Sport in '98: Schumacher to make amends with honour
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Every year Formula One heralds a new season destined to be different and better. This time it really could be. Possibly.
New regulations give us narrower cars and grooved tyres, which will reduce lap times by around four seconds and, the authorities maintain, make racing safer. They hope also that the racing may prove more entertaining.
The drivers are doubtful that will be the case. After early winter testing the general view appears to be that, even if there initial acclimatisation skirmishes, overtaking will continue to be difficult because of the turbulence encountered as one car closes in on another.
In theory, radical changes to the rules should provide a level playing field. In reality, the teams with the expertise and resources are bound to be out in front again. If anything, the smaller teams may lose much of the ground they have clawed back in recent seasons.
The focus of most attention will be Ferrari, expected as they are to at last reach out for the world championship. Michael Schumacher, following his ignominious final act in 1997, has predicted success this time - and he does not make such predictions lightly.
It would, however, be foolhardy to suggest the champions, Williams, might be more vulnerable. They still have Renault engines by another name, Mecachrome, and their driver department should be stronger now that Heinz-Harald Frentzen has had a year's experience with the team and Jacques Villeneuve.
McLaren Mercedes could be dark horses, especially as they have gambled on adding Bridgestone Tyres to their improving package. Mika Hakkinen finished last season strongly and David Coulthard is intent on launching a championship bid.
Prediction: Schumacher to show that he is the best - fair and square.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments