!"
If F1 is to continue to expand its viewer/fan base then it must be accessible to the masses worldwide not restricted to those who can afford to pay to watch it.
F1 must not race behind pay-wall - Virgin's Lowdon
GMM Newswire / 28 April, 2011 / London, UK
Apr.28 (GMM) F1 must remain on free-to-air television, Virgin sporting director Graeme Lowdon insists.
With News Corporation looking into buying the sport's commercial rights, Bernie Ecclestone said he is sceptical because it might make negotiations with other broadcasters difficult.
Another potential issue is News mogul Rupert Murdoch's famously negative attitude to free media content, with some commentators fearing formula one might disappear behind a pay-wall.
"If you remove the majority of the public, it removes a lot of the spirit of what F1 is about, as well as the ability for the teams to stand on our own two feet without reliance on the commercial rights holder," Lowdon told the BBC.
"F1 is way bigger than pay-per-view and deserves its place on the global stage with the viewing figures it gets," he added.
It has also been suggested that Murdoch may want to remove Ecclestone as chief executive in the event of a takeover, but astute observer Sir Jackie Stewart is not so sure.
"Bernie knows Rupert Murdoch," the Scottish former triple world champion told the Telegraph. "If they (News) take over they may turn around and say 'why try to fix a wheel if it's not broken?'
"After all F1 has never been more popular than it is now, which considering the economy is pretty impressive whichever way you look at it," he added.
______________________________________
RaceTripper stated awhile back, "F1 took a back seat to sportscar racing a long time ago. I've been to 10 or so ALMS races since the USGP ended in 2007, and I"m not looking back."
If this (PPV) does come to pass then I guess I will be joining him at the next ALMS race. Great racing, cheaper tickets, fan friendly, no PPV, all add up in my book.
Bernie and friends better realize that there are alot of series out there competing for the entertainment dollars that people spend. He better not price himself out of the market!
So my latest target date for this event to go off is now June 14th...Here's part of a post from another board referring to an event for a BMWCCA HPDE @ WGI:
"So....... In Case you have not heard, Patroon had to give up the Tuesday in June of our normal 2 day event. Nascar needs the day."
This event was to be a two day DE on the 13th/14th but since NASCAR now wants that Tuesday the 14th for an undisclosed event the track had to do something for the BMW club, which came in the form of an extended hours track day.
So.....F1 is in Montreal and NASCAR is at Pocono the weekend before the 14th. I say it happens on the 14th...., what do you all think?
"So....... In Case you have not heard, Patroon had to give up the Tuesday in June of our normal 2 day event. Nascar needs the day."
This event was to be a two day DE on the 13th/14th but since NASCAR now wants that Tuesday the 14th for an undisclosed event the track had to do something for the BMW club, which came in the form of an extended hours track day.
So.....F1 is in Montreal and NASCAR is at Pocono the weekend before the 14th. I say it happens on the 14th...., what do you all think?
It is planned as a public event but no details about tickets just yet according to my email response from The Glen office people.
The NASCAR site has it as Aug 13 and 14
http://nationwide.nascar.com/nationw.../2011/schedule
I was hoping to see a bunch of them pull in while were there on 6/13
Yeah I'm sure....I'm referring to a special Mobil 1 sponsored event. Looks like your noting the NASCAR series date there. You guys may see some set up work by the two teams that night but maybe not since BMW has the facility until 8pm.
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 293
Likes: 6
From: Portland, OR
From the WG website...
http://www.theglen.com/Articles/2011...n-Stewart.aspx
I'll be there, who else?
http://www.theglen.com/Articles/2011...n-Stewart.aspx
I'll be there, who else?
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 975
Likes: 15
From: Cathedral City, CA
I hope to be there as I will be back in the country. Bit of a squeeze before heading eastward for MINIs On Top, however. Curious that there isn't any ticket information yet on the site. Surprising, considering how long this has been a rumor...
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 975
Likes: 15
From: Cathedral City, CA
I think they would sort of have to have tickets. Given how popular the previous one was with Gordon and Montoya, they could easily have a mod to deal with. Bringing together 2 guys with championships in probably every class in which they drove has to be a major draw. Plus, being at WGI, it is connecting with all the fans who are still around and remember the glory days of F-1 at the track. It has got to be pretty cool as long as they don't do something TOTALLY silly and limit the autograph signing to 30 minutes or something else equally as dumb...
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,248
Likes: 1
From: USA - Illinois
I feel badly for poor ole Michael Schumacher of late...
I'm not counted among his many fans, as I cannot accept his oft times ruthless blocking tactics but I do give him credit where credit is due as his skill behind the wheel is extraordinary.
Lately ole Schumacher has been soundly hounded by the media, calling for him to call it quits and that just doesn't sit well with me.
Why even Bernie has jumped on the Schumacher "retirement wagon" stating that he is dissappointed!
Ecclestone Disappointed With Schumacher Comeback
GMM | Posted May 19, 2011 GMM Newswire
Bernie Ecclestone has admitted disappointment with Michael Schumacher's return to Formula One.
After his disappointing season last year, there were high hopes an improved Mercedes car and the new Pirelli tires would lead to a more successful campaign in 2011.
Asked about the seven-time World Champion's return so far, Ecclestone told the Swiss newspaper Blick: "I am surprised and disappointed.
"I would like to see him in a Red Bull because you don't know how good the Mercedes is. Compared to his teammate (Nico) Rosberg, it (Schumacher's performance) doesn't look good.
"But Michael is a fighter and he can still win. I'll be the first to cheer when he beats Vettel," the Briton laughed.
Schumacher, 42, admitted after a fraught event in Turkey two weeks ago that he is currently missing "the big joy" of F1.
Some commentators are advising the German to return to retirement, moving 1992 World Champion Nigel Mansell to admit: "If things haven't improved by the end of the year, maybe what some people are saying he should take heed."
The German tabloid Express has this week even quoted a doctor as speculating Schumacher might need glasses, but Mercedes' Norbert Haug denies he is over the hill.
"I would not underestimate him or his ability. So far this year his true capabilities have been clear not in results, but in lap times – yes," the German told Salzburger Nachrichten.
And team boss Ross Brawn is quoted as saying by Reuters: "I think he's pretty resilient and I'm optimistic this weekend he'll be back where we want him."
True he has been outpaced by his teammate but I still believe that lurking just under the surface is the Schumacher of old ready to challenge for a GP win.
In today's F1 competition so much depends on the car that it is hard to assess a driver's ability. Subsequently Mercedes has not produced a winning chassis yet so comparing his competiveness to the likes of SebVet, Hammy, et. al. is a bit harsh.
I find it hard to fathom that Michael has "lost the touch" as those talents just don't vanish. I still think that he is quick and that we will see a resurgence of his race winning form.
Well that's my prediction!
Hope that my crystal ball is in working order...
How do you all feel about Schumi?
I'm not counted among his many fans, as I cannot accept his oft times ruthless blocking tactics but I do give him credit where credit is due as his skill behind the wheel is extraordinary.
Lately ole Schumacher has been soundly hounded by the media, calling for him to call it quits and that just doesn't sit well with me.
Why even Bernie has jumped on the Schumacher "retirement wagon" stating that he is dissappointed!
Ecclestone Disappointed With Schumacher Comeback
GMM | Posted May 19, 2011 GMM Newswire
Bernie Ecclestone has admitted disappointment with Michael Schumacher's return to Formula One.
After his disappointing season last year, there were high hopes an improved Mercedes car and the new Pirelli tires would lead to a more successful campaign in 2011.
Asked about the seven-time World Champion's return so far, Ecclestone told the Swiss newspaper Blick: "I am surprised and disappointed.
"I would like to see him in a Red Bull because you don't know how good the Mercedes is. Compared to his teammate (Nico) Rosberg, it (Schumacher's performance) doesn't look good.
"But Michael is a fighter and he can still win. I'll be the first to cheer when he beats Vettel," the Briton laughed.
Schumacher, 42, admitted after a fraught event in Turkey two weeks ago that he is currently missing "the big joy" of F1.
Some commentators are advising the German to return to retirement, moving 1992 World Champion Nigel Mansell to admit: "If things haven't improved by the end of the year, maybe what some people are saying he should take heed."
The German tabloid Express has this week even quoted a doctor as speculating Schumacher might need glasses, but Mercedes' Norbert Haug denies he is over the hill.
"I would not underestimate him or his ability. So far this year his true capabilities have been clear not in results, but in lap times – yes," the German told Salzburger Nachrichten.
And team boss Ross Brawn is quoted as saying by Reuters: "I think he's pretty resilient and I'm optimistic this weekend he'll be back where we want him."
True he has been outpaced by his teammate but I still believe that lurking just under the surface is the Schumacher of old ready to challenge for a GP win.
In today's F1 competition so much depends on the car that it is hard to assess a driver's ability. Subsequently Mercedes has not produced a winning chassis yet so comparing his competiveness to the likes of SebVet, Hammy, et. al. is a bit harsh.
I find it hard to fathom that Michael has "lost the touch" as those talents just don't vanish. I still think that he is quick and that we will see a resurgence of his race winning form.
___________________________________________
Well that's my prediction!
Hope that my crystal ball is in working order...
How do you all feel about Schumi?
The era that Michael won his championships is over.
The cars are different now.
There are more young lions now.
I think Michael should retire in grace instead of disgrace.
He accomplished a feat in F1 that will never be equaled or beaten.
The cars are different now.
There are more young lions now.
I think Michael should retire in grace instead of disgrace.
He accomplished a feat in F1 that will never be equaled or beaten.
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,743
Likes: 5
From: Hot Springs Village, AR
I feel badly for poor ole Michael Schumacher of late...
I'm not counted among his many fans, as I cannot accept his oft times ruthless blocking tactics but I do give him credit where credit is due as his skill behind the wheel is extraordinary.
Lately ole Schumacher has been soundly hounded by the media, calling for him to call it quits and that just doesn't sit well with me.
Why even Bernie has jumped on the Schumacher "retirement wagon" stating that he is dissappointed!
Ecclestone Disappointed With Schumacher Comeback
GMM | Posted May 19, 2011 GMM Newswire
Bernie Ecclestone has admitted disappointment with Michael Schumacher's return to Formula One.
After his disappointing season last year, there were high hopes an improved Mercedes car and the new Pirelli tires would lead to a more successful campaign in 2011.
Asked about the seven-time World Champion's return so far, Ecclestone told the Swiss newspaper Blick: "I am surprised and disappointed.
"I would like to see him in a Red Bull because you don't know how good the Mercedes is. Compared to his teammate (Nico) Rosberg, it (Schumacher's performance) doesn't look good.
"But Michael is a fighter and he can still win. I'll be the first to cheer when he beats Vettel," the Briton laughed.
Schumacher, 42, admitted after a fraught event in Turkey two weeks ago that he is currently missing "the big joy" of F1.
Some commentators are advising the German to return to retirement, moving 1992 World Champion Nigel Mansell to admit: "If things haven't improved by the end of the year, maybe what some people are saying he should take heed."
The German tabloid Express has this week even quoted a doctor as speculating Schumacher might need glasses, but Mercedes' Norbert Haug denies he is over the hill.
"I would not underestimate him or his ability. So far this year his true capabilities have been clear not in results, but in lap times – yes," the German told Salzburger Nachrichten.
And team boss Ross Brawn is quoted as saying by Reuters: "I think he's pretty resilient and I'm optimistic this weekend he'll be back where we want him."
True he has been outpaced by his teammate but I still believe that lurking just under the surface is the Schumacher of old ready to challenge for a GP win.
In today's F1 competition so much depends on the car that it is hard to assess a driver's ability. Subsequently Mercedes has not produced a winning chassis yet so comparing his competiveness to the likes of SebVet, Hammy, et. al. is a bit harsh.
I find it hard to fathom that Michael has "lost the touch" as those talents just don't vanish. I still think that he is quick and that we will see a resurgence of his race winning form.
Well that's my prediction!
Hope that my crystal ball is in working order...
How do you all feel about Schumi?
I'm not counted among his many fans, as I cannot accept his oft times ruthless blocking tactics but I do give him credit where credit is due as his skill behind the wheel is extraordinary.
Lately ole Schumacher has been soundly hounded by the media, calling for him to call it quits and that just doesn't sit well with me.
Why even Bernie has jumped on the Schumacher "retirement wagon" stating that he is dissappointed!
Ecclestone Disappointed With Schumacher Comeback
GMM | Posted May 19, 2011 GMM Newswire
Bernie Ecclestone has admitted disappointment with Michael Schumacher's return to Formula One.
After his disappointing season last year, there were high hopes an improved Mercedes car and the new Pirelli tires would lead to a more successful campaign in 2011.
Asked about the seven-time World Champion's return so far, Ecclestone told the Swiss newspaper Blick: "I am surprised and disappointed.
"I would like to see him in a Red Bull because you don't know how good the Mercedes is. Compared to his teammate (Nico) Rosberg, it (Schumacher's performance) doesn't look good.
"But Michael is a fighter and he can still win. I'll be the first to cheer when he beats Vettel," the Briton laughed.
Schumacher, 42, admitted after a fraught event in Turkey two weeks ago that he is currently missing "the big joy" of F1.
Some commentators are advising the German to return to retirement, moving 1992 World Champion Nigel Mansell to admit: "If things haven't improved by the end of the year, maybe what some people are saying he should take heed."
The German tabloid Express has this week even quoted a doctor as speculating Schumacher might need glasses, but Mercedes' Norbert Haug denies he is over the hill.
"I would not underestimate him or his ability. So far this year his true capabilities have been clear not in results, but in lap times – yes," the German told Salzburger Nachrichten.
And team boss Ross Brawn is quoted as saying by Reuters: "I think he's pretty resilient and I'm optimistic this weekend he'll be back where we want him."
True he has been outpaced by his teammate but I still believe that lurking just under the surface is the Schumacher of old ready to challenge for a GP win.
In today's F1 competition so much depends on the car that it is hard to assess a driver's ability. Subsequently Mercedes has not produced a winning chassis yet so comparing his competiveness to the likes of SebVet, Hammy, et. al. is a bit harsh.
I find it hard to fathom that Michael has "lost the touch" as those talents just don't vanish. I still think that he is quick and that we will see a resurgence of his race winning form.
___________________________________________
Well that's my prediction!
Hope that my crystal ball is in working order...
How do you all feel about Schumi?
Much as I enjoy hearing the German anthem, I'd love to see Michael's trademark leap, too.