BMW has about 850bhp
Ferrari F2001 modified engine, about 820-825bhp
Mercedes Ilmor, about 800bhp
These are not official, but almost everbody has been quoting them, so I
guess they can't be far off. Also, the McLarens were about 1 sec a lap
behind the BMW at Sepang, which is about 50bhp.
It is true that a higher downforce car can be run with no reduction in top
speed if you have that much more bhp. Wait until hockenheim, spa and other
fast circuits (Sepang is quite fast, too) and see the Williams advantage
with more downforce through the twisty bits, and still the same top speed as
the Ferraris.
I don't think Montoya will win the championship this year, because I simply
don't thing he is good enough... yet. Next year my money is on him, but this
year I think Michael will do it again. How amazing are the next few years in
F1 going to be with Michael and JPM battling in out every race? It will be
the first time in ages in F1 where I won't mind which of those two comes out
on top, because they are both fantastic drivers.
If only Montoya would stop trying to prove himself by doing Michael at every
opportunity (turn 1, Sepang?). The onboard camera shows he didn't leave
enough room, there is a limit to how quickly you can turn your car,
especially on the dirty side of the track, and JPM didn't leave enough room.
There are 2 lines around that corner, and turn 2 is a hairpin left which he
would have been on the inside for.
I'm not bitter, I would just have really loved to see MS and JPM battling
for the WHOLE race.
Nick.
