Time flies and before you know it, tomorrow (22.10.2006) is the last chance you will see Michael flying around in a Scarlette Farrari F1 car, or any F1 car for that matter, in a Formula One Grand Prix.
I was Schumacher Fan since the day when I start following the Champonships seriously, back in 2000. that's when I get to watch them on Australian National TV, while I was studying over there. Thank you Chanel Ten for bringing it to us. And thanks Murray Walker for all the excitement with less-than-faultless, but always buzzy commentaries!
I guess we all like a champion, and that's when Ferraris and Michael were really starting to dominate. But I guess it's seeing the way Michael whizzes on the track that amazes you. How many drivers can actually discuss tactics and give suggestions on the fly, while going down the straights at almost 300 kph?
Michael's career spreads well over three generation of drivers now. The days when he was a rookie, and going wheel to wheel with people like Senna, one of the all time greatest F1 driver known to us. To competing with, and possibly giving us what was the most exciting seassons in recent history with Mika Hakkinen. I still remember the passing maneuver of the decade, and possible the decades to come, when Michael and Mika passed on both side of a lapped Zonta. Some calls it the Greatest F1 bypass ever, and I guess I will agree with that! And now, After 16 years in the business, he is still kicking ass, Alonso's that is! HAHAHA! I am praying hard for a first corner crash out for him! Call me bad, but this kid's head has swell to the size too large for his helmet.
A lot people says Michael is cold blooded, becuase of the way he races on the track. But hei, you don't get paid US$33million to be a Mr Nice Guy and hand podium places to people. But in private, Michael is all different from the person we know on the track. I've had the chance to catch him in private moments in the paddock, while away from media attentions. That was back in Melbourne 2002. He popped out into the paddock home and chatted with a few fans and signed autographs. No one, and i mean almost zero media was expecting him to show up like, cuz he normally don't. But I happened to be there, and I got to see the private side of the man.
As for tomorrow, win or loose. I want to say a very BIG 'THANK YOU' to michael. Thanks for the decade of fabulous racing, the crashes, not forgetting the amazing comeback from a broken leg in 1999. Hope to see you around the paddock, hope you will actually say... Let's do another year! But in any case, we will miss the "MICHAEL MAGIC!" Ciao!
