Australia
Qualifying: Okay, I'm not one of those "psycho Tifosi" so I don't think Coulthard wrecked on the last lap just to keep Michael off the pole. I was disappointed, sure, after Michael's comments about how "bloody fast" the Ferrari was. Still, with him and Ruebens really close behind the McLarens I expected good things...
The Race: I was happy to see Schumi stick close behind the two M&M cars. Ferrari does really well in the pits, and Michael's in- and out-laps are always spectacular. This boded well. Needless to say, when DC hobbled into the pits I was jumping up and down, laughing and clapping! Then (during a commercial, of course, stupid American television style) Hakkinen parked his ride, too! Schumi took the lead ,quick, easy, with no pasing required!
I was amazed when Ruebens passed Michael. When he pulled into the pits on the next lap I half-expected to see Jean Todt walk over to the car to explain to him that "Passing Michael Schumacher is a no-no". At first, I thought (as did everyone else) that this was a subversive tactic by Ferrari to give Schumi an insurmountable lead over Ruebens. Then I thought Schumi was doing this to let Ruebens lead for part of the race to get a bonus or something. Actually, what happened was the following exchange between the two drivers during the pass:
Michael: "Good afternoon, Ruebens. I just wanted to let you catch up and find out how you were doing..."
Ruebens: "Why, thank you, Mr. Schumacher, that is very considerate of you! I am doing quite well, thank you."
Michael: "How does the car feel?"
Ruebens: "Good. I think I'll get a new set of tires, though, something softer, perhaps an all-season to keep the jarring down."
Michael: "Good idea. Enjoy the rest of your day. Please [motioning forward], after you..."
Ruebens: "No, Mr. Schumacher, I couldn't possibly. After you."
Michael: "No no, my friend. I'll have plenty of time to run in the lead this year. After you."
Ruebens: "But Mr. Schumacher, I feel unworthy..."
Michael: "Nonsense. I wouldn't want it any other way."
Ruebens: "Well, if you insist..."
Michael: "I do, I do..."
Ruebens: "Well, thank you - Thank you very much, Mr. Schumacher."
Michael: "Please - call me Michael."
Ruebens [blushing]: Wh- wh- why certainly, Mister Sch- I mean, Michael..."
