103 replies to this topic

[AUTOSPORT-Polls]

Hi everyone

As part of a slight tweak to the news pages in AUTOSPORT magazine, we're introducing a couple of new features. One of these is a weekly poll, which we hope will provide a snapshot of what motorsport fans think of various topics across the racing world. The polls will start each Monday morning, UK time, and we will take the results after 24 hours to run in that week's edition of the magazine. (The poll will continue to remain open to the forum though - it would be a shame if a good thread developed and was then switched off prematurely).

We're also keen to hear what you have to say about each week's question, so feel free to share your thoughts.

We're kicking things off this week by asking about the $5 million bonus that IndyCar has put up for any 'outsiders' who can come in and beat the full-timers. Semi-regulars in the series or veterans with extensive recent experience are ineligible, which is bad news for Tony Kanaan, but that leaves the door open for plenty of others So who would you like to see have a crack at a massive payday at the IndyCar season finale?

We look forward to seeing the results!

Cheers
Mark Glendenning

AUTOSPORT

[jcbc3]

Jeff Gordon.

[HighwaytoHell]

Lewis hamilton, although i dont think he would win.

[Zava]

mr. Raikkönen

[Zava]

Lewis hamilton, although i dont think he would win.

so you'd like him to miss Korea? afaik the two events are at the same time.

daang, that just made me realize - I'd like Alonso to race for it!

[undersquare]

I'd have thought Hulk could have a crack. He'd probably dnf but you never know.

[HighwaytoHell]

so you'd like him to miss Korea? afaik the two events are at the same time.

daang, that just made me realize - I'd like Alonso to race for it!

Oh yeah. Ok then Hulkenberg. I think he could win.

[Atreiu]

There are 5 spots, right?
I voted for Montoya but I'd also like Jeff Gordon, Sam Hornish Jr., Kyle Busch and Tony Kanaan (seems he doesn't have a seat) to race.

[Gilles4Ever]

Jeff Gordon.

seconded

[Rob]

Top of my list would be Montoya. Although I'd also like to see Villeneuve, Hornish, Kanaan and Stewart.

[Hairpin]

I thought the obvious choice would be Kimi, but he is no even on the list. Any particular reason why? Montoya have already said it's impossible for him so it seem to be a "wild speculation" or "wishful thinking" poll anyway?

[Rob]

Montoya have already said it's impossible for him so it seem to be a "wild speculation" or "wishful thinking" poll anyway?

Well, there isn't any qualifier that says suggestions have to be realistic.

[primer]

Voted "Other". Myself.

[Mark A]

Apparantly Kannan can't take part as he's aleady classed as an Indycar driver this year despite losing his drive.

I'd like to see JV do it.

[Rob]

I wonder if Gil de Ferran might be tempted to do a one-off.

[Earthling]

If from the Formula 1 circus, I'd like somebody very experienced to take a shot at it (around 30 years old minimum). Somebody pretty technical and would the type that is known for bringing the car home.
Rubens Barrichello, Michael Schumacher spring to mind 1st choice...but I wouldn't mind seeing the types of Heidfeld, Alonso, Webber or Button either!

Don't follow the other series to recommend anybody really.
Hill? Mansell? Alesi? Prost? Piquet Snr? Frentzen? Hakkinen?

Maybe they should resurrect GP Masters!

Edited by Earthling, 28 February 2011 - 12:14.

[GhostR]

Given there's an F1 race that weekend (Korea) and therefore those who have a race seat won't be able to participate, perhaps the F1 teams running junior programs should look to run a driver or two. Win the race, and they have their budget for 2012.

Ricciardo, Vergne, Bianchi, Grosjean.

And here's a wild idea: perhaps Kubica could use it as his comeback drive after a strong recovery from injury?

Edited by GhostR, 28 February 2011 - 12:39.

[FigJam]

Jacques Villeneuve, Kimi Raikkonen or Juan Pablo Montoya

[Vitesse2]

Is it not rather telling that every single one of the six in the poll could legitimately be described as a "nearly man"? A bunch of drivers who either never reached full potential or frankly just weren't all that good ...

[Atreiu]

I thought the obvious choice would be Kimi, but he is no even on the list. Any particular reason why? Montoya have already said it's impossible for him so it seem to be a "wild speculation" or "wishful thinking" poll anyway?

It's no more obvious than Loeb giving it a shot.

[Ross Stonefeld]

Is it not rather telling that every single one of the six in the poll could legitimately be described as a "nearly man"? A bunch of drivers who either never reached full potential or frankly just weren't all that good ...

The only guy on there without a glittering CV is Robby Gordon...

[Buttoneer]

Nelson Piquet jnr.

[JPW]

Nelsinho Piquet

[zold]

Other - Nico Hulkenberg

[GhostR]

Is it not rather telling that every single one of the six in the poll could legitimately be described as a "nearly man"? A bunch of drivers who either never reached full potential or frankly just weren't all that good ...

Montoya: Former CART champion, and in dominating style. Indy 500 winner. Gave Williams their best WDC result of the last decade.
Villenueve: Former CART champion, Indy 500 winner, and F1 champion.

Fair to say that both of them tailed away after hitting a peak in F1, but I'd hardly call them "nearly men". Especially not Villenueve - he disappointed after leaving Williams, but he is still one of very few men to have achieved what he did.

Edited by GhostR, 28 February 2011 - 13:03.

[Bonaventura]

Nobody,

I don't care about Indy car

[Ross Stonefeld]

Why are you here?

[Szoelloe]

Montoya, definately. I would like to see him compete in OW cars again.

[Sukhoi]

Kubica .. Why not

[PayasYouRace]

Montoya. I know he said it's unrealistic but I'd still like to see him try. I first knew about him from his CART days and has been a favourite of mine since.

[gd2]

Kubica .. Why not

It's an oval race!! It the last place Kubica should be in preparation for 2012

Jeff Gordon should be on the list!

[OfficeLinebacker]

LOL I like how the best (IMO) suggestions are the ones not on the list.

Piquet Jr, Raikkonen, Grosjean, Hulkenberg type guys as well as Jeff Gordon and T-Stew type of guys. Okay, T-Stew is on there, and Villeneuve is an excellent choice.

I voted Villeneuve because Montoya already said it'd be ridiculous for a NASCAR guy to do it.

And if I don't have to restrict to choices on the list, then Piquet Jr for sure. He's good and he'll race anything.

Edited by OfficeLinebacker, 28 February 2011 - 13:43.

[Youichi]

Karun Chandhok

[Clatter]

Is it not rather telling that every single one of the six in the poll could legitimately be described as a "nearly man"? A bunch of drivers who either never reached full potential or frankly just weren't all that good ...

You kidding? Or is your only criteria for success F1?

[depailler on tyrrell p34]

max papis

[Frans]

Jos The Boss

[Fiorentina 1]

JV & Sebastien Bourdais.

[sherlokuk]

jimmie johnson too see if hes as good as people think he is.

[I_hate_chicanes]

Kimi Raikonnen

[Callisto]

Kimi,hulk

[teejay]

Andretti!

Lets see if the old master still has it.

Shame he was such an ass and threw away his F1 career, and then stuck with Newman Haas for too long in CART.

Better driver than the scoreboard suggests

[WestMcLaren99]

The only guy on there without a glittering CV is Robby Gordon...

Its not glittering because its covered in sand from Dakar

[Disgrace]

Villeneuve. Montoya's got too fat.

[AUTOSPORT-Polls]

Thanks to everyone who has voted so far - we're enjoying following it from here in the office.

I've noticed a few people mention the lack of current F1 drivers in the poll. We decided to leave them out because of the Korean GP clash, although there's nothing to stop you voting 'Other' and throwing Hamilton/Vettel/Alonso/whoever's name into the ring anyway. And I'm aware that Montoya has already ruled himself out, but it remains theoretically possible that he could do Vegas if he wanted to, which is why we decided to include him. The question is 'who would you like to see' at Vegas, not who will be there.

Keep the votes coming! Personally, I'm disappointed that nobody has suggested Zanardi yet.

[hughcdavies]

So I now feel stupid saying Alex, but as always he'd do a great job. Is Seb Bourdais not racing for an Indy car team this year?

1 other name I'll put up is Jonny Herbert he always said he fancied Roundy roundy.

[SaintDean]

They will only allow someone that is popular in the US. Anyone outside of the US wont get in.

This 5million is a plug for IRL so they want a big name from the Us to do it.

[wewantourdarbyback]

JPM, it's a massive shame the NASCAR race that weekend will restrict him.

[tkulla]

Scott Speed.

Why this guy isn't already in Indycars is beyond me. Same goes for Bourdais and Piquet now that I think about it.

[ktsayshi]

Is Seb Bourdais not racing for an Indy car team this year?

Bourdais has a full-season commitment to run ILMC this year. In light of scheduling conflicts Dale Coyne Racing has been looking at a deal for Seb to run INDYCAR at road courses only.

I voted JV. The entertainment value would be matchless. JPM would be a great choice, too.

[SlateGray]

Villeneuve has the best CV of those available, double open wheel champion and all, he might even win the thing if the car was any good.
Paul Tracy would add spice, cause a few crashes and then get in a fist fight.
Could a hand set up be made so Alex Zanardi could give it a run?