Thoughts for the 1998 Season

Well, it's that time of year again. We're about to start a new season, and the winter off-season has brought around the usual talking points.

• Tyrell are bought by BAT, and Ken Tyrell announces his retirement
• Former World Champion Michael Schumacher has all his points for the 1997 season stripped after a 'deliberate' attempt to run Jacques Villeneuve off the road.

The new season brings its usual round of driver changes as well. Former World Champion Damon Hill moves to Jordan, veteran Gerhard Berger retires, and Jean Alesi moves to Sauber. What with a number of rule changes, the season looks like it could be interesting.

Grooved tyres have provoked mixed reactions from the drivers. Jacques Villeneuve has been openly critical of the move, saying it will not serve the purpose for which it is intended, that of increasing safety levels in Formula One.

The cars are also narrower, although Damon Hill's suggestion of dramatically reducing the levels of downforce available (hence reducing cornering speeds signigicantly) has not been taken up.

Front runners this year are bound to include Williams and Ferrari. However, the latter part of last season saw an increase in performance from the Mercedes powered McLarens, who would surely have won more races if the reliability of the Mercedes engine had been up to scratch. Also, the arrival at Jordan of Damon Hill could also help the development of a car which appeared to show promise during last season.

More of the top teams have moved over to the Bridgestone tyres (perhaps to gain experience ready for the imminent withdrawal of Goodyear from the sport), which could increase competition in the quest for the World Championship.

All in all, a good season is in prospect. I'll be paying my second visit to the British Grand Prix in July, and hopefully by then there will be an exciting season in progress.

Last updated: 09 January 2001