Spa team orders: Time For Tea?
Eddie Jordan got his knickers in a twist over Hamilton and Rosberg - here's why
Even by Spa's high standard for both wetness and crashes, 1998 was something special. This was the race where David Coulthard managed to cause two different crashes, the first one that wiped out nearly half the grid on the first lap, and then - after the restart - when he was about to be lapped by leader Michael Schumacher. DC lifted off but didn't move off the racing line. Schumacher, unsighted in the spray, drove his Ferrari straight into the back of Coulthard's McLaren, finishing his race.
And promoting Damon Hill into the lead. Hill was driving for Jordan and in the twilight of his F1 career - he retired the following year. He'd qualified at Spa in a strong third place and had briefly led after the second start, but Schumacher's misfortune put him back at the sharp end.
As the laps ticked down another problem became apparent. Hill's teammate, Ralf Schumacher, was closing him down in a car that looked considerably quicker. Cue some very tense radio discussions later revealed in this documentary about the team. And Damon's amazingly calm ultimatum, delivered while leading a Grand Prix in the rain: "If we two race, we could end up with nothing... if we don't race each other we've got an opportunity to get a first and a second."
Eddie Jordan clearly agreed and Ralf was ordered to hold station; clearly not a decision he liked. Jordan took its first victory and only one-two finish, Damon scored his last Grand Prix win. It certainly explains why EJ got so worked up in the BBC post-race discussion with David Coulthard on Sunday.
Lead image: LAT Photo
I'm glad I went to the Young Drivers' Test last year, final chance to see the V8s in action. I know they're not quite so dramatic as the V10s and V12s were, but nonetheless, it puts today's soundtrack to shame.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84LykwRf1H0
A good situation for Ej to be in.........
When Schuey went past of 3 wheels, they all packed up & disappeared. One minute they were there, then gone.
I've still got the tickets & programme for the race, I keep meaning to send them off to Damon & EJ for an autograph.....
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