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Confirmed: Bottas to replace Senna


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#101 Topsu

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Posted 25 November 2012 - 14:56

hey you f1 experts!
When you lose
- 1.350 min of track time and approximately 375 laps in the season
what can you expect from the driver in the qualifying ?

And ask di Resta how tough is to make these tyres work if you don't have that aggressive style of driving.

Senna hasn't been any better on the weekends when he had both practices on friday.

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#102 Risil

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Posted 26 November 2012 - 15:05

Bottas possibly giving Williams the old hurry-up via Autosport.

"I need to get racing and F1 is the place I want to be," Bottas said when asked by AUTOSPORT about whether he felt it essential he raced next year.

"I just need to drive more. This year already, this second half of the season, when there were big gaps between Fridays, it started to feel more and more difficult to find the rhythm quickly, especially when it was a new circuit to learn.

"So really I need to get to drive more because it is not easy to keep up and improve."



#103 Rosberg

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Posted 26 November 2012 - 15:15

I wonder if Bruno Senna will even stay in Formula One, no surprise he's been strongly linked with Caterham or Force India.

#104 Priyantha Bleeker

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Posted 27 November 2012 - 22:13

Senna hasn't been any better on the weekends when he had both practices on friday.

What about Hungary ? One of the few races where he had both practices.
Also the qualify in the U.S.A was not that bad, he made a little mistake in his last lap in Q2 otherwise he was surely gone trough Q3 his speed was more than good enough.

I am hoping for a longer stay, but I am afraid he will lose his seat, which is quite certain now :(

PS. This is my first post, but I am already registered since 2003 :p

#105 WhatOh

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Posted 27 November 2012 - 22:25

I wonder if Bruno Senna will even stay in Formula One, no surprise he's been strongly linked with Caterham or Force India.


I thought Alguersuari got the seat at FI.

#106 Zava

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Posted 27 November 2012 - 22:27

What about Hungary ? One of the few races where he had both practices.
Also the qualify in the U.S.A was not that bad, he made a little mistake in his last lap in Q2 otherwise he was surely gone trough Q3 his speed was more than good enough.

I am hoping for a longer stay, but I am afraid he will lose his seat, which is quite certain now :(

PS. This is my first post, but I am already registered since 2003 :p

http://www.formula1..../2012/874/7115/
9 19 Valtteri Bottas Williams-Renault 1:24.152 1.331 24

#107 scheivlak

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Posted 27 November 2012 - 22:29

What about Hungary ? One of the few races where he had both practices.

You're wrong. Bottas and Maldonado did FP1 http://www.forix.com...=20120011&c=121

#108 karne

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Posted 27 November 2012 - 22:31

I thought Alguersuari got the seat at FI.


Nothing has been announced about FI.

#109 Rosberg

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Posted 27 November 2012 - 22:32

I thought Alguersuari got the seat at FI.

Has he or Force India confirmed it?

#110 madrocker

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 01:09

I believe Bruno's problems had more to do with not being able to adapt/properly turn on these wierd tyres than losing 15 practice sessions, especially during qualifying, where being able to turn on the tyres for the first timed lap is essential. I have no acess to their data but based on the car behaviour as seen from onboard and track cameras, Hungary has been the only grand prix where he was able to get on top of this issue throughout the whole weekend.

#111 goldenboy

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 05:07

I would be a little sad to see him go although it must be said Bottas deserves his shot, bruno has had a fair crack. I'm not a Ayrton fan, but part of me wanted to see Bruno do well, he is a likeable guy, someone I root for.

#112 Reinmuster

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 05:25

"Never doubt a Finn." :stoned:

#113 Priyantha Bleeker

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 06:37

I thought Alguersuari got the seat at FI.


http://www.formula1..../2012/874/7115/
9 19 Valtteri Bottas Williams-Renault 1:24.152 1.331 24


You're wrong. Bottas and Maldonado did FP1 http://www.forix.com...=20120011&c=121


You guys are right ;) Sorry, was mistaken :)

I believe Bruno's problems had more to do with not being able to adapt/properly turn on these wierd tyres than losing 15 practice sessions, especially during qualifying, where being able to turn on the tyres for the first timed lap is essential. I have no acess to their data but based on the car behaviour as seen from onboard and track cameras, Hungary has been the only grand prix where he was able to get on top of this issue throughout the whole weekend.

Well being able to adapt or turn those tires on, are easier when you get enough practice time, those sessions are quite essential see also Paul Di Resta in the Force India. Hungary was the only race where Bruno had those tires switched 'on' on the right moment during the qualification. Also in the U.S he was quite close, making a little mistake in his last lap was a pity he and the car where fast enough for Q3.

Also when you look at his driving style, he drives very smooth unlike his team-mate who has a much more aggressive driving style, which suits the tires during qualify much better.

I would be a little sad to see him go although it must be said Bottas deserves his shot, bruno has had a fair crack. I'm not a Ayrton fan, but part of me wanted to see Bruno do well, he is a likeable guy, someone I root for.


I don't really looking forward to the drive from Bottas, he hasn't raced since 2011, and he won the GP3 championship...but what does that really mean ?
But I do like Bruno ;) He is a nice guy and with his own helmet on, not that very ugly Sponsored-winning-design he was sporting the last races :cry: , he looks so great his eyes..just scary :)

Edited by Priyantha Bleeker, 28 November 2012 - 06:47.


#114 H2H

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 08:12


I would like to see Senna another season in F1. On the other side I would like to see Bottas race. I would like to see also quite a few other drivers in F1 but there are just so many seats and I would like won't have much of an impact on that.

#115 Anderis

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 08:17

Hungary has been the only grand prix where he was able to get on top of this issue throughout the whole weekend.

And he was still outqualified by Maldonado by 4 tenths there. Not much less than the average gap between them.

#116 Gilles4Ever

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 11:01

@WilliamsF1Team: Williams F1 confirms Pastor Maldonado & Valtteri Bottas will be the team’s race drivers for 2013

#117 Lord Snooty

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 11:05

@WilliamsF1Team: Williams F1 confirms Pastor Maldonado & Valtteri Bottas will be the team’s race drivers for 2013


Ha! beat me to it by a few minutes! :)

Not really a surprise, all things considered. Bruno comes over as a nice guy and I wish him well in what he does next but am glad we have a replacement for him. Just hope Valtteri lives up to his promise next season.



#118 bourbon

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 11:08

:up:

#119 Konsta

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 11:11

Great news. Now it is just up to VB to prove the naysayers wrong :)

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#120 Little Leaf

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 11:13

Glad they haven't dragged that out making an announcement.

Hope Senna can find himself a seat somewhere else

#121 noikeee

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 11:16

Very ballsy decision from the team - dropping a wildly profitable paydriver for a total rookie that brings no sponsorship, is a brave move that should be praised in my opinion. It also speaks volumes of just how highly Bottas is rated by them, which means he must've done a brilliant job in those free practices.

Expectations will now be rather high for a rookie, hope he can deliver it. Bottas clearly beat Felix da Costa a few years back in FRenault as team-mates (altho Felix was in his 1st year in cars, Bottas in his 2nd), so I have an obscure interest in Bottas doing well. ;)

As for Bruno Senna, well he's hardly the worst driver we've seen at this level, he was actually rather consistent this season and got a few points scores. However that is very light praise and the best I can say about his performance. He just was never quick enough at any stage of the season, and now has looked poor in 3 different F1 teams. He may still stick around for a 4th team, because of his sponsorship, but I'd rather see other drivers being given the chance. I'd like to see him in Indycar for example.

Edited by noikeee, 28 November 2012 - 11:17.


#122 skywing

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 11:18

Very ballsy decision from the team - dropping a wildly profitable paydriver for a total rookie that brings no sponsorship, is a brave move that should be praised in my opinion. It also speaks volumes of just how highly Bottas is rated by them, which means he must've done a brilliant job in those free practices.

Expectations will now be rather high for a rookie, hope he can deliver it. Bottas clearly beat Felix da Costa a few years back in FRenault as team-mates (altho Felix was in his 1st year in cars, Bottas in his 2nd), so I have an obscure interest in Bottas doing well. ;)

As for Bruno Senna, well he's hardly the worst driver we've seen at this level, he was actually rather consistent this season and got a few points scores. However that is very light praise and the best I can say about his performance. He just was never quick enough at any stage of the season, and now has looked poor in 3 different F1 teams. He may still stick around for a 4th team, because of his sponsorship, but I'd rather see other drivers being given the chance.

That's not correct, although the amount of sponsorship from Bottas is considerably less than what Senna and Maldonado have brought.

#123 Robertsf

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 11:19

"Never doubt a Finn." :stoned:

Will be nice with at least two finnish drivers on top in the next F1 season. Looking forward for the opening race.

#124 Jovanotti

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 11:20

:clap: Great news, hope Bottas is the next finnish cracker in F1! Williams have certainly one of the most interesting driver parings next season.

Edited by Jovanotti, 28 November 2012 - 11:32.


#125 Anderis

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 11:25

Very ballsy decision from the team - dropping a wildly profitable paydriver for a total rookie that brings no sponsorship, is a brave move that should be praised in my opinion. It also speaks volumes of just how highly Bottas is rated by them, which means he must've done a brilliant job in those free practices.

According to AMuS, he has managed to gather the sponsorship package which equals to 3/4 of what Senna brings.

#126 jrg19

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 11:25

Looking forward to seeing him shine next season!

#127 Kyo

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 11:32

According to AMuS, he has managed to gather the sponsorship package which equals to 3/4 of what Senna brings.

easy choice for Williams then.

#128 Vesuvius

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 11:35

simply fantastic to see it confirmed. Williams have been praising Vale all year, I expect great things from him!

#129 eronrules

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 11:36

i honestly beieve we'll have the New Generation KIMI in Bottas, he has the blinding speed and attitude (like a fin should have, Kovi is too cheerful TBH :p ) , but he should learn from his team mate Maldonado and Grosjean in how not to squander this precious opportunity and follow kimi's philosophy of backing out of a fight one can't win and live to race another day. Williams is getting better with time, so i'd expect odd podiums from Bottas and also Maldonado FTM

#130 Mauseri

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 11:37

What options does Bruno have (if any)?

Seriously, I think he already had his options, even more so than Kovalainen. It's ok that top drivers stick in the sport for a decade or two, but for a slow and unreliable driver like Senna, two is already enough. Hope his sponsors cannut buy him another ride and get some new guys in.

#131 eronrules

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 11:39

easy choice for Williams then.



i wouldn't say so, aside from sponsorship, senna had the backing of his uncle's namesake, if he had scored odd podiums or be more consistent with his points scoring. i believe williams wouldn't have put Bottas in the 2nd seat. But that would've been a double edged sword cause i believe a lot of other teams has had their eyes on Bottas for quiet a while, so I think Toto was covering his interests with incurring minimal loss, smart more TBH

#132 bub

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 11:40

I'm eager to see what he can do. Maldonado definitely has speed so is a good person to judge him against. Wish Senna all the best, he seems like a nice guy and I'd like to see him get one last opportunity.

#133 Disgrace

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 11:43

Even Alonso to Ferrari was a better kept secret. Good news really, Senna just isn't F1 calibre.

#134 nectar

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 11:56

Really great news to hear, and i look forward to see what Bottas can do next year. Simply by looking at this young guy you get the feeling that he's not going to to do poorly. Wow, next year's Williams could be strong, both Bottas and Maldonado got determination and self confidence in them. On top of that they are fast!

Edited by nectar, 28 November 2012 - 11:59.


#135 HopkinsonF1

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 12:04

Pastor's one of the fastest guys in F1; Valtteri might be even faster. No question in my mind that they're the most exciting driver pairing on the grid – reckon I'll be supporting Williams next year!

#136 Fastcake

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 12:05

Welcome Bottas, I think he could have a good season with Williams next year - the team certainly rate him highly. As for Senna, well he had his proper chance this year and he was just outclassed by Maldonado, even with the sheer amount of crashes he caused. He may well be able to stay though given the amount of sponsorship money he has, though there aren't too many seats left now.

#137 lafitek

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 12:31

Senna will be confirmed at Force India (perhaps better car than Williams in 2013) and Kovalainen at Renault ....

#138 Rosberg

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 12:37

Senna will be confirmed at Force India (perhaps better car than Williams in 2013) and Kovalainen at Renault ....

You seem certain about that, would love to see an all Finnish line-up at Lotus but Lotus want more money from Total apparently. The Williams line-up looks strong and I believe Bottas is definitely one for the future along with Maldonado.

#139 Kyo

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 12:44

i wouldn't say so, aside from sponsorship, senna had the backing of his uncle's namesake, if he had scored odd podiums or be more consistent with his points scoring. i believe williams wouldn't have put Bottas in the 2nd seat. But that would've been a double edged sword cause i believe a lot of other teams has had their eyes on Bottas for quiet a while, so I think Toto was covering his interests with incurring minimal loss, smart more TBH

if Senna had score podiums etc, would certainly be a different story, but he didn't so based on his results and the supposed 3/4 sponsorship that Bottas is bringing plus Bottas relationship with Toto must made it a really easy choice. And I don't agree it would have been a double edged sword too. In the worst case Bottas would have signed with other team and show he is the real deal and go to one of the big 4 the year after. So in the end Williams would have lost a talented driver for one season which could cost them 1 or 2 places in the constructors. Not really something to cry over for long.

The biggest problem in my point of view is that the smaller teams have no incentive to prospect the most talented driver available, since the points he can bring will not be sufficient to make up for the big difference in money that a pay driver brings, and the year after you gonna lose the super talented driver anyway. They must create a way to reward the teams that gives a talented driver his first F1 chance. The way to do that would be giving x% of all constructor revenue a driver A gets to his first F1 team. For example: Vettel generated 61% of the WCC revenue to RBR. RBR total WCC revenue will be $100,000,000.00 so STR would receive x% of the $61.000.000,00 instead of RBR. This way the smaller teams would have a big incentive to give the seat for the best possible driver, since he could generate a good amount of profit in the future.

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#140 noikeee

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 12:44

According to AMuS, he has managed to gather the sponsorship package which equals to 3/4 of what Senna brings.


That explains a lot then. Still means they rate him higher than Senna (which isn't saying much, but still).

#141 eronrules

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 12:48

Senna will be confirmed at Force India (perhaps better car than Williams in 2013) and Kovalainen at Renault ....


Kovi most probably is out, what makes you think LotusF1 will opt for a driver with no bucks with one that has a guranteed amount. but maybe B.Senna / Jaime is in contention . with 2nd lotus seat as well as second FI seat. Petrov most probably has secured his future with that 12th at brazil. that leaves only one seat at Marussia (which will most likely go to Glock).

Edited by eronrules, 28 November 2012 - 12:49.


#142 DESCHAIN

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 12:53

I wished Bruno Senna to stay in Williams, but he certainly knew that Bottas was destined to the second seat for 2013.

Autosport reports that people in the team think that Bottas is even faster than Maldonado and if this is true he will be a tremendous addition to the grid.

Some within the team reckon that Bottas is fundamentally the quickest of this year's three drivers. That's saying something considering Pastor Maldonado's mercurial qualifying performances.

Hope this propels Williams F1 trough the standings next year.

Welcome Bottas, show you're not just hype.

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Goodbye Senna, hope you get a drive for next year.

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#143 Baddoer

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 12:57

Senna will be confirmed at Force India (perhaps better car than Williams in 2013) and Kovalainen at Renault ....

Not going to happen.

#144 UPRC

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 13:07

I'll miss Senna because he's a likeable fellow, but I'm really excited to see what Bottas can do.

#145 BoschKurve

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 13:58

Great news. Now it is just up to VB to prove the naysayers wrong :)


Listen, I hope I am wrong about Bottas, and yes I have been critical of the decision for him to get the second seat. If I am wrong that is fine with me too. When Australia rolls around, we should get a better idea for what he is capable of. I think he'll be fine in qualifying, it's the races I'm more concerned about.

If Bottas is as fast as claimed, then Williams has one half of the puzzle solved for the future. The next thing is for them to improve on the FW-34.

#146 BoschKurve

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 13:59

Not going to happen.


Why not?

#147 MortenF1

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 14:05

What kind of sponsors has Bottas got the backing of?

#148 WhatOh

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 14:45

Senna will be confirmed at Force India (perhaps better car than Williams in 2013) and Kovalainen at Renault ....


Where did you hear this?


#149 Anderis

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 14:52

What kind of sponsors has Bottas got the backing of?

Bottas has 4 personal sponsors so far: Kemppi, Wihuri, Wipak and Laulumaa.

Kemppi and Wihuri are already Williams' minor sponsors.

Whether his sponsorship package comes from the increased involvement from current sponsors or from new sponsors, we don't know. I suspect it's both, but I don't think we will know who may be his new sponsor soon. Williams will run a new website at the beginning of the next year. I think this should be the time when new sponsors are going to be announced if there are any.

#150 aray

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Posted 28 November 2012 - 15:07

right choice...:up: