Mmm.. this pic is small, but in the livery you have Kwan, TRV6, Argentina, Termas de R铆o Hondo and Corsa... and "In God we trust" (lol) but that came with the car Leo Cordeiro raced in F3 Codasur this season.
Full Version: Peter Windsor say: We have talks with Pechito L髉ez
Mmm.. this pic is small, but in the livery you have Kwan, TRV6, Argentina, Termas de R铆o Hondo and Corsa... and "In God we trust" (lol) but that came with the car Leo Cordeiro raced in F3 Codasur this season.
QUOTE (ezequiel @ Dec 30 2009, 20:20) 
Mmm.. this pic is small, but in the livery you have Kwan, TRV6, Argentina, Termas de R铆o Hondo and Corsa... and "In God we trust" (lol) but that came with the car Leo Cordeiro raced in F3 Codasur this season.
Dear Ezequiel:
In the car, missed the logos of TBA, Tafirol, LoJack, Pauny, and etc etc etc...
Is not a good example this photo., no good.
By the way:
Yesterday L贸pez does 44 laps with the Dallara-Berta (272 HP, not Rpm limitation), and today he are run since the 08:00 hs, and still are run in this moments!!!!!!!!
Video yesterday:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qamE1qFKHjo
And have this photo:
And have this one too.,
(take today)
He is already done today over 170 laps!!!
Four sets tyres used.,
regards.,
(take today)
He is already done today over 170 laps!!!
Four sets tyres used.,
regards.,
End of the test for Pechito.
Today, he run 177 laps in the Dallara
Video - Test of today:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChwP-zCKQjU
For those who don't speak Spanish, in the video Pechito say that the 24th January he will travel to Charlotte USA, and say the 25th January is the Official Introduction in Charlotte of the car USF1 and the drivers.,
Is very clear for me, the Contracts are SIGNS.,
Today, he run 177 laps in the Dallara
Video - Test of today:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChwP-zCKQjU
For those who don't speak Spanish, in the video Pechito say that the 24th January he will travel to Charlotte USA, and say the 25th January is the Official Introduction in Charlotte of the car USF1 and the drivers.,
Is very clear for me, the Contracts are SIGNS.,
A very shaked January for Pechito L贸pez
Next test will be in Valencia, with a WS car
Yesterday, Pechito talks about the USF1's agenda, and more.,
Juicy Link:
http://mundod.lavoz.com.ar/?q=content/un-e...hito%E2%80%9D-0
Regards,
Next test will be in Valencia, with a WS car
Yesterday, Pechito talks about the USF1's agenda, and more.,
Juicy Link:
http://mundod.lavoz.com.ar/?q=content/un-e...hito%E2%80%9D-0
Regards,
I listened to the radio today that Felipe McGough said that the contract will be signed next week. The budget is ready but all the burocratic stuff has delayed the final signing, with the endorsments and all that...
Lopez closing on USF1 deal,
Rossiter for second seat?
Date 2010-01-04
By Motorsport.com/GMM
Jose Maria Lopez looks set to secure one race seat at USF1, and the other may go to the British driver James Rossiter, according to reports from Argentina.
The publication Corsa revealed that Argentine Lopez, who has not raced a single seater since GP2 in 2006, has recently done two days to re-acclimatise at the wheel of a F3 car.
It is said that sponsors on the car, including to promote Argentinean tourism, the Top Race V6 series and the company Kwan, will all accompany Lopez to USF1.
His manager Felipe McGough, also working closely with the Automovil Club Argentino, confirmed that the deal with F1's new American team is still on.
"In the last weeks we made much progress, but the holidays were a complication. All is well.
"They are sensitive contracts. We must have patience. The idea is that the team makes the announcement," he said.
In late November it emerged that Lopez, 26, had penned a deal conditional on the completion of his $8m sponsor package.
Other reports said the team's sporting director Peter Windsor is already working on obtaining a Super License for the Argentinian touring car driver, and is confident of the outcome due to his Renault test duties of some years ago.
Moreover, Lopez is scheduled to travel to Britain and Austria in the next few days for physical training, before travelling to Charlotte for seat fittings and official team events at the end of January.
It is believed the delay in the finalisation of the contract is to organise bank guarantees to cover Lopez's sponsor funds.
According to lavoz.com.ar, Lopez said: "I think that on about the 25th (of January) I am going to go to North Carolina for the official presentation of the team, and if need be some checks on the car before the official February tests in Valencia."
http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp...54326&FS=F1
I don't like this Rossiter..,
cheers
Rossiter for second seat?
Date 2010-01-04
By Motorsport.com/GMM
Jose Maria Lopez looks set to secure one race seat at USF1, and the other may go to the British driver James Rossiter, according to reports from Argentina.
The publication Corsa revealed that Argentine Lopez, who has not raced a single seater since GP2 in 2006, has recently done two days to re-acclimatise at the wheel of a F3 car.
It is said that sponsors on the car, including to promote Argentinean tourism, the Top Race V6 series and the company Kwan, will all accompany Lopez to USF1.
His manager Felipe McGough, also working closely with the Automovil Club Argentino, confirmed that the deal with F1's new American team is still on.
"In the last weeks we made much progress, but the holidays were a complication. All is well.
"They are sensitive contracts. We must have patience. The idea is that the team makes the announcement," he said.
In late November it emerged that Lopez, 26, had penned a deal conditional on the completion of his $8m sponsor package.
Other reports said the team's sporting director Peter Windsor is already working on obtaining a Super License for the Argentinian touring car driver, and is confident of the outcome due to his Renault test duties of some years ago.
Moreover, Lopez is scheduled to travel to Britain and Austria in the next few days for physical training, before travelling to Charlotte for seat fittings and official team events at the end of January.
It is believed the delay in the finalisation of the contract is to organise bank guarantees to cover Lopez's sponsor funds.
According to lavoz.com.ar, Lopez said: "I think that on about the 25th (of January) I am going to go to North Carolina for the official presentation of the team, and if need be some checks on the car before the official February tests in Valencia."
http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp...54326&FS=F1
I don't like this Rossiter..,
cheers
QUOTE
I don't like this Rossiter..,
Why ?
It seems they desperately need pay-drivers I would guess, I wonder how much of a struggle they are having getting onto the grid? Looked at their Youtube video today and noticed what other people stated here about how amateur it looks at their factory with employees going about in football shirts and the whole thing just looking generally shabby.
QUOTE (SAFC09 @ Jan 5 2010, 01:42)
I don't like this Rossiter
Why ?
Why ?
Because I like my friend Pedro De la Rosa, a great F1 driver.
Cheers
QUOTE (Repco von Brabham @ Jan 7 2010, 00:54)
Because I like my friend Pedro De la Rosa, a great F1 driver.
Cheers
Cheers
Great reason not to like someone
Cheers
QUOTE (Les @ Jan 5 2010, 00:52)
It seems they desperately need pay-drivers I would guess, I wonder how much of a struggle they are having getting onto the grid? Looked at their Youtube video today and noticed what other people stated here about how amateur it looks at their factory with employees going about in football shirts and the whole thing just looking generally shabby.
Neither Rossiter nor L贸pez have ever been rich kids, so if you want pay drivers you should look somewhere else.
Yeah, because people have been lining up to give Lopez a drive without his $10 million or so, but he was waiting until he found a team he liked.
QUOTE (Jackman @ Jan 7 2010, 14:09)
Yeah, because people have been lining up to give Lopez a drive without his $10 million or so, but he was waiting until he found a team he liked.
Please, don't be idiotic. When the negotiations started and USF1 showed interest in him, he hasn't any money at all. He didn't came to USF1 shaking millions of dollars before Windsor and Anderson's noses, because, as I said, he didn't have it at that station. After the team showed interest it was a lot easier for him to find the necessary backup. If USF1 would be so desparate to find pay drivers, why not to approach Petrov and Maldonado? Only one of them is going to make it into Campos, so you will probably have a guy with a solid backup from the beginning and in need of a seat, so you wouldn't have to wait if the driver finds or not the necessary money. And not even talk about Rossiter: he has barely raced in the last couple of years, obviously because he has not a consistent financial back up.
QUOTE (ezequiel @ Jan 7 2010, 06:18)
Please, don't be idiotic. When the negotiations started and USF1 showed interest in him, he hasn't any money at all. He didn't came to USF1 shaking millions of dollars before Windsor and Anderson's noses, because, as I said, he didn't have it at that station. After the team showed interest it was a lot easier for him to find the necessary backup. If USF1 would be so desparate to find pay drivers, why not to approach Petrov and Maldonado? Only one of them is going to make it into Campos, so you will probably have a guy with a solid backup from the beginning and in need of a seat, so you wouldn't have to wait if the driver finds or not the necessary money. And not even talk about Rossiter: he has barely raced in the last couple of years, obviously because he has not a consistent financial back up.
They are interested in Lopez because he has cash. End of story.
It most certainly isn't because of his race results in not-particularly-quick touring cars in Argentina. Nor is it because Windsor's interest in him was rekindled because he was so much more convincing in GP2 than any driver in the three years since.
He has money. And a lot of it.
QUOTE (ezequiel @ Jan 7 2010, 15:18)
If USF1 would be so desparate to find pay drivers, why not to approach Petrov and Maldonado?
Because Bernard "suggested" they take a look at him. Some on the forum may call Windsor what they wish but he knows that currying favor for the big man is likely to pay off down the road.
QUOTE (ezequiel @ Jan 8 2010, 01:18)
If USF1 would be so desparate to find pay drivers, why not to approach Petrov and Maldonado?
Because USF1 want Lopez, and they're creating a situation where they are "obligated" to take him on. I mean, look at him: he's a touring car driver. He hasn't been in an open-wheeler for years, but the team no doubt want him. So they told him to put together a sponsorship package, and set a fairly low target for him to meet. It's likely Lopez was already offering a fairly decent amount of that money to begin with. That way, when he meets the target, USF1 take him on. And when people question why they're running an Argentine touring car driver, all Windsor and Anderson have to say is "we had a contract with him and he met the terms of it, so we were obligated to sign him on". Lopez gets a seat, USF1 get the driver they want and the world gets an explanation as to why they chose Lopez. Everyone wins.
So Pechito will get Argentina state money to fund his drive? Argentine tourism board? Or is it a package of private sponsors....?
I just saw this news and if true of Pechito coming with state money... it'll be a damn shame for Argentina to waste money on one person's pleasure while the country cannot manage a budget (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8447428.stm)
And as for USF1... we'll see a USF1 car driving around with "Argentina" on it?
Am curious to see the final livery of that car...
It's a shame that USF1 is going this direction with its drivers... I would have liked to see American drivers. Surely there must be American drivers around that are more talented than Pechito...
I just saw this news and if true of Pechito coming with state money... it'll be a damn shame for Argentina to waste money on one person's pleasure while the country cannot manage a budget (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8447428.stm)
And as for USF1... we'll see a USF1 car driving around with "Argentina" on it?
Am curious to see the final livery of that car...
It's a shame that USF1 is going this direction with its drivers... I would have liked to see American drivers. Surely there must be American drivers around that are more talented than Pechito...
QUOTE (glorius&victorius @ Jan 8 2010, 10:41)
I would have liked to see American drivers. Surely there must be American drivers around that are more talented than Pechito...
Lopez is (south-)American driver ;)
QUOTE (glorius&victorius @ Jan 8 2010, 08:41)
So Pechito will get Argentina state money to fund his drive? Argentine tourism board? Or is it a package of private sponsors....?
I just saw this news and if true of Pechito coming with state money... it'll be a damn shame for Argentina to waste money on one person's pleasure while the country cannot manage a budget (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8447428.stm)
And as for USF1... we'll see a USF1 car driving around with "Argentina" on it?
I just saw this news and if true of Pechito coming with state money... it'll be a damn shame for Argentina to waste money on one person's pleasure while the country cannot manage a budget (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8447428.stm)
And as for USF1... we'll see a USF1 car driving around with "Argentina" on it?
Yeah that's going to be amusing. The uber-nationalistic team USA with big "visit Argentina" logos.
QUOTE (glorius&victorius @ Jan 8 2010, 19:41)
It's a shame that USF1 is going this direction with its drivers... I would have liked to see American drivers.
This may actually be a blessing in disguise. The first season is going to be very difficult for all of the teams, and if you throw an American driver into the mix, things could end badly. But if they run their first season with any two drivers and establish themselves witin the paddock and form relationships with the existing teams ahead of 2011, the chances that an American driver will walk into a more competitive team are improved.
And there aren't many American drivers who currently hold superlicences and would be interested in Formula One.
...but Lopez hasn't got a superlicence either and currently doesn't qualify for one. I don't see how he's goin to get one, unless FIA make a specal exception for him?
QUOTE (screamingV16 @ Jan 8 2010, 21:34)
...but Lopez hasn't got a superlicence either and currently doesn't qualify for one. I don't see how he's goin to get one, unless FIA make a specal exception for him?
US1 are no doubt hoping he can get one through the provision for 300km of testing.
That provision is as below.....
be judged by the FIA to have consistently demonstrated
outstanding ability in single-seater formula cars, but with
no opportunity to qualify under any of c) to e) above. In this
case the F1 team concerned must show that the applicant
has driven at least 300 km in a current Formula One car
consistently at racing speeds, over a maximum period of 2
days, completed not more than 90 days prior to the application
and certifi ed by the ASN of the country in which the test took
place
This was used in Raikonnen's case in 2001, but he was considered exceptional because he had won 13 of the 23 single seater races he had driven in at that point. As far as I can see Lopez has not shown exceptional results or talent in singles seaters, but time will tell. USF1 will also have to ensure 300 km of racing speed testing within a two day period which will require some decent reliabilty.
be judged by the FIA to have consistently demonstrated
outstanding ability in single-seater formula cars, but with
no opportunity to qualify under any of c) to e) above. In this
case the F1 team concerned must show that the applicant
has driven at least 300 km in a current Formula One car
consistently at racing speeds, over a maximum period of 2
days, completed not more than 90 days prior to the application
and certifi ed by the ASN of the country in which the test took
place
This was used in Raikonnen's case in 2001, but he was considered exceptional because he had won 13 of the 23 single seater races he had driven in at that point. As far as I can see Lopez has not shown exceptional results or talent in singles seaters, but time will tell. USF1 will also have to ensure 300 km of racing speed testing within a two day period which will require some decent reliabilty.
QUOTE (screamingV16 @ Jan 8 2010, 09:30)
[...]
The current text is:
QUOTE
h): (exceptionally), has a record of results which is judged
sufficient, unanimously, by the Bureau of the Formula One
Commission and has driven at least 300 km in a current Formula
One car at racing speeds, over a maximum period of 2 days,
certified by the ASN of the country in which the test took place.
Only results obtained with single-seater formula cars will be taken
into consideration. Should the members of the Bureau not agree
unanimously, the Commission in its entirety will be consulted.
In this case, the complete application must be received by the FIA
at least 14 days before scrutineering for the fi rst FIA Formula One
World Championship event in which the candidate is to compete.
sufficient, unanimously, by the Bureau of the Formula One
Commission and has driven at least 300 km in a current Formula
One car at racing speeds, over a maximum period of 2 days,
certified by the ASN of the country in which the test took place.
Only results obtained with single-seater formula cars will be taken
into consideration. Should the members of the Bureau not agree
unanimously, the Commission in its entirety will be consulted.
In this case, the complete application must be received by the FIA
at least 14 days before scrutineering for the fi rst FIA Formula One
World Championship event in which the candidate is to compete.
QUOTE (glorius&victorius @ Jan 8 2010, 08:41)
It's a shame that USF1 is going this direction with its drivers... I would have liked to see American drivers. Surely there must be American drivers around that are more talented than Pechito...
There may be, but who qualifies with a superlicence without the testing? Not a single American won in the IRL last year, Danica Patrick was the highest US driver in fifth, too low for a superlicence. Far too soon for the likes of Summerton, and really the junior Rahals and Andrettis have to get into a road-course based series to be taken seriously.
QUOTE (highdownforce @ Jan 8 2010, 13:45)
The current text is:
QUOTE
h): (exceptionally), has a record of results which is judged
sufficient, unanimously, by the Bureau of the Formula One
Commission and has driven at least 300 km in a current Formula
One car at racing speeds, over a maximum period of 2 days,
certified by the ASN of the country in which the test took place.
Only results obtained with single-seater formula cars will be taken
into consideration. Should the members of the Bureau not agree
unanimously, the Commission in its entirety will be consulted.
In this case, the complete application must be received by the FIA
at least 14 days before scrutineering for the fi rst FIA Formula One
World Championship event in which the candidate is to compete.
QUOTE
h): (exceptionally), has a record of results which is judged
sufficient, unanimously, by the Bureau of the Formula One
Commission and has driven at least 300 km in a current Formula
One car at racing speeds, over a maximum period of 2 days,
certified by the ASN of the country in which the test took place.
Only results obtained with single-seater formula cars will be taken
into consideration. Should the members of the Bureau not agree
unanimously, the Commission in its entirety will be consulted.
In this case, the complete application must be received by the FIA
at least 14 days before scrutineering for the fi rst FIA Formula One
World Championship event in which the candidate is to compete.
Where does that come from? My quote is from FIA International Drivers' licences, medical examinations, driver's equipment and conduct - published on 04.01.2010. Your quote states that the driver only needs a sufficnet record not an exceptional one, in which case Lopez could qualify.
QUOTE (screamingV16 @ Jan 8 2010, 10:34)
...but Lopez hasn't got a superlicence either and currently doesn't qualify for one. I don't see how he's goin to get one, unless FIA make a specal exception for him?
when USF1 do their testing at Barber Motorsport Park i am certain they will make sure he does easily exceeds the 300KM needed to gain an F1 licence
Perhaps the Alabama tests will also be used to help Lopez get a license.
QUOTE (screamingV16 @ Jan 8 2010, 13:07)
Where does that come from? My quote is from FIA International Drivers' licences, medical examinations, driver's equipment and conduct - published on 04.01.2010. Your quote states that the driver only needs a sufficnet record not an exceptional one, in which case Lopez could qualify.
My bad... mine is an older version.
The one I've posted probably was the one applicable for Raikkonen, I guess.
So, as you're right and I stand corrected, here is the full list of qualifications:
QUOTE
5.1 Qualifications
5.1.1 The driver must be the holder of a current FIA International Grade A licence.
5.1.2 The driver must also satisfy at least one of the following requirements:
a) have made at least 5 starts in races counting for the FIA Formula One World Championship for Drivers the previous year, or at least 15 starts within the previous 3 years.
b) have previously held the Super Licence and have been the regular test driver with an F1 World Championship team for the previous year.
c) been classified, within the previous 2 years, in the first 3 of the final classification of the F2 Championship, or of the final classification of the GP2 Series, or of the final classification of the GP2 Asia Series or of the final classification of the Japanese F/Nippon Championship,
d) been classified in the first 4 of the final classification of the Indycar IRL series within the previous 2 years,
e) be the current champion of one of the following:
- Formula 3 Euro Series
- The principal national F3 championships of: Great Britain,Italy, Japan, Spain
- World Series F/Renault V6
N.B.: the title of Champion is considered valid for 12 months from the last race of the relevant series or championship season.
f) be judged by the FIA to have consistently demonstrated outstanding ability in single-seater formula cars, but with no opportunity to qualify under any of c) to e) above. In this case the F1 team concerned must show that the applicant has driven at least 300 km in a current Formula One car consistently at racing speeds, over a maximum period of 2 days, completed not more than 90 days prior to the application and certified by the ASN of the country in which the test took place.
By exception, if supported by the Safety Commission, the FIA World Motor Sport Council may approve the issue of the Super Licence to persons judged by the Council to have met the intent of the qualification process.
5.1.1 The driver must be the holder of a current FIA International Grade A licence.
5.1.2 The driver must also satisfy at least one of the following requirements:
a) have made at least 5 starts in races counting for the FIA Formula One World Championship for Drivers the previous year, or at least 15 starts within the previous 3 years.
b) have previously held the Super Licence and have been the regular test driver with an F1 World Championship team for the previous year.
c) been classified, within the previous 2 years, in the first 3 of the final classification of the F2 Championship, or of the final classification of the GP2 Series, or of the final classification of the GP2 Asia Series or of the final classification of the Japanese F/Nippon Championship,
d) been classified in the first 4 of the final classification of the Indycar IRL series within the previous 2 years,
e) be the current champion of one of the following:
- Formula 3 Euro Series
- The principal national F3 championships of: Great Britain,Italy, Japan, Spain
- World Series F/Renault V6
N.B.: the title of Champion is considered valid for 12 months from the last race of the relevant series or championship season.
f) be judged by the FIA to have consistently demonstrated outstanding ability in single-seater formula cars, but with no opportunity to qualify under any of c) to e) above. In this case the F1 team concerned must show that the applicant has driven at least 300 km in a current Formula One car consistently at racing speeds, over a maximum period of 2 days, completed not more than 90 days prior to the application and certified by the ASN of the country in which the test took place.
By exception, if supported by the Safety Commission, the FIA World Motor Sport Council may approve the issue of the Super Licence to persons judged by the Council to have met the intent of the qualification process.
Edit: Also, it's interesting to notice that:
QUOTE
5.3 Conditions of issue
[...]
5.3.3 A driver accepted under the terms of 5.1.2 f) above will be on probation for a period of 12 months during which the Super Licence will be held provisionally and subject to review at any time.
[...]
[...]
5.3.3 A driver accepted under the terms of 5.1.2 f) above will be on probation for a period of 12 months during which the Super Licence will be held provisionally and subject to review at any time.
[...]
I don't get why most posters here think J.M. L贸pez is a crap pay driver. Sure, he's no L.C. Hamilton or even a Rosberg, but he wasn't in the Renault Driver Development Programme for nothing.
L贸pez took championships in lower formulae, including podiums and a race win in GP2. That's not a lot worse than, say, V.A. Petrov, and better than most US drivers currently on the market.
What US F1 Team do need, though, is an experienced driver to aid car development.
L贸pez took championships in lower formulae, including podiums and a race win in GP2. That's not a lot worse than, say, V.A. Petrov, and better than most US drivers currently on the market.
What US F1 Team do need, though, is an experienced driver to aid car development.
QUOTE (TheF1PERSON @ Jan 8 2010, 13:20)
Perhaps the Alabama tests will also be used to help Lopez get a license.
His super license will be based on that.
Indeed, that's what I was saying.
QUOTE (lustigson @ Jan 8 2010, 17:22)
I don't get why most posters here think J.M. L贸pez is a crap pay driver. Sure, he's no L.C. Hamilton or even a Rosberg, but he wasn't in the Renault Driver Development Programme for nothing.
L贸pez took championships in lower formulae, including podiums and a race win in GP2. That's not a lot worse than, say, V.A. Petrov, and better than most US drivers currently on the market.
L贸pez took championships in lower formulae, including podiums and a race win in GP2. That's not a lot worse than, say, V.A. Petrov, and better than most US drivers currently on the market.
Well, for me the main concern is that he hasn't driven a single-seater since '06 GP2 season. I admit his GP2 record is far from 'crap', but nothing exceptional, either. For the last couple of years he's been driving in a national touring car series, which has very little to do with F1 (other than keeping one's 'racer's instinct' alive).
QUOTE
What US F1 Team do need, though, is an experienced driver to aid car development.
Yes, it's hardly ideal that the driver tries to qualify for super licence while testing the brand new car...
QUOTE (highdownforce @ Jan 8 2010, 15:21)
My bad... mine is an older version.
Ahh I see
Interesting to see then that they appear to have tightened up the criteria then. I think the probationary bit has always been there for superliceneces granted exceptionally, again Raikkonen's licenece had simsilar terms although I don't think for the whole season?So it will be interesting to see if he is considered to have an exceptional record in single seaters. Personally I don't think he has. He does appear to have had some good GP2 results over a couple of years including a win, but I wouldn't call that exceptional. I wonder if the FIA will grant a licence anyway to help ensure USF1 make the grid?
QUOTE (lustigson @ Jan 8 2010, 15:22)
I don't get why most posters here think J.M. L贸pez is a crap pay driver. Sure, he's no L.C. Hamilton or even a Rosberg, but he wasn't in the Renault Driver Development Programme for nothing.
L贸pez took championships in lower formulae, including podiums and a race win in GP2. That's not a lot worse than, say, V.A. Petrov, and better than most US drivers currently on the market.
What US F1 Team do need, though, is an experienced driver to aid car development.
L贸pez took championships in lower formulae, including podiums and a race win in GP2. That's not a lot worse than, say, V.A. Petrov, and better than most US drivers currently on the market.
What US F1 Team do need, though, is an experienced driver to aid car development.
I'm not saying he's crap, just interested in how he will get a superlicence.
QUOTE (screamingV16 @ Jan 8 2010, 14:03)
[...] I think the probationary bit has always been there for superliceneces granted exceptionally, [...]
Yuji Ide comes to my mind, but he was granted a superlicense on the regular bases.
QUOTE (screamingV16 @ Jan 8 2010, 14:03)
So it will be interesting to see if he is considered to have an exceptional record in single seaters. Personally I don't think he has.
I'm other person that doesn't think he has.
For that reason alone, those American drivers should be considered then.
QUOTE (screamingV16 @ Jan 8 2010, 14:03)
I wonder if the FIA will grant a licence anyway to help ensure USF1 make the grid?
I'm sure they will.
The thing is, will it be done for two drivers or only one?
QUOTE (Captain Tightpants @ Jan 8 2010, 04:00)
Because USF1 want Lopez, and they're creating a situation where they are "obligated" to take him on. I mean, look at him: he's a touring car driver. He hasn't been in an open-wheeler for years, but the team no doubt want him. So they told him to put together a sponsorship package, and set a fairly low target for him to meet. It's likely Lopez was already offering a fairly decent amount of that money to begin with. That way, when he meets the target, USF1 take him on. And when people question why they're running an Argentine touring car driver, all Windsor and Anderson have to say is "we had a contract with him and he met the terms of it, so we were obligated to sign him on". Lopez gets a seat, USF1 get the driver they want and the world gets an explanation as to why they chose Lopez. Everyone wins.
Well explained.
As for the superlicense, L贸pez had it on the past when he tested for Renault, so I don't think he should have a problem to "recover" it. And he's much more experienced than Raikkonen was when he got it. It's true Raikkonen had a great record, championship included, but it was "just" in the 185 bhp FR. L贸pez has also won a FR title at his time, and with style.
QUOTE (paranoik0 @ Jan 8 2010, 10:30)
Yeah that's going to be amusing. The uber-nationalistic team USA with big "visit Argentina" logos.
can someone do a photoshop of an F1 car in American colors and "visit Argentina" logos?
Lopez should have no problem adapting to the car.. he tested for Renault already.. and did Gp2.. He in the same boat as drivers like DiResta and Paffet but these last two are Brits so no one would see anything wrong if they joined an f1 team..
The difference is that Paffett and Di Resta had their open-wheel careers cut short at F3 level where they were champions, whereas Lopez had a go at GP2 and was a little disappointing. Plus DTM is more competitive than Turismo Carretera.
QUOTE (BMW_F1 @ Jan 9 2010, 10:08)
Lopez should have no problem adapting to the car.. he tested for Renault already.. and did Gp2.. He in the same boat as drivers like di Resta and Paffet but these last two are Brits so no one would see anything wrong if they joined an f1 team..
You're just trying to cultivate the nationalism BS or this so-called anti-Americanism with USF1.. but it's clear to me that in this case that particular argument is lame.
The real question is: is it worth it adapting a whole car and F1 team to Pechito?
For instance, If a team had plans to retain Paffet as their lead driver (or leave that impression for months), I'm sure it would raise a few eyebrows... even though he was a full-time McLaren test driver in 2006.
QUOTE (Slowinfastout @ Jan 9 2010, 21:21)
You're just trying to cultivate the nationalism BS or this so-called anti-Americanism with USF1.. but it's clear to me that in this case that particular argument is lame.
call it what you like but that's the truth..
QUOTE (BMW_F1 @ Jan 9 2010, 12:07)
call it what you like but that's the truth..
what is?
I disagree that Lopez is 'in the same boat' as Paffett and di Resta.. pretty much for the reasons paranoik0 mentionned. It has nothing to do with the nationality of the drivers in question.
But I think I can see why you paint any criticism or doubt of the USF1 team with the same brush, it's fashionable and convenient.
QUOTE (paranoik0 @ Jan 9 2010, 20:55)
The difference is that Paffett and Di Resta had their open-wheel careers cut short at F3 level where they were champions, whereas Lopez had a go at GP2 and was a little disappointing. Plus DTM is more competitive than Turismo Carretera.
That does not matter, I can find you a dozen or more posts from people wanting to see Paffet drive in f1, remember when mclaren had plans to have a B team? Wasn't that the plan to give paffet his chance ? - he's also been linked to Prodrive.
Prodrive a small funded team with a driver like paffet was not a problem but now suddendly it is for usf1.
And I have no idea if DTM is better than T2000. Perhaps those guys down there in Argentina are way better drivers than DiResta, Ralf and co. And did Lopez drive for a top team in GP2? I don't remember.
So, basically you and USF1 would be OK with any racecar driver who has previously driven a fast single-seater with moderate success?
Sounds like a plan..
edit: btw, my first bet last spring for USF1 was Graham Rahal, who fits the definition, except the 'any' part... because he's well connected, and.. American.
AFAIK he's not confirmed in Indycar for 2010 yet.. now that would make sense if we're talking about average drivers.
Sounds like a plan..
edit: btw, my first bet last spring for USF1 was Graham Rahal, who fits the definition, except the 'any' part... because he's well connected, and.. American.
AFAIK he's not confirmed in Indycar for 2010 yet.. now that would make sense if we're talking about average drivers.
personally I think they'll be better of with a driver like Heidfeld or Ralf but I doubt they have the funds to hire those guys so they have to hire who they can.
QUOTE (Slowinfastout @ Jan 9 2010, 18:51)
So, basically you and USF1 would be OK with any racecar driver who has previously driven a fast single-seater with moderate success?
Sounds like a plan..
edit: btw, my first bet last spring for USF1 was Graham Rahal, who fits the definition, except the 'any' part... because he's well connected, and.. American.
AFAIK he's not confirmed in Indycar for 2010 yet.. now that would make sense if we're talking about average drivers.
Sounds like a plan..
edit: btw, my first bet last spring for USF1 was Graham Rahal, who fits the definition, except the 'any' part... because he's well connected, and.. American.
AFAIK he's not confirmed in Indycar for 2010 yet.. now that would make sense if we're talking about average drivers.
Rahal is in a multi year deal with Newman Hass Lanigan. Considering what happened with with his dad in his short lived stint running Jaguar F1 I don't blame him for not being interested. He's got a good gig here and doesn't need the grief.
QUOTE (loki @ Jan 9 2010, 14:04)
Rahal is in a multi year deal with Newman Hass Lanigan. Considering what happened with with his dad in his short lived stint running Jaguar F1 I don't blame him for not being interested. He's got a good gig here and doesn't need the grief.
Thanks for that, wasn't sure what was his situation with NHL... at the time (last spring), I thought it would have been great for USF1 if they could have the Rahals on board with the BMW connection and all..
I guess if something interesting was cooking, we would hear about it anyway.. like with Lopez..
That's what I thought. Rahal is not interested same as Scott Speed
QUOTE (BMW_F1 @ Jan 9 2010, 19:11)
That's what I thought. Rahal is not interested same as Scott Speed
I remember him being interviewed when he won a feeder category (Barber Saab?) and someone suggested F1 and he seemed interested but thought F1 team managers wouldn't look at him seriously unless he'd had some success in Champcar/Indycar first. Mind you Indycar isn't as steady a job as it used to be, unfortunately.
Speed's in a comfy well paid berth at NASCAR so that's a little different. At the end of the day these guys have families (and lifestyles!) to support and just want to know where the next pay check is coming from. It's such an uncertain business there's always a little risk-minimisation going on.
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