A local Bulgarian media who rewrite everything which appears on the sites of more prominent AS or Bild type "sources" writes it is a fact already. I mean Alonso to BMW for 3 years

Alonso/Kubica maybe, in a trade with Heidfeld to Renault.

Fernando is going nowhere, have you not heard of the phrase "don't bite the thong that feeds you?"

But seriously, I think Fernando will only move to Ferrari or BMW when he leaves Renault. Any other move and he can kiss goodbye to any hope of a third title. By the time any other team gets near to providing a title winning car Fernando will be long past his prime, and the competition (such as Kubica and Lewis) will be hitting theirs already in capable cars. Not wishing to go off topic but I actually think Robert is hanging out to replace Kimi at Ferrari, and if I was Ferrari I would go for Robert over Fernando. So, basically it is stay at Renault and hope, or go to BMW.

I hope this isnt true. BMW are good but still a step behind and Alonso has done enough hard time in second division teams in his career. He deserves the prime seats. I dont understand why would sign for 3 years anyway.

Isn't Kubi already signed for next yr?

If Kubica was on his way to Maranello already for 09 the Italian press would have been all over it. Not going to happen. For 2010 everything's possible, but Ferrari will confirm Felipe and Kimi this weekend.

By the way, if anyone would think that Räikkönen would just walk away from Ferrari at the end of the year, after what happened in Spa and the implications for his season, think again. He wouldn't leave on such a low-key note.

You know, you could allways avoid clickin' on threads named "Alonso this" or "Alonso that". Of course, we would lose your valuable insight and one-liners, but I think those of us interested in the topic will cope with such a loss.



I'd agree, save that Renault haven't shown they can win with Goshn leading the company. We are in a global crisis, Goshn is no fan of overspending on F1 (he's no fan of spending, period), we heard the same last year ("we are focusing on R28 and it will be teh s**t, faster than the wind, blahblablah") and we know how did that ended.

Plus God himself couldn't do anything to help with Reanult's crappy engine. Either the engine freeze is "suspended" for certain teams/parts/whatevers or Alonso is very sure of having a 2010 seat at Ferrari. If not, BMW or Honda look like the best alternatives to me.

It's also in german RTL teletext, at least since yesterday.

And I had the same thought as aditya-now, if I had to put money on it, I would guess that it's Kubice leaving. Where to, that would be the next intriguing question.

My gut impression is that BMW would provide a good environment for Alonso, beneficial to both sides. The only doubt remains if they can really hack it with the big McLren and Ferrari boys over a whole season, let alone several seasons.

Thats what autosport reported shortly after european GP. According to "high officials form BMW" he signed for one year.

But since then Kubica himself was misteriously reluctant to comment on it in public...

I still maintain this is the most plausable explanation. So either way, we should know by next week.

But in the very same article from autosport Theissen (guess who is that high official form BMW?) says they postpone announcing their line-up, suggesting that they need to check whether Heidfeld overcome his problems.

It would make Theissen look stupid if it was Kubica who would first announce officially that he is signed, so he wont confirm it untill its official.

That of course is not a proof that he is signed, but from all sources that published anything about BMW line-up autosport seem most reliable.

I think it's clear a number of drivers sign pre-contracts or letters of understanding with different teams.

To action these, the planets must align with a number of other moves in the market.

So what we're hearing could be Alonso covering his bases in case the Ferrari deal he is expecting falls through.

I mean, a few months ago everyone was talking about Alonso having already signed for Ferrari.

So it's entirely possible he has two letters of understanding.

One with Ferrari, which is weighted in the team's favour until they are ready to make a call, and one with BMW, in which the team must wait on Alonso.

There you go, its from August 27th:



full article : http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/70097

Perhaps I am misinterpreting the meaning of over but being as it seems that next season half the teams are gonna have Alonso on roster you should try to arrange a bit of room for him.

Another ''Alonso - to some random F1 team'' headline, to complete this nonsense we only need something like ''Alonso signed with McLaren again''

I disagree with your nonsense value. Alonso's next move will potentially trigger the next golden age of the sport IMO. I think it'll end up being Alonso v Hamilton v Kubica. Three great drivers in three great teams. For that reason where Alonso moves to is fascinating for me.

You didn't get what I talking about. Every newspaper have ''their own source'' and hyping about Alonso's next move. First Ferrari then Honda,Red Bull, Ferrari, BMW... Just wait little more and Fernando will tell us his next ride.

Just neither team is willing to suit a driver with a one-year deal for 2009. Kubica wants to sign for BMW for 09 only; it will depend on whether BMW will be willing to accept that. They have to work out their long term plan. A driver and a team must gel together and it usually takes time, at least half a season for it to be ready for the championship unless the car is exceptional. BMW does not want to rely on Kubica and then see him leave for Ferrari, whilst they know that Heidfeld is not their long term future. The same is the case for Alonso. It's a waste of effort to only have him onboard for 2009. Sponsors don't like it and the engineers don't like it since they're not certain what to do for the following year.

Ah, sorrry Kiwi!

I agree, there is a lot of disinformation floating about at the moment.

Lets wait until next week, it should become much clearer than.

I don't think Alonso to BMW for 1 year is on anybody's radar at all. I'd say it all boils down to:

1) Either Fred has (or will by Sep. 14th) a Ferrari seat for 2010. Signed, and under 7 locks. In that scenario, he'll likely stay one more year at Renault, save if he doesn't see any progress at all and Ross Brawn can tempt him to give Honda a shot. Frankly, any other scenario seems unrealistic.

2) Fred doesn't get a guaranteed, 2010 seat with Ferrari. Then all bets are off, but a 3 year deal to BMW makes lots of sense. For BMW too, as Kubica doesn't seem too keen on signing more than 1 year and Heidfield's season hasn't set the world on fire. After BMW, I'd say Honda is the 2nd best option and the only 2nd division team with realistic chances of improving and become a long term contender (money, Ross Brawn, the Senna connection... heck, Honda at least has a glorious past... Toyota and Red Bull don't... and I think Toyota won't sink money into F1 forever while their sales plummet, they haven't even been 10 years in F1 so far).

Somehow, despite all the apparent love, I don't believe Fred sees Renault as a good long term prospect, just a stop-gag. They had potential years ago, but people forget that he left the team in it's prime because he didn't trust on Reanult's commitment to F1. And with the global crisis firing on 6-cylinders right now, I don't get why people expect things are going to improve for the F1 Team. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me to see Gosh pulling the plug or at least, selling the team and become just an engine provider once engines can be developed again.

Good analysis Jakob.

Is this totally left field, or would Alonso ever consider a one year deal at Toro Rosso?

Adrian Newey chassis, Ferrari engine... all Herr Mateschitz would have to do is come up with the coin...

The thing is... why? Toro Rosso, Red Bull, Toyota, Honda... they aren't going to be contenders next year. For a one year deal, what's the point of moving? Stay at Renault where he's well liked, the preassure is low, the pay is high and the crappy car can shield him from bad performances. Worst case scenario for him, STR improves and becomes a regular 5th - 8th position contender next year, while Renault is stuck... does that merit another team change? Just to have a similar season?

Honda could strike a nerve in him if he doesn't get neither a Ferrari nor BMW guaranteed deal and wants to keep his options open for 2010 while at the same time staying in a team with potential (Ross Brawn is like Apple's iPod... his "halo effect" permeates the rest of the team).

Would you believe it was unintentional comedy?

Chalk it up to my sucky engrish, too much time on internet forii

BMW to Confirm Alonso on Monday???

From Paddock Talk,


F1: BMW To Confirm Alonso On Monday ???
Posted by: Admin on Sep 10, 2008 - 06:48 AM


F1: BMW To Confirm Alonso On Monday ?

BMW-Sauber boss Mario Theissen has refused to comment on intensifying speculation that Fernando Alonso has signed a three-year contract to begin driving for the team in 2009.

Shortly after the chequered flag at Spa-Francorchamps, it was reported that the Spaniard would replace Nick Heidfeld to race alongside his friend Robert Kubica from next year.

"I do not take part in speculation," Theissen told the German newspaper Bild.

"Our driver decision has been postponed. At the latest we will announce our drivers at the end of the season."

A BMW spokesman also would not comment.

The Spanish sports newspaper Marca believes BMW will confirm the Alonso news on the Monday after this weekend's Italian grand prix at Monza.

If Alonso comes with a big time sponsor.
Remember that BMW recently lost CS as their main sponsor and have not announced a replacement.
This driver decision could have nothing to do with racing.

are you by any chance a Heidfeld fan?

Isn't everyone?

Id love it if a calm Nick Heidfeld and all his work ethic went to Renault and they ended up having a slightly better 2009 car than BMW

Heidfeld on the Alonso to BMW rumours today: "This year Alonso has already signed to many teams, allegedly. First Ferrari, then Renault, now BMW. It's not worth thinking about that. I can only give my best and then we will see."

A little related. Alonso on Ferrari: "Ferrari tends to announce their drivers (for the next season) in Monza. I don't think there will be any surprises there."

So no Ferrari for Alonso in 2009. Not that we didn't suspect. The big question is still 2010 though.

if Mario dumps Nick, I hope the BMW-Sauber team hit the toilet evermore after.

I know its best not to to take these things personal... but, I would & not because Alonso would be coming aboard.

Alonso isn't going anywhere. For now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXHxd3muLZ0






No they don't believe that, they don't say anything remotely like it, they say that BMW will confirm their drivers on Monday and....oh why do I bother? :\

The Alonso to Ferrari rumour has been going on for a long time now so it would not be surprising if he was infact signed with them aswell.

Nick has been with 4 other teams.
Prost
Sauber
Jordan and
Williams
Each one of these went way down after he left.
I'm sure he had little to do with that.
But will history repeat itself?

For 2009? Yes it would. With the current world champion and the main WDC challenger both contracted for 2009, I think it would be a big surprise if Alonso was announced for Ferrari 2009 this weekend.

No point feigning surprise at an contract being broken.

I think most people would be surprised if Ferrari broke the contract of either of its drivers for next season and announced it with those drivers still having 4/5 races left this season.

Most excellent

that is freakin brilliant

Well, at least we know now that he is not going to Ferrari anytime soon

Dutch TV reporting Kubica isn't at all sure at BMW. Theissen commented he is not progressing AND breaking Nick's contract would cost 7 million dollars.

Yeah, Olav Mol and his sources!

And the actual source came somewhere from Poland or something.

Heidfeld says his position hasn't changed through the Ferrari-Kimi announcment, even though it's rumoured Alonso might set his sights at BMW now.

Heidfeld: "The situation has been clear for a long time. Maybe it was announced only yesterday, but it was already known. That doesn't change my situation."

http://www.motorsport-total.com/f1/splitte...t_08091308.html

BMW waiting on Alonso decision...

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/70606

Alonso would be wise to make a decision quickly, BMW already has Kubica and Heidfeld, both very good drivers. Alonso would give them very little over those guys, if at all.

Ye, 2 wcs and 19 wins is not much better than the single win the bmw drivers share.

The guestion isnt what your drivers have won in the past, but what they will win in the future.

Alonso should seize the moment and sign a long term contract with BMW; if he doesn't I'm afraid he'll spend the rest of his career going backwards.

I just can't see Renault being at the front in 09 and BMW seem to be the ones who've further developed KERS so far so if he wants to win races and challenge for the championship that's about his only chance.

Does he speak German?

What they have done in the past is indicative of what they will do in the future. His comment was comical.