May

Monaco Preview

Prasoon: Predictions for the week?
Me: I doubt Massa this time, either Hamilton or Alonso?
Prasoon: how?
Me: Massa is not consistent and can break under pressure. Alonso is consistent and McLaren got good acceleration.
Prasoon: Missing Schumacher
Me: Yeah

Yesterday after reading about the weather prediction for weekend, I was thinking about what Prasoon had pointed out, missing Schumacher. How can we imagine a wet race without Schumacher? Now the master is gone, there is a big question who will be winner at wet Monaco race?

Hamilton – who has to justify his position in driver’s championship? Alonso – who has to outperform his teammate? Kimi – Who burnt his engine last time while driving behind safety car? Massa – to prove he can win street races too. Ferrari – we are consistent and can put both cars on podium. BMW – our hard work has paid finally. Super Aguri – F1 is full of surprises.

Circuit has not changed in last few seasons. Same old street circuit with tight corners, hairpins and a tunnel. Cars need to be tuned in for maximum down force as well as tyre compound will play a vital role. As everyone says, whoever qualifies at pole will win the race.

Main Challenges:

Moving out/into the tunnel causes change in visibility and can lead to accidents. ( Everyone remembers how Schumacher came out of tunnel with just three types, Montoya’s mistake)
20-30% less down force inside tunnel, because of tunnel’s unique aerodynamic properties. ( they why do people test in wind tunnels…hee hee)

Talking about wet races, one question came to my mind:
In 2005, Spa, Sato had an accident with Schumacher and caused both of them to retire. Schumacher went to Sato, knocked on his helmet and said something. What did he say?

PS: All drivers /teams/circuits have a Wikipedia link, except Schumi, because he needs no introduction.

Tags: formula1