Full Throttle

The question posed is when will Formula One see it’s first Russian driver? Alex Shnaider provides his answer:

Midland’s F1 team could put a Russian in the racing cockpit as soon as next year, according to ‘MF1′ owner Alex Shnaider.

The naturalised Canadian, who nonetheless was born in Russia, sang the praises of 24-year-old test driver Roman Rusinov, 24, in the ‘Sovietsky Sport’ publication.

Asked when a Russian driver might race for the team with a Russian license, Shnaider said: ”I think no earlier than 2007.

”Naturally, we all want a Russian driver behind the wheel of (the) car, but Roman needs to spend the season as our test driver to get used to the car and amass experience.”

Shnaider, who is younger than Michael Schumacher (37) but already a billionaire, admitted to frustration that Midland had largely failed to attract any Russian sponsorship for his team.

He explained: ”(But) it’s not that simple. Even in the West, it takes several years to hammer out top deals.

”I’m sure that now, with a totally Russian team with a flag on board, interest in sponsorship will increase.”

And my answer: It will be a sunny 90 plus degree December day in Siberia before Roman Rusinov becomes any crediable force in F1.

Yes I know that’s two answers, But Voltaire once said (and I agree) I’ve got better things to do than argue with every wrong-headed crackpot with an ignorant opinion! I’m a busy man! I say, either agree with me or take a hike! I’m right, period! End of discussion!

Rusinov has competed in Formula 3000 (one pole and 7^th in points), American Le Mans (where he has shown some success) and the FIA GT championship (with no podiums or poles) before 2005, when he was appointed one of Russia’s A1GP drivers. The team lasted only three events before running out of funding.

His A1GP “career” consisted of one start at Eastern Creek Australia. Rusinov’s qual effort placed him 3.5 seconds plus over pole speed and he finished 13^th and 20^th in what are essentially a field of identical cars.

In the end Mr. Shnaider you may feel he’s has a shot and is performing well as Midland’s “Man Friday” the only correct answer to the question is, Nyet! Rusinov isn’t going to cut it.

That’s my lie, and I’m sticking to it!

F1, Formula One, Formula 3000, A1GP, A1 Grand Prix of Nations, Russia, Auto Racing, Motorsports, Full Throttle