A practical and no-nonsense guide made especially to you by yours truly here. Not before some heavy thinking and only after a lot of remembering of the good times I spent in it. Please notice that I didn't say "good old times" because as you will see from my reasoning, F1 is a never-ending story, a very long circuit where to keep doing infinite laps. No need to stop for tactics, tyres, fuel or Team orders, a very long winding circuit with fast corners, ups and downs and that mixes all the best parts of all the circuits that I ever raced. An unbelievable experience that stays fresh and present year after year and I am sure that thanks to Autosport we will share more of these incredible moments.
Notice also that my point of view, like any good dagger, though probably rusty from the lack of use and distance is still sharp and pointy.
Aint'Misbehaving
Exactly like all activity, group, tribe, tendency, clan, sect and tendency F1 also has its subtleties. Its own body language, different slang and exclusive attitudes. This behaviour is more than natural, after all people that are pursuing common objectives end up creating certain codes to: 1) protect themselves, 2) say things without being easily understood, 3) guarantee their own survival, 4) detach themselves form so called neo-competitors, 5) increase the shared personality and 6) gain some space in the media. In few and enciphered words it is war out there.
The battles
This is why people in Formula One Racing have to dispute some battles during the whole season, battles that, such is the strength of their world, end up being beneficial also to other sports and activities. F1 itself profits from these exercises made with such a degree of professionalism and goes on greater by the minute. So to better understand the F1 season (completely understand is impossible, even for those that are there, inside, living it day by day) that starts this weekend I will try to give some reference points and my opinion to the readers of Autosport.
The Circus's CircleLet's through some lights on these battles for you guys to enjoy more every time you watch, discuss, hear or read bout the biggest motor competition that ever existed. First imagine a big clock dial where in place of the numbers we will arrange the different battles. OK? On we go:
A) Instead of 12 and on its place Battle of Money - It is the basic cell, the beginning of all life, without which nothing goes forward. It is everybody rushing on search of Sponsors, Financiers, Partners, Brilliant Minds, Supporters and Barters that are willing to make part of the Team that will transform a personal dream into a common reality. Old and New Money is considered and it really doesn't matter if is coming from palpable industrial sources, bright new pure-marketing products, short-lived fads or .com ethereal structures. The need for funds is greater even than the long for success.
B) Where normally the number 2 is in the clock's dial, Battle of Technology - After guaranteeing the money it is time to go after the Technology, paying directly for it or paying the minds that invent, adapt and develop this Technology. With the growing participation of the big Manufacturers and with the ever-increasing electronic invasion, Technology requires more and more attention and reserves.
C) In the place of number 4, Battle of Words - Even while the Money and Technology Battles are not entirely sorted out, it is wise to open a new fighting front. Talk about "what will happen", "how good is already going", "amazing things we have in stock and in preparation" and so on. Just to help the overall mood or pre-empt the opponents. I remember well how good (and pioneering) I was at this linguistic deprogramming. So that today I can detect it in the "non saying something bad" about another competitor but "not saying anything" or just luring him with "non-pertinent sayings". Nothing like the barking dogs style that we see in Boxing (but used to the same purposes) but much more refined and elegant hedging.
D) AT 6 o'clock rages the Battle of Egos - Words, we all know, are mightier than the swords, so they resume and take place as the favourite and most used weapon. This is why the different members, of the so-called Circus, with their history experience and fencing technique dedicate themselves to several different maneuvers. Contests, complaints, controversies, discords, doubts and particular personality shows. All with the single purpose to destabilize indiscriminately close by and far away competitors unforgiving, sometimes, even some contributors
E) At 8 o'clock, The Battle for Tenths - Having won, or at least survived the first 4 Battles, they all face the cold truth. All cars together at the same track, at the same time, with the same weather and under the same rules. The essence of Motor Racing, the most absolute relativeness possible, speed and performance not pure but relative to the others' speeds and performances. Tenths have to be seed, cherished and harvested with extreme care and dedication. With that in mind here comes the next and probably the hardest of the battles to fight.
F) At 10 o'clock, ladies and gentlemen, The Battle for Space - It doesn't matter what happened or what it did not, the important thing, now, is to use all the weapons to guarantee space, lights and a privileged place at the Media's Worldwide Shopping Window (more than 50 billion people!). The so nurtured and elusive pay back that softens the terrain and allows to re-start with an incredible and enviable arsenal all over again the Battle of Money. And our Circus' Circle goes on.
A) Instead of 12 and on its place Battle of Money - It is the basic cell, the beginning of all life, without which nothing goes forward. It is everybody rushing on search of Sponsors, Financiers, Partners, Brilliant Minds, Supporters and Barters that are willing to make part of the Team that will transform a personal dream into a common reality. Old and New Money is considered and it really doesn't matter if is coming from palpable industrial sources, bright new pure-marketing products, short-lived fads or .com ethereal structures. The need for funds is greater even than the long for success.
B) Where normally the number 2 is in the clock's dial, Battle of Technology - After guaranteeing the money it is time to go after the Technology, paying directly for it or paying the minds that invent, adapt and develop this Technology. With the growing participation of the big Manufacturers and with the ever-increasing electronic invasion, Technology requires more and more attention and reserves.
C) In the place of number 4, Battle of Words - Even while the Money and Technology Battles are not entirely sorted out, it is wise to open a new fighting front. Talk about "what will happen", "how good is already going", "amazing things we have in stock and in preparation" and so on. Just to help the overall mood or pre-empt the opponents. I remember well how good (and pioneering) I was at this linguistic deprogramming. So that today I can detect it in the "non saying something bad" about another competitor but "not saying anything" or just luring him with "non-pertinent sayings". Nothing like the barking dogs style that we see in Boxing (but used to the same purposes) but much more refined and elegant hedging.
D) AT 6 o'clock rages the Battle of Egos - Words, we all know, are mightier than the swords, so they resume and take place as the favourite and most used weapon. This is why the different members, of the so-called Circus, with their history experience and fencing technique dedicate themselves to several different maneuvers. Contests, complaints, controversies, discords, doubts and particular personality shows. All with the single purpose to destabilize indiscriminately close by and far away competitors unforgiving, sometimes, even some contributors
E) At 8 o'clock, The Battle for Tenths - Having won, or at least survived the first 4 Battles, they all face the cold truth. All cars together at the same track, at the same time, with the same weather and under the same rules. The essence of Motor Racing, the most absolute relativeness possible, speed and performance not pure but relative to the others' speeds and performances. Tenths have to be seed, cherished and harvested with extreme care and dedication. With that in mind here comes the next and probably the hardest of the battles to fight.
F) At 10 o'clock, ladies and gentlemen, The Battle for Space - It doesn't matter what happened or what it did not, the important thing, now, is to use all the weapons to guarantee space, lights and a privileged place at the Media's Worldwide Shopping Window (more than 50 billion people!). The so nurtured and elusive pay back that softens the terrain and allows to re-start with an incredible and enviable arsenal all over again the Battle of Money. And our Circus' Circle goes on.
BridgesBut as in everything in life, nothing is so simple and the Circle has its shortcuts, its "bridges" that take directly from Money to Tenths, overlapping Words and Egos. Or also from Words straight to Space, or from Technology to Space in an infinite number of combinations sprung by necessity, new rules, TV coverage, world occurrences and the wisdom of my former boss, with whom a learned a pretty much lot, Mr. Ecclestone. Yes, Bernie has done for F1 everything and I think is always good to keep him in mind as the Circle's Master.
Who is who in 2002?Well, after going through what the story is all about, we have to concentrate on each one of the participants. Like all of the good parties we like to go, the balance of the guests has to be perfect. We need to have different people and factions practicing roles and giving their particular shows for the benefit of us all. That doesn't mean that the year will be less German (Schumacher Brothers, BMW and Mercedes Engines), Japanese (Bridgestone Tyres) or more French (Jean Todt and Michelin Tyres) or more British (Williams, McLaren, Ross Brawn and several Suppliers) than 2001 was, but for sure it will make us all stand at toe tip from next Sunday to the end of the year. Let's go take a look of how the season's seasoning will work:
Ferrari - Red continues to be the colour.
Not easy, we all know, to keep the top spot for three continuous Championships. The fact is that Ferrari is so well prepared in all the battle's fields that even if the dents in the armour will be bigger this year, on the end they will keep the flag. Big Schumacher has the talent, the will and the power to keep the Reds together one more year.
Not easy, we all know, to keep the top spot for three continuous Championships. The fact is that Ferrari is so well prepared in all the battle's fields that even if the dents in the armour will be bigger this year, on the end they will keep the flag. Big Schumacher has the talent, the will and the power to keep the Reds together one more year.
McLaren - Finnish spice for Nouvelle Cuisine
With Hakkinen gone and the new boy Raikkonnen in, McLaren hopes to get David Coulthard soldiering harder and making a stronger point for the Championship. Mercedes will not bear to lose more space to BMW and is coming with new engines. But the main factor lies in the première of the Michelin tyres that will shake, in more than a way, their performances
With Hakkinen gone and the new boy Raikkonnen in, McLaren hopes to get David Coulthard soldiering harder and making a stronger point for the Championship. Mercedes will not bear to lose more space to BMW and is coming with new engines. But the main factor lies in the première of the Michelin tyres that will shake, in more than a way, their performances
BMW Williams - They're back
The 2001 Championship saw again some flash of the real Williams happen. Now in 2002 they come with their act even stronger based as usual on much organization, sensible projects and a tandem that brings me delightful memories: BMW and Michelin. Lil' Schumacher will have a tough life against Juan Montoya's exuberance. Who will profit from that? We, watching them.
The 2001 Championship saw again some flash of the real Williams happen. Now in 2002 they come with their act even stronger based as usual on much organization, sensible projects and a tandem that brings me delightful memories: BMW and Michelin. Lil' Schumacher will have a tough life against Juan Montoya's exuberance. Who will profit from that? We, watching them.
Renault - From 100% Cotton to 100% Renault
Gone are the United Colours and in is the might of Renault. A company that when retired from F1 was at the top (6 Championships in a row) is now coming back with a fresh approach. Not as much controversial as at the Turbo era em 1977 but with a good deal of creativity. Slowly, slowly it will fight to be the fourth Team at the end of the year.
Gone are the United Colours and in is the might of Renault. A company that when retired from F1 was at the top (6 Championships in a row) is now coming back with a fresh approach. Not as much controversial as at the Turbo era em 1977 but with a good deal of creativity. Slowly, slowly it will fight to be the fourth Team at the end of the year.
BAR - Let me try again
The change in command will do BAR a lot of good. Also the perspective of becoming the Honda official Team in the future gives them motives enough to sing loud and clear the Old Blue Eyes' famous tune. Real pity that they do not have a hot new shoe to be prepared for the future.
The change in command will do BAR a lot of good. Also the perspective of becoming the Honda official Team in the future gives them motives enough to sing loud and clear the Old Blue Eyes' famous tune. Real pity that they do not have a hot new shoe to be prepared for the future.
Jordan - Delivery boys
The recently acquired new sponsor (DHL, Sister Company of Deutsche Post, and Jordan's long time contributor) will, hopefully for Eddie, bring a new "fast delivery" mentality to the Team. And delivery they need on their private battle to dislodge BAR and become Honda's golden boys. A big step towards this goal (remember that in the Circus's Circle, parallel friction is very usual) they took when Takuma Sato San was appointed as second driver.
The recently acquired new sponsor (DHL, Sister Company of Deutsche Post, and Jordan's long time contributor) will, hopefully for Eddie, bring a new "fast delivery" mentality to the Team. And delivery they need on their private battle to dislodge BAR and become Honda's golden boys. A big step towards this goal (remember that in the Circus's Circle, parallel friction is very usual) they took when Takuma Sato San was appointed as second driver.
Sauber - Yodelling close to perfection
Heidfeld is all pumped up, following the disappointment of having his long time supporter Mercedes, forget him when choosing someone for the McLaren seat. The car is reliable, the team is working together for long and they also have (with the added benefit of the selling of Kimi) money. At the winter testing (their environment) they were impressive, let's see how the singing comes when the heat arrives.
Heidfeld is all pumped up, following the disappointment of having his long time supporter Mercedes, forget him when choosing someone for the McLaren seat. The car is reliable, the team is working together for long and they also have (with the added benefit of the selling of Kimi) money. At the winter testing (their environment) they were impressive, let's see how the singing comes when the heat arrives.
Jaguar - Learning to be Lauda
Jokes apart, the Jaguar blokes are on a steep learning curve. Not in any way related to technical or competitiveness aspects, all directly linked to behaviour. They have a master with them someone from whom a learned a lot and that can give them (all that will endure) the right winning attitude. Car seems to be full of little nagging problems that for sure will be corrected in time. I repeat, I do now Niki.
Jokes apart, the Jaguar blokes are on a steep learning curve. Not in any way related to technical or competitiveness aspects, all directly linked to behaviour. They have a master with them someone from whom a learned a lot and that can give them (all that will endure) the right winning attitude. Car seems to be full of little nagging problems that for sure will be corrected in time. I repeat, I do now Niki.
Arrows - Light Brigade
Once again the Orange Arrows will be filling the imagination of the fans. They love to see underrated entries battling up in front with the established folks. The new Cosworth engine is much more powerful that the old Asiatech but also vibrates a lot more. The fuel consumption is better which will help them in the extreme strategies they want to pull out.
Once again the Orange Arrows will be filling the imagination of the fans. They love to see underrated entries battling up in front with the established folks. The new Cosworth engine is much more powerful that the old Asiatech but also vibrates a lot more. The fuel consumption is better which will help them in the extreme strategies they want to pull out.
Minardi - The Crusader's dream
It was said that in the 11th century the greatest pleasure of a Crusader, engaged in the Holy War, was to know that tomorrow, always there was going to be anther battle to be fought. Minardi has been "crusading" the F1 world since 1985! Good luck for them that they keep alive the racers' spirit we all love so much. In 2002 they are set to beat up Toyota which is not a mean feat.
It was said that in the 11th century the greatest pleasure of a Crusader, engaged in the Holy War, was to know that tomorrow, always there was going to be anther battle to be fought. Minardi has been "crusading" the F1 world since 1985! Good luck for them that they keep alive the racers' spirit we all love so much. In 2002 they are set to beat up Toyota which is not a mean feat.
Toyota - High Low modulation
Toyota comes into the fight with a high-tech version of yodelling. Endless expenditures in await of low expectations, all blending together nicely for the time being. The lack of positive results will cause turmoil and bring forward many changes, much before the silly season even thinks about starting.
Toyota comes into the fight with a high-tech version of yodelling. Endless expenditures in await of low expectations, all blending together nicely for the time being. The lack of positive results will cause turmoil and bring forward many changes, much before the silly season even thinks about starting.
The Australian GP is at hand's reach. In three days more (make it two to compensate that Down Under they are always 12 hours ahead) the 53rd Formula 1 Championship will start. Firecrackers and lights spectacles all over the world should be sponsored by us all that follow F1 in particular and Motor Racing in general. WE need to give thanks for the opportunity of being able to watch such a fantastic technological, psychological, philosophical, sportive and human adventure.
