90 replies to this topic

[metz]

They are back home.
The first "normal" race (no rain, no heat, no sand) with everyone uprading their gear.
The track is somewhat unique. Downforce, Kerbs, lower temperatures, all play a role.
As plagerized from the Renaul interview:

Imola places specific demands on car handling and although the circuit includes very few high-speed corners, one needs to nevertheless pay particular attention to a number of specific areas. The car needs to perform well under braking and on initial turn in to the corners, while also providing good traction on corner exit. Engine power is critical.

For the chassis, the numerous chicanes must be taken into account with both set-up and how to run the cars through the weekend. In handling terms, a good change of direction at low and medium speeds is important, while the Variante Alta and Variante Bassa place a premium on riding the kerbs well.

The severe usage of the kerbs at the chicanes also makes reliability a key priority: if the car 'lands' while still at full or even partial throttle, the shock loads in the transmission can cause failures of the driveshafts or the gear ratios themselves. Equally, one must pay particular attention to the underside of the car which takes severe impacts on the kerbs: this can break bodywork stays, or damage parts such as the front wing end plates and the front legality tray which are mounted low on the car.

In terms of setting up the car, cars need to run at the downforce levels that provides optimum lap-time on an overall scale, this counts as high downforce. Overtaking is difficult at Imola, owing to the relatively short straights, and some teams will need to compromise downforce levels to protect against overtaking in the race. In terms of springing the car, the teams have to find a compromise between riding the kerbs well, which would push them towards softer settings and maintaining a sharp change of direction in the slower corners, which needs a stiffer set-up.

On the tyre side, the heavy traction demands mean that teams will be monitoring rear tyre wear carefully for the race. The cool temperatures have seen some graining occur in the Michelins but in terms of overall wear, we can expect the levels to be similar to Melbourne; the temperatures should be at the same sort of level, and the track surface is not particularly abrasive.

This track is tricky and settup is critical.
I'm sure the Bridgestones will be back in form.
I'm also sure that McLaren got the tyre valve fixed.
Ron said they would be qualifying better.
The Renault had lots in reserve and may use it this weekend.
Williams can take the rev limiters off.
BAR will get a chance not to blow up.
Toyo gets stronger every day.
Expect Ferrari and Mac at the front.

So the question is, who will not be there?

[steel2005]

How can anyone be excited with this borefest of a season? Renault will win most of the races if not all of them, it's like 2004 only that in 2005 it's a blue car that is superior and dominant in which they will only let the Spanish guy win the races while they sabotaged the jinxed Italian one.

[metz]

Originally posted by steel2005
How can anyone be excited with this borefest of a season? Renault will win most of the races if not all of them, it's like 2004 only that in 2005 it's a blue car that is superior and dominant in which they will only let the Spanish guy win the races while they sabotaged the jinxed Italian one.

All indications are that Bridgestones are BACK.
We will see an Alonso/Schumacher battle.
Nothing boring about that..

[bluetentacle]

Originally posted by steel2005
How can anyone be excited with this borefest of a season? Renault will win most of the races if not all of them, it's like 2004 only that in 2005 it's a blue car that is superior and dominant in which they will only let the Spanish guy win the races while they sabotaged the jinxed Italian one.

Aren't we a little premature here?

No one knows how strong Ferrari is. Now that they've made race-week testing a norm, they have a big advantage over other teams. BAR seems to be making a comeback, and McLaren may have sorted out their qualifying woes. As strong Renault has been, it's clear that their advantage over others isn't as great as Ferrari has had over the past couple of years. There are, in short, a great number of variables in play next weekend.

Let's not get into sabotage land.

[metz]

Heidfeld and Webber are both OK.

Will JPM be back?

[eoin]

Originally posted by metz

All indications are that Bridgestones are BACK.
We will see an Alonso/Schumacher battle.
Nothing boring about that..

Well Imola might be boring, but only because the track is boring. I suspect we will see a good battle between MS, FA and KR. However it will probably be won by however leads after the first pitstops.

[Ricardo F1]

Schumacher and Alonso on the front row . . . and an ongoing battle between them through the race. Should be good stuff.

[fastlegs]

I think it will be interesting to see how Ferrari and Bridgestone perform on this type of circuit.

Not that I think one should read too much into one race, but this may prove to be the turning point that Ferrari is looking for. We'll find out soon enough.

[BorderReiver]

Originally posted by steel2005
How can anyone be excited with this borefest of a season? Renault will win most of the races if not all of them, it's like 2004 only that in 2005 it's a blue car that is superior and dominant in which they will only let the Spanish guy win the races while they sabotaged the jinxed Italian one.

You have some issues don't you?

[BuonoBruttoCattivo]

OK, Fisichella will be stronger than Falonso IMO...
Renault will be stable and solid on the curbs, but I say Gianca' will prevail over Iberian.
Ferrari will stage a comeback (god-damnit I hope so ).

And yes, Imola is boring because track is utter crap.
Yet another year of lying, decieving and price-increases by track owners.
What happened to promise of removing stupid variante alta and Villeneuve chicanes?
Go away Imola.

[Cadence]

Originally posted by metz

All indications are that Bridgestones are BACK.
We will see an Alonso/Schumacher battle.
Nothing boring about that..

What indications?

[BuonoBruttoCattivo]

Originally posted by Cadence

What indications?

Todt, Barri and MS indicate...

[Cadence]

Originally posted by BuonoBruttoCattivo


Todt, Barri and MS indicate...

Ok, I guess... :
Proof's in the puddin' though. We'll see come race day how well those tyres heat up and last. Personally, I think it will be Jerez before Ferrari/BS is back on their game.

[MortenF1]

I wouldn't be surprised if Toyota "struggled" a little there, even though they managed to improve the car's behaviour on kerbs, which is crucially important on Imola. I think they'll be pretty competitive on every track, but I'm not expecting a podium from San Marino or Spain.
Heidfeld, Michael Schumacher, Fisichella and Montoya might have a hard time in qualifying as they're out early in Q1. As far as I remember, on Imola, that's not as punishing as it is on many other circuits, but it will probably be tough for Heidfeld, Fisichella and Montoya atleast, to keep up with their team-mates.
With Räikkönen finishing third in Bahrain, he's set up nicely for a good chance to get a decent grid position, but as he's set to take one step forward, the characteristics of Imola might see to him taking a step backwards too. The MP 4/20 isn't at its best in slow corners.... And perhaps not yet at the sweet spot when braking hard. And the engine lacks too. (Latest F1 Racing lists it as only ninth best...) Shall be interesting to see if Michelin have come up with a useful (qual-)tyre for them though...If all works well, the front row could be possible.
Ferrari will most probably be very strong here, but it's mostly up to B-stone. I'm expecting a good finish for Schumacher, and if B-stone have got their sh*t together, he should be somewhere on the podium. I'm expecting nothing less, and it should be easier for them here as it's much, much cooler.
I'm also looking forward to see if B-A-R Honda's recent tests can lead to points, but as with the aforementioned, they might not qualify where they really should, due to an early go in Q1.
Wouldn't be at all surprised to see DC and Red Bull get a couple of points again.
I'm a bit sceptic about Webber's engine, as he was told to run reduced revs from lap three in Bahrain, but had to cranck them up later, to defend himself against de la Rosa.
Alonso will of course be very strong again. A serious contender for pole and victory.

[eoin]

Originally posted by Cadence

Ok, I guess... :
Proof's in the puddin' though. We'll see come race day how well those tyres heat up and last. Personally, I think it will be Jerez before Ferrari/BS is back on their game.

I think you have been watching too much MotoGP!!

[jokuvaan]

Only thing I'm sure of, there will be a lot of surprises because people have very different views on how the weekend will go.

[MortenF1]

...And I also think and hope that Villeneuve will continue to improve.
Forecasted temps are around 12-15'C.... (Brrr!)

[wegmann]

I don't find this upcoming race boring at all. The Ferraris are back at one of their home races, with weather FAR more suitable to their tires (tyres). They've got some experience with the new car now, and maybe Michael and Rubens are getting a bit hungry.

Let's see what they've got before we write the season off.

... also looking forward to see if McLaren and Williams can step it up, and if Toyota can remain respectable with their ridiculous budget.

[nigel red5]

The next couple of F1 weekends certainly are a fantastic prospect. Ferrari's home ground, then next onto Catalunya and the 100,000+ strong Alonso-army. I'm looking forward to this.

Ferrari are coming off the back of the most intensive Formula 1 test ever seen. Renault working at it as much as they can to stem the tide of the advancing red machine. The whole world at the moment is talking about and building up the Schumacher v Alonso fight which does look to be the one that will continue through the season, it's understandable. And that is precisely why i will love it if either Toyota or Fisichella go right ahead and win this weekend.

Remember from 1998-2004 it's been mainly Ferrari v "insert one team here", with the possible exception of 2003, and lets face it, it was becoming stale. But now we have Mclaren, Toyota, Ferrari, Renault and Williams all believing they can fight for the podium.......it's great, just the kick up the backside the sport needed. I'm certainly enjoying the start of this season more than i have done for any of the last 7 years probably.

Ferrari *must* perform this weekend. 24 points is do-able for Michael from where he is, no doubt about that. But if it slips down more towards 30 then the word crisis will start surfacing. If it swings the other way and he gets the gap down to under 20 points, then all of a sudden it will be advantage Ferrari going into Alonso's den. The only hurdle that Schumacher has to overcome this weekend that will be of any great concern to him, is qualifying 1 on Saturday, as due to his retirement in Bahrain, he'll be going out very early. If Michael comes through that, and is in the first three, then it's game on for Sunday.

Should be fun....

[BuonoBruttoCattivo]

FERRARI will be back...but I 'dunno if the points deficit can be closed.
But the F2006 will be for next year.
history is repeating itself, in 2003 Reds where OKayish, in 2004...

B-stone and Ferrari was a little slow in development.


A few [small] points that give hope for a Ferrari WDC.
Renaults' reliability is still semi-suspect...
The season is really long.
Falonso has little pressure experience, and once in a while proved suspect in quals/races.
But he's also very, very clever and good.

I still think that its too late for Ferrari to win a WDC or WCC.

[MrSlow]

Personally I expect various carbonfibre parts to disengage from the car at Variante Alta. Propably a few offs there also when they will be trying their best to straightline it. In the name of safety, why do they not do something about that chicane so that the cars stay on the track there???
Apart from that, the high pitlane speed will make everybody do a two stopper and therefore all passing will be in the pits since there is no safe place to pass on track.

McLaren say that they will be better off for the one lap flyers now, I expect them to fight with Renault, Toyota and Ferrari for the top podium position.

[inaki]

Originally posted by steel2005
How can anyone be excited with this borefest of a season? Renault will win most of the races if not all of them, it's like 2004 only that in 2005 it's a blue car that is superior and dominant in which they will only let the Spanish guy win the races while they sabotaged the jinxed Italian one .

This is the attemp of sabotage:

Renault could provide Giancarlo Fisichella with an upgraded engine for the San Marino Grand Prix on Sunday. The lighter and more powerful RS25B had been due for introduction next month.

"The final decision will depend on dyno tests and the detailed analysis of results from testing last week," said Renault's engine chief Rob White.

Championship leader Fernando Alonso will have to wait until the fifth round in Spain for an upgrade, but both drivers will get a new front wing.

While Alonso's current engine is halfway through the mandatory two-race cycle, Fisichella's retirement in Bahrain leaves him free to take the new engine without penalty.

Renault dominated the first three races, with Fisichella's victory in Australia followed by back-to-back wins for Alonso in Malaysia and Bahrain.

Alonso, who has 26 points, leads Toyota's Jarno Trulli by 10 points in the drivers' standings. Fisichella is third on 10.

”The challenge now is to maintain our level”

---------------------------------------

They'll give Giancarlo an engine with 10 HP more, but it'll be fixed to burst by a remote control in lap 10, so Alonso can win easily. Rob White and Flavio will continue with his plan to **** Fisi's car in Alonso's benefit so they can fill his pockets later. Pat Symonds and Louis Schweitzer are also informed.

You and Nancsi706 can continue spreading the stupid conspiracy theory

[karlth]

I expect Ferrari to be the strongest team at Imola. If not they are in deep trouble.

[metz]

Originally posted by Cadence

What indications? (that Bstones are back)

from A - A

Monday, 18 April 2005 15:01


Hiroshi Yasukawa, Director of Motorsport: "The first three rounds of this season have produced some interesting results. While they may have been great for the spectators, they were not quite what we had hoped for! However, we do believe that the Ferrari - Bridgestone package is growing stronger each day and there is also a huge amount of potential yet to come. Our technical personnel have been working hard with our teams in the past couple of weeks and we fully expect to see a competitive performance from them this weekend . For Ferrari and Minardi, in particular, a good result is important on their home territory."

Hisao Suganuma, Technical Manager: "San Marino provides us with an exciting and challenging start to the European season. Over the past few weeks we have tested extensively with Ferrari at Barcelona, Mugello and Fiorano and with Jordan at Paul Ricard while Minardi shook down their new 2005 challenger, also at Mugello. We have noted some encouraging findings which have influenced our choice of tyre for the next race. It is important for Imola that our tyres have good balance due to the undulating nature of the track and good front tyre performance can reduce understeer. The fuel effect can also be quite high there so I would expect a two stop strategy. Furthermore, the section down to Rivazza, in particular, requires good braking performance so we have had to take all these things into consideration when choosing our specifications for San Marino. With the progress made recently in conjunction with Ferrari I am looking forward to a competitive weekend. I am also keen to see the new Minardi race as they have not had a completely new car for some time

[Lontano]

will montoya be driving at Imola? and if he doesn't, who will replace him? Wurz or de la Rosa?

[tom]

yeah i hope montoya's back, he never beat ralf at imola, but he seemed to be getting closer at imola each year. seems montoya isn't very good at imola and hungary, but i guess everyone's got some bad-tracks, remember hakkinen at argentina? he was terrible there!

i'm with race-addicted, hopefully villeneuve can drop massa for once, but with everyone saying its the braking system thats stuffing him up, imola should be one of the worst for him shouldn't it?
but he usually is quick at imola, i remember he qualified 5th there in the 99 BAR, and his teammate sato was about 20th on the grid!.

go monty and jaques! #1

[d_view7]

Originally posted by Lontano
will montoya be driving at Imola? and if he doesn't, who will replace him? Wurz or de la Rosa?

TS reports that Montoya will most likely miss the Imola GP and Wurz will drive the other Mp4-20.

[jonpollak]

expect rain
Jp

[giddyup409]

bahrain heat, tough on engines. imola track, tough on engines. if fred wins imola in his "detune the engine" style, i say: frank, dump the beemers and stick those renaults in your williams.
battle between fisi and ms will be on my renault vs. ferrari watch list. both with new engines and bad 1st qual. position. time for fisi to prove eyetalians that he was all along worthy a ferrari seat ;)

[jokuvaan]

TS says that x-ray will be done on Wednesday, but driving is unlikely because of nature of the track.
Those kerbstones can be painfull even with healthy arm.

[Pep]

Originally posted by inaki


This is the attemp of sabotage:

Renault could provide Giancarlo Fisichella with an upgraded engine for the San Marino Grand Prix on Sunday. The lighter and more powerful RS25B had been due for introduction next month.

"The final decision will depend on dyno tests and the detailed analysis of results from testing last week," said Renault's engine chief Rob White.

Championship leader Fernando Alonso will have to wait until the fifth round in Spain for an upgrade, but both drivers will get a new front wing.

While Alonso's current engine is halfway through the mandatory two-race cycle, Fisichella's retirement in Bahrain leaves him free to take the new engine without penalty.

Renault dominated the first three races, with Fisichella's victory in Australia followed by back-to-back wins for Alonso in Malaysia and Bahrain.

Alonso, who has 26 points, leads Toyota's Jarno Trulli by 10 points in the drivers' standings. Fisichella is third on 10.

”The challenge now is to maintain our level”

---------------------------------------

They'll give Giancarlo an engine with 10 HP more, but it'll be fixed to burst by a remote control in lap 10, so Alonso can win easily. Rob White and Flavio will continue with his plan to **** Fisi's car in Alonso's benefit so they can fill his pockets later. Pat Symonds and Louis Schweitzer are also informed.

You and Nancsi706 can continue spreading the stupid conspiracy theory

Don't give clues to them, if Renault finally don't provide the new more powerful engine to Fisi, they'll say that Renault is conspiring against him. I wonder what they will say when Fisi's turn to finish ahead of Alonso comes.

[F1 Tor.]

Originally posted by steel2005
How can anyone be excited with this borefest of a season? Renault will win most of the races if not all of them, it's like 2004 only that in 2005 it's a blue car that is superior and dominant in which they will only let the Spanish guy win the races while they sabotaged the jinxed Italian one.

Awesome. Another poster I can read for comic relief. Thanks steel.

[senna da silva]

Ferrari should qualify at or close to the front. The question will be can they and Bridgestone maintain race pace.
Renault are the team to beat, Fisi on a fresh engine should get pole.
Ralf usually does well at Imola so I see this as his first chance to get on top of Trulli.
McLaren should qualify better and their race pace is good, Kimi should have a good chance at a podium or more.
Webber needs a great race, but it will be very tough for him, he may end up choking.
BAR have done well in the last couple of tests and shown reliability, time will tell.
Coulthard should be ahead of Liuzzi, but the quick young Italian will want to shine at home, it will be close between them.
Will Jacques finally come to grips with the C24, after his shortened test it will be difficult but Imola is a track he has always done quite well at.
Expect more solid work from the Jordan boys, it seems like they are gathering info for '06, keep it on the track and put in lots of laps.
Debut for Minardi, they may just get off the back of the grid with the strong CR6 in the back of the PS05.


Ahhh who knows, bring on Sunday!

[F1 Tor.]

Originally posted by senna da silva
Ferrari should qualify at or close to the front. The question will be can they and Bridgestone maintain race pace.
Renault are the team to beat, Fisi on a fresh engine should get pole.
Ralf usually does well at Imola so I see this as his first chance to get on top of Trulli.
McLaren should qualify better and their race pace is good, Kimi should have a good chance at a podium or more.
Webber needs a great race, but it will be very tough for him, he may end up choking.
BAR have done well in the last couple of tests and shown reliability, time will tell.
Coulthard should be ahead of Liuzzi, but the quick young Italian will want to shine at home, it will be close between them.
Will Jacques finally come to grips with the C24, after his shortened test it will be difficult but Imola is a track he has always done quite well at.
Expect more solid work from the Jordan boys, it seems like they are gathering info for '06, keep it on the track and put in lots of laps.
Debut for Minardi, they may just get off the back of the grid with the strong CR6 in the back of the PS05.


Ahhh who knows, bring on Sunday!

Nice.

[vin diesel]

Originally posted by Ricardo F1
Schumacher and Alonso on the front row . . . and an ongoing battle between them through the race. Should be good stuff.

Oh yeah should be sensational. This is what I want for the rest of the year.......

[vin diesel]

Originally posted by BuonoBruttoCattivo
OK, Fisichella will be stronger than Falonso IMO...
Renault will be stable and solid on the curbs, but I say Gianca' will prevail over Iberian.
Ferrari will stage a comeback (god-damnit I hope so ).

And yes, Imola is boring because track is utter crap.
Yet another year of lying, decieving and price-increases by track owners.
What happened to promise of removing stupid variante alta and Villeneuve chicanes?
Go away Imola.

something tells me Fisi is going to cop another pounding.

[senna da silva]

Originally posted by vin diesel


something tells me Fisi is going to cop another pounding.

Fisi will be on a fresh engine which may be an upgrade.

[SpamJet]

im having more fun wondering what will happen in the race than the actual race it itself. ( always a good sign)

Seems like a Fisi circuit, or will alonso monster him.
Will Mclaren start qualifying better, will they be behind Toyota.

And what of mighty Ferrari, the turnaround of BAR, the craftsmenship of Williams, will they be front runners?

Even if Ferrari win this season, more credit to tthem, and if they dont, well done the winners.

Seems like this this the first time for ages we have had this much front running competition, so put ure personal prejudices aside and watch formula one as it supposed to be.

Whoever wins at the last race will be a hero in my books.

B

[vin diesel]

Originally posted by senna da silva


Fisi will be on a fresh engine which may be an upgrade.

Yeah Ive read that too but I can't see him beating Alonso. Especially with Ferrari and Schumacher breathing down Renaults neck, Alonso is going to have to be right on it and if he does that, like he should, Fisi will be left behind.

If Alonso relaxes for whatever reason then Fisi might have a chance.

[repcobrabham]

i'm probably stating the obvious but qualifying and the start should just about decide this race, a la melbourne
as an MW fanboy i'm optimistic about a podium
as a FA admirer i can imagine 3 from 3
MS and RB will obviously be totally psyched and i expect them to be top 6 on the grid at the very least, ditto GF and JT
really want to see minardi make a big improvement with their hot new car
hope BAR can last the distance
mac's poor quali form could hamper their chances, although KR on a long run can never be discounted

[BuonoBruttoCattivo]

Originally posted by vin diesel


something tells me Fisi is going to cop another pounding.

OK, I don't know wot that means.

If u mean Gianca will be behind Espanard??
No, not @ Imola...watch and see.
Gianca is brilliant at the Santerno track.
Also, Fabolous Flavio is lately singing praise of Roman, psycho-advantage for Fisico.

But over a season, Iberian gets my vote over gF.

[kodandaram]

I hope to see DC and JV do well - both of them have done well there recently at least in qualy ...

I just hope Jacques breaks the duck and gets some points. His last points race was 2003 Monza

[fastlegs]

Originally posted by kodandaram
I hope to see DC and JV do well - both of them have done well there recently at least in qualy ...

I just hope Jacques breaks the duck and gets some points. His last points race was 2003 Monza

Poor old Jacques certainly needs a break. I sure hope he gets it this weekend.

[vin diesel]

Originally posted by fastlegs


Poor old Jacques certainly needs a break. I sure hope he gets it this weekend.

here's hoping guys.....

I feel if Jacques can outpace Massa, he will really bbegin to build on it. and if he's going to do it anywhere, it will be Imola, he's put in some damn fine performances there in the past.

[vin diesel]

Originally posted by BuonoBruttoCattivo


OK, I don't know wot that means.

If u mean Gianca will be behind Espanard??
No, not @ Imola...watch and see.
Gianca is brilliant at the Santerno track.
Also, Fabolous Flavio is lately singing praise of Roman, psycho-advantage for Fisico.

But over a season, Iberian gets my vote over gF.

Yeah I think Giancarlo will be behind again, but I could be wrong. Im just going on the trend of the last 2 races. But we'll see.

[Heathcliff]

I expect Ferrari to dominate due to the fact that even on a track which didnt suit it in very hot weather, it was the fastest car, so why shouldnt it be the clearly best car in imola.

Only inferior driving can ruin it for ferrari.

I expect Toyota to struggle a bit compared to last few GPs.
Renault will be strong again, but compared to Ferrari their only advantage is superior drivers.

[vin diesel]

Originally posted by Heathcliff
I expect Ferrari to dominate due to the fact that even on a track which didnt suit it in very hot weather, it was the fastest car, so why shouldnt it be the clearly best car in imola.

Only inferior driving can ruin it for ferrari.

I expect Toyota to struggle a bit compared to last few GPs.
Renault will be strong again, but compared to Ferrari their only advantage is superior drivers.

comparing the 2 I'd say Ferrari has the better line up.

Schumacher is still, for the moment a better racer than Alonso till proven otherwise.

RB and GF are very very close but, for the moment I'd give the nod to Barrichello. Ferrari have had the inferior car all year so far, not inferior drivers.

[gaugegauge]

i expect villeneuve to fall flat on his face yet again ;)

i also expect (more like wishful thinking thought) Bar to be challenging for podium

[Corners]

Originally posted by inaki


This is the attemp of sabotage:

Renault could provide Giancarlo Fisichella with an upgraded engine for the San Marino Grand Prix on Sunday. The lighter and more powerful RS25B had been due for introduction next month.

"The final decision will depend on dyno tests and the detailed analysis of results from testing last week," said Renault's engine chief Rob White.

Championship leader Fernando Alonso will have to wait until the fifth round in Spain for an upgrade, but both drivers will get a new front wing.

While Alonso's current engine is halfway through the mandatory two-race cycle, Fisichella's retirement in Bahrain leaves him free to take the new engine without penalty.

Renault dominated the first three races, with Fisichella's victory in Australia followed by back-to-back wins for Alonso in Malaysia and Bahrain.

Alonso, who has 26 points, leads Toyota's Jarno Trulli by 10 points in the drivers' standings. Fisichella is third on 10.

”The challenge now is to maintain our level”

---------------------------------------

They'll give Giancarlo an engine with 10 HP more, but it'll be fixed to burst by a remote control in lap 10, so Alonso can win easily. Rob White and Flavio will continue with his plan to **** Fisi's car in Alonso's benefit so they can fill his pockets later. Pat Symonds and Louis Schweitzer are also informed.

You and Nancsi706 can continue spreading the stupid conspiracy theory

Anyone who thinks they're fixing Fisichella's car must be a total fool, its a great car he's thrilled he's been given the best one on the grid and he's determined to get the balance right. He's man enough to say that there's more performance to come from him as the car is fantastic when did you last here someone say that ? Flavio is fully behind Giancarlo and there is no conspiracies at all just as there isn't any at Ferrari another subject of much paranoid debate.

[Henrik B]

Anything else than victory for Ferrari would be a disaster. They've been testing the crap out of the car (still do, matter of fact) and everyone from MS down to Mrv has hinted that Ferrari will be "very competitive" at Imola, Ferrari-speak for "we will win this easily". The weather looks to be perfect for Bstone and MS knows the track inside out. If they fail to win this the vultures will be out in force. A podium isn't enough.

Furthermore I expect Liuzzi to crash, Honda to blow up, Toyota suddenly suck again, McLaren up there and Williams also closer to the top. Renault and Ferrari will be fighting for the win, though.