5FM jock and one of SA’s best-known F1 fanatics, Sasha Martinengo, sets the scene for this weekend’s upcoming Belgian Grand Prix – a must win race for Kimi Raikkonen.
Spa-Francorchamps. Oh what a great place. I was last there in 1999 where DC and Mika Hakkinen dominated the race. They actually touched wheels at La Source and that was about the most exciting part of the race that year. There was no Schumacher that year because he broke his leg at Silverstone.
Even though the race was not overly exciting; it was still Spa. And that is the difference. The tracks with a traditional history seem to more often than not offer us something of a more passionate racing affair than some of the newer tracks. Of course those circuits will develop over time but I fear that tracks like Spa and Monza might be destined to host Sportscar races and perhaps the odd Touring car frenzy. I hope I am wrong.
This coming weekend is vital for Kimi Raikkonen. End of story. I could harp on about his form, his attitude, his luck BUT I shan’t. He is Kimi, he knows what he needs to do and if he doesn’t then he will have to deal with even more criticism from the press and many of the fans. He is a great talent and he needs to raise his game.
Remember Spa in 2000? It seemed like Mika Hakkinen was yet again crush the Ferrari dream of crowning a World Champion. Schumacher got beaten in Belgium fair and square by Mika yet afterwards, as Italy went into despair and the tifosi thought Armageddon was happening, Schumi told everyone not too panic. He duly trounced everyone at Monza and Mika’s engine blew up at Indianapolis. It came down to Japan and Schumacher started his history cycle.
I am not saying that Kimi can do that but he needs to re-assure the Ferrari fans of who he is and what they can expect from him. The tifosi are used to that now after their 21st century first decade domination.
Perhaps they are just scared of falling back into the quagmire of disappointment during the 1980s and ’90s. Whatever it might be, between the fans, the Press and Kimi Raikkonen, there will be a lot of crossed fingers and toes this weekend hoping he gets it right.
Keep the Passion
Ciao Ciao
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