The Championship is down to the last 3 races.

By Parminio
August 25 2003

At the start of the year, McLaren were hoping for a decent showing until the MP4-18 came along. The later isn't going to happen, and the 4-17D has been simply outstanding in giving us a chance for the world title.

With just three races to go, Kimi Raikonnen is just 2 points behind Mike Schumacher for the drivers title lead. With just three races left, it's anybodys title to win or lose.

The problem is the next race: Monza. Monza is all about power, so it seems likely that BMW will rule the day there...but don't count Ferrari out just yet. Ferrari historically releases their last engine modification of the year at Monza, and one has to be concerned that it may be the difference between success and failure for Ferrari. Ferrari are also on the record as saying that significant aerodynamic improvements will be made...so that's cause for some concern as well.

Williams on the other hand seem to have the FW25 figured out at last. It's performance over the last 5 races has been staggering. Sunday's charge by Ralph Schumacher through the field from 19th to take 4th speaks volumes...so one expects more of the same at Monza.

McLaren have been strangely quite about the 4-17D. There's no real news to speak of on the 4-18 either. With the 4-17's performance at Hungary however, it appears that although outpowered a bit, the 4-17 is a match for anyone. It's going to be up to Kimi and David however to make sure they qualify well to give McLaren a chance to beat Williams and Ferrari, and allthough that isn't too likely at Monza, the USGP and Japan will be strong tracks for us...so it's looking good!

The pressure is on. It's crunch time. Let's hope that McLaren can get just a little more magic from Kimi, DC and the amazing MP4-17D and bring home the title!