Autocourse Top Ten - Can it Really be True?

[Peter Mallett]

I've just got hold of my copy of Autocourse. OK, it was a pressie but it's a bit of a tradition in the Mallett household. I get to open it and then immediately slope off for a private read. I generally skim through the pages and then take a long leisurely month to read it properly. However, I thought that the driver's top ten threw up an interesting result. It goes as follows: -


1. Michael Schumacher. - No surprise there. The star of this season since the flag dropped in Melbourne. (I forecasted his championship after that race). Just proving I can be right sometimes.

2. Mika Hakkinen. - Again no surprises there.

3. Gilles Villeneauve. - Now I got a surprise. I have to admit that his achievements this season have, to me, been a lot lower than I had hoped, even accounting for the appalling 1999 farce.

4. David Coulthard. - Definitely a good season for this guy. I thought third would be his natural position.

5. Rubens Barrichello. - Lots of good words about Rubinho, which, to me are somewhat, unjustified. The compilers talk about his deserved win at Hockenhiem, but spend a lot of the text referring to how hard it is to be a Ferrari No. 2 to Mickey-the-shoe. No surprises there but, in my opinion, he should have done more than he did, even if he was slowed at Montreal by the team.

6. Jarno Trulli. - What on earth did he do this year? Sorry but being Italian and a nice bloke with a Latin temperament doesn't really cut it for me.

7. Jenson Button. - Well I fully expected him to turn up. Who wouldn't - but at No 7?

8. Jean Alesi. - *Yawn*.

9. Ralf Schumacher. - Well at least he got in there. His efforts and surprising maturity this year deserved better recognition.

10. Heinz Harald Frentzen. - Good driver, deserves better but this year he was pretty well blown away by anybody you care to name.

All of which leads me to think that we've got a serious problem with perception. My top ten would look a little more like this: -

1. Michael Schumacher.

2. Mika Hakkinen.

3. David Coulthard.

4. Ralf Schumacher. - He made better use of his (obviously) limited equipment than any other driver (including, relatively, the top three).

5. Jacques Villeneauve. - Like RS above he certainly tried hard and showed up some much more capable machinery in the process.

6. Marc Gene. - Who else tried harder?

7. Jenson Button. - After a nervous start to the season, he made Ralf look like a novice at times. No mean feat.

8. Rubens Barrichello. - As a winner he's got to be there but he should have done better. A driver for whom people make excuses. He also made some seriously lesser machinery look good at times.

9. Jos Verstappen. - Both Arrows drivers deserved recognition but I guess the coin falls in favour of the Dutchman for me. He did provide some interesting in car commentary during the RTL5 coverage this year.

10. Jean Alesi. - On the basis that I can't think of anybody else to complete the top ten. There just aren't that many top talents from this year.

[Carrie]

Originally posted by Peter Mallett
3. Gilles Villeneauve. - Now I got a surprise. I have to admit that his achievements this season have, to me, been a lot lower than I had hoped, even accounting for the appalling 1999 farce.

Yes Peter, it is indeed a surprise to see Gilles Villeneuve in the top ten for this season

[Minardi fan]

I have to agree that their top ten looks a bit odd. If it were down to me *here he goes* this is how it would look...

1. Michael Schumacher
2. Mika Hakkinen
3. Ralf Schumacher
4. Marc Gene
5. Pedro De La Rosa
6. Mika Salo
7. Jenson Button
8. Jacques Villeneuve
9. Gaston Mazzacane
10. David Coulthard

[Liz]

Gilles has been dead since 1982 and the best they gave him was No. 3?

A man who even shows up for races after being dead for nearly 20 years ought to be No. 1, whether he won any races or not.

My list would not comprise 10 guys, as there are only four who deserve any attention as far as strivers go:

1. Marc Gene
2. Jos Verstappen
3. Rubens Barrachello
4. Ricardo Zonta

Just because they did better than last year against fantastic odds, and were jeered at or ignored by the people who spent the entire year slobbering all over McLaren and TGF.

Bandwagoneers all.

It's competition and hard work that count in my books, not getting your face on every possible item of apparel and merchandise, and cultivating a close personal relationship with your portfolio.

Formula One is a sport? Bah.

[neutral]

My list would not comprise 10 guys, as there are only four who deserve any attention as far as strivers go:

1. Marc Gene
2. Jos Verstappen
3. Rubens Barrachello
4. Ricardo Zonta

What pills are you taking Liz?

[Peter Mallett]

Originally posted by Carrie
[/B]

Yes Peter, it is indeed a surprise to see Gilles Villeneuve in the top ten for this season
[/B][/QUOTE]

TEE HEE. Wondered who'd pick up on that. Of course I meant Jacques. Good stuff this Remy Martin.

[TimD]

Peter, what excellent taste!

Thinks: there's just enough in the Remy bottle for a small drinkie after lunch.

[Minardi fan]

I too was tempted to put Marc Gene in the no.1 spot - no other driver put in so much effort all the time.

[Liz]

I just don't think someone with all the prepaid advantages can be said to be a "great pilot" because his car outlasts the other cars and he happens to be the one driving it.

I'd rather see a guy in a weak car get every last inch out of it and never stop trying, even if he doesn't win.

[TimD]

Therein lies my perpetual enthusiasm for all drivers who were prepared to throw in their lot with Tyrrell!

[Airhead]

A man who even shows up for races after being dead for nearly 20 years ought to be No. 1, whether he won any races or not.


Liz,

Brilliant. I good long laugh was had at this end. I think for the year 2000 the most disapointing and best drives of the year (unfortunately singular events) came from the same two people

Jacques the Son and DC

[Minardi fan]

Originally posted by TimD
Therein lies my perpetual enthusiasm for all drivers who were prepared to throw in their lot with Tyrrell!

UKYO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Minardi fan]

Originally posted by AMoffat

Brilliant. I good long laugh was had at this end.

I fail to see why this was funny in any way - and would like to revise my top 10:

1. Gene
2. De La Rosa
3. R Schumacher
4. Salo
5. TGF
6. Hakkinen
7. Verstappen
8. Zonta
9. Mazzacane
10. Button

For me Gene and De La Rosa were the two top strivers in 2000. One in particular may not have had the machinery to produce Ferrari-like results but that doesn't stop them from trying - and trying harder than TGF and Hakkinen put together.

Although Liz I do have one query...

Rubens???

[Airhead]

Dear Minardi Fan,

The bit that was funny was the reference Liz made to Gilles V. Yes it was black humour, but all the funnier for it. I would not have a go at omeone who supports tail enders, I have been supporting a football team that specialises in getting the wooden spoon each year. It is a sign of strength of character.

[Minardi fan]

Excellent.

[neutral]

I'd rather see a guy in a weak car get every last inch out of it and never stop trying, even if he doesn't win.

Considering the 96,97,98 seasons, you must be a huge Schumacher fan. By the way, doesen't Rubens also drive a Ferrari. Call me stupid, but I find it hard to understand how 1 win and 1 pole can outdo 9 wins and 9 poles.

It seems as though Rubens has gone to sleep back their in fourth position.
-Martin Brundle

It appears that Rubens is quite content to cruise around by himself. He's making no impressions on the front pack. He almost looks too relaxed.

-Martin Brundle

At times Murray, Rubens seems capable of challenging the leaders, but then he seems to lose interest. He needs to show a bit more agression in his driving.

Doesnt sound to me like someone who is "getting every inch out of the car".

[Minardi fan]

Precisely. Rubens put in the least effort out of every single driver on the grid this season.

[KC]

Was this an Autocourse Top 10 in Formula 1 or a Top 10 in Motor Racing?

Where it just F1, I would say...

1. Michael Schumacher: He dominated early only to show some weakness in the middle of the seaosn and then came back to run down Mika and soundly beat him.

2. David Coulthard: He soundly beat Mika early in the season. He made a serious statement to McLaren about his intention to take the fight straight at his two rivals. All of this without 100% support from McLaren as well.

3. Mika Hakkinen: He was able to pursue and catch Schumacher but finally came up short. The pressure from Schumacher may have proved too much.

4. Jenson Button: Excellent result from his freshman season. He showed potential to become one of the top three or four in F1. With the right team he could easily win a majority of races in a season. He might be the next Nigel Mansell.

5. Ralf Schumacher: The most steady and reliable of all F1 drivers. Consistently running well got him some podiums and should keep him in the hunt.

6. Pedro de la Rosa: His ability to make up positions with the Arrows that it probably does not deserve shows that this guy has potential.

7. Rubens Barrichello: His win at Hockenheim shows some potential, but he did not compete at the front as much as the man he replaced.

8. Jacques Villeneuve: he constantly pushed the car beyond its limits and showed that he still has the spark. He needs a good car.

9. Marc Gene: he alsso showed talent being snuffed by a back grid car. this is no fault of Minardi, just a result based purely on budget.

10. Jean Alesi: The elder statesman of F1. How he keeps going after all of the frustrations he has endured I'll never know.

My Top 10 in Motor Racing:

1. Michael Schumacher

2. Gil deFerran

3. Marcus Gronholm: May deserve higher placement because he won with a first year manufacturer.

4. Colin Edwards

5. Kenny Roberts Jr.

6. Juan Montoya

7. Alan McNish

8. David Coulthard

9. Paul Tracy

10. Jenson Button

[Gt_R]

Just to throw in my penny's worth...

Toppy 10 in F1 in order
1) Michael Schuey -- Masterful drives, works hard.,.finally reaps the long overdue results...
2) Mika Hakky -- Brilliant recovery mid season. Smooth calm performances.
3) David Coulty -- For his comeback from death, and the form he showed at the 1st half of the season
4) Jenson Butty -- Who would have betted on him doing so brilliantly well in his 1st year!
5) Jacques Villes -- Always 101%...although it doesnt convert to podium places
6) Jarno Trully -- did u see him in spa and mnc?? Cool stuffs, esp out driving ur teammate...
7) Ralf Schuey -- Matured strong race performances, although qualifys could be better
8) Jean Alesy -- Old outside, young inside...the fire and determination for all to see!
9) Eddie Irvz -- Matured after leaving Ferrari. Keeps trying despite the poor car he has.
10) Jos Vesstapy-- Well...strong races dat deserve more pts..



And about Rubino, i think he is taking things for granted, knowing that his Ferrari would get him the points...dat he couldnt get 1st, but he couldnt get worse then 4th either

The only good performance i can think of is in Germany, when he sees his chance after Michael's retirement!

[Airhead]

Dear KC,

Great idea, take it literally and weigh up the performances of all people participating in the highest level of their chosen discipline of racing. What is more amazing, I agree with most of your picks except:

No 5, Ralf, I'm sorry people I must be blinded by the light from this great talent, I just can't see it. Insert Jacques the Son instead.

In the Motor Racing Top Ten,

Change Little Kenny in the 500's for McCoy, poor team, poor tyres, great effort.

For the Superbikes, Edwards?, rode well on a bike that should have won by a mile, insert Corser rode well on a bike that had no place winning races. Chilli, rode like a demon on a bike that is on the wrong side (capacity wise) of the rules. (Yes I know it's the F1 Forum but maybe some of you will follow the bikes next year if I cross pollinate).

In the Indycars, Paul for being Paul. And Gil for winning.

[Liz]

I just like Rubens. So sue me.

I think Richard Burns is better than Marcus Grunholm. It was Subaru gremlins that caused Burns not to win this year. And I wouldn't put Bnusen in any top 10. I just don't like him.

Hon. Mention should go to Mazza at Indianapolis GP just for making Murray have apoplexy and scream for blue flags when Mazza was in fact AHEAD of his beloved and adored Mika.

[Minardi fan]

Mazzacane in third... Something I will NEVER forget.

[Peter Mallett]

KC,

The top ten was from the annual publication known as Autocourse. I generally have no problems with their choices (at least I don't find them particularly controversial) but I note that most posters above have agreed with my feelings on Trulli. Why on earth was he selected at all?

As to Rubens. I feel particularly cheated by this driver. Unless he really picks his game up I can't see Ferrari keeping him longer than 2001. I shall never forget the fuss made about him at Stewart and then Herbert takes that team's only win. Are we talking about a fighting driver or an also ran with good publicity? I used to think it was the former but now?

I guess we have to compare him to his predeccessor and in that light he certainly appeared lacklustre.

Neutral,

I don't believe MS tried any harder with his previous Ferraris than Mazzacane, PDLR or Gene on their particular mounts. You have to remember that he's had heavy backing. That being so he should have got the job done sooner. A driver of his class should never have had that crash at Silverstone in 99. He knew he had a problem but he got the red mist and it cost him the title. That is a seroius flaw in the make up of what people like to believe is a true champion.

He was, however, the very best and most exciting driver this year.

[EERO]

I guess I'm checkingin at the end of the discussion here. Mr. Mallet, I entirely agree with you about Trulli and Barrichello, and I think Frentzen was a huge disappointment.

1) TGF
2) Hakkinen & DC-Momentum shifted mid season, but for awhile at least, it seemed that DC was the only one who could challenge Schuey.

4) Ralf-despite Moffat's dislike, I still think his future will be bright
5) Bunsen-boy, was I wrong
6) JV-passionate, but too many amatuer mistakes
7) PDLR-the star begins its ascent
8) Gene-steady, quick, embarrassing teams with much more money
9) Zonta-given a chance at Monza, he flew.
10) Heidfeld- Toward the end of the season, was giving Alesi a run



Disappointments:
Fisichella-overrated, the decline begins
Barrichello- Rubens? oh, Rubens? WAKE UP!!!!!!!
Irvine-How much are they paying that twit?
Alesi-despite a series of bad career moves he still shows up-it just doesn't look like fun anymore.
Herbert-sad final season in a dog of a car.
Truli-SFW
HHF-Oh, and I was hoping for so much more.

[Valve Bounce]

Hey AMoffat, what on earth made you follow St. Kilda?? I agree that you show excellent character and courage to tell anyone you follow the Saints. Maybe next year they will make the final eight, right!! I follow the Bombers and make no bones about it - have done so since 1968.
In assessing F1 drivers, it is extremely difficult because there is such a difference between the cars. Who knows how well Mazza and Marc would have gone if they were driving Ferraris and McLarens, and TGF and Mika were in the Minardi instead. This is not subjective at all, but extremely dependent on how lucky a driver is in getting a top car.