Sunday 26 August 2012

Ferrari's Winning Formula

As Fernando Alonso closes in on Schumacher's record of 24 consecutive points finishes, it makes me wonder how many more of the German's achievements he will emulate. 

Just as the Williams was superior in 1996 and 1997, followed by the McLaren in 1998 and 1999, Ferrari have not had the best car on the grid since Alonso joined the Maranello team for the 2010 season.  However, just as Michael did, Fernando has been able to get the best out of the car and continually rack up wins and points.  Ferrari's excellent reliability record coupled with the best driver on the grid, could be leading them to more World Championships, just as this combination did between 2000 and 2004 with Schumacher. 

When Schumacher arrived at Ferrari, he found a team who were disorganised and made panicked reactions rather than thoughtful actions.  Using a pacesetting and visionary approach, he was able to lead the team in an organised and measured way. Fernando has shown that he is becoming increasingly effective at leading the team.  This was especially evident in Valencia this year. 

Alonso takes a home win in Valencia.

It seems Alonso really is following in the footsteps of the great Michael Schumacher, in more than one way, and let's face it, it is a winning formula.  Let us see how long it is before this winning formula results in a number of championships for the Spaniard.

The only missing peice of the Ferrari puzzle is an effective number two driver.  Both Eddie Irvine and Rubens Barrichello were able to notch up enough points in their number two status to help Ferrari win the Constructors Championship six times between 1999 and 2004. 

Barrichello adds to the points tally.

With Massa having only scored twenty five points so far this season, this could be something that needs to be addressed, in order to complete the formula. 

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