Montreal Report – Red is the new Black

The Empire Strikes Back!

After a less than impressive free practice for the Panasonic Toyota boys, a top ten start for race day would be considered a result. Ralf Schumacher setting a time early on due to his DNF at the last race was able to pull out a decent lap, which would end him up tenth on the grid. Teammate Jarno Trulli struggled with understeer and a heavier fuel load yet overtook Ralf by a few tenths to make it an all Toyota row 5. Not the best session for the team, but if you compared it to Williams, you’d take that result.

Elsewhere some of the other drivers began to make a name for themselves; first off the Minardi of Christijan Albers, who was quicker than his teammate, both Jordan’s, Klein’s Red Bull Racing and only half a second behind Mark Webber’s Williams. The quiet Dutchman showing signs that the team were moving forward. Local hero Jacques Villeneuve kicked the media in the teeth with his eighth position on the grid, and in my view showing why he is a Formula One World Champion. But the real return was B.A.R and Jenson Button. I couldn’t believe it, the team couldn’t believe it, but somehow they took pole position in what was a beautifully driven lap. And for that reason only, did I get a buzz in my stomach when those red lights came on the following day!

Red is the new Black

The colour red signifies a lot of things, Ferrari, Toyota Motorsport (Panasonic Toyota Racing) and red lights. All of these had a major impact on the race whether it was a return, disappointment or a new colour.

First off the return. With me being a Ferrari supporter I was overjoyed to see my favourite team return to the podium with its two drivers. Okay, so it wasn’t a win, but it’s a turning point, they are back in the hunt for the championship and if they can keep working on their car and tyres I expect during the latter stages of the season the team to be a real force.

Then theres disappointment. You see, red doesn’t always mean luck. Toyota found themselves with a podium in their hands and with 8 laps left the Champaign was on the table. But… the brakes failed, thankfully not at the hairpin but at the end of the lap signalling the end to the Italians race and the podium, how our hearts stopped. Personally its unfortunate to retire so close to the end, but considering everyone else’s misfortunes you could say it was fair for us to lose our podium although it would have been gratefully received. Still, we aren’t really in the title hunt this year and the team as a whole are still learning and I guess the bad times are still hanging around. 

Ah, now those red lights. If you ever come across some on the road you know full well to stop. Sadly Juan Pablo Montoya failed to do so as he exited the pits whilst the Safety Car was out and thus was black-flagged. Some say it’s the teams fault, others say it was the driver, but I’m sorry, rules are rules, this isn’t a new rule and for someone of Montoya’s experience you shouldn’t really be doing things like this. Plus he caused confusion when rejoining the track, which could have triggered a collision. I’m sorry Juan, but I point the blame at you.  

Back in Business

The Canadian Grand Prix itself was entertaining again showing Formula One in a positive light. Many drivers contributed to this, but sadly have walked away empty handed. First off Fernando Alonso for his ‘bitching’ on the team radio, its nice to hear his opinions, but no one was really listening and if you’re a man you just overtake the car ahead. Then theres Juan Pablo Montoya; almost spins after his first stop, tries to join a traffic queue whilst the lights are still red and was quicker than his team-mate throughout the Grand Prix. But if there was a driver, or even team which gets my vote for the weekend it has to be Ferrari. After all the trouble this season they turned it around with a second and third place finish. Okay so it was helped by a few retirements but Ferrari know an awful lot about those this season. So well done Ferrari on finally getting the job done, it looks as though your back in business!

No time to reflect for Toyota

Yikes! Another depressing result and I take it your on medication to lighten up your spirits. But help is at hand; the next stop in under a week way is the high speed Indianapolis raceway, although we do use the infield section. This has been a circuit where the team has performed well in recent years and they really are in need of a good result to boost morale. So hopefully we can put another bad race behind us and keep on looking forward as the team hits America!  

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