Australian Grand Prix: MF1O's preview

By Huw Alban
March 30 2006

Do you know that’s been over a week since I last wrote something here at MF1O; but then again news on the Midland F1 front has been exceptionally sparse. In just a few short hours first practice kicks off in Australia…

…and I’m left wondering just what we can hope from the team this weekend.

Observers on the forum have already noted that the team have not hit the test track since Malaysia, but when you consider the logistical nightmare in actually moving all the team’s gear it’s not entirely surprising.

In view of the apparent silence from the team, we started to ask around our sources. Firstly we were told that the Silverstone factory was a ‘ghost town’ with most people still overseas. Secondly, and more interestingly, our sources have informed us that despite the lack of test track miles the team have still be working away developing what they can.

Just this morning we were told that “subtle aero, engine, and transmission tweaks” had been made to the M16 in preparation for Albert Park.

It is our hope that, at the very least, Midland F1 will be able to make proper starts off the grid in Melbourne. This cost the team dear in Malaysia, when engine changes promoted Tiago and Christijan up the qualifying grid. Hopefully the same will happen again.

It is also our hope that these “subtle” changes better the team’s chances in qualifying. I’d have to admit that it is a little disheartening to see the two Midland cars drop out of the first 15 minute qualifying session in 17th and 18th places. Just one car in the top 16 would make my weekend.

Active forum contributor CRX thinks that other competitors concerns will play into Midland F1’s hands. “As for other teams, we might not see the reliability problems of Williams and Red Bull, but I believe they’ll be more careful with their engines to ensure they’ll last 2 races. I believe they’ll be slower.

“Hopefully we can get closer to STR and run away from SA,” CRX concludes. Fair comment I think.