The Prancing Horse (Ferrari Racing Team)

Member Name: DavidJWest

Product:	Ferrari Racing Team
Date:	18/03/02 (255 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Nice cars.

Disadvantages: Suspicions

Ferrari have the longest tradition in the sport of Formula One Motor Racing, being founded by Enzo Ferrari and having competed in every Grand Prix since 1950, when the official world championship started.

Having contested 655 Grands Prix they are the most succesful team in the sport with 145 race wins and 11 constructors titles. Their drivers have won a total of 14 titles for the Scuderia, as they are also known. Scuderia being the Italian (they are from Italy if you didn't know) word for a stable.

The stable of course refers to the black prancing horse which is their world famous logo, usually emblazoned on a yellow shield with a scarlet background.

Ferrari fans are known as Tifosi, this is Italian for fans. They are the most popular team in the sport but I think they have sold out a little to appease their sponsors.

For example the colour of the cars has changed from almost blood red (scarlet) to a much more friendly red, almost orangye red. It's a minor point but I am sure Enzo will be turning in his grave that his beloved cars have become so commercialised with their tic-tac adverts on the monocoque!

Recently FIAT bought a 90% stake in the company and this useful injection of cash has enabled them to land Michael Schumacher as driver which has propelled them to a very succesful era, after 21 years of relative failure.

The team is based at Maranello in northern Italy, they are the only team with their own test track (Fiorano) which does give them an advantage.

It is a proven fact that when Ferrari do well, the number of people watching Grands Prix increases and so does the amount of money flowing into the FIA's coffers.

This is why I am slightly suspicious about just how level the proverbial playing field is for all Formula One teams.

Just for the record I am going to record all the suspicious instances involving Ferrari, for posterity, commencing with this season.
Make your own minds up and please post comments, I am suspicous but not convinced there is a plot!

2002 - Malaysia - Juan Pablo Montoya is hit by Michael Schumacher in the first turn and "Monster" is given a drive-through penalty, dedspite Michael Schumacher saying this was not appropriate.

This after the start where Michael on pole, swung across to block Montoya who moved to overtake and took the line into the first turn. It was tight but Michael was going too fast to make the turn given his bad line and understeered into Juan Pablo.

More suspicious fans have said this was more than just understeer on Michael's part.

Summary: