Anthology of Rio Haryanto and Old School Formula One

The hype of Formula One in Indonesia is back. Thanks to Ryo Haryanto (and Government money). The 23 years old would be the first Indonesian driver who compete in Formula One (step aside Ananda Mikola!). As you know, he pay a lot of money to get there (join with Manor Racing Team)  which made a lot of controversy. But, no, we not gonna talk about Mr. Rio, the controversy and the haters. We will talk about Formula One show in Indonesia.

It’s been a long time since I follow this competition. Maybe about 7 or 9 years ago. Believe or not, F1 is my favourite sports show in television when I was at Junior High School (beside Football). I think it’s very rare when kid like me (in that time) love Formula One, when the other kid fall in love with football (especially Serie A Italia). So let’s dig some memory.

Formula One in Indonesia (in early 2000) is broadcasted by RCTI. And then move to other tv station, TPI (now MNC TV). They broadcasting all of the race around the world, even the qualifaying rounds.

I knew the majority of F1 drivers name that time, like Mika Hakkinen, Ralf Scumacher, Juan Pablo Montoya, Kimi Raikonnen, David Coulthard, Jacques Villenueve, Jarno Truli, Takuma Sato, Ruben Barrichelo, and of course Michael Schumacer.

That time (end of 90s till early 2000), Michael Schumacer with Ferrari is a beast. No one can beat him. Five championship in a row. How about that?

Safe to say that Scumacher is Lionel Messi in his own right. The only diffirence between the two is Schumi don’t have equal rival like Messi (who had CR7). This guy is unbeatable. Name it, from Mika Hakkinen, Ruben Barrichelo, David Coulthard, Kimi Raikonnen, they can’t beat Schumi (in his peak era).

But, Schumi is not my favourite driver, Eddie Irvine is. Why Irvine? I don’t know. The only reason I like Eddie Irvine because he play for Jaguar Racing Team. Jaguar is mediocre constructor team that time. They far away from other notable constructor like Ferrari, Mercedes, BMW Williams or Renault. But still, I love Jaguar. When Irivine is gone I’m still big fans of Jaguar. They replace Irvine with Mark Webber. So, automatically I’m Webber supporters.

And then Jaguar Racing Team is gone, yes gone. Ford (owner) sell jaguar F1 license to Red Bull company. So, in 2004 Jaguar Racing is transform to Red Bull Racing. Since then, my passion to watch Formula One is slow but sure is gone. I still watch tough, but not often.

Now, this year, one of the Indonesian “hero” will compete at Formula One. My thougt about Rio Haryanto? He already make name for himself in Formula One. He will be legends with Takuma Sato and Alex Yoong. Is he gonna make me watch and follow F1 again? maybe yes, maybe no. Yes because it’s Rio Haryanto, and no because modern Formula One is Sucks!

Good luck Rio, (not) all the Indonesian behind you..!!!

PS: Sorry for bad grammar