Ferrari domination leaves McLaren and Williams stuck in second gear

Defeat is one thing, an ending annihilation quite another, and the downcast cannot even camouflage their resignation.

Ferrari, having added the constructors' championship to Michael Schumacher's drivers' title with their emphatic success in Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix, are expected to turn the last four races of the year into a triumphant pageant.

Rubens Barrichello, who won here ahead of a restrained Schumacher, has still to secure the runner-up place to his team-mate, while the German will be anxious to claim a record 10th victory of the campaign. Few of their rivals doubt these remaining objectives will be accomplished.

However, what concerns the other teams, notably Williams-BMW and McLaren-Mercedes, the two logically best equipped to challenge Ferrari's pre-eminence, is that the Italian camp are so far in front that it seems unlikely they can be caught next year.

Britain's David Coulthard, fifth here and notionally a contender for second place in the championship, echoed the sombre sentiments of many when he said: "It is disconcerting that we have not been able to close the gap to Ferrari.

"I can't see much change at the last four races and unless we can make our car a second a lap faster for next year we have practically no chance of chasing Ferrari. We're going to have to do something special to beat them.

"Beyond next year it is difficult to say. Other teams, including McLaren, have enjoyed periods of domination in the past and Ferrari will be beaten eventually.'' McLaren and Williams have each defeated Ferrari on one occasion this season yet instead of being propelled forward they have stuttered in their endeavours to sustain consistent momentum. That failing has served to smooth Ferrari's course.

Ron Dennis, McLaren's team principal, admits he is puzzled by his team's showing this season. "I don't know why we aren't as good as we want to be,'' he said.

Dennis has restructured his technical department, and made new appointments in his determination to produce a radical improvement in the McLaren come the start of next season. He said: "We are trying all we can to raise our game. The performance differential is not down to fine tuning and the revised structure is devised to make us better.

''Nothing is more certain than that Ferrari will be beaten. The question is when. We sustained a strong position for six or seven years. We have strong partners who are as committed as we are, and two drivers capable of going for the championship.'' Coulthard has 12 Formula One wins to his credit and although Kimi Raikkonen has yet to claim a maiden grand prix victory he again demonstrated his potential with a stirring drive to fourth place here on Sunday.

Ralf Schumacher gave Williams a solid third place without ever threatening Ferrari's progress, while his team-mate Juan Pablo Montoya's sloppy race performance completed an imperfect weekend.

Respected judges believe Giancarlo Fisichella is a driver capable of challenging for the championship, given the equipment, and the Italian, sixth on Sunday, will be encouraged by Jordan's new three-year contract with Ford.

Jaguar's team principal, Niki Lauda, is apparently less elated to hear the parent company are going into partnership with a rival team. This development would appear to heap more pressure on the Austrian and his Milton Keynes organisation. Jordan's severing of links with Honda may lead to the departure of the Japanese driver, Takuma Sato, but they maintain that German's Heinz-Harald Frentzen will not be returning. The driver who recently parted company with the beleaguered Arrows team has been linked with Toyota, although Sauber have now emerged as the favourites to sign him.

Arrows were pulled out of this grand prix to concentrate on negotiating a survival deal and optimistic claims have been made by those concerned in the talks. Tom Walkinshaw, the team principal, insists that they are solvent, while Craig Pollock, the former head of BAR, says he is confident that he and his American backers will gain control of Arrows.

Minardi are also casting their net for a rescue package and their leader, Paul Stoddart, is similarly positive about his team's future.

Britain's Anthony Davidson made his debut for Minardi here and although he spun out of the race 15 laps from the end he can be satisfied with his effort. He was the 14th fastest driver on the day and should be better prepared for the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday week.

The BAR test driver is booked for only the two races and the Malaysian, Alex Yoong, is due to resume in Italy, a fortnight later. Davidson hopes that by then he will have enhanced his prospects of a permanent racing job next year.