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From Vallelunga to Barcelona, to arrive in perfect form at Imola, Sunday, April 23, 2006. Ferrari's redemption operation proceeded with a series of tests: 201 laps completed on Tuesday, April 11, 2006, at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, conducted by Marc Gené (102 laps) and Luca Badoer (99 laps). As the day comes to a close, there is satisfaction in the work done by the two drivers and the Maranello team staff. This is not only due to the best time recorded by Marc Gené but also for the data related to the entire car package. The technicians from the Maranello team have closely monitored the suspension of the 248 F1, extracting vital information in preparation for the final race setup decision. Ferrari outperformed the other two teams on the track: Williams, with Nico Rosberg, achieved the second-best time (96 laps for the German), and Red Bull Racing, with drivers David Coulthard and Neel Jani, was testing solutions for the overall package. However, for Ferrari, the priority is not comparing with these teams but rather the preparatory work for Imola, the upcoming Grand Prix, considered crucial by Jean Todt and Ross Brawn as a turning point in the season. The 2006 season's crossroads, the race of truth. For easily understandable reasons: it is their home Grand Prix, and that alone, given the multitude of Ferrari fans filling the stands and fields, would be enough. But it may also be the last opportunity to try to stay within Fernando Alonso and Renault's wake. Another misstep, and mounting a comeback in the standings would become really challenging. The start of the season, Michael Schumacher's podium finish in Bahrain, raised the expectations of all fans, only to be frustrated by the performances in the Malaysian and Australian Grands Prix (finishing fifth and sixth and neither car reaching the finish line). There is no room for more mistakes, more or less, in substance, the words of President Luca Montezemolo (who will, of course, be present in the Emilian paddock), who has also expressed hope not to have to attend the Monday post-race meetings:
"It would mean that things are moving in the right direction, and my presence is not needed".
In reality, there are small signs of hope, indicators suggesting that Ferrari has finally found the right path and is about to resolve its issues. For instance, Jean Todt specified that the cause of the engine troubles (so far, the Scuderia has had to replace three engines this season) in the two cars has been identified as the pistons. Mahle, the German supplier, has quickly redesigned the parts and sent them from Stuttgart for use by Michael Schumacher and Felipe Massa at the San Marino Grand Prix. The Brazilian driver, Felipe Massa, takes to the track on Wednesday (replacing Luca Badoer), while Michael Schumacher will also test the car on Thursday. That will be the day to understand more about the car's reliability and Ferrari's hopes for a return to victory (the last one was in the controversial 2005 United States Grand Prix in Indianapolis).
So, there is a moderate sense of optimism in Ferrari. Michael Schumacher himself, from Germany, reaffirms his confidence in driving a fast car:
"Even though we haven't yet shown our full potential".
Schumacher, however, confirms that these tests in Barcelona, this week of work, will be crucial:
"The work on the new aerodynamic elements and the suspensions is fundamental".
With the goal of not making mistakes like what happened in Melbourne:
"For Imola, we need to have the right tires... compared to the early races, it's a different world: we're in Europe, and we hope for the best".
Michael Schumacher has been repeating it for weeks. The potential is there. It needs to be unleashed, put on the track. Not just talked about in words but also shown to the fans, the people who love Ferrari, and who are anxiously preparing to invade Imola. The German has confidence. For now, he doesn't want to talk about his future.
"I will decide in the summer, I've stated it several times, and I won't change my mind".
At this moment, he is focused only on the present.
"We can bridge the gap that separates us from Renault, McLaren, and Honda. The team has the right spirit; we're working hard, and my optimism is justified. I think the European races can bring us the long-awaited breakthrough".
There is no doubt about Maranello's team's determination to fight for victory, nor about his motivation.
"When you don't win, it's right to be criticized, but there are also a lot of nonsense said about me. I continue to drive with great enthusiasm and enjoyment. If you want to achieve something, you have to attack. And when you push the limit, you risk making mistakes. Mistakes can happen; they are part of the race. What's important is to make as few as possible".
However, disappointing results could bring the retirement moment closer. On this matter, Schumacher remains guarded.
"My decision will be carefully considered, and I don't intend to discuss in public the reasons that will make me choose to continue or not".
The fact remains that from various sources, it is considered certain that Kimi Raikkonen will join Maranello.
"A rumor I won't comment on because it will only create more speculation".
It's better to think about Imola.
"The fans have always helped us in difficult times, and they will do so this time as well. I hope that, in the end, we can celebrate together".
On Thursday, April 13, 2006, Jarno Trulli is the fastest in Barcelona, while Michael Schumacher's Ferrari engine breaks. But the Maranello team's technicians are not overly concerned. So much so that the German driver goes out on the track again, setting the third-best time of the day. Even Felipe Massa's official Ferrari completes its tests without any problems, despite not being particularly fast. On Monday, April 17, 2006, Fernando Alonso, the leader of the Formula 1 World Championship, says:
"What I like to beat is Michael Schumacher; it's nicer than beating the others. Schumacher is known in every corner of the earth, they know him in China, they know him in Africa. Having your name ahead of his is nice because what every driver wants is to beat the best".
But Ferrari is convinced that Imola will be the turning point in the 2006 season, and on the eve of the San Marino Grand Prix, Michael Schumacher states:
"We want to play an active role in the race for the World Championship victory".
Seven titles won and 37 years of age do not seem to have diminished the German's desire to fight:
"We want to perform well in Imola. In recent times, we've carried out several intensive tests at Vallelunga and Barcelona, and we've improved the car's performance. The aerodynamic innovations and improvements in the engine department are clear".
Schumacher concludes:
"We have worked a lot on the chassis and the setup, receiving positive signals all the time. We can show our potential".
The ambassador Schumacher doesn't want to betray his people.
"This isn't the last chance; it's just a very important race. But here, we can do well, much better than in Melbourne. We have many new things on the car that make us much more competitive. I came to Imola with high hopes, and I am convinced that we can fight for the victory. At this moment, words count for little; we need to start accumulating points, filling up the standings. It's time for action, not just talk".
This line of thinking would serve him well, given the rumors surrounding him, the teams constantly linked to him (the latest being a big offer from Red Bull), and his future, which continues to make noise despite being shrouded in mystery. The ambassador of San Marino, the seven-time World Champion, but above all, the undisputed leader of Ferrari, has thoughts only for Imola.
"I'm interested in the race; my focus is entirely on this Grand Prix. The rest are mere speculations that I'd rather not comment on. I don't like discussing hypotheses or uncertainties. Germans keep asking me what I intend to do once I've stopped racing. I've never thought about it; I have nothing in mind. To consider such a thing, I would first have to determine if I have the desire to retire. And, you may find it strange, but I insist on saying that I haven't decided anything".
Michael Schumacher's demands may seem reasonable, but in the meantime, his 2007 continues to make more news than the present. One reason could be the current lack of victories, a gap the driver wants to fill as soon as possible.
"Many ask me why I didn't retire when I was at the peak of my career, right after winning my seventh world championship. The answer is simple: for me, it's not just about numbers or successes. I find joy in Formula 1; I enjoy racing. I will continue as long as I feel these positive sensations. The future isn't an obsession. And I don't believe my story is over; I think I can win again, even here, for example. We know the reasons why we performed poorly in the early races, where we made mistakes. Our secret is to keep working together without seeking individual culprits. In times of difficulty, the Ferrari team becomes stronger, and it has always been that way. Imola is our home race; we can't afford to perform poorly. The audience here has always supported us, inspiring us. It's no coincidence that we haven't had a bad race on this track for years".
Remember that Ferrari has consistently been on the podium around these parts since 1994, which is an excellent omen.
Michael Schumacher's morale is undoubtedly boosted by his six victories in Imola, the first in 1994 with Benetton and the others with Ferrari, an incredible streak that began in 1999 and was only interrupted by his brother Ralf in 2001 and Fernando Alonso last year. It's Alonso who could once again be the spoiler. Michael Schumacher acknowledges:
"Renault has started very strongly; they are the team to beat at the moment".
But he also likes the revamped Ferrari, a new, more powerful engine (no more piston issues, no need to limit the laps), new suspension design, and a new aerodynamic configuration.
"We believe in ourselves and our strength".
That's the heartfelt message from the leader. Michael Schumacher's optimistic outlook is shared by Giancarlo Fisichella and Fernando Alonso, eager to break Italy's dominance in motorsports. Many years ago, Ferrari fans here used to root against Riccardo Patrese.
"I was young, and I felt really disappointed in front of the TV. I'm sure it wouldn't happen now. If I'm in the lead, the audience will cheer me on, even those who have eyes and hearts only for the Scuderia. I'm Italian, people can't forget that".
Regarding the possible renewal of Michael Schumacher's contract with Ferrari, the General Director, Jean Todt, has a clear message:
"It's up to Schumacher to decide his future. He will let us know by the end of June, but we have a duty to be prepared, whatever his choice. That's why we are looking around".
Ferrari has done so well that they have long secured Kimi Raikkonen, the Finnish driver from McLaren, 26 years old, considered by many as the new Michael Schumacher and his probable successor. Saying they've secured him might be an understatement because the latest rumor from Finland, the driver's homeland, speaks of an already signed contract and an announcement that should come very soon. The duration has also been formalized: three years, until December 2009, and the compensation: €28.000.000 per season, three million more than he currently earns at McLaren. The talk of the Finnish driver moving to Maranello has been around for a while. The new development is that his arrival no longer excludes Michael Schumacher's continued presence. The German had already made it clear back in September 2005:
"I have never been afraid of a teammate; I have never vetoed anyone, and I never will".
This concept is something Michael Schumacher seems to have reiterated to some close friends in recent weeks. He must decide whether to continue or not and will reveal his intentions in the summer. If he retires, Ferrari is looking to replace him with the best possible option. Otherwise, they are ready to create a dream pairing with the opportunity for Kimi Raikkonen to grow under the charismatic German's shadow. At this point, the other possible driver pairings appear less credible. It would be intriguing to pair the Finn with Valentino Rossi, but the motorcyclist's desire to double up on wheels seems to have significantly waned. It is more likely that Felipe Massa will be the partner in case of Michael Schumacher's retirement, while the current duo could continue if the Kimi Raikkonen project were to fall through (unlikely). It's still unlikely that Michael Schumacher will switch to another team; if he continues to race, it will be with Ferrari.
In the meantime, Kimi Raikkonen neither confirms nor denies the circulating rumors, adding details that indicate the credibility of this rumor. Because he can't talk about Ferrari, but he's willing to race alongside Michael Schumacher. And not just with him:
"I have never placed conditions on McLaren, and I don't intend to impose them on any team. Whatever my future holds, there will be no prejudices. I wouldn't have a problem racing with Schumacher, but also with Alonso, Massa, or Valentino Rossi".
Incidentally, a future McLaren driver, his current team, but also three colleagues to varying degrees already within Ferrari's orbit. Speaking of Valentino Rossi, the Finn says:
"I know he appreciates me, and I'm very pleased about it. He is so strong that he can choose between motorcycles, Formula 1, and Rally".
As for Jean Todt, who has always followed him closely, Kimi Raikkonen says:
"I know he likes me as a driver and as a person, and his judgments please me a lot. Also because they come from one of the most skilled and capable people in Formula 1".
A manager who could be his boss very soon. Mutual respect with Todt can help. On the other hand, his eccentric lifestyle away from the tracks could be an obstacle. There has been much talk about Kimi's reputation as a drinker; many have speculated, and many have angered him. Because Kimi is indignant at certain exaggerations. But he doesn't renounce anything:
"I don't want to be seen as a saint, and I don't think my hobbies can be bothersome because I don't believe there's a stricter team than McLaren. What matters is what I can offer on the track, always 100%. If people don't like my way of doing things outside the circuits, I'm sorry, but I won't change. The important thing is how I do my job, how I drive; the rest is just talk".
Last year, they put on a show. First Alonso, second Schumacher, at the end of an incendiary duel, two cars just a few centimeters apart, capable of holding the breath of thousands in the final laps. A fierce battle that could now have a second, even more exciting round. Because yesterday, the two of them had already started. Schumacher was in the lead at the end of the first hour, setting the best time of the entire day, 1'24"751, while Alonso was unleashed in the second hour with a time of 1'25"043, more than 0.3 seconds faster than the time set by the Ferrari driver, who was nevertheless second and optimistic about qualifying and the race. They fight, tease each other, but above all, they are more convinced than ever of their own strength. Fernando Alonso, the favorite, the dominator in Bahrain and Australia, second behind Giancarlo Fisichella in Malaysia, has no trouble expressing his optimism. His Renault is the car to beat, and it would be surprising if he didn't say:
"Here, we can win because my Michelin tires can outperform Ferrari's Bridgestones. My car is perfect; we haven't made any mistakes in these first three races, and we're the strongest on race strategy".
His bellicose proclamations are not surprising. It's more striking to hear Michael Schumacher's great optimism, who was beaten in Bahrain and even humiliated in Malaysia and Australia. But now Ferrari has changed: the new rear suspension makes the tires work better, the modified aerodynamics has optimized the entire package, the engine is more reliable and allows for more power. So, here's the slogan that the people of Imola want to hear:
"Yes, I really think I can fight for the pole and even win the race. There's no reason to be pessimistic; the car is faster and more efficient, it drives better, and on the track, it has confirmed the progress from the tests. It's not right to talk about a revolution; in reality, we've only worked on details compared to Australia. But it's clear that these were important details because the steps forward have been remarkable".
The leap in quality that the Ferrari world was hoping for and that allows Schumacher to believe in a comeback. Of course, there's always that troublemaker Alonso. The last verdict of the day put him ahead of the German. But it's already encouraging to see that Fisichella, the other Renault, is half a second slower, that Juan Pablo Montoya and Kimi Raikkonen, the two McLarens, are lagging behind in the middle of the group, with the Finn more than a second behind the Ferrari. It's also surprising to see that behind Schumacher are the test drivers, the Polish Kubica (Bmw) and the Englishman Anthony Davidson (Honda), the drivers who usually excel with low fuel loads on Fridays. However, Michael Schumacher himself provides a technical explanation:
"You can go very fast on this track even with used tires".
But Imola has a significant flaw: it's hard to overtake, a shortcoming exacerbated by the new Variante Alta, which was supposed to make the circuit safer but has eliminated the only possibility. Michael Schumacher remarks:
"Driving at that point has become less exciting".
But, above all, it has made capturing pole position crucial. A treasure that Fernando Alonso does not want to let escape, before raising an issue with his Renault:
"It has never made it easier for me compared to Fisichella, and it never will. In fact, it's now easier for them to help him".
Words that displease Flavio Briatore:
"Now he's predicting the future; he should know that the two cars are the same. In my opinion, he has already regretted choosing McLaren for 2007".
And what about the clever manager?
"I have always won with Chievo; now we are Juventus, and success is less enjoyable. I might change teams or quit Formula 1".
One thing is for sure: Ferrari is not in his future:
"Twenty-eight million euros for Raikkonen? I would invest it in the car".
On Saturday, April 22, 2006, Q1 concluded with the elimination of the two Super Aguris, the two Midlands, Scott Speed, and Christian Klien. Klien marked the same time as Jacques Villeneuve, which would have been good enough to make the cut, but he was eliminated because his time was set after the Canadian driver's. It's worth noting Vitantonio Liuzzi's excellent performance, as he marked the twelfth best time.
Q2 began with six fewer cars and saw the elimination of one of the drivers leading the World Championship: Giancarlo Fisichella. Other eliminations were expected, and the drivers excluded from Q3 were Vitantonio Liuzzi, Nick Heidfeld, David Coulthard, Nico Rosberg, and Jacques Villeneuve. Mark Webber was the only one to save himself with his Williams. In Q3, Michael Schumacher dominated, claiming pole position number 66, alongside Jenson Button. The World Championship leader, Fernando Alonso, was 0.914 seconds behind and started from fifth place alongside Ralf Schumacher. Notably, the two Hondas placed second and third. The roar of the crowd dressed in red is deafening. Michael Schumacher is the fastest, better than Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello, but above all, better than Fernando Alonso. It's the German driver who will start in front of everyone on a track where overtaking is rare. Imola's audience goes wild and is already anticipating a great victory, the seventh of Michael Schumacher on this circuit, the sixth with a red car in the last eight seasons. To imagine an intoxicating victory after what was seen in practice, not only the ordinary fans are hoping for it, whether they're illustrious (Montezemolo) or born on the Via Emilia. The first to dream is the one who must turn that excitement into reality: the resurrected Michael Schumacher, optimistic from the start, but now practically certain of the feat.
"We are back".
He shouts in perfect Italian.
"Schumacher: A pole for the people Ferrari".
"This is not a lap for Montezemolo, although it's nice to have completed it in front of the president's eyes; this is a lap for the entire Ferrari, for the fans who have had to endure disappointments in recent months, for a team that has had to face tough times but knows how to handle and react in adversity. It's a pole for Ferrari fans, and I'm very happy to have achieved it. We've won a battle, but now we face the war, a race that promises to be tough. I had said that we could aim for both pole and victory. We've taken the first step; the Saturday result is an excellent foundation. I don't underestimate Renault, but at least we seem to be the strongest here".
These are compelling messages, almost all spoken in Italian, demonstrating a symbiosis with the Maranello team that, after ten years of his career, has reached its peak. Michael Schumacher wanted to redeem himself.
"Because we knew we were faster than last year, but our start to the season had been disappointing. I already expected a great result in Australia; there, we made a wrong tire choice. In Imola, on the other hand, we've been perfect so far. And considering how fast my car is, there's no reason not to be optimistic".
No brakes on his words, just as he was on the track, with a perfect lap, monstrous, as many opponents have defined it, starting with the two Renault drivers. Where he slows down is in celebrating the new record, the number of pole positions, the last one he was missing in the entire series of Formula 1 statistics.
"Sixty-six is a nice number, a record that pleases me, but right now, the present is what matters, my chances of victory in the race. I'll savor these records when I'm old and forced to look back: I'll line up all the numbers and congratulate myself. But right now, I need something else: the fact that Alonso is fifth means he's in trouble, and that's positive not only for Imola but for the entire World Championship. I believe in a comeback, and if he helps me, it's even better".
The radiant face of Ferrari has some shadows in Massa's words. He is fourth, on the second row, ahead of Renault and McLaren, and only behind the Honda pair, but he hoped to start alongside Michael Schumacher.
"I got caught in traffic, especially by Trulli. Ferrari should manage the exit from the pit lane of its drivers better. Two attempts with new tires, always in the midst of other cars: I had to brake".
He is also reluctant to celebrate Schumacher's record:
"Michael is a phenomenon, but if Senna hadn't died so young, he would never have reached his pole positions. At most, let's put them on the same level; to have Senna behind someone is absurd".
For once, the starting grid disapproves of Renault. Fernando Alonso is fifth, Giancarlo Fisichella eleventh. What happened to the reigning World Champion? The team directors, i.e., the engineers and technicians in general at Renault, made a strategic mistake, especially in Fisichella's case. The Italian driver fell into the trap of the new qualifying system, as Denis Chevrier, responsible for track operations, admits. To put it more simply, in Giancarlo Fisichella's honest words:
"Obviously, we were a bit presumptuous: we asked for it".
At Renault, confident in their strength, they sent the Italian driver out on the track too early, ignoring that other teams, such as Toyota and Williams, had raised their level. When Symonds (the technical director) and Flavio Briatore (the general manager) realized this, it was too late. Flavio Briatore explains:
"Seven drivers clocked the same time, and Fisico was the only one among those seven to be eliminated".
Eleven thousandths of a second - from Barrichello (who later finished third) and Montoya - which compromised Giancarlo Fisichella's Grand Prix and his hopes for a comeback in the World Championship.
"I was disappointed; there's little to say. I had ambitions for the highest step on the podium; now, thinking about the podium itself is a challenge, starting from behind".
The World Champion isn't much better off, either. Alonso has the two Ferraris and the two Hondas ahead of him and admits that the fifth position isn't the best place to start:
"Considering that overtaking is taboo at Imola".
Fernando Alonso remembers with pleasure the 2005 duel with Michael Schumacher, which ended in his favor, even though the German was faster by 0.1 seconds per lap. For this reason, the Spaniard will attempt everything at the start thanks to the famous initial sprint, and then take on Michael Schumacher, focusing on the other variable, pit stops. In reality, Flavio Briatore rejects the almost announced verdict of a Ferrari victory, inviting everyone to reflect on the possible race strategies and how much fuel each car has on board.
"Many cars have opted for a three-stop strategy. They are lighter than us and are ahead. However, I have confidence in our choice, and I think that, with pit stop overtaking, both Fernando and Giancarlo can reach the podium".
"Then he absolves the drivers and, as a good leader, says:
"I take full responsibility for the result. And then, excuse me, but it's not always us who have to win, right? It's fine for Ferrari to be ahead for a day".
More honest is Giancarlo Fisichella, who acknowledges the superiority of the Maranello team:
"Michael did an exceptional time; we would have never made it. I'm surprised by the performance of the Bridgestone tires, which have taken a big step forward".
The tire factor is the key for Renault's number two:
"In fact, Toyota and Williams did well too. I have no choice but to go for an all-out race, considering the potential of the car. The race is long, and I'll try to put pressure on the others, as I did in Australia with Button, and we'll see what happens".
But there is something wrong in the Renault camp. Fernando Alonso corrects his words from the day before regarding possible help for Fisichella, not him, explaining that he was misinterpreted and leaving the impression that the Spaniard wants to keep the team's tension high.
"We've dominated so far, and I don't think there's anything to worry about, just work and stay calm".
Finally, Giancarlo Fisichella concludes but introduces another disturbing element, his much-publicized super engine:
"They told me it was a fairytale, but I see that I'm slower than Fernando on the straight".
Wearing a blue jacket, light pants, and a cashmere handkerchief in the pocket, Luca Montezemolo arrives. Buoyant and lively after the tears of emotion. Ferrari has been flying for two days, and he wants to enjoy the moment of resurgence up close. And just to start, Michael Schumacher takes pole position, his 66th in his career, a new record, thus surpassing Ayrton Senna. President, but isn't Schumi old?
"His sister will be the old one. Oh, does he have a sister? Yes? Then don't write it. Never mind old; can't you see how he's doing? Look, every time I call him on the phone, he tells me he's at the gym. I say, I'll call you back in fifteen minutes, okay? And he says, no, in two hours. You understand? At 37 years old. Then he goes running, then cycling, then playing football, then who knows what else he invents. He never stands still for a moment, and when we finally manage to talk, I realize he's incredibly lucid. He's in splendid shape, both physically and mentally. If only everyone were as 'old' as he is".
He started speaking Italian well just when he stopped winning.
"I've always said that I prefer someone who wins rather than someone who speaks Italian. But of course, if he starts winning again and also speaks Italian well, that's much better".
Is Ferrari also back in excellent shape?
"This is one of our characteristics: when we're in difficulty, we manage to have a sudden burst of energy, a quick reaction. Many already thought this was a Ferrari like last year's. On the contrary, this is a car at the level of 2004, when we were winning everything. We've had some problems, made some mistakes, but everyone knows how to react because they are focused on what needs to be done".
Will Schumi leave or stay?
"He will decide. I would like him to stay because I have always preached stability for the team, but it's necessary to understand each other well: I mean dynamic stability. I, too, would stay at Ferrari for another forty years, but it will be impossible. This applies to everyone, even Schumi, who will decide in complete autonomy what to do".
And will Raikkonen come or not?
"Ah, Raikkonen... a fantastic guy. I still remember when he did a test for Sauber at Mugello. I was very impressed. A champion at the level of Schumacher and Alonso. Without mishaps, he would have won the championship last year. But Massa is also a guy who is good, very fast".
Are you forgetting Valentino Rossi?
"An extraordinary guy, very intelligent. He also has to decide, and if he decides to come to us, it will be to win, not to watch".
Hypothesis: next year, Schumacher and Raikkonen will be in Ferraris. Wouldn't that be excessive luxury?
"Excess luxury always pays off. And look, it wouldn't be the first time to have two great drivers. We've had pairs like Prost-Mansell, Lauda-Regazzoni. Believe me, it's always better to have two great drivers than not to have them".
Apart from racing, how is Ferrari doing?
"We just had a Board of Directors meeting; I brought in two new directors: the founder of Vodafone and the president of L'Oréal, people of the highest caliber. We have a 13% increase in turnover, and I certainly can't complain; we've sold 5,000 cars".
The Ferrari charm in the world hasn't faded.
"Absolutely. It's the flag of Italian know-how, of our talent. And it's admired. The Italian problem is that we need to look forward and do our best in our own profession. When I look at Italy from the outside, it seems a bit like when I arrived at Ferrari fifteen years ago: everything seemed over, there was a lot to do, but we all rolled up our sleeves. And I believe that in these years, Ferrari has moved forward".
Is everything rosy, in short?
"Well, not everything, at least at Ferrari. You realize that if an Australian comes to me, for example, to order a Ferrari and stands there with a check in hand, what do I do?"
"Does he immediately sell him a Ferrari or not?
"No, I have to tell him, 'Dear Sir, go back home, and we'll talk in three years. Because this is the waiting list.' And do you know what he says? 'But in three years, I don't even know if I'll still be alive or rich. How can I wait?' That's the dilemma. We would need more Ferraris, but it's not possible".
Two years ago, when you became the president of Confindustria, you said: I will continue to take care of Ferrari. Are you managing to do so?
"Physically no, mentally yes. I get up early in the morning, board a plane and go to Turin. I work and then board a plane again, and then I go to Maranello. In the evening, it's back on the plane to Rome, at home. The next day, it starts all over again with different destinations. I spend much less time at Ferrari than before. But they feel me..."
On the other hand, Jarno Trulli doesn't mince words. His accusations are precise and detailed. The Toyota driver claims to have been harmed by Michael Schumacher.
"I can't take it anymore with Schumacher. It's his fault that I finished only ninth. He came out in front of me, slowed me down for the entire lap, not letting me pass. At that moment, he wasn't looking for the time; his only job was to consume fuel and lighten the car. It's not the first time he behaved like this, and now I'm tired of it. The next chance, I will act in the same way. It's time to know that he talks a good game but doesn't play fair".
The curious thing is that Felipe Massa accuses Jarno Trulli of the same offense.
"If I slowed down Massa, I'm sorry, I didn't do it on purpose. But about Schumacher, I have some doubts. My first instinct was to go to the stewards to protest, but then I let it go. Anyway, he's always right".
On Sunday, April 23, 2006, at the start of the San Marino Grand Prix, the drivers maintained their positions, except for Yuji Ide, who made a risky maneuver at the Villeneuve corner, colliding with Christijan Albers. The Dutch driver flips repeatedly but without physical consequences. This behavior will not go without consequences: during the race, the Japanese driver will first have to make two pit stops in two laps and then retire during the 28th lap due to suspension problems. After this unsportsmanlike act, race officials decide to revoke his super license. The race continues, and the first to stop for refueling are Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello. After them, it's the turn of the Ferraris, which relinquishes the first position to Juan Pablo Montoya, but he stops on the following lap. At this stage, Jarno Trulli retires due to a steering problem. At the beginning of the 30th lap, Jenson Button stops at the pits for the second time. However, the fuel refueling nozzle gets stuck, and when the British driver leaves the pits, he tears it off. He then stops in the pit lane to allow the mechanics to remove it before continuing, significantly delayed. Fernando Alonso takes the lead as a result, pushing and even setting the fastest lap of the race.
However, after the pit stop, he fails to rejoin in front of Michael Schumacher and ends up following the German driver. In the second half of the race, Michael Schumacher experienced tire graining, allowing Fernando Alonso to recover about 10 seconds in just eight laps. On the 41st lap, the Spaniard stops at the pits, while Michael Schumacher remains out for another lap, recording a significantly faster time than before. After his pit stop, he rejoins just ahead of the Renault driver. In the final stages of the race, Fernando Alonso pressures Michael Schumacher in a duel where the two protagonists reverse roles compared to the previous year. However, Alonso can't overtake the Ferrari driver. In fact, he makes two mistakes in the final laps, one at the Variante Alta and one at Acque Minerali, moving him away from the possibility of winning. Michael Schumacher crosses the finish line first, winning the San Marino Grand Prix and ending Renault's three consecutive victories while securing his seventh win at Imola. Fernando Alonso finishes second, followed by Juan Pablo Montoya, Felipe Massa, Kimi Raikkonen, Mark Webber, Jenson Button, and Giancarlo Fisichella. A movie already seen. The same actors, the same scenes. But people like it, the audience gets excited, gets thrilled, also because this time the script changes, the ending is different, the good guy is the German with the big jaw, dressed in Ferrari red, the villain is the Spaniard with the scruffy beard, wrapped in Renault blue. The audience goes into raptures, enjoying the battle, lap after lap, inch by inch, and then cheers because Michael Schumacher wins, not Fernando Alonso, the driver who has dominated the Grand Prix for months, leading the championship, winning the World Championship in 2005, and threatening an immediate repeat. Twelve months ago, at Imola, it became clear that Fernando Alonso had what it takes to pick up Michael Schumacher's heavy legacy, but after today's intoxicating triumph, the old Michael believes in winning the World Championship again. Forget retirement. Forget lost motivation. Forget old age, content with countless victories, ready to embark on the sunset and a comfortable pension.
The perfect Michael Schumacher returns to being the known Martian, the man who can drive an 800-horsepower car for 307 kilometers without making a mistake, who is not scared when he has the breath of a demon like Fernando Alonso on his neck, who defends slim leads for 28 laps, tenths that can be counted on one hand, who takes the same lines in the corners because he knows that's the right trajectory, the best way to shut the door on any overtaking attempt, because he is sure, with his experience, that driving like this, no one can take the victory from him. Michael Schumacher's race, leading from the first corner to the last, except for the moments when he returned to the pits for the first and second refueling, is an anthem to precision. He knows he absolutely must start stronger than everyone else to win, defend the pole position he fought for on Saturday, and he succeeds. Behind him are Jenson Button and Felipe Massa, two outsiders in the expected great duel, and the enemy Fernando Alonso. The German escapes without too many problems, he is not even bothered by a Safety Car that entered the track for one lap to remove the debris from Albers' shattered Midland after a spectacular crash. Michael Schumacher marches at a qualifying pace for twenty laps; the final victory seems like an inevitable reward, Fernando Alonso is behind, blocked by Felipe Massa and Jenson Button, the gap widens, and struggling is mandatory. But the fate of Imola is not to experience a solo getaway but athrilling duel. This is what the movie predicts, at most, it can change the script, make the German smile and not the Spaniard, but it wants the two of them in front, elbow to elbow, wheel to wheel. Here comes the plot twist. Michael Schumacher stopped at the end of lap 20, Fernando Alonso five laps later. The strategy gains two positions for the Renault man, gets him past Jenson Button and Felipe Massa, puts him behind the Ferrari driver, but that's not the most important news. The real effect is all on Michael Schumacher's car, which is no longer as fast, it starts to stutter due to the tires, while Fernando Alonso's car seems to have transformed. The Spaniard waves the nose of his blue car, begins to devour the corners, bounces on the curbs, and in three laps, he regains 4.3 seconds. At the end of lap 34, he completes his incredible comeback and finds himself attached to the German's car. Here's the movie everyone wants, the battle. Fernando Alonso is faster, he starts trying, appears in the mirrors, widens, takes measurements, tries to get alongside in the corner, but it's no use. He attempts the feat several times, and each time his attacks are repelled.
Michael Schumacher doesn't give him a chance, but the weapon of strategy remains. The Spaniard has more fuel; everyone thinks he will stay on the track longer, and in the end, he will be the one to celebrate again. But no. Here's another unexpected twist, Renault's big mistake, Ferrari's masterpiece. Fernando Alonso returns to the pits at the end of lap 41, six laps earlier than expected. He thinks: a couple of great laps, and I'll take the lead. But the order comes from the Ferrari pit: Michael returns immediately. He does, at the end of lap 42, and when he's back on the track with a full tank, he finds himself in the lead. "You won't fool me again," Michael Schumacher yells. Not only that: Fernando Alonso makes a mistake at Tosa, goes off into the gravel, from 0.3 seconds on lap 59 (out of 62), it goes up to 2.2 seconds. And Michael Schumacher wins. The greatness of sport lies in pumping adrenaline into the spectators, not just the athletes. And there are victories so anticipated - and so beautiful - that bring so much joy but also test one's health. No one is immune, from the anonymous fan to Luca Montezemolo. The President of Ferrari, while following the evolution of the Grand Prix, had to take some medication to make it to the checkered flag.
"I was so taken, so excited, my heart was about to burst. I had to take the pills, otherwise I risked a heart attack. We suffered a lot, especially after the first twenty laps in which Schumacher and Ferrari had flown. But Michael had an extraordinary race and didn't make a single mistake. The whole team was perfect: everyone, after Australia, worked day and night to reach a weekend like this".
Montezemolo, from Bologna, unexpectedly drops by the Ferrari motorhome after the Grand Prix. A spontaneous gesture, made to greet and thank all the team guys but, almost certainly, also for himself, as he had a strong desire to see Ferrari at the top again.
"I'm happy for the fans, for the team, for Italy. Because a winning Ferrari is pure optimism for the country. And it shows that the team has fought, has reacted to the recent difficulties. Ferrari is here and will fight to the end for this World Championship".
The Ferrari number one really wasn't looking for the limelight. He was looking for the shared joy of victory after so much suffering.
"A year and a half".
And this means that Montezemolo considers the last victory to be the one at Suzuka in 2004, not the farcical Grand Prix in June 2005 at Indianapolis. For sure, a better success than this couldn't have been.
"The way the race unfolded, and because we're in Imola. Michael was fantastic; he's the greatest of all. He endured tension and difficulties, and for us, it's very important to have won here in Italy, at our home".
There's also a moment of fair play, in the Montezemolo style:
"It's right to give compliments to Alonso as well: he also had a great race".
But then, the celebration takes over after such a long wait:
"I want to remember that this is the first victory of a car designed by an Italian engineer, Aldo Costa, to whom I extend my warmest congratulations".
More hugs, more congratulations. But even in the general euphoria, Montezemolo finds the time to remind everyone that nothing is done yet:
"We're on the right path, and I'm pleased with the enthusiasm and focus already present in the whole team for the next race. At Imola, Italian technology prevailed. It's not just Schumi who gives us a boost; we boost each other".
The president of Ferrari probably envisions a more relaxed future with less stressful Grands Prix. But the important thing is to take it one step at a time, and so, on Monday, there won't be a meeting for him:
"No meeting for me: we won".
Montezemolo only participates when there are things to be settled.
"And you know what? I hope I never have to go there again".
He had promised that. In certain moments, he had even guaranteed it.
"We will return to greatness in Imola".
Then, after putting the car on the track.
"We can secure pole position and victory".
A driver who has stood on the world's podium seven times knows how to keep his word. And Michael Schumacher did. He repelled Fernando Alonso's attack, won the battle against the spirited Spaniard, and triumphed in front of his people, the sea of red that was clamoring for his redemption. Suffocated by embraces, Michael Schumacher is radiant after the race. Emotional, happy, as if he were facing his first victory and not the 85th success of his unparalleled career. It had been too long since he had stood on the highest step of the podium, too many months since he had thrilled the Ferrari world, and played the Italian national anthem. There's a joke from Jean Todt that makes him smile.
"He asked me if I knew the way to the podium; it's been a while since I've been there".
Jokes aside, he hadn't experienced a day like this in an eternity.
"It's true, but I'll tell you something right away: this victory won't be the last".
Does that mean Ferrari is back to being the strongest car?
"It means we feel competitive, as we imagined from the beginning of the season, and here we realized that we can finally compete with Renault. We just need to avoid mistakes, as happened in Australia. And we were perfect at Imola".
However, Alonso made you nervous for quite a few laps.
"Let's say I was helped a lot by the rearview mirrors. I used them often; they were very useful and worked well".
But who knows how many times you were afraid of being overtaken.
"To be honest, not many times. In Formula 1, there's always a bit of fear, like when I rushed back to the pits for the second pit stop. I hoped to come out in front of Alonso, but there's never absolute certainty. But let's not forget we're at Imola, a unique circuit where overtaking is almost impossible. I remembered last year's duel; it was like a movie already seen. Fortunately, this time the roles were reversed. In 2005, I was much faster than him, but I never had a chance to get in the lead. Now it was his turn to curse. I remained calm; I have some experience. If a driver chases me closely, just inches away, my legs certainly don't shake. The important thing was not to make mistakes. I didn't make any".
However, the audience remained with bated breath for a long time. Do you think you might be simplifying this exciting duel a bit too much?
"Keeping him behind wasn't like a walk in the park. You have to be constantly focused, not make a single mistake in a turn, find the right trajectory at every point on the track, and never let go of it. If you can do that, the game is won".
The same things that Alonso must have thought in 2005.
"I believe so, and it's funny that twelve months later, we saw the same film again, with the same actors, only with a different ending. In the car, I enjoyed remembering what I thought the previous year; it was an intelligent way to anticipate his moves and be ready to counter them. He tried at the same points, the only possible ones, and I blocked his way".
How important is it psychologically to have crossed the finish line before him?
"Very important, beyond the two points I gained in the standings. First of all, it's the first step towards a comeback, and then it's a signal that we were right not to feel out of the World Championship. We made mistakes in two races, in Malaysia and Australia, but there's still plenty of time, fourteen Grand Prixs; the title fight this year also involves me".
Is there a risk that Imola will be just an episode? After all, last season, you also performed very well here.
"In the tests in Barcelona, we achieved very encouraging times, and that's a track that provides useful indications for the entire World Championship. Even at the Nurburgring, another home race for me, in front of my audience, we will be very strong. And it's important to arrive there with a victory in hand and great motivation".
The feeling is that a burden has been lifted from your heart.
"This success is a great relief. Finally, we can prove that we weren't deluded, that hard work pays off, and that Ferrari still knows how to win".
On the podium, what did you think in front of that sea of red?
"I felt immense joy and thought to myself: all these people deserve a day like this".
There's only one drawback: why the drop in performance after the first pit stop?
"It would be easy to blame the tires, but we need to analyze everything calmly. Because the tires sometimes still lose grip, but it also happened in Friday's free practice, and the times didn't suffer as much. Suddenly, we became slow, too slow. And Alonso caught up with me. However, it's also worth noting how fast we were at the start. In the first few laps, I was flying as if it were a qualifying session".
Do victories like this postpone retirement?
"I'll decide in June, and nothing will pressure me. I've always needed victories. When they're not there, I miss them terribly. But my future is a different story".
Faces tell the truth, not words. The truth is that in Imola, the Ferrari team was smarter than the Renault team. Then again, the French team has every reason to consider this race a positive one. It's also true that Fernando Alonso respects the plan of action from last year. It's statistically proven that the Spaniard continues relentlessly to produce results: the tenth consecutive podium of his career, second only to Michael Schumacher (nineteen consecutive podiums). However, they could have had it all: they could have achieved a grand slam, they could have had the satisfaction of beating Ferrari in their own backyard once again, as they did in 2005. Instead, this is the news, even the French make strategic mistakes in races. On Saturday, they compromised Giancarlo Fisichella's Grand Prix, and in the race, they missed a potential victory for Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard was already glued to the German, slower compared to the pursuer.
"That's how things were, and since we were also monitoring Massa, who was getting too close from behind, we decided to advance to the pit stop".
This is the explanation from the team manager Flavio Briatore, who, if on Saturday took responsibility for the errors in Fisichella's case, this time rejects any blame.
"No one can say whether we made a mistake or not. Who can say if we would have come out on top?"
The clever one was, therefore, Michael Schumacher: as soon as he learned of his rival's pit stop, he hit the accelerator pedal, and that turned out to be the winning move. No one will ever know if the German was acting, slowing down to deceive his opponents, making them think he had problems, driving a non-competitive car. Regrets remain.
"On another circuit, I would have won, but in Imola, you don't overtake. Unless the one in front makes a mistake. And Michael did well, he didn't make any".
One thing is certain, the black weekend for the Renault engineers and their strategies. Says Fernando Alonso:
"Maybe if I had come in at the planned time, it would have been better".
And Flavio Briatore ultimately confirms the difference of opinion on the issue, but, as a good leader, he understands that it's time to shift the conversation to something else.
"Oh, if they had told me I would take nine points at Imola, I would have signed up for it. We have two historically unpopular circuits: Imola and Indianapolis. It seems to me that the balance is more than positive for us".
The world champion agrees with this:
"I gained points on Raikkonen, and Schumacher is well behind. I have nothing to complain about. And we know that Ferrari is strong in Imola; let's see what happens at the next Grand Prix".
Flavio Briatore then congratulates the winners:
"We put on a show, Ferrari won, we're all happy".
But some doubts are emerging in a team that seemed rock-solid even in difficult moments last year, and this was one of the ingredients for the double final triumph. This year, some minor friction is already visible (with Alonso), so far promptly brushed aside, but this is where the communication wizard, Flavio Briatore, will have to focus before the rift becomes a giant crack. This time it's up to Renault to play defense and get to work and solve the mysteries. Because, aside from the reprimands (always from Briatore) to the engineers fooled by the Ferrari colleagues, the French team will also have to unravel a real technical problem, that of the super engine, not fast at all, as Fisichella says. And, in the unfortunate event, the World Championship could have a different story. So, is it true glory in Maranello, or just a flash in the pan? If you listen to Michael Schumacher, there are no doubts:
"We're back; at Imola, we realized that we can compete on equal terms with Renault".
If you hear Fernando Alonso, the certainties diminish:
"On any other circuit, I would have won. Imola is Ferrari's home; it's impossible to overtake on this track. I'm fine with second place. But I would wait before saying that Schumacher is a dangerous rival again. He is for charisma, talent, experience, but perhaps not yet for the car".
The doubt remains. And the words of the two rivals, who have been the protagonists of a great battle at Imola every year, don't help clarify. The German fuels enthusiasm:
"Sunday's victory will not be an episode, and above all, it will not be the last. We have already solved many problems; the new version of the engine has proven to be very powerful, aerodynamic changes have allowed us to optimize the entire package, with the tires we have made significant progress. There are still a few gaps to fill, but Ferrari is very good at development; expect more progress soon".
There is a crucial piece of information that supports his optimism.
"Imola may be a particular circuit, but Barcelona isn't. And we did very well in the tests on that track; the times achieved are very encouraging. Barcelona is a litmus test for all Grand Prixs: if you're fast there, you're fast everywhere. That's why I expect a great Ferrari at the Nurburgring in two weeks. I respect Renault, I don't underestimate McLaren, but in Germany, we can win again".
True glory then. Instead, note the cunning of Fernando Alonso:
"Imola was a very important stage for my world title chances. I gained points on Raikkonen and Fisichella, the most formidable rivals".
He has lost two points to Michael Schumacher, but this evidently doesn't matter much to him. So, going by what the Spaniard says, Ferrari is deluding itself. Even last year at Imola, the Maranello team was the strongest, but the success remained isolated, and in the rest of the world, there were only crumbs and disappointments. The dilemma remains unsolved and somehow splits the world of Formula 1 into supporters (of Ferrari's definitive resurgence) and opponents. Jacques Villeneuve, a driver for BMW and an old rival of Michael Schumacher, is caustic:
"Alonso has the World Championship within reach. If he finishes second when Ferrari finally finds its form after months, I don't see who can take the crown away from him".
Niki Lauda, on the other hand, encourages the red dream.
"It depends a lot on the car's development. Let's not forget that before Imola, Ferrari was two seconds behind. When you have Schumacher in the car, nothing is impossible. I don't understand why some think he should retire; he's still the greatest of them all".
A boost to the renewed enthusiasm in Maranello also comes from Rubens Barrichello:
"Ferrari can do what McLaren did last year: start slow and then begin its resurgence right at Imola. Until it becomes unbeatable, reliability aside".
While an engine expert like Luca Marmorini, a Toyota executive, remains skeptical:
"At Imola, Ferrari was reborn, but I'm not sure if they can be as strong elsewhere".
Probably, only those in Maranello know the real answer to the great question left by Imola. They admit they haven't completely resolved the tire problem, with the sudden loss of grip (with new tires) that occurred on both Schumacher and Felipe Massa's cars, a drop in performance that the German (staying ahead of Alonso) managed to contain, but it cost the Brazilian his spot on the podium. Still, they are enjoying the newfound efficiency of the engine and the step up in aerodynamics. They're also banking on an opponent's gap, the lack of capacity to develop the car, as was evident last year. Even in 2005, Renault started off very strong but then slowed down, although they managed to manage their substantial lead well. However, Michael Schumacher was 10 points behind after four Grand Prix races, and now he has more than doubled his points (21). In the comeback dream, that's a significant difference.
"For us, victories are like vitamins. They keep us alive, make us stronger".
Useful, even though sometimes they come in unexpected ways. Even Jean Todt, like Luca Montezemolo, suffered like mad. He is forced to admit:
"Next time, I will bring my doctor to the pit lane because I don't know if my heart can handle such emotions at my age".
A victory that comes after a long wait:
"Although I don't talk about a year and a half, but only about ten months, as for me, Indianapolis counts".
But the triumph at Imola is much more gratifying. Jean Todt has very clear ideas about Michael Schumacher's future:
"Schumacher will never leave Ferrari. As long as he remains in F1, he will race for us. Briatore can beg him on his knees, but he has no chance of fulfilling his dream".