Formula One 1997 World Championships

Image Courtesy: richardsf1.com

By the time I turned ten my interest was surely getting inclined towards racing and this was precisely the point when I caught the glimpse of my first Formula One race. It was April 13, 1997 when I stumbled upon an unusual sight- it was a collision on a race track. I was enthralled and couldn't believe my eyes. Apparently it was the man who in the coming years changed the course of Formula One, yes I am talking about the man himself- Michael Schumacher who had smashed into a spinning Rubens Barrichello at the first turn. I kept on staring the screen until I understood what was going on and that I had to see it through.

At that point in time I had no idea who those folks were and what were they doing because coming from a country like India where only Cricket is considered to be a sport it was hard to digest such action in such a short interval of time.

Here is that incident on YouTube- F1 Argentina 1997 GP Courtesy of Formula One administration and the uploader. This collision drove me into the magnanimous world of motor racing.

This was the time I had no clue whatsoever about the great teams like Mc Laren Mercedes and Ferrari. I didn't even know that such companies existed. I popped some popcorns and for the first time ever I ignored Scooby Doo and started watching the race, the race which is still fresh in my memories even after fifteen long years because Eddie Irvine in his Ferrari was breathing down Villeneuve's Williams in the closing stages but Villeneuve held his nerves and won the race in style.

Now when I look back I feel that this was an amazing year, not that the later years were not exciting but this particular season stands out because be it the outstanding Damon hill in his Arrows at Hungary or be it the duo of Hakkinen and Coulthard who at Germany looking all set to lock the top two podium slots paved the way for Villeneuve after both the Mc Larens gave up before the Chequered flag. Also, this was the season that gave Hakkinen the push with his first career victory at Jerez from where he springboarded to win back to back championships in 1998 and 1999.

An extraordinary season of motor racing finished with Villeneuve taking the championship, carrying forward his father's legacy with pride. The top six drivers lined up as:

1. Jacques Villeneuve -Williams Renault
2. Michael Schumacher -Ferrari
3. Heinz Herald Frentzen -Williams Renault
4. David Coulthard -Mc Laren Mercedes
5. Jean Alesi -Benetton Renault
6. Gerhard berger -Benetton Renault

The biggest disappointment was Damon Hill whose move to the Arrows team didn't go down very well. He was the defending champion that year but due to consistent retirements throughout the season could manage only a lonely twelfth position in the Drivers' Championship.

Image Courtesy: autoevolution.com