Brawn vs. Symonds
The European Grand Prix was another great contest between Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso, but whether it was an actual race is a moot point. It was a game of chess, a battle of nerves between strategists Ross Brawn and Pat Symonds that as ever came down the timing of the pitstops.
It says a lot about modern Formula One that once he knew he was stuck in second, Alonso turned his engine down and cruised to the flag, doing just enough to keep Felipe Massa behind. The difficulties of passing, the points system, the need to save an engine for a second race... so many things contributed to that state of affairs.
Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn © LAT |
But still, it's better to see two great drivers going flat out for two-thirds of a race, even if actual passing was never an option, than see someone disappear into the distance at a rate of knots.