2006-10-08 02:21:05 · 23 answers · asked by WIN-ayak 1 in Sports ➔ Auto Racing
Like the rest of the Formula One watching world, I stared at the screen in disbelief yesterday. With one almighty bang and lots of smoke, the world championship was dramatically snatched away from Michael Schumacher's grasp and placed squarely in the lap of Fernando Alonso. Suzuka was spoken of as a championship decider by many. It was spoken of as the place that tested true grit. The circuit that separated the racers from the mere pretenders. Never once did I expect that the championship would be decided in Alonso's favour at Suzuka. Never. If there was a decisive retirement destined for Suzuka on 8 October 2006 it involved a British-built, French-badged car in blue livery. Not a blood red Ferrari. No way. How wrong we all were.
In qualifying on Saturday everything seemed to be going the way of the Scuderia. In an apparent reversal of fortune from the bad experience Bridgestone had in Shanghai a week previously, Michelin looked like they were in serious trouble. The Ferraris were a second a lap quicker than the Michelin-shod Renaults. All top four positions on the grid were taken up by Bridgestone runners. Fernando Alonso in fifth place looked as though the best he could achieve was a damage limiting points scoring position - fifth, possibly, or fourth if he was lucky. Tyres are the black art of Formula One. They make such a massive difference to everything that, considering all the elements required for success - chassis, tyres, driver and team - they probably account for at least thirty per cent. At the end of qualifying Michelin seemed so disadvantaged that virtually every commentator predicted a walk in the park for the Bridegstone-shod Ferrari. More fool they. Tyres didn't matter a jot in the final analysis yesterday.
Felipe Massa failed to adhere to the script on Saturday. By running marginally more quickly than team boss Schumacher, he contrived to snatch pole position from the man who needed it most. Dutifully, in the race he did as commanded and let Schumacher through to take the lead minutes from the start. From then on, pit stops notwithstanding, Schumacher proceeded to do what he does best and lead the Grand Prix from the front. He never once seemed in danger of losing the lead until the unthinkable happened and he saw the unfamiliar cloud of smoke in his own rear view mirrors as his engine gave up the ghost. On the day when reliability mattered most to Ferrari it deserted them. This was decided by the Gods. Like Alonso's blown engine in Monza, this was not what was written in the master plan.
It is to be said for Schumacher that he graciously conceded that the drivers' title was lost. He acknowledged that for him to win the championship, he would have to win the last race in Brazil and Alonso score no points. Even if he won and Alonso scored one point, it would be game over, Alonso champion. This is not how Schumacher wanted to win his eighth title. He wanted to do it on the racing track, not be gifted a win by circumstance. He will go to Brazil hoping for a win in his last Formula One race ever but not expecting to be crowned world champion.
2006-10-09 04:00:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
From a nuetral point it would have been better if both Schumacher had kept going so we could have seen what would happen when Alonso caught him.
It would also have made the last race more interesting if Schumacher had finished (1st or 2nd) instead of Alonso only needing 1 point for the title.
2006-10-08 08:34:09 · answer #2 · answered by KRIS G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alonso is a scumbag. He waved at Schumi after the Ferrari engine broke down. That's not really a great performance from Alonso.
2006-10-08 19:43:31 · answer #3 · answered by ladiesman217 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes absolutely. The FIA are doing their best to ensure that schumi retires as a world champion but taking the whole season into account, and ignoring the ridiculous penalities levelled against him, alonso has had a great year. he is an inspiratinal driver, and deserves to double up on his championship title. Schumi is a has been - he's just been lucky that things and people have moved in his direction. for example why didn't the safety car come out today, if anyone else had been leading you can bet it would have come out.
2006-10-08 04:14:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not massively, I want Button to win and since that it not going to happen anytime soon I want Alonso to win but unfortunately I think the tyres are going to decide it this weekend!!! Bring on the rain for a good prix for everyone....
I think for the next season Kimi is going to be the one to watch against Alonso but he needs to get thinking a bit more the tyre change at the last grand prix was bizarre to say the least!
2006-10-08 02:26:53 · answer #5 · answered by cassie s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am absolutely over the top. And it's not just because of the engine explosion, but because when it happened MS was losing ground and there were 17 more laps to go. He wouldn't have been home and dry, Alonso would have got the better of him with a few laps to go.
I would have wanted a Renault 1-2, but, considering the circumstances, with Fisichella winning for his best friend who died a few days ago. Fisi is devastated. He started crying on the podium.
2006-10-08 06:45:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, I am thrilled with the performance of both the driver. I am not the fan of either of the driver. But the way they have performed has made me think.
The way both the drive have tied was even thrilling and it was a sad dismissal for Schumi he did not deserve it. This I think is the most magnificent F1 Climax ever.
This is the most outstanding wheel to wheel racing I have seen in my life.
2006-10-08 03:17:30 · answer #7 · answered by I am rock 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would like to know why the other teams cannot build a car thats as reliable and as fast as the Ferrar. Alonso only won because of a rare Ferrari engine failure.
2006-10-08 02:33:56 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Alonso certainly did well in Japan, however, Schumacher had the better of him and was not going to be beaten - before his engine expired.
Karma anyone?
2006-10-08 04:06:39 · answer #9 · answered by Red Five 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope, Schum is the best driver in this championship. He should have won today. He is driving better than he ever has. Alonso just got lucky to win this race. He is no way near the level of Schumi
2006-10-08 02:26:05 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋