Order Restored
European Grand Prix

By Erik Nielsen
Photos courtesy and copyright Ferrari Media

The stars and planets are back in proper alignment and Stephen Hawking is breathing easier that none of his theories were disproved this weekend. And all of Italy was back to normal now that the Ferraris of Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello were back up front, where they belong. The German showed that even while going after another championship, he hasn't lost any talent. After getting away cleanly at the start, it was hot lap after hot lap. After his first pit stop, he had built up such an advantage that he was just behind the peleton at the front. It was just a parade after that stage.

Barrichello did fare better this time and actually looked quite good compared to the rest of the field. The Brazilian was on a two stop strategy and kept things interesting, especially after another Bonsai run by Sato-san into turn one. Guess what!? A couple of laps later, the Honda engine gave up its ghost. See a trend here? Yes, you can do crazy moves every now and then, like Montoya has a tendency of doing, but one must not abuse the lump. At least the engineers can yell without the need of a translator.

Button showed that the BAR-Honda will get you a podium spot if you don't wreck the car first and had a rather uneventful day. Still, points are points and he's making a good impression with the sponsors.

Both Renaults did well, slightly off the pace, but still a solid 4-5 finish. Trulli got his turn at the cameras last week at Monaco and the way the season is turning up, he may be a trivia question in coming years as the only other driver besides Schumacher to win a GP in 2004.

Sauber's Giancarlo Fisichella came from the back of the grid to finish 6th. This result also moved the Swiss team ahead of McClunking-Mersmoking in the constructor's championship. The Anglo-German team came away with zero points from a German race. Criticism that the team has lost focus trying to build the SLR is starting to get louder. Too many projects, too few engineers. Both lumps gave up on the Brit and the Finn, but at least if Mercedes really wanted to admit it, they’re only providing the valve covers for a re-badged Illmor engine. I think Montoya's early announcement may haunt him for all of 2005.

Speaking of the trash-talking Columbian, he managed to also upset the Williams boys by forgetting how to brake during the first turn and took out Ralf Schumacher (his own team mate for those not paying attention). He earned the last point of the day, finishing behind a Jaguar no less. There will be no love lost when he leaves the team. His three fans are having second thoughts. Rumor is his father has purchased a Ferrari t-shirt...

Ralf managed to take out yet another racer after being hit by Montoya. This time it was the Toyota of Da Matta. No matta, he was just going to be an also ran.

There was some sad news this weekend. The Ferrari team was down beat with news of the death of Umberto Agnelli, the last of the old guard at Fiat. The Scuderia dedicated the win to his memory. Luca di Montezemola has been bumped up to the top seat for the near future, which means we actually have a Frenchman running Ferrari. Oh, how Europe has changed?

Two weeks of testing are on everyone.s schedules as the circus moves to North America for the back to back Canadian and US installments.