How do you feel about Ferraribs chances at Sepang

I'm going with Renault, Williams, Ferrari.

I'm still not convinced Bridgestone can do well in the heat. But if it rains, and rain is in the forecast, then that's a different story.

Hope I'm wrong.

Drew

The thought of the first Malaysian GP (1998?) comes to mind. MS walked away with it. I think he learns a new track faster than anyone else. Tires could play a roll but I doubt it after the latest quote from Schumy:

http://www.f1i.com/articles/ARTICLE_555935.html

We shall see!!!

I think Ferrari may well smoke the field again....I feel they are downplaying their chances for Political reasons. There is quite an uproar about the disparity in the field and what to do about it.

On your mark....., get set,...

Agreed JR. Getting their butts handed to them the last four years does not make the sponsors happy. I am sure the "other" teams are having late night meetings on how to selectively single out the red cars in the rule books.

I remember the early 90's watching Alese and Berger getting their butts kicked so I don't mind watching Schumi and Rubins kick a little back. Ahhhh it's good to be on top.


JL

Ferrari dominance could ‘kill’ for F1


19 March 2004

KUALA LUMPUR - Williams-BMW boss, Frank Williams, has issued a warning: another year of Ferrari dominance will not go down too well.

Speaking ahead of the Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang, Williams told the German magazine ‘auto, motor and sport’ that another year with Ferrari at the top could kill the sport. "The directors of car companies will lose their interest. We need to at least be able to compete for first place."

He warned that fans would no longer watch Grand Prix coverage if the outcome of races was a forgone conclusion. "And if less people watch the race, there will be less money."

Although Williams themselves have stated that they are aiming to win both drivers and constructors championships this season, their start in Melbourne was not very positive and Ralf Schumacher (fourth) and Juan-Pablo Montoya (fifth) finished far behind six-time world champion Michael Schumacher and his Ferrari team mate Rubens Barrichello.

But Williams is not merely worried about Ferrari domination: The huge investments are also on his mind. "Cost are crippling us and with one exception, money is becoming a problem for all the teams.

"The exception is Toyota and they are worrying me because, although they are still behind us, they are advancing in giant leaps."

Williams believes though, that all teams have realised they need to save costs. "If we don’t, the sport will die."

The Englishman said that Renault was a prime example of how a team could have success without spending huge amounts. "I am very impressed how Renault is managing. To be honest, it makes me sick. They started testing their new car 15 days after us and now they are already faster."

Williams also complimented his German driver, Schumacher. "I rate Ralf Schumacher very highly. He is very talented, thinks logically when it comes to racing and is extremely intelligent."

But even though Schumacher is rated highly, negotiations between the driver and his team over a contract extension are presently resting and although Montoya will be moving to McLaren-Mercedes at the end of the season, Schumacher and Williams have yet to reach an agreement about the finances of a contract extension.

DPA