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Preview to the Austrian Grand Prix

© Anand Janefalkar

The Sixth Round of the Formula One 2001 season will be held at the A-1 circuit in Austria. The circuit is the smallest in terms of length on the Formula One calendar. It is situated at the foothills of the Styrian Alps and has a series of uphill straights on which cars reach the maximum speed of around 270 kmph. The circuit also is the fastest amongst all others. The circuit has favoured Mclaren since its re-inclusion in the Formula One Championship from 1997. Both Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard have shown tremendous results here. While Mika has finished all of them on the podium amongst which he had 2 wins, David has finshed in the second place thrice. David Coulthard also has the record of the fastest time on the circuit.

The A-1 ring has been reconstructed and introduced in the Formula One Schedule of races from 1997. The Austrian Grand Prix has come in at a very critical time for Mclaren and its drivers. While David Coulthard is 8 points behind current leader Michael Schumacher, Mika Hakkinen currently 10th with just 4 points from 5 races and the Mclaren team behind Ferrari by 18 points. Mclaren will be hoping to get a strong performance at this race to put them in catching distance to keep their stake alive in the championship. After the disastrous Spanish Grand Prix, in which both drivers suffered mechanical problems and finished poorly. the Woking based outfit must be having their fingers crossed on this one.

Other teams also are very keen on the Austrian Grand Prix as it offers long straights, many uphill slow and tight corners as well as long curves with plenty overtaking opportunities. Some drivers like Nick Heidfield and Luciano Burti have already voiced their readiness for the race to be held this weekend. Williams with Ralf Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya will also be willing to put in a better show and reach somewhere close to the leaders in the Constructors' Championship race.

The standings after the fifth round of the Formula One 2001 season are as follows: -

Drivers' Championship -

1) Michael Schumacher - Ferrari - 36 points 2) David Coulthard - Mclaren - 28 points 3) Rubens Barrichello - Ferrari - 14 points 4) Ralf Schumacher - Williams - 12 points 5) Nick Heidfield - Sauber - 8 points 6) Jarno Trulli - Jordan - 7 points

Constructors' Champioship -

1) Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro - 50 points 2) West Mclaren Mercedes - 32 points

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