The Stars Of The Track

There are known certainties in the first months of a New Year. Strained waistbands that match equally strained bank balances are but two. Then there's another two which come around as certain as night follows day.

Motor racing journalists and writers over the globe sit down and write a prediction article. With the knowledge of seasons past and an in-depth understanding of the sport at the moment they put their necks on the line and put in black and white who they think will be the winners and losers in the coming year.

In another section of the media the prediction theme continues. Mostly in women's magazines and the 'glossies' the stars for the coming year are laid out before you. And in recent years its become so much more interactive. Gone are the boring lists, now its all moon and planet charts, tarot cards and how to predict your future with nothing more than a cocktail stick and blob of blutack.

With a new season soon to be upon on us I thought what better way than to combine the two, predictions for the coming season after consulting the stars. Armed with glossy magazines to the ceiling and tarot cards I delved back into my heritage, having come from a Romany family, to see what the season holds. So as I adjust my headscarf, cross my palm with silver…here goes….

2002 sees the Capricorn drivers filled with new energy. They've got a new sense of discipline towards their health and fitness regime so we're going to see Michael Schumacher even fitter than usual, if that's possible. Is this the sign that Jenson Button will leave off the hedonistic playboy lifestyle? On saying that as a single Capricorn Jenson should look out for not one but two love interests in the summer. Giancarlo is the one Capricorn in this bunch who should watch out for the flare up of a health problem that could disrupt his 2002 season.

Before the start of the season they are all focused on cash and sewing up those final money negotiations. Mid-June will be a challenging time for all of them but things will look in September and October with a late race for the line mixed with their popularity taking an upsurge.

At the beginning of the season in March they should all watch out for a strained relationship with an abrasive co-worker.

If they're looking for some rest and relaxation they should be packing their bags for India or Mexico.

Drivers to watch out for on the track: Geminis and Librans

Michael Schumacher: 'Justice'. Some may say this is long over due but it's time for Michael to consider how fair and compassionate he is, he may need to be more generous and forgiving. As the saying goes 'what comes around, goes around'. He'll be looking to make lasting business partnerships steadfast as 2002 sees him looking more in-depth into his future plans.

Jenson Button: 'The High Priestess'. Jenson needs to plan for 2002 with calm confidence. No more late nights or ego trips, it's time to focus and if he does 2002 could be a very promising season.

One of the new kids on the block and as an Aquarian he's being warned about being too aggressive at the start of the year otherwise we'll be seeing him in the kitty litter all too often. He shouldn't let this situation dampen the spirit though because if he thinks like an underdog it will be a self-fulfilling prophecy and he'll miss out on some great opportunities. By June things will be on the look up both on and off the track. Aquarians can look forward to a very romantic summer with a host of admirers!

By October when the dust (and kitty litter) has settled the discussion will turn to contracts and Aquarians can expect to go up the career ladder with promising new contracts signed.

Inspired by the fitness regimes of those around him I think we'll see Takuma's physical toughness improve as the year goes on as he takes his well-being seriously. And if he needs to unwind in the sun, Goa and Barbados are the hot-spots for Aquarians.

On track he needs to look out for Aries, Scorpio and Pisces drivers.

Pisceans have a great way with words this year and they may need them in October when their inboxes are filled with saucy e-mails from female admirers! The more serious thoughts should turn to money though. Pisceans are easily ripped off and this year there will be plenty of people after Rosa's and Burti's wallets suggesting all kind of business deals and ventures. Even if it is friends suggesting going into business, Pedro and Luciano need to think long and hard about it.

In March they'll both find themselves making a new friend who will be with them for life and be a great inspiration and back up. On the track they can expect a big shock in May - finishing the Monaco GP in a points position maybe? By the end of the season they'll be ready to take a risky career move - on their helmet be it.

Big stress in August, they'd do well to keep an eye on Taurean, Virgo and Capricorn drivers….mmm I sense these two will be getting in Michael Schumacher's way and there's a tussle with McNish looming…

You might spy them lounging on a beach in Majorca chilling out.

Oh this a hot and spicy year for the Aries brood! We're talking big things and a giant dollop of luck toboot. They'll be under pressure in September/October which could lead to a duel situation but the stars mark progress in October so it looks like they'll be coming out on top.

In the summer there's a back stabber in the camp but they know who it is now and would be well advised to put a lid on them now. The summer is also hampered by annoying travel problems so I expect we'll be hearing stories of missed planes and broken down road cars though these problems won't follow them onto the track. All year long they are being keenly spied by someone influential and they will impress.

In their personal lives the message is commitment isn't something to be scared of, you won't lose your independence. Could this be the year JV finally makes it down the aisle? And what's that noise? Could it be the pitter patter of Villeneuve Jr or Coulthard Jr - don't be surprised if it is. But before domesticity a quick holiday to Ibiza would be a good place to recharge the batteries.

Jacques Villeneuve: 'The Lovers'. It seems to be the theme of the year for JV but it looks like true love could have found him. This card also means he continues to look for a career with thrills so whilst he may be romancing off track he won't be all soppy on-track!

David Coulthard: 'The Empress'. A card which sees DC go into a higher gear. He's looking at a year of growth and finally the harmony in his career that has eluded him. Surely this is pointing to his strongest assault on the World Championship to date.

The two Germanic bulls of the grid! It looks like a tough year for them. They will feel bound and restricted in the beginning of the year and team bosses will not be impressed when they show a rebellious streak. All this will lead to breaking ties in August/September when a new associate will help them on to a new contract elsewhere.

At the end of the year they may be interested in some of the more fashionable diet and fitness regimes doing the rounds. Could we be seeing Heinz doing yoga on the beach and Nick as a Pilates guru? Who knows? The best place for them to relax will be at home in Monaco this year with the South of France being well starred for Taureans.

On track there looks like a few tussles between the two of them - oops!

Rubens is really going to get his head down and concentrate this year. All this hard work and some strokes of luck make it look like a promising season for him. His big priority should be communication making sure he gets his thoughts across and working with the entire team to his advantage, from the bottom up. In May he'll be receiving praise, could Rubens be a winner at Austria or Monaco?

He's going to be busy with even more promotion work than usual and all this sets his mind to thinking of becoming more involved in business or even thinking of setting up his own in the future.

Ruben's tarot card: 'The Wheel of Fortune'. No this does not mean he'll be appearing on a lame ass daytime TV quiz show. What it does indicate is a time of change at work, for the better. It is all about having some luck and better timing which I think will see Rubens step out of Michael's shadow more than ever before.

The Cancerians will be coming into the first half of the year on a health kick and feeling good. However this could be undone as they are prone to self-sabotage. They do well and then they over-cook it or open their mouths - a trait to be curbed this year. Cancerians shouldn't be quite so fussy and judgmental of people this year and may need to be a bit friendlier to make progress. They are all looking towards a big change in their position and are desperate in their own ways to find their niche whether that be in the team they are happy at or moving on to a new team. In September the answer to their wants should be settled one way or another. If they look towards big pay rises they'd do well to read the small print of the contract.

Early in the year some of them will be detouring via New Zealand which will fulfil some dreams.

Apart from Librans and Aquarians on the track they should look out for each other! There'll be a few Cancer-Cancer nudges on the track this year!

Ralf Schumacher: 'The Chariot'. This just underlies what a challenging and hard time it will be at work this season. He really needs to be in control of his motivation to make any progress.

Jarno Trulli: 'The Tower'. Another card predicting hard work. Jarno is looking at a season where it will feel like building his whole career up again from the bottom, full of disruption and unforeseen changes - stick in there Jarno and it'll be better in the long run!

Who'd believe it - not a single Leo driver on the grid. And maybe that's what F1 needs to give it some roar!

A very introspective year for Virgos who go all new-age and keep asking themselves 'who am I'. It'll be a challenge to keep that drive and motivation going especially when colleagues are getting on your nerves during the summer. The biggest work worries will be in April. The secret for Virgos is to keep a sense of humour and this year will see a lot of laughter as they meet new people who tickle their funny bone.

On the track they'll be looking out for Aries, Gemini and Pisces getting in their way.

A special mention for Juan Pablo. JPM was born on the 20^th September which means he is charming, witty, good looking and will have a year filled with luck and happiness I hope. And if any one would like to make a note of my birthday…that'll be the 20^th September ;o)

It's a great start to the season for the Librans. They are learning quickly and mixed with good fortune and luck coming their way it's a great springboard into 2002. They'll deserve a lot of the luck though as they will be work obsessed until August when they are truly in the limelight, maybe Kimi will post his maiden win then.

But what will favour them most is their superb communication skills which enable them to sweet talk even the toughest boss around. Oh yes, mouths will be agog up and down the pitlane as Kimi and Ron gel.

Good places for the Librans to unwind are Canada and Brazil this year so they should make space in their diaries for a few days extra around these races, no doubt Enrique enjoying the home comforts of Brazil as a treat.

Kimi Raikkonen: 'Strength'. This card is so apt for Kimi I was gobsmacked when I pulled it. It is about being the centre of attention, a position he will cope with admirably. Kimi will face the season with courage and determination showing a maturity beyond his years.

Surely this is the most perfect zodiac sign for a man often described as having a sting in his tail. But like all Scorpio's, Eddie displays a new maturity in 2002. Admittedly there will be a bit of a barny with the team boss in mid-March but from then onwards Eddie will do much to improve his reputation. Indeed by late July he will have a moment to shine so I predict he'll be posting good results in France and Germany. His big priority this year is his career and he will be more confident and successful than before as he becomes more focused. Around the 9^th December he'll make a big financial decision.

Eddie will become aware of how his mood swings affect his performance and as he becomes more serious he'll address this. Good places for him to visit include Portugal and Switzerland - maybe a mountain top fitness retreat is calling him.

When he is having scuffles on-track they'll be with the Sagittarian and Aquarian drivers.

Mika is going to be a bit of a hot talent this year with flashes of excellence. A new mentor in May will help him but when he feels restricted in July he'll start to get itchy feet and want to move to a team with more get up and go. In a year dominated by money and contract decisions he should stay clear of making any career decisions in September and October when they will be based on emotion.

The big message for Mika this year is to expect the unexpected. And when those unexpected moments involve other drivers they'll be the Virgo, Scorpio and Capricorns.

So there you have it, Psychic Bek's foray into fortune telling. My head tells me Michael Schumacher will once again be the man to beat but the cards are saying David Coulthard. One prediction I can make with certainty - these predictions are just as likely to be as duff as if I tried to make an educated prophecy. Who knows, maybe I've unleashed a hidden talent…we'll come back at the end of the year to see!

© Rebecca Hobbs

(c)RH PR 2007