Preview: 2004 United States Grand Prix - Round 9 of 18

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Strategy

Two stops was how most teams have ended to go over the last couple of years though this was at least partly to do with the fact that the track was drying resulting in the teams having to stop for dry tyres in 2000. This time round dry weather should mean that the teams will mix it up between one stop and two though a dry race will most likely see most teams opt for a single stop around lap 40 though a mixture of different strategies is likely. As the set up of the car cannot be changed between qualifying and the race different teams will try different setups (Indiannapolis is one of the few circuits where the set up is completely different for qualifying than it is or the race). This should lead to plenty of overtaking.

The Teams

This section will be updated in each race preview with the latest news and tidbits regarding the 2004 F1 Teams and their drivers.

Marlboro Ferrari  (Red with Marlboro graphics)

Possible problems in ranks due to Todt's being headhunted by FIA, power strain on engine, tyres, different time of year means different weather conditions.

M. Schumacher - Schuey's dominance here, his not being allowed on the oval as no one knew who he was when tour was shown around.

Barrichello - Still no decent results?

BMW Williams F1 (Dark Blue and White with Compaq and Allianz graphics)

2nd wind tunnel up and running, revisions to be introduced.

Montoya - huge popularity in States after Indy 500 win.

R. Schumacher - Lack of formal announcement by Toyota — who else would have him if Toyota backed out?

West McLaren Mercedes (Grey with West graphics)

Old engine equals no finish. Aeroflow over sidepods leading to high speed stalling of rear wing which could lead to trouble on fast part of circuit!

Coulthard - Likely signing opportunities.

Raikkonen - Why Kimi can't get the car to go as fast as DC — allusion to Button and Fisichella at Benetton.

Mild Seven Renault (Dark and Light Blue and Yellow with Mild Seven graphics)

Pointy car may mean probs on last corner. Team most likely to draft each other down the final corner.

Trulli - Time spent in the States (has run New York marathon 2 times!), good chance of win.

Alonso- Popularity with team, who better in the team now?

BAR Honda (White with Red Lucky Strike roundels)

Engine strength around Indy, rigidity of chassis likely to help — good chance of win.

Button - Lead last year — more wants to win France or UK.

Sato - Likely to put pressure on Button.

Sauber Petronas (Mid Blue with a yellow airbox, white nose and front wing with Credit Suisse Red Bull and Petronas graphics)

Ferrari engine + Bridgestone tyres = good result - Frentzen on podium last year.

Fisichella - Unlucky around here — chances for a drive other than Williams.

Massa - Wild and woolly beginning to subside and disciplined performances of late.

Jaguar (Green with HSBC graphics)

Lack of money, PR gaffes and potential restructures.

Webber - Last chance for team to get 6th in constructor's championship otherwise Webber goes.

Klein - Rumoured Red Bull buyout so Klein would stay on.

Panasonic Toyota (Red and White with Toyota and Panasonic logo graphics)

Lots of top designers, serious budget but still no car - why not even tested yet (unlike McLaren)?

Da Matta - Likes the States and coming back to Indy.

Panis - Talented and fast around Indy but car will let him down.

Jordan (Yellow with BandH graphics)

Jordan stepping in as Ford team if Jag goes?

Heidfeld - Jaguar driver?

Pantano - Why so slow? Likely to struggle where?

Wilux Minardi Cosworth (Black, white and Wilux written in Light Blue on White
on Sides and rear wing)

Worth watching coming through last corner as lack of rear grip.

Bruni - Fun and games re-regulations?

Baumgartner - Will blow engine due to over-revving — how would he do in new simple formaula to be used from 2008.

2004 United States Grand Prix Predictions

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