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TACH SPECIAL: Jaguar Finally Breaks Through In Monaco

By David Treffer
Contributing Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
June 1, 2001

For Bobby Rahal, Eddie Irvine and Jaguar third place at the Monaco Grand Prix is just what the doctor ordered. The Jaguar team has been mired in a slump that appeared to be the theme for the rest of the season. However, the introduction of the new Jaguar chassis (it was supposed to be debuted in Canada) was accelerated. To use Monaco as a benchmark of chassis re-design achievement is misleading. The attrition level in Monaco was normal for that race. Irvine could have easily finished out of the points. However on this afternoon the variables of racing acumen fell in Jaguar’s favor. The true test for the new chassis will be in Canada.

Irvine has complained from the beginning of the season about the lack of top end speed. The all-important “aero” package has been lacking. The earlier designs were developing too much downforce. Everytime a new set-up was implemented a new problem cropped up. Maybe the engineers have found the right combination and Jaguar will begin to engage the top teams of Ferrari, McLaren and Williams for the remainder of the season.

The politics of the control and guidance of the Jaguar team have been under scrutiny ever since Niki Lauda was brought in as a consultant for the “Jaguar Sport” side of the team. Jaguar team boss Bobby Rahal has never uttered a negative comment about the hiring of Lauda but it does not take a genius to figure out that Lauda’s presence was not warmly greeted. Rahal is very capable as a leader and manager. Given enough time Rahal will prove the F1 critics wrong.

In the meantime the Jaguar team continues work on the remainder of the season. The Canadian Grand Prix could very well be the breakthrough race. While a victory is not on the horizon another respectable showing in the points will certainly point to a righting of the ship.

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