1991 Season Preview

Leigh Edwardson reporting:

New cars, teams and a fresh swath of drivers head to Round One for this year's South African GP - but what can we expect from the likes of Ferrari, McLaren and Williams this season? We talk to a number of current drivers about their expectations for the 41st season of Formula One Racing.

### ***Part One: Il Lupo Veneziano***

Formula One paragon and Ferrari veteran Fabiano Margheriti lines up in red for the 9th year - returning from a disappointing McLaren stint. Fabiano has just one title to his name - but that should be no knock on his ability - the man has finished top three a whopping six times in his 13 year career, top five for a further seven times. A very very impressive feat, and Fabiano remains the epitome of a Ferrari legend. We caught him at his home, during a training session with son Matteo.

*Fabi, we'll start with the elephant in the room. Can you reflect on your time at McLaren for us? What went wrong?*

> It is not something I like to continue to think about. I was happy at McLaren in '88 and everything was going well. I was just coming off a win at the team home race in UK and I felt better than I ever had before. At Germany I was going to overtake Chuck and I got unlucky - if I had just waited one lap to overtake, I could have won the championship with McLaren and things would have been very different, Unfortunately it do not work out like this and I end up injured and not able to drive the rest of the season.
> In '89 I was still recovering but I had some good result. Maybe I should have taken a year to recover, but if you do that in this sport there is a chance you cannot come back - so I decide to race injured in 1989. I manage one win in Spa, but overall the Ferrari was too good to beat. I think the big reason for the fallout last year is Ron. I saw 89 as a good year for me, able to win a race and get some podium - i was recovering and felt I could be back at the front in 1990. Ron was too excited about Santiago, and decided to give him the shot instead. I could not continue at a team that did not believe in me. It is a shame because I loved everyone else at that team.
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*An unfortunate end to a very promising partnership. However, you're back in red, and it looks like a new team. The car looks incredibly advanced - how does it drive and do you think you can challenge once more?*

> Ah, it is a beautiful car, which is the most important. Even if I am 15th, I look good, eh? *laughs* It is good to be back in Italia and meeting old faces. At Fiorano there was a lot of hugs and happy memories of '86 coming back. Not only the team people in the team, but the same feeling of hope we had in '86. We seem very fast this year. We do not know what other teams are doing in testing but compared to the 1990 Ferrari and McLaren, the 91 Ferrari gain a lot of time.
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*You line up alongside the ex-Minardi man Navarro. Do you think he has what it takes to make it at Ferrari?*

> Javier coming to Ferrari is the perfect call. He should have been here a long time ago and I know he can be the perfect teammate. I do not know yet if he will be faster than me, but do not count him out of that. We will have to wait and see.
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### **Part Two: The Wilson Connection**

Coming off of back to back championships, Jack Wilson has truly established himself as a front runner in Formula One. The swift scot has made the switch to McLaren for the 1991 season, after four years winning with Ferrari. The move, scrutinised by many, will provide Wilson the tools he needs to continue his success. McLaren hope that the world class lineup of Réyes and Wilson can bring them their first driver's title since '85.

*Jack, how are you settling at McLaren? is there a different philosophy here compared to Ferrari?*

> It was a lot easier than I expected to be honest. When I joined Ferrari I always had to split my time between Italy and GB, which was tougher to adjust to, especially when I couldn't see family and friends for a while. I'm still getting used to a couple of things at McLaren, especially Ron's attention to detail, but I've utterly enjoyed my time at the team so far. They don't have the same Italian passion that Ferrari have but they feel like more of a close-knit family and have been very welcoming.
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*How are you fairing with the car? Care to give us any insights on how the car drives?*

> There were a few issues with the car when we first took it to testing but most of those are resolved now and I'm positive that we can fight for both championships this year. Santiago's had a bit more input into the car than I have but he's just as happy with it.
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*Finally, what are your predictions for the championship?*

> Ferrari will definitely be major rivals this season and I've got first hand experience of just how strong they can be, especially with Fabiano at the helm. Williams also look pretty fast but I've heard that their car's had a few issues in testing so we'll need to look out for them too. I spent a few minutes by the side of the track and watched cars flying by and Tyrrell seemed very strong. Their car looked planted and they were doing really consistent runs throughout the day.
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### **Part Three: Edwardson's Underdogs**

Now having spoken to both the great Fabiano Margheriti and dominant Jack Wilson, it's time to reflect on other drivers and teams to watch out for in the season. As Wilson rightly noted, Tyrrell look to be on the up for 1991, new driver Jordi Burguet showing some impressive pace alongside the ever-speedy five-time winner Danilo Koren. Not only have Tyrrell turned up with a revamped lineup, the car too appears much more sophisticated than their 1990 effort, in which Koren managed to land a 2nd place at the Italian GP and drag to two top five's earlier in the year. Rightly reported by Wilson, an upgraded aero package has greatly increased the effectiveness of the rear wing and diffuser package, making the team one to watch for the 1991 season.

Next on the list is Williams man Otto Makkinen. While it is unusual to cover a driver for a top team in this section, Makkinen didn't manage a top five in 1990 for Larrousse, but did beat rapid teammate Alexsandro Pinho in points, himself a fairly exciting driver in the paddock. Makkinen however has showed a great turn of pace in testing, which suggests he'll be showing up everybody, and matching 1987 champion Eduardo Ventura, whomst he lines up alongside.

Further down the field we are brought to a swath of rookies; the likes of Saetern, Gabino, Roy, Morrison, Klimek, the aforementioned Burguet and Pakkinen. Timo Pakkinen and Jordi Burguet likely the best of the bunch - though with limited testing, the 1991 season is setting up to be a shock to the established system, and I'm sure we'll see many upsets as these talented drivers take on the experience represented in the rest of the field.

I've been Leigh Edwardson and as you, the reader, am really excited to get this season underway, it's set to be a corker.