65 replies to this topic

[Alien]

From Autosport:

"It's much nicer to fight against Montoya than Ralf," said Barrichello. "I think Ralf hasn't been honest, so it's just a shame. I just think he's a bad loser, that's all."

Read the rest here:

http://www.autosport...series=5&type=f

http://www.autosport...=16833&series=5

This refers to the chicane incident, i don´t know what Ralf was trying to do, i think he can´t stand it when Barrichello passes him, it just pisses him off. The same thing happened in Monza, he gets passed and straight lines the chicane, and i think that Ralf knows what he is doing, it´s no acident that he goes through the chican like that.

[The Soul Stealer]

Ralf seems to be losing the plot altogether....I don't think his track behavour will gain him any favours with the Williams team:(

[Toyoter]

The two biggest whiners in F1 going at it... maybe we'll get to see them have a slap-fight in the paddock next year! Ralf had better hope no hair pulling is involved though, Ruby doesn't have much left for him to hold onto

[Earthling]

Also when Alesi held him off the whole time in Spa, and after the race was over Jean went to talk to Michael and Ralf was there. Alesi tapped Ralf on the shoulder and Ralf looked like he wasnt happy and didnt like Jean when Jean looked like he was telling him "good fight" or so...

I wonder what would happen if it was Michael that Jean was holding off the whole time and they are that much of friends...

[Crazy Canuck]

Originally posted by The Soul Stealer
Ralf seems to be losing the plot altogether....I don't think his track behavour will gain him any favours with the Williams team:(

You are absolutly right. Read Nigel Mansells autobiography and you will learn alot about teh Williams/Head psycology. Many drivers in the past have demanded 'team orders' at Williams. They were laughed at and, in most cases, released the following year. Ralph is backing himself into a gravel trap. He will not last at Williams and, heaven forbid, if he wins the WC in 2002 he will not be at Williams in 2003, gauranteed...and remeber you heard it here first!

CC

[Manson]

I don't think Ralf wants team orders next year, he may find himself as #2!

[prettyface]

Originally posted by Earthling
...the race was over Jean went to talk to Michael and Ralf was there. Alesi tapped Ralf on the shoulder and Ralf looked like he wasnt happy and didnt like Jean when Jean looked like he was telling him "good fight" or so...

Maybe Ralf doesn't like to share Michael's attention with anyone on parc ferme.

Aaah! Alesi, come back!

Where did you see this? Was it Bernie TV or the world feed? I didn't see it, but PSN usually cuts to commercials before the podium so we miss a lot of the parc ferme banter. I taped the Indy race and PSN missed Mika's burnout and the black bag stuff I only saw it because a local station also transmits the race and I switch during breaks.

Ralf always looks unhappy on parc ferme unless he wins. I have the impression he's stealing some of Michael's spotlight. Ralf is there even when he's not on podium, attention slut!

[Jdcasas]

Barrichello: 100 % right....

ahem! Ralf.... loser....

[AD]

Am I the only person left on this planet that likes Ralf?

Ralf is a top driver and the fact is that along with JPM and his brother, he will be fighting it out for the WDC. If BMW Williams produce a superior enough car there's a massive chance that Ralf will be WDC.

[Hakkinen is a robot]

Yes, you're the only one who hasn't come to his senses.;)
Seriously, I can't see why any objective observer could think Ralf stands a better chance than JPM next year, provided WilliamsBMW gives them a good car.

[KenC]

Originally posted by AD
Am I the only person left on this planet that likes Ralf?

Ralf is a top driver and the fact is that along with JPM and his brother, he will be fighting it out for the WDC. If BMW Williams produce a superior enough car there's a massive chance that Ralf will be WDC.

Actually, I don't "like" or dislike any driver. I "like" or dislike their driving.

As far as Ralf's driving goes, he's incredibly fast, and not particularly mistake prone, starts the season strongly, but weakens over the long haul. In some ways, his driving results are like DC's. Can he fight it out for the WDC? Sure.

As far as having "a superior enough car", any driver with that advantage has a "massive chance" to be WDC, except perhaps DC!

As for some of Ralf's comments, I don't particularly agree with them.

[Chris G.]

AD, you might just be. I was a huge Ralf supporter when the year started. I have not been impressed with his affected attitude after every race. Before each race he starts by saying how they have no chance, then when sitting on the podium (not in first) he acts sullen.

In his battles with JPM, I've tended to side with Ralf. But, JPM is now backing up his talk with results. Ralf just seems to whine.

[Nomad]

AD no you're not. It just the rest of us have given up talking to the one-eyed antis who
1) Usually bash Michael but couldn't dig out anything on him.
2) Monty fans, predicting he would whup MS, who are still really pissed that Ralf was better than him over the season.

Since about mid-season they produced myriads of threads bashing Ralf, for speaking his mind to the press, not saying anything to the press, not driving aggressively enough, driving over-aggressively, and of course their trump card stating that he is gay.

AD, not much chance of an adult debate so Ralf fans don't bother anymore.

[Hakkinen is a robot]

Please. Ralf doesn't get treated any worse on the bbs than any other driver. In a world of spoiled millionaires, Ralf whines loudest. That's why he catches his share.

[Toyoter]

Originally posted by Nomad
2) Monty fans, predicting he would whup MS, who are still really pissed that Ralf was better than him over the season.

Ralf is no longer even close to JPM. He beat him early in the season when Juancho was still coming to grips with F1, but over the last 6 races or so, JPM thoroughly kicked the much more experienced Ralf's @ss. By the end of the season Ralf had completely fallen apart. He absolutely embarassed himself at Indy and at Suzuka.

Anyone who doubts that JPM will completely dominate Ralf in 2002 either didn't watch the last half of the season or is from Kerpen

[Rudolf]

Originally posted by Toyoter


Ralf is no longer even close to JPM. He beat him early in the season when Juancho was still coming to grips with F1, but over the last 6 races or so, JPM thoroughly kicked the much more experienced Ralf's @ss. By the end of the season Ralf had completely fallen apart. He absolutely embarassed himself at Indy and at Suzuka.

Anyone who doubts that JPM will completely dominate Ralf in 2002 either didn't watch the last half of the season or is from Kerpen

or did watch the first half of the seaon and lives in the real world.

[Rudolf]

Originally posted by Nomad
AD no you're not. It just the rest of us have given up talking to the one-eyed antis who
1) Usually bash Michael but couldn't dig out anything on him.
2) Monty fans, predicting he would whup MS, who are still really pissed that Ralf was better than him over the season.

Since about mid-season they produced myriads of threads bashing Ralf, for speaking his mind to the press, not saying anything to the press, not driving aggressively enough, driving over-aggressively, and of course their trump card stating that he is gay.

AD, not much chance of an adult debate so Ralf fans don't bother anymore.

Nice to see you back! I think a lot of Monty fans are just bitter. Ralf kicked Monty's ass (overall) hehehe! In your face! (Sorry just had to get that out of my system! ) As you can see they have real good reasons for bashing him. The man is evil! What can I say?!

[Hakkinen is a robot]

Okay, I'm sorry, Rudolf. No more poking fun at your opinions. Ralf is a really cute driver.

[Rudolf]

Originally posted by Hakkinen is a robot
Okay, I'm sorry, Rudolf. No more poking fun at your opinions. Ralf is a really cute driver.

Yeah...'cute'

[Pascal]

Poking fun at opinions is fine... Poking fun at a poster is not.

[Hakkinen is a robot]

Mea maxima culpa, Pascal. I promise to restrict my sarcasm to opinions and not posters. All in fun.

[Pascal]

Carry on...;)

[Rudolf]

Originally posted by Hakkinen is a robot
Mea maxima culpa, Pascal. I promise to restrict my sarcasm to opinions and not posters. All in fun.

You were poking fun at me?! In the words of Mulder, "You talkin t'me? You got a problem? You wanna piece o' this?" I don't take offence. It's just a bit of fun! (I hope )

[servellen]

I think JPM summed it up rather well by saying there's not really that much difference in driving skill between the drivers, rather their mental strength is which determines how well they drive, how consistent, how they handle pressure and how well they develope in general.

JPM is mentally tougher than Ralf is at the moment. Unless Ralf toughens up he's going to get angry, frustrated, lose and say stupid things. He needs to step up his game, he's a really nice guy and a fast driver; but how much does he REALLY want it?

[Rudolf]

Originally posted by servellen
I think JPM summed it up rather well by saying there's not really that much difference in driving skill between the drivers, rather their mental strength is which determines how well they drive, how consistent, how they handle pressure and how well they develope in general.

JPM is mentally tougher than Ralf is at the moment. Unless Ralf toughens up he's going to get angry, frustrated, lose and say stupid things. He needs to step up his game, he's a really nice guy and a fast driver; but how much does he REALLY want it?

I do think he really wants it but he is mentally weak. He does say stupid things to the press, especially this year but what would F1 be without drivers making asses of themselves!?!

[JB]

Originally posted by AD
Am I the only person left on this planet that likes Ralf?

Absolutely not!

Ralf is a top driver and the fact is that along with JPM and his brother, he will be fighting it out for the WDC. If BMW Williams produce a superior enough car there's a massive chance that Ralf will be WDC.

Agreed!

[Rudolf]

Originally posted by AD
Am I the only person left on this planet that likes Ralf?

Ralf is a top driver and the fact is that along with JPM and his brother, he will be fighting it out for the WDC. If BMW Williams produce a superior enough car there's a massive chance that Ralf will be WDC.

[JB]

Originally posted by servellen
I think JPM summed it up rather well by saying there's not really that much difference in driving skill between the drivers, rather their mental strength is which determines how well they drive, how consistent, how they handle pressure and how well they develope in general.

JPM is mentally tougher than Ralf is at the moment. Unless Ralf toughens up he's going to get angry, frustrated, lose and say stupid things. He needs to step up his game, he's a really nice guy and a fast driver; but how much does he REALLY want it?

I agree, confidence is very important and Juan did have the edge psychologically in the second half of the season but I believe that Ralf will get it together during the off-season and come back much stronger next year.

[f1girl]

I still like Ralf. I don't really care what puntichello thinks!! I do think Ralf has been a bit off his game though the last couple of races. Hopefully next year he will be back to normal. With Hakki gone, I need someone other than MS to root for. I don't think I could ever be a Montoya fan.(although I agree that he is a fast driver) I have been rooting against Montoya since his first year in cart. Always seems to cauchy and walks into the best cars without having to pay any dues so to speak. Admittedly I laughed my as... off when he won Indy. Tony George did deserve that.

[Rudolf]

Originally posted by JB

I agree, confidence is very important and Juan did have the edge psychologically in the second half of the season but I believe that Ralf will get it together during the off-season and come back much stronger next year.

Like last year, but it better last longer!

[JB]

Yeah, it better!

[mhferrari]

Rubenho speaks the truth.

[selena]

In the beginning of the season, RS was the better driver overall, towards the end of the season, JPM seems to bettter. All I can say is if RS does not improve next year, he will find himself in a precarious position.

[Alien]

I said this before in another thread, but i´ll write it agian. I´m glad that Montoya has a fast teammate as Ralf, because it will help bring out the best in Montoya. I´m sure that the more Ralf pushes, the better Montoya will get, I´m confident that Montoya will not run out of talent So GO RALF!!!!

But this is not only about Ralf´s lack of charisma but his behaviour at Suzuka and Monza just straightlining the chicane after getting passed; that isn´t "clean" racing. That´s what pisses Barichello off so much, Ralf gets passed and straightlines the chicane and then doesn´t give away his position until the corner after the main straight. Then, he almost punt out Barichello afterwards by swerving his car towards the ferrari. To me that´s not the attitude of a WDC, look at Montoya, he protected his position but Barichello made the pass almost through the grass. Montoya was surprised but he cleanly let Barichello through, took a better exit and then got him on the main staright. Ralf instead chose to straightline the chicane completely losing the chance of getting him afterwards, was it frustration, not being smart at th right moment, over-defending his position.... I don´t know, but Montoya did it the right way.

[senninha]

Originally posted by AD
Am I the only person left on this planet that likes Ralf?

Oh my God!!

Michael Schumacher writes on Atlas!!!!

Go JPM!!!

[obi-one]

Originally posted by mhferrari
Rubenho speaks the truth.

Oh no Rubens you just got yourself the No. 3 Ferrari for opening your mouth:lol:

Ralf seems to be a bad winner as well. He slammed his teammate after stealing a win from him do to fuel rig failure.

[berge]

Originally posted by AD
Am I the only person left on this planet that likes Ralf?

Ralf is a top driver and the fact is that along with JPM and his brother, he will be fighting it out for the WDC. If BMW Williams produce a superior enough car there's a massive chance that Ralf will be WDC.

This is news to me. Who's JPM's brother and what team is he driving for.;)

[HP]

Just rewatch the RS/RB incident at the chicane until Rubens overtaking. I think Rubens should stop being a follower. RS made way, moved of the racing line, but Rubens decided to follow RS instead of staying on the race line and go through. Hmm, maybe Rubens wears that #2 hat by purpose...

[KenC]

Well, perhaps Rubinho's jab at Half has something to do with payback for the aspersions cast upon Rubens by Ralf earlier this year, after Australia?

[berge]

I have in-car footage from RS on that lap. I assure you that Ralf DID NOT lift whatsoever.

[HP]

Originally posted by berge
I have in-car footage from RS on that lap. I assure you that Ralf DID NOT lift whatsoever.

Why should he lift?

Moving off the racing line and then slow down. But RB still following at his back, RS cannot slow down without RB doing what he did at the begin of the season.

[arnulfo182]

Honestly I don't see why anybody likes Ralf. He's not the fastest driver out there, he's not the most charming driver either. He doesn't have an aggressive driving style the fans like. He has stupid antics like pretending not to hear the radio telling him to let Montoya by. He's not a consistent winner, and he bends the rules even more than Michael. He whines constantly to the press and his arrogance makes his brother look like Mother Theresa. He even had the audacity to tell F1 Magazine that Villeneuve and Barrichello were "idiots," never mind one is a world champion who has probably accomplished more than Ralf ever will. If nothing else, Ralf is an idiot for thinking that he can use the press to rattle his teammate. Didn't he learn anyhting from DC? Last year all DC did was badmouth Schumi Sr., and in the end everybody sided with Schumacher just because they were sick of hearing DC blab about "clarification of the rules." Hakkinen never went whining to the press and it's obvious that Schumi respects him for it. Too bad Ralf feels he has to tell journalists Williams needs team orders. I hope he gets laughed out of the team for his arrogance. In any case, it doesn't matter, I think it's plenty clear which driver Patrick Head and Frank Williams prefer, and it ain't Ralf.

As for Barrichello, he's right on, Ralf is driving worse than ever, and he's obviously pissed his teammate is whipping his ass (and to the people who say overall Ralf had the edge throughout the year: face it, the pendulum of superiority has swung Monty's way and it looks like it's staying there), and he's being passed by one of the "idiots" at every race. The only real idiot is Ralf for thinking he can get team orders by being slow, cheating and whining.

[berge]

Originally posted by HP
Why should he lift?

Moving off the racing line and then slow down. But RB still following at his back, RS cannot slow down without RB doing what he did at the begin of the season.

lift=slow down=let RB pass
what part of that don't you understand?

[silver fan]

Originally posted by arnulfo182
Ralf is driving worse than ever, and he's obviously pissed his teammate is whipping his ass....

Bollocks, little Ralfie rather enjoys getting his ass spanked....

[Peter Perfect]

I think the fact that the Williams team now call Montoya 'Monster' shows that they consider him a better member of the team than Ralfie.

[Bee]

"Ralf is a bad loser!" That's rich coming from Rubens. I guess he has a short memory. To say nothing of the fact that he was damn slow coming out of the pits in Suzuka. The man has been a frigging hazard for Ralf in a total of 4 races so far. I'm not surprised Ralf has a problem with him.

It's going to be fun watching Ralf and JPM take points away from each other next year. Anyone who thinks it's going to be a JPM cakewalk is suffering from the 2001 pre-season syndrome again. What's happened in the last few races is momentum. Happens in all teams except Ferrari.
I guess when Ralf does well again, he'll be hated some more.

[Chui]

Geesh! I've never seen more whiners! Pro JPM, Anti-JPM, Pro Schumachers, Anti-Schumachers. Give it a break, please!

To the anti-JPM fans. Get over it. He has done well this season inspite of all of the "bad luck" this season. He got the upper hand of teammate as the season progressed. Period.

To the anti-Ralf fans. If you think you can out drive him, please give Sir Frank,Patrick Head and Gerhard a phone call for your cheap services. Ralf's still a professional race driver. I don't personally care for his personality, but he is still a professional. And he's human. He's suffering from "I may have been deposed" syndrome from the way I see it. Ralf may share some of Michael's success and perhaps sees himself as the 'best challenge' to Michael. Or at least would like to see that. JPM changed that.

Now, what do I think will happen next year? I dunno. It depends on the cars. As for within Williams-BMW? Bayerische Motoren Werke, GmBH is STILL a Deutsche company - as is Ralf. The possibility of one driver receiving more favorable equipment is very real in ALL Grand Prix teams. Ralf is worth more to BMW, GmBH than Juan is... Never forget that. Given a choice they'd much rather Ralf to win than Juan just as Honda will do everything possible to assist Sato...

I do know this. Ralf [and possibly Michael] have underestimated Juan. The little school-boy mindgames only strengthened Juan within the team and Ralf should not have indulged in much of it. Juan seemed to be a little bit distracted by it [maybe not, maybe he was just learning the ropes] early, but his abilities and courage was not doubted at Brazil. With Michael's comments seemingly "taking up for" his little brother to a Latino, Michael has done his brother no favors.

While I do not necessarily agree with all of JPM's purported comments ["...all Europeans have weak minds..." Never confirmed, however] the "Brother's Grim" have their own paradigm to re-evaluate. You don't fight a Latino head-on with the press. You do it on the track. I don't think Ralf ,and Michael to a lesser extent, realize the bravado, machismo, etc that exists in the darker race culture. They see the marvels of European society and culture and I guess figure that JPM is quick, but that is all. Surprise, surprise. They ARE at least as mentally tough as the Europeans. I do think JPM did make some sort of comment to this end and it was taken a bit out of context or his language skills may have made it much more crude, if not a bit racist.

In summary, ALL of these drivers are better than us so try to cut them SOME measure of slack. JPM got the upper hand on Ralf, who appears to be a bit concerned. Rattled seems to be more appropriate, but he is STILL very quick. Michael still has the best team around him and thus makes him the favorite for next year. Congratulations, Michael. Congratulations, Juan Pablo. C'mon, Ralf. You've got to pull yourself together.

[Real Estate Queen]

I went to the race on sunday, and I think Ralf's race was very good, except that he was completely outraced by Rubens. This fact must have upset him inmensely, to the point that he went as far as to brake the rules three times in order to be ahead of Rubens. He lost his cool, but his driving and speed did not suffer from this (a fact that left me very impressed regarding his driving skills).
Ralf is going to have to learn to control this ill-temper if he wants to be WDC.
I agree with Rubens' comments regarding sunday's race, but I also think that Ralf will learn from this mistake and put it behind.

GO JPM GO !!!!!!!!!!!

[AD]

Originally posted by senninha


Oh my God!!

Michael Schumacher writes on Atlas!!!!

Go JPM!!!

[Toyoter]

Originally posted by Chui
Now, what do I think will happen next year? I dunno. It depends on the cars. As for within Williams-BMW? Bayerische Motoren Werke, GmBH is STILL a Deutsche company - as is Ralf. The possibility of one driver receiving more favorable equipment is very real in ALL Grand Prix teams. Ralf is worth more to BMW, GmBH than Juan is... Never forget that. Given a choice they'd much rather Ralf to win than Juan just as Honda will do everything possible to assist Sato...

I don't think it's necessarily true that Ralf is worth more to BMW than Juan. JPM has become quite popular in the U.S., which is most likely BMW's largest market, not to mention all of South America. Ralf doesn't seem to be particularly popular anywhere. Even Berger has been spending a lot of time recently praising Juan. JPM is extremely charismatic and unquestionably much more marketable than the sour and sullen Ralf. If BMW is smart, they'll be praying for Juan to win the WDC next year.