19 replies to this topic

[rolf123]

Dieter Mateschitz is worth 3 billion - do you think he will intervene and make Vettel stay at STR for an improved contract with maybe even some personnel shuffles to support it? Or even sack Renault and buy 2 more Ferrari powerplants for the Red Bull team?

After all, the driver, team, car, engine package are working nicely so why change it?

OK, he's not Abramovich but he is still loaded and has a heck of a lot of clout.

What do you think?

btw is Torro Rossi still up for sale????? I thought they were obliged to sell it?

[Tenmantaylor]

Deals already signed and regardless of current form Red Bull are the no. 1 team with most access to resources etc. STR have done an amazing job but as most people point out the Ferrari engine is now a fair bit stronger than the Renault.

With the shake up of the rules next year I think we are likely to see Red Bull becoming the more competitive team once again.

[stevewf1]

I think there will be a "team swap"... STR will become Red Bull and...

[Mika Mika]

I'm not sure on this BUT i dont think STR are allowed to use a customer chassis next year??

[Risil]

Originally posted by Mika Mika
I'm not sure on this BUT i dont think STR are allowed to use a customer chassis next year??

I think the arrangement was that they should become fully-fledged constructors by 2010, meaning 2009 Red Bull chassis would be okay. But supposedly there are new proposals afoot to allow customer chassis past 2010 after all. A dictator would be quite useful round about now.;)

[27GV]

STR is hot property now, they are a race winning team, even Toyota can't claim that

[wiligates]

Originally posted by 27GV
STR is hot property now, they are a race winning team, even Toyota can't claim that

Ouch.

[Sakae]

Originally posted by 27GV
STR is hot property now, they are a race winning team, even Toyota can't claim that

...and neither Honda. Sepuku is probably being considered in both headquarters.

[Risil]

Originally posted by MiPe
...and neither Honda. Sepuku is probably being considered in both headquarters.

Wow, short memories around here. Honda won the last WTF-just-happened victory, two years ago!

[Lontano]

Originally posted by MiPe
...and neither Honda. Sepuku is probably being considered in both headquarters.

Honda won a race in 2006

[pRy]

They should merge Redbull and STR, keep Vettel, sack Webber and sign Alonso.

[EvilPhil II]

My sources are telling me that Alonso has already approached STR regarding next seasons drive anyhow. And to be honest a brand new newey car with what will still be the best engine on the grid, plus the members of that team he has driven with/for in 2001, I think its a smart move.

[Risil]

Originally posted by EvilPhil II
My sources are telling me that Alonso has already approached STR regarding next seasons drive anyhow. And to be honest a brand new newey car with what will still be the best engine on the grid, plus the members of that team he has driven with/for in 2001, I think its a smart move.

If anything brings the issue of customer cars to a head, that will.

[anbeck]

Originally posted by Lontano


Honda won a race in 2006

And one or two in the 60s

[anbeck]

Originally posted by EvilPhil II
My sources are telling me that Alonso has already approached STR regarding next seasons drive anyhow. And to be honest a brand new newey car with what will still be the best engine on the grid, plus the members of that team he has driven with/for in 2001, I think its a smart move.

I'd do it if I were him. But who is your source? Not the Berger-Interview?

[stormshadow]

Originally posted by stevewf1
I think there will be a "team swap"... STR will become Red Bull and...

....and we woldnt even know it.

[dgduris]

With the advent of KERS, I don't think that the current engine superiority situation is guaranteed to carry over to next year.

Think of all the resources that Honda, Renault, Toyota and even BMW bring to solve the KERS conundrum.

Alonso should go to Honda.

Ferrari or Renault motivation for Vettel? I think it is a toss-up for 2009 as to which one will be better.

[keighbear]

The best place for Alonso would be Force India!

[Sakae]

Originally posted by Lontano


Honda won a race in 2006

I think that subtle point was made that on merit of resources, Berger proved that money is not everything, and it's not enough to buy you happiness.

[Risil]

Originally posted by MiPe
I think that subtle point was made that on merit of resources, Berger proved that money is not everything, and it's not enough to buy you happiness.

No, sometimes it takes some brazen flouting of the regulations too.;) Without wishing to demean Vettel and Red Bull Technologies' achievements, Toro Rosso are basically the F1 equivalent of The Monkees.