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Formula 1 : The Picture Becomes Clearer
With today's announcement by Scuderia Ferrari that Michael Schumacher will sit out at least the next two Grand Prix (Monza and Nürburgring) the F1 strategy of the Ferrari team for the rest of the year is becoming clearer.
Schumacher himself said that "I am not yet capable of driving at my maximum ability" after he abandoned a race-simulation at the Monza tests today. Indeed, it was obvious that he was in some physical discomfort from the way he avoided the high kerbs and his lap time was about 1.3 secs slower than Mika Salo. Salo will continue to take his place for at least the next two Grand Prix, after which the position will be reviewed.
Despite Eddie Irvine's fortuitous wins at Hockenheim and Zeltweg it has become apparent that without Schumacher in top form there is little prospect of the F399 beating the dominant McLarens.
Machiavellian minds have therefore suggested it would be an elegant solution to Ferraris' predicament if the 1999 Championship were now conceded but with a full effort, a new car and a fighting Schumacher ready to sweep all before them in the year 2000. Commentators have also suggested that Schumacher might prefer Eddie Irvine to be seen to fail to win this year's Championship as this would be a suitably demoralising factor for when he joins the Jaguar/Ford team as lead driver next year.
Rubens Barrichello will be announced as Irvine's replacement during the next week in the run up to the Monza GP. Delicate negotiations have resolved the "No. 2" status in that he has been promised equal equipment and testing to Schumacher but will, if necessary, concede his race position to the German driver who will remain clear No. 1.
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