Schuie Takes the Lead
Grand Prix of Canada, June 14, 2003

By Erik Nielsen

Pictures copyright and courtesy Ferrari Media

Fans of BMW-Williams were hoping for a similar result in Canada that they had seen in Monaco, but were disappointed when the reigning champion had a better strategy and timed his pit stops with Swiss-like precision. The red steamroller managed to get its merda back together and older brother Michael held off a hard charging younger brother in the final laps of the race.

Ralf could only get close, but not by.

The final results put the reigning world champion on top of the driver's championship, a spot that he has been comfortable in most of his career.

Kimi Raikkonen ruined his chances of staying in the lead by spinning in the Senna curves during his qualifying run. The Finn started the race in last place from the pit lane and was able to finish in 6th. Fortunately (for McLaren fans), with the rule changes, that was good for 3 points, versus last year's 1. Schuie is ahead, but not by much.

Frank's boys put on a good show, but when it came down to execution, they came up short. Juan Pablo ruined his chances by spinning in a Villeneuve manner on lap two of the race. Ralf was stuck behind his brother for most of the race, yet did not have it in him to press hard on his older brother's tail. Some fans may credit this to the redesigned pit exit, but most will agree that the new configuration is much safer than the old one. It is better to come out in an acceleration zone than a braking zone.

Since it is his hometown and the circuit is named for his father, it is only proper to bring up former world champion Jacques Villeneuve's performance at this juncture. HE SUCKS!!! He spun in qualifying and retired with "brake" problems during the race. Give me a break. He can only win in the best car on the grid and none of the top teams are willing to work with him. Quit now before you're driving a Minardi. No wait, they actually finish races. Make that Jaguar. (If anybody has any ideas on how to reel this guy in, let me know. Yes, he sleeps in the garage. A LOT! – Assoc. Ed. & Erik’s better half)

Fernando Alonso showed that he is one of the big boys bringing the underpowered Renault in just off the podium. Some underpowered car, he managed to turn in the fastest lap of the race. No one has ever doubted Flavio's ability to spot talent.

The last two points paying positions were captured by people that normally don't get points. Mark Webber scored Jaguar 2 points which should bring some happiness to Ford's 100 year anniversary (ignoring the fact that both Jordan engines blew up on the same lap; early in the race, too).

Panis brought home the Toyota in the points for his first time. Sounds like a lot, but at the end of the season, both teams will be in the noise.

The season is now halfway over and the points are closer than they have been in years. Will Williams be able to challenge? Can McLaren get the new car running this year? Or will Ferrari walk away with another?

The next race, the Grand Prix of Europe is in two weeks. Time to go back across the pond for the heart of the F1 season.