World Champion F1 2004

Who is going to be the next World Champion F1?

I don't know who is going to win, but I'm starting to like Alonso's attitude.

Formula One does not boast the best race-drivers on earth. The myth that Grand Prix racing sorts out the 'best of the best' was exploded by Renault's young winner Fernando Alonso as the Spaniard prepares for season-2004.

He said in Melbourne: 'I raced in go-karts with maybe 15 to 20 better drivers than we have now in F1. They're not here because they didn't have the luck.'

Alonso, 22, countered the widespread belief that he, Kimi Raikkonen, Juan Pablo Montoya and Mark Webber make-up the 'best drivers' of the new race-generation. 'I don't think so,' he said. 'The best drivers aren't in F1 because they didn't have the money or the luck. I have to admit I had the luck and the chance.'

Fernando won a lucrative sponsorship when still in karts and was nudged into open-wheelers where he earned the eye of manager and F1 boss Flavio Briatore. 'I thought I would stay in karts all my life,' he smiled, 'so in my career, I realise that I have been pretty lucky and I am still lucky right now today.'

Alonso denies that more pressure is on him this Formula One season even if most pundits predict that his new Renault R24 race-car will be up with the best. He asked: 'How can I feel it? If the car is good I'll do a good race and if it's bad it will not be so good. I just put in maximum effort all the time.'

As for predictions, here's some by somebody who knows a lot more than I do.

German star Ralf Schumacher will get 'more support' from his grand prix team this season than defecting BMW-Williams team-mate Juan Pablo Montoya. That's just one of former triple world champion Niki Lauda's verdicts as the Austrian great hypothesised the probable winners and losers of Formula One 2004.

'If Montoya gets annoyed, his performance could go down,' Niki told The Independent in reference to the Colombian's announced-switch to McLaren in 2005. Lauda added: 'And Ralf has got to prove how good he is.'

Niki believes that Ferrari's success depends on the F2004 car, and even more on its Bridgestone tyres. 'Michael will be the same as always,' he continued. 'But it isn't going to be easy for him. Rubens can handle 'funny' cars better.'

55-year-old Lauda doesn't yet know if McLaren's novel approach to 'modifying' its failed 2003 car for the new Formula One season was a good or bad move. 'But I think it will be close between them [and Williams],' he added. The Austrian believes Renault will again be 'handicapped' on engine-power and observers shouldn't read too much into BAR-Honda's great pre-season test pace.

Meanwhile, Toyota are to benefit from the multi-million dollar 'pinching' of Mike Gascoyne from Renault, who is sure to come with 'plenty of information.' Lauda said: 'I definitely expect them to improve.'

Likewise, Sauber will 'do better' than in 2003, Niki reckons Jordan has '60 percent' more money, and he thinks Minardi are able to survive the full season.

Both taken from F1Racing.Net
--Toronto

As an Aussie I would like to say Mark Webber,
but even if he was capable I do not believe Jaguar is capable this year

And I have never been a fan of Michael Schumacher,
so I would not vote for him even if he was the only man in the race

And I have been to Finland and the Finns like to stand on there own two feet. (except maybe when they are drinking too much )

And have been to Germany and the Germans like to control things too much.

And I have been to Italy and .............. Well there was lots of pickpockets

I say Kimi. I only hope McLaren have got their equipment right this year.

I'm going to put my neck on the block and say:

Lord David the square chin of Coulthard.

Stupid maybe and sure to be proven wrong, but if he can pull it all together he can do the job. He has a point to prove this year to all other team bosses and will want to get a good seat for next year.

On the basis this Poll will run and run, I will wait a while before comitting.
But It won't be DC..........

Originally Posted by IanM

On the basis this Poll will run and run, I will wait a while before comitting.
But It won't be DC..........

Not really: This poll will close on 07-03-2004 at 19:46

Originally Posted by selespeed

Not really: This poll will close on 07-03-2004 at 19:46

So ,we the few, are going to be locked in ,and forced to face the consequences of our actions

Originally Posted by Stori

As an Aussie I would like to say Mark Webber,
but even if he was capable I do not believe Jaguar is capable this year

And I have never been a fan of Michael Schumacher,
so I would not vote for him even if he was the only man in the race

And I have been to Finland and the Finns like to stand on there own two feet. (except maybe when they are drinking too much )

And have been to Germany and the Germans like to control things too much.

And I have been to Italy and .............. Well there was lots of pickpockets

Have you been to the GP from each of those Countries you mentioned?.Thats pretty damn cool.It's always been a dream of mine to follow the GP throughtout the year from venue to venue.Well for now i better keep on dreaming.
I too would like to see webber shine a bit more this year.I think Jaguar have themselves a competitive car and it should be interesting to see how they go.

I would love to see Rubens Barrichello win ............he just seems to get so close ands yet so far or if not Alonso

Don`t think DC will win but Kimi might be in with a chance at least this year they have to start to drive the cars as they now have to change gear as well as turn the steering wheel

The last thing i want is to see Michael Schumacher win it again

Head says Schumi but heart says Barrichello so I voted for him.

Hopefully, what with the 6 titles under his belt, if Rubinho gets a good start to the season maybe TGF will give him a well deserved hand.

Here's dreaming...