| MARCH 2000 |
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Formula 1: a double victory at once for Ferrari
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This success gives rise to a number of commonplaces and proverbs. From "it couldn't be any better" to "well begun is half done". The double victory achieved by Ferrari in the first Grand Prix is one of those exploits for which there are major analogies. Yet, the first one that makes supporters dream is that referring to a precedent of good omen. In 1953, in Buenos Ayres, the exploit of Ferrari with Ascari and Villoresi led the Italian car maker to the world title. And now there is a strong wish that the Maranello team may dominate this season, too.
Melbourne is the Australian city that has the oldest Italian community. One cannot walk in Lygon Street without hearing an Italian voice that offers you a coffee or invites you to visit his venue.
In order to understand how alive and warm is love for Ferrari here, it is sufficient to observe the number of flags that invaded the Albert Park racing track when Schumacher and Barrichello crossed the finishing line at the first and second place, respectively. A red wave exploded after a result everybody hoped for but that certainly did not expect to be to this extent. It was since May 1999 that the German pilot did not win a world race. A privation of seven Grand Prix races that, together with the stop after the terrible Silverstone accident, cost him the world title in the last season.
Just like then, Ferrari starts again its race with a splendid and well wishing double win. But what maybe reassures Ferrari supporters even more is the simultaneous defeat of the most feared rival, i.e. McLaren, the current champion. Both Hakkinen, the current title holder, and Coulthard had to retire. After two years of supremacy, McLaren cars now seem to begin to have troubles at the engine and trim.
However, these judgements are premature and maybe are the result of the euphoria following the first battle won. But war will start again in two weeks' time with the Grand Prix of Brazil. And on that occasion, balances in the Ferrari team will be put to the test for the first time. In Melbourne, Barrichello played the role of the loyal shield bearer of Schumacher, the first pilot.
But the second race, which is to take place in Rubens' country, will certainly spur the Brazilian pilot to drive faster.
The fact of playing at home, being considered by many the successor of great Ayrton Senna and driving a car that finally seems to be able to win the world title, all that makes up an explosive mixture that will certainly represent the most interesting test bench for the couple who has won in Australia. Hierarchies or total freedom? The quarrels of the last world championship between Schumacher and Irvine should have taught something about the team play in the Ferrari group. Then the next appointment for supporters and above all the enemies of Ferrari, the most loved by Italians, is in San Paolo.
Paolo Ghisoni
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