Formula 1: Ferrari – the dark horse in 2015?

Say the name Ferrari and majestic images embracing confidence, status, superiority, speed, precision and pompous opulence appear. It is inconceivable to refer to yourself as a lover of all things motorsports-related and not know one of the accepted symbols of Italy! But, truth be told, the purists will tell you that for Enzo Ferrari motor-racing was priority number 1! And if Ferrari was not permanently residing in P1 heads would roll! The man would not accept defeat.

Ferrari’s record in Formula shouts volumes – F1′s longest-serving team, over sixty consecutive years in F1 and boasting more drivers’ and constructors’ championships than fingers and toes can count! But, recent history has not been kind to Ferrari and the tifosi, is at present making frequent trips to Enzo’s final resting place – seeking answers! Ferrari has not won the drivers’ championship since 2007 and the constructors’ championship has escaped their grasp since 2008. Both scenarios would not have been accepted by Enzo!

The barren state of affairs of Ferrari has not gone unnoticed by the top brass. And in true Enzo fashion, a rather powerful head rolled in 2014, when it became apparent that the journey of miserable results and inevitable failure was destined to continue. The horse had already exited the gate and the 2014 season ran as expected – finishing an embarrassing 4th, almost 500 points the kindergarten team Mercedes AMG Petronas F1. The shame of it all!

Enzo

But winds of change know no bias if the work is done. And in 2015 thus far it seems as if the prancing horses are racing to a new and improved tune. The test at Jerez revealed startling results. Ferrari’s new machines were fast – they left the other teams scrambling for their pistons and connecting rods (they still use these in F1?). Raikkonen and his new teammate, multiple World Champion, Vettel sat comfortably at the top of the time sheet! The new team principal is maintaining a positive outlook. I am certain he does not want his head to roll in the near future!

Ferrari’s two drivers for 2015 are not known for being snails. On the contrary, they have World Championships under their belts and they have a lot to prove based on recent performances. The second test at Barcelona is still proving to be promising for Ferrari. Yes, I am fully aware that teams will not reveal their true hand during testing, but one cannot deny that there must be some truth in what Ferrari has shown thus far.

Is Ferrari the dark horse in 2015?

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line Writer