Diário de Porto 81 – Tamanho único

Desde que parte da revolução industrial resolveu que os seres humanos se encaixavam em uma grade de dimensões físicas pré-determinadas e passou a fabricar vestimentas, por exemplo, de tamanhos pré-estabelecidos, as diferenças entre nós ficaram muito menores. Ou aparentemente menos perceptíveis, pelo menos. Salvo alguns raros e extremos exemplos de hoje em dia quando alguns fabricantes italianos de sapatos sofisticados introduziram o meio ponto ou os cada vez mais raros ainda produtos feitos sob medida, somos uma sociedade que tem que se acomodar satisfeita entre o P e o GG.

Os impressionantemente grandes pequenos detalhes
Fica então a cargo dos pormenores das personalidades e comportamentos de cada um a tarefa de balizar as diferenças, mesmo fantasiados por letras que implacavelmente escondem ou revelam.

Em um barco a vela, em uma competição tão espetacular e emocionante como a Volvo Ocean Race, são também os pequenos detalhes, a principio pouco significativos ou mascarados, que fazem a enorme diferença, mesmo quando a princípio os regulamentos impõem regras e limites que vão de precisos Ps a sucintos GGs.

Tamanhos e pesos de cascos, mastros e velas são determinados e controlados, a quantidade da tripulação é estabelecida, tudo deve respeitar os limites e caber dentro da grade constituída, mas... (existe sempre um ‘mas’, não é verdade?) é aí que entram o planejamento, a preparação, o talento e assim por diante.

Homogêneos e hegemônicos
É o que vimos nesta etapa que desde que deixou o Rio, até chegar a Baltimore mesmo ser ter sido abundante em condições diferentes de ventos o foi em oportunidades únicas para serem aproveitadas.

Os sistemas de alta e baixa pressão ditaram o andamento da flotilha, as estratégias dos navegadores foi toda baseada em como antecipar os momentos. Alguns conseguiram assim evitar as armadilhas e desaparecer na frente como foi o caso do ABN AMRO ONE seguido pelo movistar por quase constantes 30 e poucas milhas durante os últimos dias. Foi uma demonstração de controle da tripulação do barco holandês, que a cada dia que passa mostra mais as sua qualidades de talentos tão homogêneos. Seguem etapa após etapa mantendo um ritmo elevado e constante, incansáveis e cada vez mais inalcançáveis.

Expresso do tempo
Os outros barcos, por motivos diversos de escolha e falta de sorte, ficaram bem mais para trás, inclusive o ABN AMRO TWO, até aqui a mais grata e positiva surpresa da edição 2005-2006 da Volvo Ocean Race. Os jovens do TEAM ABN AMRO ficaram estacionados em um buraco sem vento e perderam o “expresso do tempo”, sendo obrigados a depender de uma 2ª geração de sistemas frontais.

Restam ainda quatro etapas, 3 regatas in port e um portão de pontuação a serem disputados até o dia 17 de junho. No total são mais 42 pontos máximos a serem conquistados, para ficarmos conhecendo os três ocupantes do pódio. Um pódio do tamanho exato para ser ocupado por apenas aquelas três tripulações, das quais uma delas, a primeira colocada vai servir de referência e medida para ser copiada durante todas as próximas edições da Volvo Ocean Race.

Port Log 81 – One size fits all

Since when part of the industrial revolution decided that human beings fell into a pre-determined physical dimensions grid and started to produce clothes of pre-established sizes, the differences between us humans have considerably diminished. Or have become less perceptible to say the least. Save from rare and extreme examples like some sophisticated Italian shoes’ manufacturers that introduced the Half Point in sizes or the everyday more uncommon ‘made to measurement’, we have turned into a society that has to happily adjust between S and XL.

The impressively big small details
Then it is left up to people’s personalities and behaviors the duty to demarcate the differences, even when disguised in capital letters that mercilessly hide or reveal attributes.

In a sailing boat, in such a spectacular and exciting competition as the Volvo Ocean Race, it is also the small details, in the beginning of little significance or strategically concealed, that make the big difference, even when the rules impose codes and limits that go from precise Ss to concise XLs.

Sizes and weights of hulls, rigging and sails are determined and constantly scrutinized; the number in the crew is established, everything has to respect the limits and fit in the constituted matrix, but… (there is always a “but”, isn’t true?) is exactly there that enters the planning, the preparation, the talent and so on.

Homogeneous and hegemonic
This is what we saw in the leg that since it left Rio until it got to Baltimore, even not being abundant in different conditions of breeze, presented unique opportunities to be well exploited.

The weather system with its lows and highs dictated the rhythm of the fleet; the navigator’s strategies were all based on how to anticipate the moments. Some managed to avoid then the traps and vanished in the lead as it was the case of ABN AMRO ONE, followed by movistar on an almost constant thirty something miles of difference during the last days. It was an amazing demonstration of control by the crew in the Dutch boat, that everyday shows a little bit more the quality of their so homogeneous talents. Leg, after Leg, after Leg maintaining a pace that is both constant and colossal, indefatigable and unreachable.

Weather Express
The other boats, for different motives of choice or lack of luck, were left well behind, including ABN AMRO TWO, until here the most positive and welcomed surprise of the 2005-2006 edition of the Volvo Ocean race. The Kids from TEAM ABN AMRO remained parked in a windless hole and lost the “Weather Express”, being forced to rely on a 2nd generation of frontal systems. But they did not lose their “Fighting Mode” and promise to return to fight for their so well kept second place overall.

There are four legs, three in port races and one scoring gate to be sorted out until the arrival estimated for June 17 in Gothenburg. In total there are a maximum of 42 points to be conquered, for us to know the three podium occupants. A podium made to measurement to be shared by only three crews while reserving the top spot for the one that exceeded in all aspects. The campaign that will serve as a model and that will be reference and measurement to be copied during all the next editions of the Volvo Ocean race.

Understanding F1. The 53rd Edition of the World Championship in 2002

Introduction
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 Circle

Let'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.

Bridges
But 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.