The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE
SAN MARINO GRAND PRIX
Schumacher ready for win on home soil
Nicholas Frankl
TACH European Bureau
In a cold and rainy session here at Imola, where minds cannot help but think of events two years past, Ferrari ace, Micheal Schumacher, re-light the flame of passion for thousands of expectant Tifosi who would like for nothing more than a scarlet win on Sunday.
The World Champion poured cold water on any plans for arch rival and current leader Hill, who could manage only the sixth fastest time of the afternoon. Hill admitted that his fairy tale start to the season, which saw him win the first three races in succession, could be well and truly over.
"We have had a reasonably good start. But we have lots more work to do - the car needs to be set-up very differently here than in Germany." Said Hill after practice. "I'd be foolish if I was not concerned by Michael's time. It is obviously important for Ferrari to do something here in front of their home fans"
Most observers believe that Williams are just playing games. Using the Friday as a race day preparation rather than actually trying to establish fast times, opting to use their considerable knowledge of their car to allow them time to sort the all important race set-up, rather than spending valuable time on qualifying performance. "Friday times have not always been a reliable guide this year" added Hill optimistically, although most would agree that his best time of 1:30.415, over one and a half seconds off pole is slightly further of the pace than he would have wanted.
Schumacher set his best time (1:28.831), and indeed the fastest of the day, early on in the session, which was temporarily interrupted by the red flag, caused by team mate Irvine spinning out and blocking the track. Struggle as they might, no one could get close to challenging the German, Barrichello in the powerful Jordan coming nearest right at the end with a 1:29.446, with last weeks Nurburgring victor and hotly tipped championship threat, Villeneuve in 3rd spot.
The McLaren Mercedes continued to improve, Hakkinen who was at one stage second quickest, finishing up fourth and Coulthard seventh. Another relatively "happy" team was Sauber-Ford who have failed so far this season to deliver the goods. Johnny Herbert (10th) enthusiastically jumping from the car and declaring it was "much better". While Frentzen rather less jovially muttering that "improvements had been made" and they were heading in the right direction"
The direction for the fans tomorrow will be Imola, located not in San Marino, but Italy. I don't have to tell you that when the red cars have even the remotest chance of pole, the fanatical followers will stop at nothing to cheer them on their way. It could be one hell of a day.
