Hockenheim, Budapest and the Cure for Baldness
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The Beauty of a Full Head of Hair
Mika Salo's run at Hockenheim in the number two Ferrari proves a couple of things. First, it demonstrates, when given the chance, what a young, talented driver can accomplish when given an equitable shot to show his skills. Salo was given his chance and showed the paddock and fans alike what he was capable of. Salo can chalk up his mistake in Austria to nerves, overexcitement or overambition. Whatever you want to call it, it is long forgotten. That is what happens when a driver puts the wood to the competion. Sure, Salo was no match for his countryman, Mika Hakkinen in the McLaren-Mercedes. But then again, neither was the Ferrari. But when all the marbles were on the table, Salo and his Ferrari were sitting square in the captain's chair with clear seas ahead.
Second, now Edward Irvine has Michael Schumacher's view of life on the point. No wonder Irvine drooled all over himself, praising Mika Salo after the German GP. He knows now all the guilt involved in recieving someone else's hard earned glory. Maybe Eddie understands Michael's perspective? Maybe not. One thing is for sure, he had better get used to it. Even if, and when Schumacher returns.
A Brand New Toupee
The silly season is in full swing again. If rumours are to believed, Eddie Irvine will be joining the Stewart-Ford (Jaguar) team next year, while Stewart's Rubens Barrichello will head to Ferrari. This would be a positive move for Irvine. For Barrichello, however, this can only be viewed as a step backwards. Irvine would finally have a number one seat, or at least an equal shot at the championship. But in Barrichello's case, it would only mean a supporting role to Michael Schumacher. How could this be considered a step forward for the Brazilian? I still believe Barrichello could break through this year and get his maiden victory. Make no mistake, Ford hasn't put the puzzle together this year. They have, however, a solid foundation in their latest powerplant. The Ford V-10 has proven to be a worthy challenger to Mercedes and Ferrari, in terms of power and weight. The challenge ahead lies in reliability and chassis development. Ford has the resources to match the top dogs, maybe even surpass them. All that remains to achieve the crown jewel for the American giant is to put the pieces together. Sure, easier said then done, but there can be no more excuses.
Which makes it all the more puzzling why Barrichello would want to leave. He has grown with the Stewart team. Should Irvine switch to Ford, Barrichello would be every bit the equal to Irvine. Even if Irvine has a championship in his back pocket. If Barrichello heads to Italy, he will be no equal to Schumacher. His only chance for glory at Ferrari would hinge on Schumacher breaking his other leg. So the bet seems to be, ride the Ford out, and hopefully up, or ride shotgun to Schumacher at Ferrari with no possibilities of the big prize. It would sure be a shame, for Barrichello, to see Irvine win races in a Ford. Decide with your brain, Rubens, not your heart.
The Rapidly Receding Hair Line
I hate to admit this, but I am in agreement with Bernie Eccle$tone concerning Damon Hill. Now is the time for Hill hang his career up. Hill has nothing left to prove. His performances in the Jordan-Honda have not been flattering. He should get out while his racing reputation is still intact. No one can take his past performances away from him. He is, after all, a World Champion. But Hill is following the sad path of other aging atheletes who refuse to accept the painful truth of their own decline. Those who chose this path lack the heart and emotion to do what they could when they were younger. They just go through the motions. Hill is obviously a step or two slower than his teammate, Heinz-Harald Frentzen. It's high time for Hill to give his heart to his family and friends. Let us remember Damon for what he once was, not what he is now.
Bald is Beautiful
1999 has been a glorious year for F1. Races have been competitive. Unpredictability has been the rule at hand. Even when it looks as if someone is going to run away into the distance, a monkey wrench gets thrown into the mix. Here's to the monkey wrench, whatever that may be. Let us hope there are more left in the toolbox. Can Ferrari finally capture the world title with Eddie Irvine at the helm? Will Mika Hakkinen and McLaren get back on their feet to make run down the stretch? Will Stewart-Ford and Rubens Barrichello get to sip from the big bottle of Moet? Will Max Mosley follow Damon Hill into the sunset? Sorry, I couldn't resist that one...... Let's hope the FIA lets the championship be decided on the track and not behind closed doors in Geneva. No late season suspensions, no points to spice up the show. Lock up fiascos like 1994 and 1997 in the closet and throw away the damn key. Let the championship happen on it's own.
Onward to Hungary, with Rogaine and Propecia in our back pockets.......
Read the qualifying results from Hungary online now here....
