It's official: Michael Schumacher still rules Formula One.
Column: Just call it Schumi Marino
As the German pulled off a stunning win at the San Marino Grand Prix on Sunday, race fans crowded the rediff F1 chat room on Monday to celebrate Ferrari's latest victory! Enthused shouts of a Ferrari comeback were thrown at Raja Sen and Sumeet Rajwade as they talked about the greatest race in a long while.
The Australian GP chat transcript
Here's what everyone talked about:
Raja Sen says, Hey everyone!! What a race, huh? Let's go.
tiwary asked, Schumi rocks
Raja Sen answers, oh, that is so so true. :) What an incredible race!
prashantjare asked, I feel it was Superb Schumi ovecoming Alonso though having an inferrior Car
Raja Sen answers, hey prashant. Yeah it was a superb masterclass in defensive driving. The way he soaked up the pressure was awesome!
prashantjare asked, Only Schumi is cxapable of doing this.
Raja Sen answers, Absolutely :)
Vijay asked, Schumi rocks alright. At 37, he is still the man to beat. To hold off the world champion for 30 laps on a car that wasnt at its best(to put it mildly) takes soe doing. But what about bridgestone? Isnt it time ferrari moved over to michelin?
Raja Sen answers, Well, Ferrari isn't going to change tyres just yet. It isn't a simple tactical decision, but is based on long-term contracts, sponsorship deals, etc. And I don't think it's wise to blame it all on the tyres.
Button asked, Hey Raja, I've always said, Alonso wins on pit stratergy and not on racing skills
Raja Sen answers, Button, I'd love to agree with you, but that's not totally accurate. Alonso has benefited from great pit strategy, sure, but when the chips are down, he simply flies as a racing driver. But yeah, he isn't as fast as Kimi or MS, in terms of sheer pace. Having said that, he's incredibly consistent.
prashantjare asked, Everytime the puff of black smoke came along I missed a heart beat as I wanted him to win very badly.
Raja Sen answers, Yeah it was such a thrillride. And when he made Alonso almost go into the grass, my heart lifted. What a drive!
Princess asked, Raja, good afternoon. Are the Schumi fans reacting as if he has won the season's title already? It is just his first win out of 4, for heaven's sake!
Raja Sen answers, Good afternoon. Well, it is natural that Schumi fans feel vindicated as he holds off a challenge even with a slower car. Was a fantastic win. And showed that he's still giving it everything.
Button asked, What happened to Kimi? He never showed his skills in this race
Raja Sen answers, Yeah it was a very uneventful race indeed for KR. But then maybe 5th place is better than an engine failure.
Mehul asked, Do you think Shcumi is going to stick with Ferrari or move to Renault next season as speculated?
Raja Sen answers, I think that if Alonso would have overtaken Schumi yesterday, or if the Ferrari's brakes had failed, Schumacher would have strongly considered a move to the Blue team. Out of sheer frustration. I'm betting on him staying at Ferrari, guys.
Mehul asked, Why do you think Alonso performs better than Fisichella? Does he have a better car or is he a better driver?
Sumit Rajwade answers, Hi! Mehul, Alonso and Fiscicella have the same car but Alonso seems to be and is a better driver. He is the racer which knows how to push the car to 100%
Vijay asked, I beg to differ Mr.Sen. I think Ferrari will be better served witha change of tyres. Also, do you see Mclaren posing a serious challenge in Europe? Btw, i love your columns on Rediff. You re simply kick-ass!
Raja Sen answers, Thanks :) I'm not sure about McLaren in Europe, but one hopes Ferrari can overhaul them to fight Renault head on. Another team I'm curious about is BAR, who were very underwhelming yesterday. Ferraris on Michelins? Hmmmm. Lets hope for a one-manufacturer rule across the grid :)
Sriwatsan asked, I think you guys stink. You guys say Button is not championship material. Did you see the 2004 championship? How would you know. He has a dog of a car, with poor reliability, with tyres that dont heat up on a restart. Not his fault. Very smooth, very good driver.
Raja Sen answers, Yes, but yesterday he was just a very funny driver :)
Mehul asked, Why do you think Alonso performs better than Fisichella? Does he have a better car or is he a better driver?
Raja Sen answers, He's a far better driver. Alonso's past his prime, and is being showed up in almost every outing. He's the Alonso equivalent of Barrichello.
prashantjare asked, But wat's ahead Raja, do you feel he can match Alonso every time like this.Alonso being 15 poits plus already.
Raja Sen answers, I think it's high time Alonso stopped living a charmed life and had a couple of non-finishes. This season should end in a white-heat between him, Schumi and (hopefully) Kimi.
schumifan asked, Do you think Schumi will move over to Renault even if he wins this year's championship.
Raja Sen answers, honestly, no. I don't think he'll want to give up the Ferrari history to return to Renault before quitting the sport. The risk of going to Renault AND losing is too, too great.
Sudip asked, Do u think ferrari have that car to last a season. alonso was typically fast on an used engine.sheer experience saw michael thru??
Sumit Rajwade answers, I think what we saw on Sunday with Ferrari -- well its a calculated guess is that the engine requires more fuel. There was second extra spent at pit stops for the fuel. The car gets loaded with fuel is not light on brakes and in turn heats up the car on braking. So, lets hope their car will last the season without any major fault. Sunday's race was a proof of MS's experience and tecnhically perfect driving. -- yeah, experience counts.
Mehul asked, With Fisichella not supporting Alonso well, do you think Ferrari or McLaren pose a serious threat to the constructor's championship this year?
Raja Sen answers, Similarly, it depends on their number 2 drivers. Kimi and Michael should pick up the points, but Montoya and Massa need to stay near the top to give their teams a chance. Yes, the could both challenge for the crown given a couple of 1-2 finishes.
prashantjare asked, I feel if Schumi wins this time then he should hang up his boots.
Raja Sen answers, he probably will, prashant. Eight World Championships are enough for anybody, right? :D
vinay asked, If schumi and Kimi are in sarlet ferrari, whom do you think will be no. 1 dirver?
Raja Sen answers, I think they'd both go flat-out. Team orders be damned!
Sriwatsan asked, Wasnt yesterday a confirmation of the fact that Ferrari have no chance. Home track, technical advantage, and Alonso owned the Ferrari on pace. Im guessing Schumi will finish 5th. What do you think?
Raja Sen answers, Well, Sri, you're right, it was not an impressive performance from the Ferrari, overall. But Qualifying was stunning, as was the first stint of the race. One can only hope that the way the car dropped away as the race went on is a technical failure that will be rectified soon, and the ferrari will remain seriously competitive.
KIMI asked, Why was it diffcult overtaking at imola yday. we have seen drivers overtaking here earlier
Sumit Rajwade answers, Imola is one of the most tight tracks in the F1 series. The sharp curves and the downhill on the track makes it a bit difficult. Also, yesterday, there was a huge gap in racers apart from MS-Alonso and Montoya->Massa chase. And both the leads drove well not to let the other person pass ahead. So, less overtakes and amazing chases.
Ashish asked, just wanted to discuss one of my observation--- when during the last 12-15 laps schumi was ahead of alonso, it was quite clear that schumi had problems in keeping his car ahead and was facing stiff competition from alonso.Was it because Alonsoo has a better car or is he a better driver
Raja Sen answers, in this particular example, ashish, Schumi was under pressure because the Renault behind him was MUCH faster. The car closed in on him at 1.5 seconds a lap, for god's sake!
sarath_715 asked, How likely is it that Narain will get a drive in a race this season ? Is there anything to that effect in his contract?
Raja Sen answers, Well, it's pretty unlikely. He's the fourth driver for Williams, so unless one driver has an injury and the other is banned on the same weekend, it doesn't seem like Narain will get to race.
Button asked, Is there any penalty for Ide for tipping midland off?
Raja Sen answers, Nope. It was a racing incident, happening out of inexperience. Ide won't be punished for this, except maybe by glares in the paddock and a severe shouting from his team boss. Not to mention Albers! ;)
Ashish asked, just wanted to discuss one of my observation--- when during the last 12-15 laps schumi was ahead of alonso, it was quite clear that schumi had problems in keeping his car ahead and was facing stiff competition from alonso.Was it because Alonsoo has a better car or is he a better driver
Sumit Rajwade answers, One thing for sure Ashish is Alonso has a better car. If you saw the chase, after 2nd pit stop, Alonso's car was lighter and right after MS's car, so facing all the heat off Ferrari's exhausts. Still the car was superb on the curves and late and light braking was possible. MS was running a heavier car. So, car has an edge over Ferrai. But its tough to compare the experience with young blood to find out who is better :-)
pranay asked, hi..y has ralf been not able to emulate his elder brother ?
Raja Sen answers, he's never been good enough. On his finest day, Ralf hardly rises above 'efficient'.
Ashish asked, why cant ferrari get a car as competent as renaults and given a situation if alonso and schumi are both driving the same car , who do you think is a better driver and why?
Raja Sen answers, Believe me, Ashish, they're trying! Ferrari's new package is supposed to be quick, but -- as we saw yesterday -- isn't matching the Renault yet. As for the better driver, that's the million dollar question! ;) I'll vote for MS. You?
Button asked, Does Schumi and Alonso raced in 1race old car or is it just Alonso?
Raja Sen answers, Just Alonso. MS had a new (and improved) engine in his car.
prashantjare asked, Sumit do you think that the Ferrari is not able to match Renaults in strategy too. Barring yesterday's race.
Sumit Rajwade answers, Good question Prashant. Lets recap all the races we have seen so far. What we saw was the Renault has proved itself with late-light brakes, cruising speed on straights and overall a very good power of the car. I am not saying Alonso is the fastest driver, but he complements the car he has. He knows exactly how to drive the bloody machine. Ferrai has Bridgestone tyres, which take longer to warm up and the car seems to be requiring more fuel, so becomes heavy. BTW, did you see Ferrari before 1st pit stop. Simply blazing speed.
Ardy asked, True. This race was probably the best in this season. No other race would be so exciting.
Raja Sen answers, well, it was a breathtaking race, sure. but lets hope we have more cliffhangers this season. I'm sure we will.
Sumit Rajwade says, Hi! Button, hows it going?
pranay asked, how far u think rash driving sytle of montoya can take him in his formula1 career ?
Raja Sen answers, I think it's just moved him into the b-league. He isn't taken seriously as a championship contender anymore.
shaileshchaware asked, schumi's last victory was at the six car US grand prix last june. this victory comes after long time. so schumi must be very happy.
Raja Sen answers, as are all his fans : )
pranay asked, raja wot u think of button? y is he under performing ?
Raja Sen answers, Honestly, I think Button is overrated. He's a very good driver, but nowhere near Champ material yet. Yesterday he was handicapped by the pitstop, sure, but even without that, I'm willing to bet that Alonso could have overtaken him easy.
McLFn asked, I think the Ferrari win is a flash in the pan, that's all. The Bridgestones were good today. But for Alonso's strategy he would've won.
Raja Sen answers, Ah, the McLaren fan is obviously cynical :D
tariq asked, wat do u think of the second ferrari car.will the driver be able to keep ferrari on top????
Sumit Rajwade answers, Massa could not make much off the initial few races. But his performance on Sunday was really good. It was not easy to stay in that position in the race with people chasing you. The initial laps before the 1st pit stop, he pushed the car 100% with his skills. I will not say he is amazing, but a good partner to have as long as he stays in top 5 in qualifying.
Ashish asked, same here raja.Schumi is my choice as well and we want him to continue this winning streak that he has started with his win yesterday.Watsay?
Raja Sen answers, Amen to that, man ! Will be an amazing season if Schumacher-magic reigns over Europe.
yajnesh rao asked, next year whether narain can get a chance to race in other team like redbull?midland?
Raja Sen answers, it's quite possible. we can only hope.
sarath_715 asked, Realistically, is Alonso's championship under any sort of threat ?
Raja Sen answers, not yet. he's 15 points ahead of michael. a couple of retirements and engine failures, with wins from the other contenders, and the table could soon be a whole lot hotter.
Anant asked, Will Schumi close the gap between him and alonso?
Sumit Rajwade answers, Looks like one has to wait for a crash by Alonso to bridge the crucial 15 pt gap. Everything seems to be going right for Alonso at this moment. He has picked up high points from all the races. MS has 1 crash on his account. To equalize, Alonso has to have a no-point with MS having 10 9 or 8 points. Then it might become close.
Princess asked, Sumit/Raja, you guys don't update the F1 blog enough... like till Friday there was nothing on what to expect at Imola, nothing. for diehards, it is quite frustrating
Raja Sen answers, princess, we'll try to keep it more active. you're a diehard? you should write in and contribute to the f1 blog.
Raja Sen says, Guys, the f1 blog -- f1.rediffiland.com -- is a forum for all of us to discuss f1. Write in with your posts and f1 comments to f1fever@rediffmail.com and we'll put up the posts on the blog.
McLrnFn asked, Alonso's going to McLaren
Raja Sen answers, ah, so all your smiles are set on next year. Lets see what happens with Renault though; they aren't likely to take a backseat.
pranay asked, there r rumours of schumacher joing renault next season ? wot a deadly combo of schumi n alonso ?
Raja Sen answers, alonso is definitely going to mclaren next year, pranay. but the more realistic rumours are of a ferrari team with michael and kimi.
Button asked, Hey Sumit, Good to see you. Enjoyed the race? I was literaly biting my nails in the last 15 laps. How about you? Even though Schumi got a better car and a new engine, he made us go through this. What is the reason?
Sumit Rajwade answers, :-) Same here. Last 30 laps was a treat to watch. Esp. the wat MS came out of the last pit stop just ahead of Alonso. Then the amazing display of technically perfect driving and finally, a great finishing 2 laps with Alonso's mistake and MS's sppeding up. I don't think I even blinked in last 30 laps. A race to remember for sure.
pranay asked, any chances of valentino rossi coming in F1? i think it'll great to see him here
Raja Sen answers, Ferrari's keeping its lips sealed. But the man has been trying out the car often enough ;)
Vikas asked, Alonso going to FERRARI thats what i heard is it true and kimi also to ferrari
Raja Sen answers, Alonso goes to McLaren next year, Vikas, that's confirmed. Kimi might go to ferrari, yes.
yajnesh rao asked, who will be win constrctors championship?
Sumit Rajwade answers, Constructor's depends a lot on team work. Both the drivers have to earn points for the team. Renault, Ferrari and McClaren are the 3 contenders. But I don't mind putting my bets on McClaren. Just thinking too much in future :-)
sarath_715 asked, ISn't that being a bit optimistic. Perhaps Armaan Ebrahim is realistically our best hope for a competitive F1 driver
Raja Sen answers, or maybe even Karun Chandok. Lets see.
Merve asked, what do you think was michael suffering from,the brakes the tyres or both?i think he was struggling more with the brakes than with tyres.
Sumit Rajwade answers, The brakes on a heavier car drags the car if applied light. So, early brakes can ruin the tyres more. What I mean to say is, they are related. And grooved tyres burn more.
McLrnFn asked, Schumi's good, just don't call him great, Jackie Stewart, Stirling Moss, Senna, Prost, Mansell and Fangio were greats
Raja Sen answers, sure they were. he's just greater. give it a couple of decades to sink in, McLaren fan.
Jenson Button asked, My page closed and I could not login with my original id button... I missed the pitstop of Schumi. What do you think is the turning point of this race? Schumi's pit stop or Schumi denying the overtaking to Alonso?
Raja Sen answers, His pitstop was crucially timed, but the way he denied Alonso room clinched the race. It was unbelievable for him to keep the renault behind him for so long!
shailmcmxc asked, u know this win is a grand birthday gift for his friend sachin tendulkar.many many happy returns of the day.schumi's had also been going through struggling condition like sachin today. but u know king is king. sachin will soon return wid his old form. congrates schumi...shail
Raja Sen answers, 'king is king'. True. Great sportsmen always make a comeback.
Jenson Button asked, My page closed and I could not login with my original id button... I missed the pitstop of Schumi. What do you think is the turning point of this race? Schumi's pit stop or Schumi denying the overtaking to Alonso?
Sumit Rajwade answers, I think I can put them as. Ms's pole position, his first run which created a 10+ sec distance, his 2nd pit stop where he came just ahead of Alonso and finally the amazing nerve to stay ahead and drive technically perfect not to let Alonso pass thru.
hemant asked, is Schumi leaving Ferrari?
Sumit Rajwade answers, No one can say right now. He might. Imagine -- MS leaves Ferrari, Kimi leaves McClaren and Alonso leaves Renault. How does thi sound? :-)
Ashish asked, also just wondering the deadly combination of renault and schumi.For If schumi gets to renault next season , i m sure there will be no stopping schumi considering the fact that renault has a super car in the circuit.
Raja Sen answers, yes it's a definite thought. But schumacher has to consider his legacy. he has, with Jean Todt and Ross Brawn, literally shaped the Ferrari team, and he might not like to end his career in blue overalls. And, as I said before, losing in a Renault would be an awful shame.
schumifan asked, Do you think Ruebens will be able to establish that he is on par with schumi (thats what he thinks) this season. The Honda has been doing good this season and except for some mistakes, they could have had more than what they have now.
Sumit Rajwade answers, Did you see his first few laps. He made at least 5 drivers stick behind him. He was slow. God knows for what reasons, but he needs to speed it up if he has to stay in the race.
schumifan asked, Do you think Ruebens will be able to establish that he is on par with schumi (thats what he thinks) this season. The Honda has been doing good this season and except for some mistakes, they could have had more than what they have now.
Raja Sen answers, I think Rubens is just turning into a joke, and every race he comes up with new excuses for under-performing.
McLrnFn asked, FYI remember Hill vs Schumi and Villeneuve vs Schumi?
Raja Sen answers, Great battles. Even Hakkinen vs Schumi.
rahulanand asked, why is ferrari perfroming in bits and pieces i mean yeterday before the first pit stop schumi was like a hare but after the pit stop he struggled through out the race. Bridgestones cud be one of the problems any other ideas about it....???
Raja Sen answers, it is scary, rahul. the ferrari just lost performance in the middle sector, and never got it back. they might have been having some braking trouble. then again, part of it could be adjusting to alonso's race strategy, as the ferrari was much lighter on fuel in the first stint.
prashantjare asked, Sumit, do you feel Montoya has gone the Jaques Villeunave way. He thinks he is the world's greatest driver and everytime comes a cropper.
Sumit Rajwade answers, He he. Well said. Yes, he is one of the finest drivers on the track. But, I think he has to make it to the podium a couple of time. BTW, ever imagined what will he do if he is at the pole position? I think he will go splash&dahs way
Ashish asked, you didnt answer my ques regarding the pay packages of these drivers per race oor contractual basis...
Raja Sen answers, well, it depends from driver-to-driver. the MS contract for 2007-2008 is rumoured to be 60 million pounds, approx.
prashantjare asked, Rubens was lucky to be at Ferrai else he is no better than even Narayan Kartikayan
Sumit Rajwade answers, Hey! Don't be so sure. He was one of the next best drivers in 2004 and remember the last finishing races of 2004. You will see his class there.
McLrnFn asked, What I say might be sacrilege for someone here but Mika was the best of the 90's if you leave Senna out. Came back from the brink of death to win 2 WC's. Plus the overtaking move of the decade on Schumi with Zonta in between in Spa 2000
Raja Sen answers, Hakkinen was amazing, and yes, that overtaking move rocked. But that's simply because MS's other moves in the same era all looked ridiculously easy. And when you count 2 world championships, remember that MS sat out most of one, with a broken leg.
Merve asked, do you really think the renault is that much faster than the ferrari.MS and alonso's fastest laps were just 0.055 second apart.
Sumit Rajwade answers, Lets put it this way. Put a car on the track with no car visible in the rear view mirror chasing you like a dog. Run it for a few laps and then call for the fastest lap. I think both cars will score equally. On real grounds though, Renault might strike it early and more number of times.
Merve asked, do you really think the renault is that much faster than the ferrari.MS and alonso's fastest laps were just 0.055 second apart.
Sumit Rajwade answers, Lets put it this way. Put a car on the track with no car visible in the rear view mirror chasing you like a dog. Run it for a few laps and then call for the fastest lap. I think both cars will score equally. On real grounds though, Renault might strike it early and more number of times.
PrakashUrs asked, Will it be one off performance from Ferrari, or will they pickup as European races go through?? Remember Imola is their home turf, they were expected to do better like last year....??
Raja Sen answers, yes, and last year we all revelled prematurely in a ferrari resurrection. it's too soon to tell, but it sure was a race that dripped of Schumi-class.
Vaiv asked, does anyone know when is star sports/espn showing the race again...???
Sumit Rajwade answers, They do run the highlights before the next race. Do keep an eye on it.
PrakashUrs asked, Will it be one off performance from Ferrari, or will they pickup as European races go through?? Remember Imola is their home turf, they were expected to do better like last year....??
Sumit Rajwade answers, Overall European tracks and the track conditions are different. It really requires a different skill to drive here. Eg - Monaco or Imola for that matter. I think its just the beginning of the European tour. So, we just have to wait and watch. But if Ferrari has got the equation with the car right, then we will see more of Ferrari in Europe.
Vaiv asked, does anyone know when is star sports/espn showing the race again...???
Raja Sen answers, good question, Vaiv. Would love to watch it again. Here you go: Monday, 11 pm; Tuesday, 10 am; Wednesday, 4 am; and (Highlights)Sunday, 7pm. All on Star Sports.
Prashant Jare asked, Sumit do you people really see a race when Shcumi is out of it ?
Sumit Rajwade answers, We watch the race anyways. MS is just a racer in the race. The overall race is the spirit of it. However, at times it gets boring. I can broadly say 2005 was a boring season barring a few races. But yes, we watch all of them
rahulanand asked, I believe Alonso and Raikkonen will the next schumi and hakkinen wotsay???
Raja Sen answers, well, looking forward to some more evenly-matched battles from them. If only Kimi had a reliable car.
ABINASH asked, MICHEAL I THINKL STILL RENAULT HAVE A SLIGHT EDGE OVER FERRARI IN CAR HANDLING AND WELL IN STRAIGHT LINE SPEED .DO YOU AGREE WITH ME? WHAT WILL FERRARI DO TO OVER COME THIS?
Raja Sen answers, I agree, Renault has a definite edge. Ferrari will have to keep working at it to reduce the gap, and they better do it FAST!
schumithegod asked, which is the 12th team lined up for the 2008 season??
Sumit Rajwade answers, Its David Richards's Prodrive
himanshu asked, I think Ferrari is still not at its peak? wot say?
Raja Sen answers, Not at all, but hopefully it'll get there, and we'll have a really exciting season.
schumithegod asked, which is the 12th team lined up for the 2008 season??
Sumit Rajwade answers, Its David Richards's Prodrive
McLrnFn asked, So you guys believe in all the noise about Button being really good?
Raja Sen answers, I'm not too much of a Button fan, but Sumit here loves the guy :)
Prashant Jare asked, Out of Alonso,Montoya and Kimi whom you will pick up as the true successor of MS.Even Button can be considered ?
Raja Sen answers, I'd safely drop Button and Montoya from that Contender's list :p
PrakashUrs asked, Yesterday's race was very fantastic and mind blowing. It would have been great to watch if Raiki had also joined in for the tussle...
Raja Sen answers, Yeah, that'd be one helluva thrillride. Lets see what they do a couple of Sundays later; maybe... ;)
Prashant Jare asked, Out of Alonso,Montoya and Kimi whom you will pick up as the true successor of MS.Even Button can be considered ?
Sumit Rajwade answers, I would pick Kimi. Its the best choice one can make. The reason is I have a strong belief that Kimi's skills are not car dependent, but he can tune himself looking at the car's strength. He is an intelligent driver. Alonso and Montoya are good. But I think somehow they are too customized with their cars.
PrakashUrs asked, Yesterday's race was very fantastic and mind blowing. It would have been great to watch if Raiki had also joined in for the tussle...
Raja Sen answers, Yeah, that'd be one helluva thrillride. Lets see what they do a couple of Sundays later; maybe... ;)
Prashant Jare asked, Out of Alonso,Montoya and Kimi whom you will pick up as the true successor of MS.Even Button can be considered ?
Sumit Rajwade answers, I would pick Kimi. Its the best choice one can make. The reason is I have a strong belief that Kimi's skills are not car dependent, but he can tune himself looking at the car's strength. He is an intelligent driver. Alonso and Montoya are good. But I think somehow they are too customized with their cars.
Prashant Jare asked, That's ok, but who out of Alonso and Kimi ?
Raja Sen answers, Personally, I'd vote for Kimi. But Alonso's getting better and better with each race.
Rushii asked, Do you Think Schumi can win the Championship in 2006??
Raja Sen answers, yes, I do, rushii :) for the simple reason that if I don't even believe, there's no point to Formula One anymore :) Never say die.
Merve asked, do you think alonso really tried hard to overtake michael.i think he never really made an attempt except one in those 28 laps.he is too strategic a racer like prost.what do you think?
Raja Sen answers, He's a hardcore racer, but he didn't want to risk doing something stupid and squandering his championship chances.
Merve asked, do you think alonso really tried hard to overtake michael.i think he never really made an attempt except one in those 28 laps.he is too strategic a racer like prost.what do you think?
Sumit Rajwade answers, The Imola track is not very easy to overtake like Albert Park. Alonso waited for MS to make mistake. MS did not make any -- so there was no overtake. You can not push the car easily thru curves with MS blocking it at all laps at all curves including the downhill one.
rajm asked, i think by the time the season moves out of europe.....both michael & ferrari will be on top.....does anyone disagrees ???
Raja Sen answers, I think the McLaren and Renault fans would ;) I'd like to believe in that scenario, but it's an uphill battle for Ferrari.
Prashant Jare asked, Sumit , do you imagine Kimi with Ferrari in near future ?
Sumit Rajwade answers, Yes, I do. Its a great coupling if it happens to be.
zizou asked, when do u think kimi will get to beat alonso consistently...We all know he is the best driver among all , but Mclaren lets him down..
Raja Sen answers, maybe after (IF) he joins ferrari next year ! ;)
anan asked, i think its to early to say that schumi is back ... rembr last time around people said the same thing but he couldnt do much
Raja Sen answers, It is too early, yes... let's wait and watch.
McLrnFn asked, What part of yesterday's race did you find exciting? There was hardly any overtaking and if you were dependent on commentary on CBS, the guys who came on the mike were real bums, no offense to any american. Bahrain, now that was a race. This, hardly.
Sumit Rajwade answers, I think you did not get the excellence of drivers then. It was an amazing race with a great driver+car display to watch.
m1 asked, with the way flavio was smiling yesterday when the duel was on,looks like flavio is thinking about michael again after doing many u-turns.
Raja Sen answers, yeah, I noticed that :)
schumithebest asked, hi..do u think..its the right platform for schumi to launch from an impregnable position??
Raja Sen answers, I think he'll definitely give it a shot. Schumacher drives to win.
schumithebest asked, hi..do u think..its the right platform for schumi to launch from an impregnable position??
Sumit Rajwade answers, I think if Ferrari and MS takes the analysis of yesterday's race (I am sure they will) and get the fuel+pit stop equation right to earm maximum pole positions, they are very much back in this game.
McLrnFn asked, I disagree. There were zero mistakes on the part of Schumi. From that aspect, yeah, if you're a Ferrari fan, seventh heaven for you, discount that, zilch!
Raja Sen answers, I think it would have been an amazing race even if Alonso would have overtaken Michael. It was a stunning battle.
rajm asked, My ferrari T-Shirt is out of the closet again and i know it will remain so.....cause europe is where we rock and take all the advantage
Raja Sen answers, yeah, I can't wait for Monza !
Rushii asked, What about Ferrari's no.2 driver...did he score any points....
Raja Sen answers, yeah Rushi, Felipe Massa was fourth, and gets 4 points.
Prashant Jare asked, And that was the real thing too watch, schumi braking little extra at Chicane's to upset Alonso and Al;onso pulling up every time.
Raja Sen answers, yeah it was a sheer display of greatness. kudos to Alonso for staying (mostly) between the lines, too.
oh asked, I think they should take out circuits like imola out .. i know it has lot of historical significance but there is hardly any overtaking possibilites and is a bit boring . waht do u think?
Sumit Rajwade answers, You can look at it as a challange as well. There is a definite possibility of overtake after the downhill curve. But for the experienced people. Well folks, thats all from me today. It was great talking to you again. We will be back soon after the next race. Till then enjoy the 06 season. Take care and wish you all a happy week ahead. Signing off!
oh asked, although have to admit the race yesterday was amazing ... two top notch cars and two great frivers
Raja Sen answers, one of the finest races in ages, definitely. couldn't take eyes off the screen.
Prashant Jare asked, Thanks Sumit and Raja, lets get back to some work.
Raja Sen answers, Alright guys, thanks for coming!
schumithebest asked, So its something like vintage schumi returning to supremacy...same like vintage sachin who's gonna return the same way...
Raja Sen answers, :)
Raja Sen says, Hail Michael indeed! An amazing race, and a really fun chat. Thanks all of you for logging in. Keep writing in and checking the F1 blog, and we'll catch up right after the next race! For now, watch the reruns! :D
More from rediff