I write this sitting in Spain watching the European Grand Prix Qualifying which just happens to be up the road in Valencia, wondering why I am not there. Actually the truth is I was not too impressed with last years race that ended up being a possession from start to finish and with many other issues reported such as parking and more I decided to stay away even though I am only 2 hours away.
But as there has been 4 week break in the schedule, so much has happened. First Michael Scumacher was coming back to replace the injured Massa, then he was not, so instead Ferrari has brought back Lucca Badduer. He used to drive in F1 back in 1999 and for the lats 10 years has been a test driver for Ferrari.
The result is a barrage of criticism from TV presenters around the world, who at first wondered about the decision, after all there are plenty of race fit drivers out there and who would love the chance to drive for Ferrari even if it is only for a few races. But the real criticism came with such a bad performance of over 3 seconds slower that the leading man and 1 and a half second slower than the car in front. As this is a Ferrari and although not showing the pace of previous seasons, it was pretty obvious there were younger drivers out there that could have made a bigger difference in the scarlet red car.
He says he is here as long as Massa is unfit to drive, even before the race it is already predicted to replace him. He qualified last in 20th by merit. This issue is not his fault, he was probably asked to come on board to help Ferrari through this difficult time and no doubt he is doing his best. But in this very competitive form of racing, there is just no room for 3 seconds, 3 tenths maybe, but his pace is too far off.
It just shows you how 3 seconds can hurt your name even when you have stepped in to do a favour. If I was Lucca, I would withdraw and suggest a replacement and keep my pride and reputation in place.
