Blowing Out Smoke

Ahh the European Union. Sometimes they do something of interest; other times they stick their noses where it doesn't really belong.

This been the case with the EU health commissioner, Markos Kyprianou. He's unhappy with Ferrari's rather nifty bypass of the law and that Monaco, Bahrain and China allow tobacco sponsorship. Okay, someone please send this guy a map because last time I checked, Bahrain and China were outside of the EU. Tectonic plates haven't shifted overnight! He went on to say that F1 drivers "can become role models. So the young people watch these people with tobacco signs on their chest and the wrong message goes out."

Okay, I don't know about the rest of you guys - but I never bought cigarettes because Ferrari sponsored them, not to mention I ain't on the Vodafone network because they sponsor McLaren, have an urge to do more for the environment because of Honda or drink Red Bull simply because it's on four F1 cars.

Ferrari and Marlboro had planned to get around it for quite a while before the ban came in place. The barcode is synonymous with Marlboro since they have always covered up their name with it, even back to the McLaren days.

I remember when the talk first begun there was even rumours that to ensure everyone new the car was sponsored by Marlboro was that Ferrari would just run with an un-sponsored red car with Marlboro essentially paying for every sponsor spot on the car. Of course it never came to it. Many expected Vodafone to replace Marlboro then, but they left for McLaren instead. If you are stupid enough, then well...

But yeah, today's F1 drivers can't smoke (at least not regularly!) Ain't like the days of James Hunt & company so how can they be joined at the hip with these sponsors.

Anyway, don’t governments make a shed load on ciggie taxes?

Turkish Delight?

Ferrari out of the reckoning? Not yet after Sunday’s race. Massa leading home a Ferrari one-two brings the pair back into contention, especially with Hamilton’s late tire blow.

Heading into the final stretch of the championship sees Massa 15 points of the top with Raikkonen a further point back. How much longer can Ferrari keep them on equal terms? That is the question that will be raging in the coming weeks. Both sides have their arguments. Unlike the last number of years we have four drivers competing for the title and this is due in part to the ‘no team orders’ from both McLaren and Ferrari – something that both can be applauded for.

I doubt this will last as things get tight. The difficult thing in Ferrari’s case is how evenly matched their drivers are. Neither has been consistent in their challenge. Turkey marked only their second 1-2 finish of the year. Usually it’s a case of one been strong while the other has an off weekend. Contrasts in the past where the might of the Ferrari machine has been behind Schumacher. Devil’s advocate can say looking at the success that Ferrari had with this formula (the odd controversy not withstanding) compared with the situation now that the old system had its merits.

If Ferrari loses the championship, especially by a small margin, questions will be asked.

Getting Dirty

Cleaner than clean. At least that’s what the British press want people to believe about Lewis Hamilton. While his performances on the track have been something to behold, his antics show all the signs of a man believing his own hype.

Of course when you have the entire British media building him up to be the messiah of British motorsport (a mantle ripped from another pretender who has failed to live up to media expectation – Jenson Button) hardly helps. His actions at Hungary were ones he should be rightly ashamed of. Eddie Irvine yesterday was highly critical of the young charge and it is one of the few times I agree with the loud-mouth Ulsterman.

Contrary to all the talk of Alonso been in the wrong, it was Hamilton who was the one who caused the entire ruckus from qualifying. His decision to blatantly disregard team orders was what fuelled Alonso’s need to exact revenge. Does that mean he was totally justified to do what he did? No, but that in no way excuses Hamilton’s petulant behaviour. Allegedly, Hamilton went on a tirade on the radio, even cursing. That would be interesting to hear but of course the chances are slim to nothing I bet. The media no doubt are on his side, with the Steve Ryder trying to pass off his childishness with saying that he had a right to look out for number one. Complete hypocrisy. Alonso looked out for number one later in the session and they were highly critical of it. The double standards reek from it.

As the season moves on the aura of purity continues to fall apart around Hamilton. How much longer the British media can keep pushing it down our throats however will last for a good deal longer I bet.

Team Fireworks

Usually Hungary (contrary to the ever declining ITV Sport commentary team) is a snore bore of a race. This one really was no different with all the sparks happening on Saturday.

I would hate to be Ron Dennis at this time, trying to manage the egos in his team. Yeah that’s right, I said egos. Not ego. Allot of people have been quick to rap Alonso on forums, but its time for people to realize that Hamilton’s ego is just as big. He broke team orders. Maybe I should repeat that because obviously some people only see what they want to see and with Hamilton, they like to pretend he’s perfect. (I point back to the ‘monkey’ comment at Monaco that was also swept under the carpet.)

In a team like McLaren you don’t have an ego. That is why Montoya got the sack. McLaren are a team that values the constructors and teamwork over the individual and right now, they only have two individuals in the team. Hamilton’s excuse that he was worried about letting Kimi through was weak at best. This is a track that is often labelled as the ‘Monaco without barriers’ with only one clear line and hard to overtake. Now we have Hamilton claiming there was no way he could have let Alonso by without letting Kimi through? Pretty poor excuse Lewis.

Does that excuse Alonso’s actions later on the session? Not really but it was funny to watch! It was disappointing to see the stewards get in the middle of what is a team problem. I would have loved to see Alonso versus Hamilton into the first corner yesterday. Especially given how the relationship is between the pair. The decision ruined a good race with Alonso unable to get up front. Given that it was McLaren’s Mickey Mousing that caused all of this both drivers should’ve gotten penalized and not just one.

Neither can rely on each other and with Ferrari almost out of the title picture now it is going to be a tense run-in. It will be interesting to watch.