QUOTE (Owen @ Oct 21 2009, 21:53) 
You're entitled to hold that opinion. It just doesn't coincide with mine.
And that goes for every F1 driver, Kimi-Matias Raikkonen shouldn't be seen any differently.
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And that goes for every F1 driver, Kimi-Matias Raikkonen shouldn't be seen any differently.
QUOTE (meat @ Oct 21 2009, 16:48)
You do realize that Heidfeld had both Kimi and Massa as teamates and beat them both.
You may laugh because they were rookies or that it was 6 - 7 years ago, but lacking any further evidence (in the same car), it's possible.
QUOTE (h-tomek @ Oct 22 2009, 00:52)
And, as far as I am concerned, I'd like to see him in Toyota. That would be great for Toyota.
But bad for Kimi, F1 and fans.
QUOTE
Quick Nick can be really quick, and what is more important is very consistent and would do a lot better then Kovalainen.
Who knows. He could flops like in 2008.
QUOTE (Odvan @ Oct 21 2009, 22:04)
But bad for Kimi, F1 and fans.
Not if Kimi could be bothered to give it his best shot
Could be the making of toyota
I think they just need a spark to light the fire
QUOTE (Odvan @ Oct 21 2009, 17:04)
Who knows. He could flops like in 2008.
Nick had qualifying problems (like Kimi) during the first few races.
He actually beat Kubica over the last 10 races.
Not much of a flop.
Note here that Heidfeld fixed his qualifying problem in '08 while Kimi never managed to do so.
...but it's all academic. Kimi is going to McLaren and Heidfeld doesn't have a ride.
QUOTE (metz @ Oct 21 2009, 16:08)
Nick had qualifying problems (like Kimi) during the first few races.
He actually beat Kubica over the last 10 races.
Not much of a flop.
Note here that Heidfeld fixed his qualifying problem in '08 while Kimi never managed to do so.
He actually beat Kubica over the last 10 races.
Not much of a flop.
Note here that Heidfeld fixed his qualifying problem in '08 while Kimi never managed to do so.
[smirk]
QUOTE (carlt @ Oct 22 2009, 01:07)
Not if Kimi could be bothered to give it his best shot
Could be the making of toyota
I think they just need a spark to light the fire
Could be the making of toyota
I think they just need a spark to light the fire
They has a worst engine in the field, so no sparks.
QUOTE (metz @ Oct 22 2009, 01:08)
Nick had qualifying problems (like Kimi) during the first few races.
He actually beat Kubica over the last 10 races.
Not much of a flop.
Note here that Heidfeld fixed his qualifying problem in '08 while Kimi never managed to do so.
He actually beat Kubica over the last 10 races.
Not much of a flop.
Note here that Heidfeld fixed his qualifying problem in '08 while Kimi never managed to do so.
Kubica was WDC contender, scored pole, win race - when Heidfeld was nowhere. And Robert thinks that 'fixed his qualifying problem' cost him title.
QUOTE (Odvan @ Oct 21 2009, 17:16)
And Robert thinks that 'fixed his qualifying problem' cost him title.
This is totally untrue.
What cost him the title is that other teams caught up to BMW who's many improvements and updates were completely useless.
Nick completely changed his driving style to suit the car.
I don't recall the pole, and you DO know that Nick pulled over for Robert in Montreal in order to assure a BMW 1-2.
QUOTE (metz @ Oct 22 2009, 01:20)
This is totally untrue.
What cost him the title is that other teams caught up to BMW who's many improvements and updates were completely useless.
Nick completely changed his driving style to suit the car.
What cost him the title is that other teams caught up to BMW who's many improvements and updates were completely useless.
Nick completely changed his driving style to suit the car.
So why all sure he won't struggle in Mclaren?
Perhaps he really underrated but it seems his time is gone. Kubica better looks this season too - both in quali and races.
I'm not sure.
He may struggle.
He may totally fail as many other good drivers have.
HHF at Williams.
Fisi at Renault.
JV at BAR.
Fisi at Ferrari
Kimi at Ferrari..
He may struggle.
He may totally fail as many other good drivers have.
HHF at Williams.
Fisi at Renault.
JV at BAR.
Fisi at Ferrari
Kimi at Ferrari..
QUOTE (metz @ Oct 22 2009, 02:20)
This is totally untrue.
What cost him the title is that other teams caught up to BMW who's many improvements and updates were completely useless.
Nick completely changed his driving style to suit the car.
I don't recall the pole, and you DO know that Nick pulled over for Robert in Montreal in order to assure a BMW 1-2.
What cost him the title is that other teams caught up to BMW who's many improvements and updates were completely useless.
Nick completely changed his driving style to suit the car.
I don't recall the pole, and you DO know that Nick pulled over for Robert in Montreal in order to assure a BMW 1-2.
hey Metz - you said yourself some time ago that Nick and his manager do piss poor job as far as PR for Heidfeld goes.
I know someone on this forum who could just do the job!!!
ANYBODY on this forum could do a better job.
QUOTE (metz @ Oct 21 2009, 21:20)
This is totally untrue.
What cost him the title is that other teams caught up to BMW who's many improvements and updates were completely useless.
Nick completely changed his driving style to suit the car.
I don't recall the pole, and you DO know that Nick pulled over for Robert in Montreal in order to assure a BMW 1-2.
What cost him the title is that other teams caught up to BMW who's many improvements and updates were completely useless.
Nick completely changed his driving style to suit the car.
I don't recall the pole, and you DO know that Nick pulled over for Robert in Montreal in order to assure a BMW 1-2.
It's totally true.
Maybe it didn't costs his title, but it costs a longer title fight in 2008.
After the first BMW win, every time Theissen and Rampf spoken about their development, they spoke that they try hard to help nick to manage the bmw car that he can score points, they never said that they will develop the car for Kubica, because they "achieved" their goal for 2008, and want to battle for the WDC/WCC in 2009.
It was really pretty clear from their and Roberts statements that the whole team is developing the 2008 car to help Nick, and developing the 2009 car.
But let alone the statements, do you really think, that it was a coincidence, that after several updates, when the car suited better for Nick, suddenly Robert had worse pace?
QUOTE (craftverk @ Oct 21 2009, 16:52)
Sorry, but riding around in McLarens being called the fastest man in F1 for no real reason doesn't make you a level higher than anyone else.
Being a champion does.
QUOTE (metz @ Oct 22 2009, 01:27)
I'm not sure.
He may struggle.
He may totally fail as many other good drivers have.
HHF at Williams.
Fisi at Renault.
JV at BAR.
Fisi at Ferrari
Kimi at Ferrari..
He may struggle.
He may totally fail as many other good drivers have.
HHF at Williams.
Fisi at Renault.
JV at BAR.
Fisi at Ferrari
Kimi at Ferrari..
Totally fail? You mean all of them WDC? In their first year?
Just don't get this wishful things about Nick - nobody knows how he may drive there. But all suggest not really good.
QUOTE (alecc @ Oct 22 2009, 02:33)
It's totally true.
Maybe it didn't costs his title, but it costs a longer title fight in 2008.
After the first BMW win, every time Theissen and Rampf spoken about their development, they spoke that they try hard to help nick to manage the bmw car that he can score points, they never said that they will develop the car for Kubica, because they "achieved" their goal for 2008, and want to battle for the WDC/WCC in 2009.
It was really pretty clear from their and Roberts statements that the whole team is developing the 2008 car to help Nick, and developing the 2009 car.
But let alone the statements, do you really think, that it was a coincidence, that after several updates, when the car suited better for Nick, suddenly Robert had worse pace?
Maybe it didn't costs his title, but it costs a longer title fight in 2008.
After the first BMW win, every time Theissen and Rampf spoken about their development, they spoke that they try hard to help nick to manage the bmw car that he can score points, they never said that they will develop the car for Kubica, because they "achieved" their goal for 2008, and want to battle for the WDC/WCC in 2009.
It was really pretty clear from their and Roberts statements that the whole team is developing the 2008 car to help Nick, and developing the 2009 car.
But let alone the statements, do you really think, that it was a coincidence, that after several updates, when the car suited better for Nick, suddenly Robert had worse pace?
Hey I wonder what would be your comments if Kubica was in place of Heidfeld in 2008... BMW always played the 'team first' /// 'methodical pursuit of goals' tune
so it wasn't surprising that once they achieved their goal for 2008 they turned their attention to other things.
Yes in hindsight you can say they lacked perspective or ability to see the bigger picture (and the opportunity that presented itself after Kubica's win in Canada) - but
who could've predicted that Maccas and Reds would continue to f**k things up during the 2nd half of the season. Anyhow this was discussed thousands of times
on BMW forum.
I think they still were trying in 2008 but with limited resource allocation it just wasn't working out.
BACK TO TOPIC PLEASE
Well, his post was silly.
Thus on topic...
Thus on topic...
QUOTE (metz @ Oct 21 2009, 17:02)
You do realize that Heidfeld had both Kimi and Massa as teamates and beat them both.
You may laugh because they were rookies or that it was 6 - 7 years ago, but lacking any further evidence (in the same car), it's possible.
You may laugh because they were rookies or that it was 6 - 7 years ago, but lacking any further evidence (in the same car), it's possible.
They weren't rookies.
Heidfeld had been testing a F1 car since 1998 and had a year of race experience under his belt.
Raikkonen had a total of 23 single-seater races at a level no higher than Formula Renault, a level that wouldn't qualify him for a superlicence. He had a total of three tests in 2000 with Sauber.
Heidfeld had vastly more experience in not only F1, but more powerful formulae than anything Raikkonen had raced. He should have beaten him, and probably by a worse margin than he did.
Heidfeld is a very underrated driver. I'd be really happy if he is hired by McLaren. He's fast, he's consistent, and he's experienced. Plus, if given a short-term deal, it would free the team to go after someone like Vettel or Hulkenberg- both of whom I think are on Hamilton's level- really soon.
But he isn't on Raikkonen's level.
QUOTE (F1_conman @ Oct 21 2009, 21:41)
Hey I wonder what would be your comments if Kubica was in place of Heidfeld in 2008... BMW always played the 'team first' /// 'methodical pursuit of goals' tune
so it wasn't surprising that once they achieved their goal for 2008 they turned their attention to other things.
Yes in hindsight you can say they lacked perspective or ability to see the bigger picture (and the opportunity that presented itself after Kubica's win in Canada) - but
who could've predicted that Maccas and Reds would continue to f**k things up during the 2nd half of the season. Anyhow this was discussed thousands of times
on BMW forum.
I think they still were trying in 2008 but with limited resource allocation it just wasn't working out.
BACK TO TOPIC PLEASE
so it wasn't surprising that once they achieved their goal for 2008 they turned their attention to other things.
Yes in hindsight you can say they lacked perspective or ability to see the bigger picture (and the opportunity that presented itself after Kubica's win in Canada) - but
who could've predicted that Maccas and Reds would continue to f**k things up during the 2nd half of the season. Anyhow this was discussed thousands of times
on BMW forum.
I think they still were trying in 2008 but with limited resource allocation it just wasn't working out.
BACK TO TOPIC PLEASE
If Nick would be on Kubicas place in 2008? I don't think it would be possible, but if then yes, my comments could be different, I'm a Kubica fan trying to not to be a fanboy, but it isn't easy man!
But I agree with your post, sorry for offtopic.
QUOTE (metz @ Oct 21 2009, 21:46)
Well, his post was silly.
Thus on topic...
Thus on topic...
You think my post was silly, I think your was, but they both was on topic like the hell...
Going back on topic:
L'Equipe wrote about Montagny in Renault, they wrote first about Robert in Renault, is it a reliable source, or like somebody mentioned here, only buzz from his menago?
Heidfeld in macca? Would be great! I'm really, rrrrrrrreally curious, how would be his pace look like in comparison to Lewis.
QUOTE (RF1 fan @ Oct 21 2009, 12:39)
About Mercedes:
No Mercedes engine for Red Bull.
Mclaren negociations with Raikonnen fails because of his wages pretention.
Heikki Kovalaien and Heidfeld are fighting for the second Mclaren seat.
About Renault:
Montagny's manager tried to creat a buzz because he has been received by Renault's boss however it's the same situation for manager's of Sutil,Glock,Heidfeld,Kovalainen,Senna and Grosjean.Renault will take a lot of time before their decision.
http://blog.autoplus.fr/moncet/2009/10/21/...ans-importance/
No Mercedes engine for Red Bull.
Mclaren negociations with Raikonnen fails because of his wages pretention.
Heikki Kovalaien and Heidfeld are fighting for the second Mclaren seat.
About Renault:
Montagny's manager tried to creat a buzz because he has been received by Renault's boss however it's the same situation for manager's of Sutil,Glock,Heidfeld,Kovalainen,Senna and Grosjean.Renault will take a lot of time before their decision.
http://blog.autoplus.fr/moncet/2009/10/21/...ans-importance/
Looks like the same speculative nonsense that's been put out on other journo blogs. Not to mention it looks like a cut-and-paste of other stuff that's already been put out there.
QUOTE (maccaFTW @ Oct 21 2009, 17:52)
They weren't rookies. I was talking about Kimi and Massa
But he isn't on Raikkonen's level. I said we don't know.
But he isn't on Raikkonen's level. I said we don't know.
QUOTE (OSX @ Oct 21 2009, 20:18)
That's really not in line with what Whitmarsh said on BBC after the Singapore GP.
"We wanna have the best two drivers in our car we can. It's as simple as that." "We aspire to be a top team so we want the best drivers in Formula 1".
The BBC interview
"We wanna have the best two drivers in our car we can. It's as simple as that." "We aspire to be a top team so we want the best drivers in Formula 1".
The BBC interview
But they missed signing Kubica -> maybe not as fast as Kimi, but a top driver who would be willing to drive on cheap salary unlike Kimi.
McLaren should have signed Kubica ASAP -> so much cheaper that Raikkonen
Now they have Raikkonen or if that fails, Heidfeld... Heidfeld will be good for the team... close to Hamilton, but Kubica would be much more spectacular combat with Hamilton, more firey style! Not to be.
QUOTE (Captain Tightpants @ Oct 21 2009, 12:58)
They may have a deal worked out similar to Williams' one. AT&T are the title sponsor, but I can't for the life of me think of where an AT&T logo appears. If one does, it's certainly been superseded by Phillips, RBS and AirAsia, so I suspect AT&T owns the space.
AT&T pay specifically to be title sponsor in Williams "portfolio" model. They buy the sponsorship on the team name, uniform and there is a sticker on the top of the airbox. They don't own or on-sell the large spaces on the car as far as I recall.
QUOTE (V8 Fireworks @ Oct 22 2009, 15:07)
AT&T pay specifically to be title sponsor in Williams "portfolio" model. They buy the sponsorship on the team name, uniform and there is a sticker on the top of the airbox. They don't own or on-sell the large spaces on the car as far as I recall.
Thatnks for clearing that up. My point is that Phillip Morris could easily do that and Santander take the space on the car.
Emirates Brawn Mercedes
Brawn BGP 002 – Mercedes FO108X (Mercedes rumourd in (partly) take-over)
Team Principal: Ross Brawn ; Technical Director: Ross Brawn (?)
1. Jenson Button (negotiations for new contract ongoing, with money an issue)
2. Nico Rosberg (likely dependent on Mercedes deal)
Rubens Barrichello (one more season; may depend on Button's negotiations)
Kimi Räikkönen (rumoured if Rosberg goes to McLaren)
Red Bull Racing
Red Bull RB6 – Renault RS27 (currently) / Mercedes FO108X (likely due to Mercedes' dismissal of a Williams deal)
Team Principal: Christian Horner; Technical Director: Adrian Newey
3. Sebastian Vettel (on a multi-year deal until '11, with an option for '12)
4. Mark Webber (re-signed for '10)
Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro (Santander title sponsor?)
Ferrari F2010 – Ferrari 056
Team Principal: Stefano Domenicali ; Technical Director: Aldo Costa
5. Felipe Massa (contracted until ‘10)
Giancarlo Fisichella (signed testing deal; may be recruted for race team if Massa's not fit)
6. Fernando Alonso (3-year deal '10-'12)
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
McLaren MP4-25 – Mercedes FO108X
Team Principal: Martin Whitmarsh ; Technical Director: Paddy Lowe, Neil Oatley
7. Lewis Hamilton (contracted until '12)
8. Kimi Räikkönen (highly likely with Alonso-Ferrari now confirmed)
Nico Rosberg (rumoured for McLaren since 2008, now poised for Brawn)
Heikki Kovalainen ('10 option not taken up)
Gary Paffet (long-time McLaren test driver)
Panasonic Toyota Racing
Toyota TF110 – Toyota RVX-10
Team Principal: Tadashi Yamashina ; Technical Director: Pascal Vasselon
9. Jarno Trulli (a new deal is unlikely, according to team bosses, but Trulli waits until 15 November)
Kimi Räikkönen (has an offer from the team)
Heikki Kovalainen (possibly)
10. Timo Glock ('10 option not taken up; free to look elsewhere)
Kamui Kobayashi (current test driver, in the frame for '10 according to John Howett)
Sébastien Buemi (rumoured)
Kazuki Nakajima (allegedly has a long-term Toyota deal, but may not have the ultimate skill to make in in the big time)
AT&T Williams
Williams FW32 – Renault RS27 (preferred option for the team, dependent on Red Bull choice, and whether Kubica is taken up by Renault) / Cosworth CA2010 (becoming more and more likely)
Team Principal: Frank Williams ; Technical Director: Sam Michael, Patrick Head
11. Rubens Barrichello (Williams said they’d like an experienced driver in ‘10)
12. Nico Hülkenberg (test driver and 2009 GP2 champion; most likely)
Adam Carroll (GP2 race winner and A1GP champion, has been approached by 2 teams for ‘10)
Kazuki Nakajima (current driver, likely dependent on Toyota power)
Renault F1 Team (after Briatore and Symonds fired/quit, David Richards allegedly in the picture as boss)
Renault R30 – Renault R27
Team Principal: David Richards (rumoured) ; Technical Director: unknown
14. Robert Kubica (confirmed for 2010)
15. Timo Glock (rumoured)
Lucas Di Grassi (long time Renault development and test driver; admired by David Richards)
Bruno Senna (said he's in talks with the team)
Franck Montagny (former test driver, brings some experience to the team)
Heikki Kovalainen (may return to the French team)
Romain Grosjean (replaced Piquet mid-season; allegedly fallen out of favour due to bad results)
Force India F1 Team
Force India VJM03 – Mercedes FO108X
Team Principal: Vijay Mallya ; Technical Director: James Key
16. Adrian Sutil (another year; where would he go otherwise?)
Bruno Senna (said he's in talks with the team)
17. Vitantonio Liuzzi (allegedly has '10-'11 deal)
Karun Chandhok (after another GP2 season, he gets the nod from Mallya; will test McLaren simulator)
Neel Jani (Swiss with Indian father, will test McLaren simulator)
Scuderia Toro Rosso
Toro Roso STR5 – Ferrari 056 (Ferrari contract allegedly runs until ‘10) / Renault R27 (if Red Bull-Mercedes comes to fruition)
Team Principal: Franz Tost ; Technical Director: Giorgio Ascanelli
18. Sébastien Buemi (hard to see him dropped after some solid drives)
19. Jaime Alguersuari, jr. (replaced Bourdais mid-season '09, likely to stay on)
Brendon Hartley (Red Bull junior driver and tester)
Neel Jani (finally he gets his chance, but 2 Swiss drivers at STR?)
Telefónica Campos Meta Team
Campos CM10 – Cosworth CA2010 (Dallara-designed and -built car)
Team Principal: Adrián Campos ; Technical Director: Daniel Audetto
20. Pedro de la Rosa (experienced test driver; excellent choice to develop the new car)
Marc Gené (rumoured)
21. Vitaly Petrov (although Russian, he drove for Campos/Barwa in GP2 successfully, and brings sponsorship, too)
Bruno Senna (said he's in talks with the team)
José Maria López (rumoured)
Nelson Piquet (Adrián Campossaid he's a possibility)
Virgin Manor F1 Team (likely renamed Virgin F1 Team)
Manor BW01 (Virgin VF1-10) – Cosworth CA2010 (car designed and built by Nick Wirth, formerly of Simtek and Benetton)
Team Principal: John Booth (of Manor Grand Prix) / Alex Tai (of Virgin) ; Technical Director: Nick Wirth
22. Anthony Davidson (experienced ex-F1 driver)
Adam Carroll (GP2 race winner and A1GP champion, has been approached by 2 teams for ‘10)
Esteban Guerreri (has a priority pre-contract until 5 November)23. Bruno Senna (said he's in talks with the team; would be dream name for Virgin)
Nelson Piquet (Booth allegedly stated he would consider him)
Lucas Di Grassi (GP2 race winner, did F3 for Manor in 2005)
Best Buy Team US F1
US F1-10 – Cosworth CA2010 (contracted) / Toyota RVX-10 (rumoured)
Team Principal: Peter Windsor ; Technical Director: Ken Anderson
24. Alex Wurz (although Austrian, experienced test driver; excellent choice to develop the new car)
Pedro de la Rosa (although Spanish, experienced test driver; excellent choice to develop the new car)
Franck Montagny (rumoured although French, has some experience)
25. Ryan Hunter-Reay (experienced driver)
Jonathan Summerton (oft-rumoured, but still young)
Jacques Villeneuve (says he's in talks with the team; getting a former F1 WDC and Indy 500 winner would be a major coup for the team)
1Malaysia Lotus F1 Team
Lotus 110 – Cosworth CA2010
Team Principal: Tony Fernandes ; Technical Director: Mike Gascoyne
26. Jarno Trulli (rumoured)
27. Alex Yoong (experienced and, well, Malaysian)
Fairuz Fauzy (Malaysian)
Bruno Senna (they'd wish)
Sauber F1 Team (BMW-owned team did not sign 2010-2012 Concorde Agreement, but obtained '14th place'; talks on allowing 14 teams in 2010 ongoing)
Sauber C25 – Ferrari 056 (again with Petronas badge?)
Team Principal: Lionel Fischer (of QADBAK) / Peter Sauber (unlikely) ; Technical Director: Willy Rampf
28. Nick Heidfeld (contracted for '09; may stay on)
29. Christian Klien (current test driver; could make for a typically sound Sauber line-up with Heidfeld)
Giancarlo Fisichella (Ferrari tester; comes with the engine deal)
Brawn BGP 002 – Mercedes FO108X (Mercedes rumourd in (partly) take-over)
Team Principal: Ross Brawn ; Technical Director: Ross Brawn (?)
1. Jenson Button (negotiations for new contract ongoing, with money an issue)
2. Nico Rosberg (likely dependent on Mercedes deal)
Rubens Barrichello (one more season; may depend on Button's negotiations)
Kimi Räikkönen (rumoured if Rosberg goes to McLaren)
Red Bull Racing
Red Bull RB6 – Renault RS27 (currently) / Mercedes FO108X (likely due to Mercedes' dismissal of a Williams deal)
Team Principal: Christian Horner; Technical Director: Adrian Newey
3. Sebastian Vettel (on a multi-year deal until '11, with an option for '12)
4. Mark Webber (re-signed for '10)
Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro (Santander title sponsor?)
Ferrari F2010 – Ferrari 056
Team Principal: Stefano Domenicali ; Technical Director: Aldo Costa
5. Felipe Massa (contracted until ‘10)
Giancarlo Fisichella (signed testing deal; may be recruted for race team if Massa's not fit)
6. Fernando Alonso (3-year deal '10-'12)
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
McLaren MP4-25 – Mercedes FO108X
Team Principal: Martin Whitmarsh ; Technical Director: Paddy Lowe, Neil Oatley
7. Lewis Hamilton (contracted until '12)
8. Kimi Räikkönen (highly likely with Alonso-Ferrari now confirmed)
Nico Rosberg (rumoured for McLaren since 2008, now poised for Brawn)
Heikki Kovalainen ('10 option not taken up)
Gary Paffet (long-time McLaren test driver)
Panasonic Toyota Racing
Toyota TF110 – Toyota RVX-10
Team Principal: Tadashi Yamashina ; Technical Director: Pascal Vasselon
9. Jarno Trulli (a new deal is unlikely, according to team bosses, but Trulli waits until 15 November)
Kimi Räikkönen (has an offer from the team)
Heikki Kovalainen (possibly)
10. Timo Glock ('10 option not taken up; free to look elsewhere)
Kamui Kobayashi (current test driver, in the frame for '10 according to John Howett)
Sébastien Buemi (rumoured)
Kazuki Nakajima (allegedly has a long-term Toyota deal, but may not have the ultimate skill to make in in the big time)
AT&T Williams
Williams FW32 – Renault RS27 (preferred option for the team, dependent on Red Bull choice, and whether Kubica is taken up by Renault) / Cosworth CA2010 (becoming more and more likely)
Team Principal: Frank Williams ; Technical Director: Sam Michael, Patrick Head
11. Rubens Barrichello (Williams said they’d like an experienced driver in ‘10)
12. Nico Hülkenberg (test driver and 2009 GP2 champion; most likely)
Adam Carroll (GP2 race winner and A1GP champion, has been approached by 2 teams for ‘10)
Kazuki Nakajima (current driver, likely dependent on Toyota power)
Renault F1 Team (after Briatore and Symonds fired/quit, David Richards allegedly in the picture as boss)
Renault R30 – Renault R27
Team Principal: David Richards (rumoured) ; Technical Director: unknown
14. Robert Kubica (confirmed for 2010)
15. Timo Glock (rumoured)
Lucas Di Grassi (long time Renault development and test driver; admired by David Richards)
Bruno Senna (said he's in talks with the team)
Franck Montagny (former test driver, brings some experience to the team)
Heikki Kovalainen (may return to the French team)
Romain Grosjean (replaced Piquet mid-season; allegedly fallen out of favour due to bad results)
Force India F1 Team
Force India VJM03 – Mercedes FO108X
Team Principal: Vijay Mallya ; Technical Director: James Key
16. Adrian Sutil (another year; where would he go otherwise?)
Bruno Senna (said he's in talks with the team)
17. Vitantonio Liuzzi (allegedly has '10-'11 deal)
Karun Chandhok (after another GP2 season, he gets the nod from Mallya; will test McLaren simulator)
Neel Jani (Swiss with Indian father, will test McLaren simulator)
Scuderia Toro Rosso
Toro Roso STR5 – Ferrari 056 (Ferrari contract allegedly runs until ‘10) / Renault R27 (if Red Bull-Mercedes comes to fruition)
Team Principal: Franz Tost ; Technical Director: Giorgio Ascanelli
18. Sébastien Buemi (hard to see him dropped after some solid drives)
19. Jaime Alguersuari, jr. (replaced Bourdais mid-season '09, likely to stay on)
Brendon Hartley (Red Bull junior driver and tester)
Neel Jani (finally he gets his chance, but 2 Swiss drivers at STR?)
Telefónica Campos Meta Team
Campos CM10 – Cosworth CA2010 (Dallara-designed and -built car)
Team Principal: Adrián Campos ; Technical Director: Daniel Audetto
20. Pedro de la Rosa (experienced test driver; excellent choice to develop the new car)
Marc Gené (rumoured)
21. Vitaly Petrov (although Russian, he drove for Campos/Barwa in GP2 successfully, and brings sponsorship, too)
Bruno Senna (said he's in talks with the team)
José Maria López (rumoured)
Nelson Piquet (Adrián Campossaid he's a possibility)
Virgin Manor F1 Team (likely renamed Virgin F1 Team)
Manor BW01 (Virgin VF1-10) – Cosworth CA2010 (car designed and built by Nick Wirth, formerly of Simtek and Benetton)
Team Principal: John Booth (of Manor Grand Prix) / Alex Tai (of Virgin) ; Technical Director: Nick Wirth
22. Anthony Davidson (experienced ex-F1 driver)
Adam Carroll (GP2 race winner and A1GP champion, has been approached by 2 teams for ‘10)
Esteban Guerreri (has a priority pre-contract until 5 November)23. Bruno Senna (said he's in talks with the team; would be dream name for Virgin)
Nelson Piquet (Booth allegedly stated he would consider him)
Lucas Di Grassi (GP2 race winner, did F3 for Manor in 2005)
Best Buy Team US F1
US F1-10 – Cosworth CA2010 (contracted) / Toyota RVX-10 (rumoured)
Team Principal: Peter Windsor ; Technical Director: Ken Anderson
24. Alex Wurz (although Austrian, experienced test driver; excellent choice to develop the new car)
Pedro de la Rosa (although Spanish, experienced test driver; excellent choice to develop the new car)
Franck Montagny (rumoured although French, has some experience)
25. Ryan Hunter-Reay (experienced driver)
Jonathan Summerton (oft-rumoured, but still young)
Jacques Villeneuve (says he's in talks with the team; getting a former F1 WDC and Indy 500 winner would be a major coup for the team)
1Malaysia Lotus F1 Team
Lotus 110 – Cosworth CA2010
Team Principal: Tony Fernandes ; Technical Director: Mike Gascoyne
26. Jarno Trulli (rumoured)
27. Alex Yoong (experienced and, well, Malaysian)
Fairuz Fauzy (Malaysian)
Bruno Senna (they'd wish)
Sauber F1 Team (BMW-owned team did not sign 2010-2012 Concorde Agreement, but obtained '14th place'; talks on allowing 14 teams in 2010 ongoing)
Sauber C25 – Ferrari 056 (again with Petronas badge?)
Team Principal: Lionel Fischer (of QADBAK) / Peter Sauber (unlikely) ; Technical Director: Willy Rampf
28. Nick Heidfeld (contracted for '09; may stay on)
29. Christian Klien (current test driver; could make for a typically sound Sauber line-up with Heidfeld)
Giancarlo Fisichella (Ferrari tester; comes with the engine deal)
Another one for your collection, lugiston: USF1 are interested in Kyle Busch.
QUOTE (Captain Tightpants @ Oct 22 2009, 10:02)
Another one for your collection, lugiston: USF1 are interested in Kyle Busch.
They'd better put him in a series which can get him a superlicense then.
QUOTE (Rob @ Oct 22 2009, 20:04)
They'd better put him in a series which can get him a superlicense then.
FIA can make special provisions. They did it for Raikkonen. They may not have done it for Loeb, but Loeb was only looking for one race and spends most of his time on dirt.
QUOTE (Captain Tightpants @ Oct 22 2009, 11:02)
Another one for your collection, lugiston: USF1 are interested in Kyle Busch.
Only for 2011, they say.
QUOTE (Captain Tightpants @ Oct 22 2009, 10:06)
FIA can make special provisions. They did it for Raikkonen.
Raikkonen had driven single seaters for his whole career. Kyle Bush hasn't driven them at all.
QUOTE
The driver must also satisfy at least one of the following
requirements:
- -
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 certifi ed 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 qualifi cation process.
requirements:
- -
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 certifi ed 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 qualifi cation process.
This should clarify why Räikkönen got his super licence and Loeb didn't. Räikkönen showed 'outstanding ablitity in single-seater formula cars', and drove an F1 car at racing speeds many times in various tests.
tazio.com.br quotes Motorsport Aktuell and says Renault is selling the F1 team and keeping the engine operation.
QUOTE (saudoso @ Oct 22 2009, 22:24)
tazio.com.br quotes Motorsport Aktuell and says Renault is selling the F1 team and keeping the engine operation.
Supposedly to the Russians. Or at least to the guy who owns MegaFon, one of Renault's sponsors.
But how reliable are Tazio and Motorsport Aktuell?
QUOTE (Captain Tightpants @ Oct 22 2009, 09:26)
Supposedly to the Russians. Or at least to the guy who owns MegaFon, one of Renault's sponsors.
But how reliable are Tazio and Motorsport Aktuell?
But how reliable are Tazio and Motorsport Aktuell?
Tazio plays on the safe side, I'd trust them. But I have no idea about the swiss guys.
QUOTE (saudoso @ Oct 22 2009, 22:28)
Tazio plays on the safe side, I'd trust them. But I have no idea about the swiss guys.
Well, I'm asking because I've heard varying reports about their reliability.
The full story suggests that Renault are going to pull out as a team and stay as an engine supplier. Their buyers are said to be the guy who owns MegaFon and a British - or at least European - backer, and they have no plans to change anything about the team; everything will supposedly stay the same except for the ultimte owner.
The story of the silly season: http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/formel-...gt-1441292.html
QUOTE
- Alonso wanted to join Ferrari.
- Santander pressured Ferrari to find a seat for Alonso for 2010 already.
- Ferrari and Williams got together: If Ferrari could get rid of Raikkonen without any legal difficulties, he (Kimi) would drive for Williams in 2010. If not, Alonso would have been 'parked' there until 2011.
- After the BMW withdrawl they got scared that Renault might be the next team to pull out of F1, which threw up the question: Where would Alonso end up if there isn't an empty seat at Ferrari for 2010.
- Then Massas accident happened and things changed. Williams now got cold feet. They wondered what might happen if Massa won't make it back to F1 or if Ferrari might delay his comeback to 2011 and team up with Alonso and Raikkonen instead. The answer was clear: Williams would have ended up empty handed. They choose Rubens Barrichello and Hülkenberg instead.
- At the time (middle of August) Nico Rosberg wasn't sure wheter he would continue with the team. Williams now had to terminate Rosbergs contract in order to make space for Barrichello.
- Button is still negotiating with Brawn on his salary for 2010. If all fails, Rubens (allegedly) has a clause in his Williams contract letting him stay with Brawn if Button leaves the team.
- What is Raikkonen up to? McLaren, Brawn, Toyota? If all fails, he might end up with Sauber again.
- Santander pressured Ferrari to find a seat for Alonso for 2010 already.
- Ferrari and Williams got together: If Ferrari could get rid of Raikkonen without any legal difficulties, he (Kimi) would drive for Williams in 2010. If not, Alonso would have been 'parked' there until 2011.
- After the BMW withdrawl they got scared that Renault might be the next team to pull out of F1, which threw up the question: Where would Alonso end up if there isn't an empty seat at Ferrari for 2010.
- Then Massas accident happened and things changed. Williams now got cold feet. They wondered what might happen if Massa won't make it back to F1 or if Ferrari might delay his comeback to 2011 and team up with Alonso and Raikkonen instead. The answer was clear: Williams would have ended up empty handed. They choose Rubens Barrichello and Hülkenberg instead.
- At the time (middle of August) Nico Rosberg wasn't sure wheter he would continue with the team. Williams now had to terminate Rosbergs contract in order to make space for Barrichello.
- Button is still negotiating with Brawn on his salary for 2010. If all fails, Rubens (allegedly) has a clause in his Williams contract letting him stay with Brawn if Button leaves the team.
- What is Raikkonen up to? McLaren, Brawn, Toyota? If all fails, he might end up with Sauber again.
QUOTE (Spa95 @ Oct 22 2009, 14:46)
The story of the silly season: http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/formel-...gt-1441292.html
I think the writer of the article should have read what he wrote at first after he got into the end... There it says Williams and Ferrari has agreed on Räikkönen driving for Williams if he can be freed from Ferrari with no legal dispute. In the end he wonders where Räikkönen ends up.
I believe AMuS wrote weeks ago that the negotiations between KR and Williams had ended at Monza because Williams couldn't - or didn't want to - wait until Ferrari could be arsed to fire the guy. It may have been that there was an agreement of sorts in place but then Massa got injured and Ferrari didn't dare get rid of KR until they were reasonably sure Massa would make a full recovery. So Williams went ahead and did what's best for them.
Motorsport Aktuell report, as told by F1-Live:
Maybe it's legit if Ecclestone knos about it ...
QUOTE
Renault rumours persist
Speculation regarding the future of the Renault F1 team refuses to go away may despite the recent signing of Robert Kubica to lead the squad next season.
It is now reported that the French car-maker may be considering the sale of its Enstone-based team but staying on the grid as an engine supplier only. That is according to the Swiss publication Motorsport Aktuell, while naming two prospective buyers for the French carmaker's team.
One buyer was identified as Gerard Lopez, co-founder of venture capital firm Mangrove, and the other a Russian by the name of Andrej Krajnik, who is linked with the existing Renault sponsor Megafon.
F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone told the Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper before leaving Brazil last weekend that he "just talked to a guy who wants to buy one of the teams."
Speculation regarding the future of the Renault F1 team refuses to go away may despite the recent signing of Robert Kubica to lead the squad next season.
It is now reported that the French car-maker may be considering the sale of its Enstone-based team but staying on the grid as an engine supplier only. That is according to the Swiss publication Motorsport Aktuell, while naming two prospective buyers for the French carmaker's team.
One buyer was identified as Gerard Lopez, co-founder of venture capital firm Mangrove, and the other a Russian by the name of Andrej Krajnik, who is linked with the existing Renault sponsor Megafon.
F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone told the Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper before leaving Brazil last weekend that he "just talked to a guy who wants to buy one of the teams."
Maybe it's legit if Ecclestone knos about it ...
QUOTE (Spa95 @ Oct 22 2009, 14:46)
The story of the silly season: http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/formel-...gt-1441292.html
This sounds quite ridiculous to me. Parking Kimi or Fernando at Williams? What bizarre imagination.
QUOTE (Captain Tightpants @ Oct 22 2009, 13:16)
While waiting for the qualifying to restart last Saturday, the commentary team for Setanta were musing on this.
Their opinion was that Renault desperately wants out of F1 for cost reasons but they don't want to leave so soon after Crashgate as it will look like they were caught cheating and slunk away.
Selling off the 'cheaty' bit of the organisation would be quite handy in this regard. After all, continuing to stay in F1 by selling customer engines can be made to look like a decent compromise to the board.
QUOTE (FredF1 @ Oct 22 2009, 23:29)
Selling off the 'cheaty' bit of the organisation would be quite handy in this regard. After all, continuing to stay in F1 by selling customer engines can be made to look like a decent compromise to the board.
Well, they already supply engines to GP2. That's one of the reasons why I think they got a light penalty: they're propping up the minor leagues. If Renault were banned on the spot, the entire GP2 series would be at risk, and Formula Two wouldn't be ready to step up to replace them. GP2 would be at risk of collapsing because the chassis would need to be re-designed on short notice. This would lead to a massive shortage of driver talent because GP2 drivers wouldn't be in the game anymore and F2 drivers aren't ready to step up. With four or five new teams for 2010, it would be the makings of a disaster.
I wouldn't oppose the manufacturers going back to providing engines and leaving the teams to independents. Worked very well long enough.
QUOTE (Captain Tightpants @ Oct 22 2009, 13:34)
Well, they already supply engines to GP2. That's one of the reasons why I think they got a light penalty: they're propping up the minor leagues. If Renault were banned on the spot, the entire GP2 series would be at risk, and Formula Two wouldn't be ready to step up to replace them. GP2 would be at risk of collapsing because the chassis would need to be re-designed on short notice. This would lead to a massive shortage of driver talent because GP2 drivers wouldn't be in the game anymore and F2 drivers aren't ready to step up. With four or five new teams for 2010, it would be the makings of a disaster.
FIA would have an interest in killing GP2, they're running F2 as some sort of a rival to it (even if in reality the cars are too slow for it).
QUOTE (Captain Tightpants @ Oct 22 2009, 12:16)
http://confidential-renault.fr/?id=232
Oui, il n’y a aucun doute. J’ai rencontré le président de l’équipe ce week-end. Je ne comprends pas toutes ces rumeurs indiquant que l’équipe est en partance. Elles sont complètement infondées
Bernie said.
"No doubt,i met the boss of the team this Week-end.I don't understand those rumours saying the team will leave the championship.Those one aren't true."
QUOTE (RF1 fan @ Oct 22 2009, 12:47)
http://confidential-renault.fr/?id=232
Oui, il n’y a aucun doute. J’ai rencontré le président de l’équipe ce week-end. Je ne comprends pas toutes ces rumeurs indiquant que l’équipe est en partance. Elles sont complètement infondées
Bernie said.
"No doubt,i met the boss of the team this Week-end.I don't understand those rumours saying the team will leave the championship.Those one aren't true."
Oui, il n’y a aucun doute. J’ai rencontré le président de l’équipe ce week-end. Je ne comprends pas toutes ces rumeurs indiquant que l’équipe est en partance. Elles sont complètement infondées
Bernie said.
"No doubt,i met the boss of the team this Week-end.I don't understand those rumours saying the team will leave the championship.Those one aren't true."
The phrase above does not rule out the team being sold.
QUOTE (saudoso @ Oct 22 2009, 15:04)
The phrase above does not rule out the team being sold.
not that easy to find a buyer though, Sauber hasn't found one yet.
QUOTE (Arion @ Oct 22 2009, 16:18)
not that easy to find a buyer though, Sauber hasn't found one yet.
They have. Qadbak.
QUOTE (Arion @ Oct 22 2009, 16:18)
not that easy to find a buyer though, Sauber hasn't found one yet.
Which rock have you been hiding under?
Sauber was sold ages ago, QADBAK's bought the team.
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