167 replies to this topic

[Alonsofan007]

Alonso Visits Toyota in Cologne for ‘Seat Fitting’ 

 

Dailysportscar has established that two-time Formula One World Champion Fernando Alonso was at Toyota Motorsport Gmbh (TMG) in Cologne, Germany yesterday for what has been relayed to us as a ‘seat fitting’.

An approach to TMG for comment and confirmation was 
clearly an unpleasant surprise, “we have no comment on this speculation”, the response garnered

The current McLaren F1 driver has clearly expressed a wish to compete at the Le Mans 24 Hours in the wake of a run in 2017 at the Indianapolis 500.



 

 

 

 

http://www.dailyspor...at-fitting.html

 

IF this is true this is great news .

 

I think there is enuf to the story to be able to discuss this (Mods!!!  ), thoughts??

Edited by Alonsofan007, 07 November 2017 - 16:34.

[Risil]

DailySportscar is a reliable source. Let's hope something comes of this!

[Muppetmad]

That'd be pretty awesome, especially since Toyota really ought to win next year!

[Alonsofan007]

i wish ant and alonso are in same team and win it all    2 wishes coming true at same time never happened to me tho

[Joseki]

RACER reported it too, they cited "their sources" so I presume it's not just a copy of this article.

In any case I don't expect an announcement before the Honda Thanks Day. Being there as a Renault AND Toyota driver in 2018 wouldn't be nice I guess.

[TheRacingElf]

Will put my money on that car not even making the start.

[kevinracefan]

the ultimate F U to Honda, racing for Toyota, LOL...

[August]

I wonder what Toyota's lineup will be at Le Mans. I'd be surprised if they entered a third car, the level of the opposition isn't so high. Then again, given it's Toyota, it'd be no surprise if two of their cars hit trouble, even three might not be enough to get the elusive win.

 

If Toyota enters with only two cars, then they'll either need to bench one driver from a three-driver lineup or have a two-driver lineup for the full season with Alonso joining for Le Mans (and somebody for Sebring in 2019).

[Vielleicht]

Pleas please please please pleeeeease be true!

[FLB]

[Joseki]

I wonder what Toyota's lineup will be at Le Mans. I'd be surprised if they entered a third car, the level of the opposition isn't so high. Then again, given it's Toyota, it'd be no surprise if two of their cars hit trouble, even three might not be enough to get the elusive win.

 

If Toyota enters with only two cars, then they'll either need to bench one driver from a three-driver lineup or have a two-driver lineup for the full season with Alonso joining for Le Mans (and somebody for Sebring in 2019).

 

Toyota wasn't happy about the third car after this year's Le Mans, so I doubt they are going to take a third car with no real competitors in 2018 and 2019. They are probably going to move one of the non japanese drivers out of the car for the race, probably Lopez I'd say.

[PiperPa42]

I am happy to see Alonso keep driving in other series while racing in F1. Hopefully his exploits can persuade other drivers to do the same.

Will put my money on that car not even making the start.

'm not sure whether to put money on the car not starting at all or an LMP2 overall victory

[messy]

They'll probably replace Lopez with Alonso if true, won't they?

A slight upgrade, I guess

I hope this happens. Would be great to see.

[SCUDmissile]

Oh god, this is just setup for another retirement next year.

 

What with Toyota's finishing record at recent LM24hrs, add in the combination of Alonso + Japanese car manufacturers.....  

 

Seriously, this will be awesome to seeuntil it goes spectacularly wrong, and I hope he wins it. 

Edited by SCUDmissile, 07 November 2017 - 18:11.

[jonpollak]

Let's hope he wins it and wipes that Toyota curse off the face of the earth !!

Then he can concentrate on the 500 and get his Triple Crown !

 

Jp

[Marklar]

Will apparently take part in the rookie test

 

 

Motorsport.com sources have confirmed that the McLaren Formula 1 driver, who has aspirations to race at the Le Mans 24 Hours in his bid to win the unofficial triple crown of motorsport, is close to a deal to drive a Toyota TS050 Hybrid in the Bahrain test on November 19, the day after this year's WEC finale.

The news comes amid reports that Alonso has visited the Toyota Motorsport GmbH factory in Cologne today for a seat fitting.

https://www.motorspo...bahrain-975580/

Edited by Marklar, 07 November 2017 - 18:37.

[Victor_RO]

What did that old GIF say?

 

IT'S HAPPENING! 

 

EDIT: Maybe not at the rookie test though. Alonso will still be Honda-contracted at that point, as it's literally 2 days before practice at Abu Dhabi. So I don't see THAT outing happening, but... possibly a private post-Daytona 24 test then?

[BRG]

Excellent news (if confirmed).  Maybe the start of a return to a more healthy, less F1-centric sport. 

Edited by BRG, 07 November 2017 - 19:20.

[Danyy]

I will watch any racing with Alonso in it. 2018 is turning out to be quite a year. Would be something if he won races across all the different categories in the same year.

[Nonesuch]

Would be great to see!

[Mat13]

Amazing. Just sad there will only be one LMP1 team likely to win, save for the traditional Toyota Le Mans Meltdown.

[RacingGreen]

Good news and it will definitely make LMP1 a bit more interesting post Porsche next June IF  (please note the big IF)  works Toyota even race next year. 

 

Given Alonso's and Toyota's record I give the partnership about 23 hours before the wheels fall off.

Edited by RacingGreen, 09 November 2017 - 01:02.

[TF110]

I don't think Toyota will replace anyone, no not Lopez. This rumor is weird and I see it floating around a lot. Lopez is a rookie this year and did fine until Shanghai. One incident (with the lmp2) was a toss up between who's fault it was, and the stewards didn't penalize him for it. Him hitting the 91 Porsche is unfortunate, but he isn't throwing away race after race like some previous Toyota drivers (Lapierre). Le Mans was his first race for Toyota that he actually competed in. Silverstone was a failure on his 2nd lap, but he was clean the whole time he was in the #9 car. With the stories coming out, there's at least 6 or 7 new lmp1 cars. Toyota entering 3 cars would be fine if they stay away from crashers like they had in the 3rd entry this year. Plus it seems like they will continue with the same car carried over. That should save a lot of money usually used for development.

 

If Alonso joins them, that news alone gives a significant boost to Le Mans and it's notoriety next year! I don't think Honda will boycott him running a test for Toyota in lmp1. They don't compete there.

[jjcale]

Is he going with Toyota as a big F U to Honda??

 

Edit: kevinracefan got there first!!

Edited by jjcale, 07 November 2017 - 20:54.

[ezequiel]

López has stated Toyota has already expressed their will for him to stay on board. He's even looking to race for Toyota in SuperGT (or in Súper TC2000) to fill his schedule.

[Disgrace]

I hate to be that guy, but I can't help but feel that it would probably be a loftier achievement - assuming he was to win it - if there were more factory LMP1 teams. He would still have to beat his team-mates of course.

[Alonsofan007]

FFS .......ya it has nothing to do with Toyota being the only option to win next year, it all about fernando wanting to give finger to Honda .... thats how much he hates them   /s

Edited by Alonsofan007, 07 November 2017 - 21:19.

[jonpollak]

Fer Christ sake paul posted the wrong 'old gif'

[Henri Greuter]

I wonder....

 

Imagine.....

 

- Renault still not as reliable as Mercedes and to a lesser extend Ferrari, and still no F1 victories for McLaren after all ......

- Maybe not winning but bulletproof reliable Toro Rosso-Honda getting a lot of decent results .......

- The usual Toyota failure at Le Mans beyond their control.....

 

all because of Alonso's by now notorious "Inverse Midas Touch".....

 

 

Oh, if ......

 

 

Henri

[Kodza]

What a story.

 

First, good for WEC. That is only positive for them.

 

Second, FOM should ban Alonso from F1 if he miss another F1 race for any other series. He signed contract. He disrespect and should go to another series. Not to ruin image of F1.

 

End - Alonso must grow. Adults makes choices. And stay with their choices.

 

Stop

 

I am not surprised by Alonso, I am surprised by FOM not reacting.

Edited by Kodza, 07 November 2017 - 21:40.

[jonpollak]

Oh please... How the **** old are you?

[Henri Greuter]

What a story.

 

First, good for WEC. That is only positive for them.

 

Second, FOM should ban Alonso from F1 if he miss another F1 race for any other series. He signed contract. He disrespect and should go to another series. Not to ruin image of F1.

 

End - Alonso must grow. Adults makes choices. And stay with their choices.

 

Stop

 

I am not surprised by Alonso, I am surprised by FOM not reacting.

 

 

 

 

Sorry but if it comes to positive things for WEC:

 

then I rather have another team worthy to take on Toyota on equal terms again than a big name within one of the cars of the only team still fielding such cars...

 

Henri

[milestone 11]

If Alonso signs for Toyota for next June, I shall have 2x General entry, 2x Tribune Leonard and a White car park space, ( numbered and 2 mins walk from seat), for sale at face value.

[BRG]

I hate to be that guy, but I can't help but feel that it would probably be a loftier achievement - assuming he was to win it - if there were more factory LMP1 teams. He would still have to beat his team-mates of course.

Alonso can only compete in the Le Mans race and the WEC that actually exists.  He cannot magic up more competition.

 

And as for Kodza's 'contribution' to this thread....words fail me.

[PayasYouRace]

What a story.

First, good for WEC. That is only positive for them.

Second, FOM should ban Alonso from F1 if he miss another F1 race for any other series. He signed contract. He disrespect and should go to another series. Not to ruin image of F1.

End - Alonso must grow. Adults makes choices. And stay with their choices.

Stop

I am not surprised by Alonso, I am surprised by FOM not reacting.

Alonso’s contract is with McLaren, not FOM. He has no obligation to compete in all the Grands Prix. McLaren have a contract with the FIA (their entry) to have no more than 4 drivers in a single year. That’s it. I’m sure your mates down the pub can explain that better, seeing as they’re supposedly well connected.

Him doing other races does not disrespect anyone.

[ArrowsLivery]

This will be the first time in over 10 years where Alonso is in the best car in the field!!! 

[scheivlak]

This will be the first time in over 10 years where Alonso is in the best car in the field!!! 

I don't think there should be any doubt that Ferrari had the best car at the 2010 German GP 

[ArrowsLivery]

I don't think there should be any doubt that Ferrari had the best car at the 2010 German GP 

 

I think you can argue that it was Fernando's ability that got it up there. 

[MastaKink]

I don't think there should be any doubt that Ferrari had the best car at the 2010 German GP 

 

It was pretty close but I think Red Bull were stronger there like at most tracks that year. The Ferrari's just got a better start.

 

Singapore 2010 though would fit the bill but I don't know why the car with the most downforce (RB6) would suddenly be poor around there but any time a driver gets a Grand Chelem it's fair to suggest they had the best car.

 

There were times at Ferrari, especially at Monza, he had the best car but not that many.

[MastaKink]

Anyway good to hear it and I hope he's there. 

 

Don't care about the lack of other competition, we're more than used to one team being a mile ahead of everyone else in F1 and your only competition coming from your team mate in the past 20 years so I don't see the fuss.

[Kodza]

Alonso’s contract is with McLaren, not FOM. He has no obligation to compete in all the Grands Prix. McLaren have a contract with the FIA (their entry) to have no more than 4 drivers in a single year. That’s it. I’m sure your mates down the pub can explain that better, seeing as they’re supposedly well connected.

Him doing other races does not disrespect anyone.

 

Oh, oh, what misunderstanding.

McLaren with FOM and Alonso with McLaren regarding same. Ergo, misunderstanding. Legally easy to understand. And complete marketing fail for FOM.

 

"Him doing other races does not disrespect anyone."

We talking legal side, not personal.

Any driver signing contract to drive in F1 is obliged to drive, not free to disrespect this contract.

He is part of whole show.

 

 

Alonso can only compete in the Le Mans race and the WEC that actually exists.  He cannot magic up more competition.

 

And as for Kodza's 'contribution' to this thread....words fail me.

 

Many things fail you. Start with legal side, but we will find more.

Edited by Kodza, 07 November 2017 - 23:56.

[Nonesuch]

Any driver signing contract to drive in F1 is obliged to drive, not free to disrespect this contract.

 

No they aren't. The competitors in F1 are the teams. They can hire whoever they want, but if they want to put them in their cars during an FIA F1 event these drivers need to meet certain requirements. Being there for every race is not one of them.

 

It is possible that a team has such a contract with a driver, but that has nothing to do with F1.

Edited by Nonesuch, 08 November 2017 - 00:16.

[Kodza]

No they aren't. The competitors in F1 are the teams. They can hire whoever they want, but if they want to put them in their cars during an FIA F1 event these drivers need to meet certain requirements. Being there for every race is not one of them.

 

It is possible that a team has such a contract with a driver, but that has nothing to do with F1.

 

I hope you will understand all contradictory statements in your post.

Please, you say "They can hire whoever they want, but if they want to put them in their cars during an FIA F1 event". ONLY reason they have a contract is to participate in F1 race.

And you say "teams. They can hire whoever they want" Sorry, teams can not hire "whoever" but there is STRICT rules who, and on top of that FIA approve drivers.

We are talking seriously about it, not chatting. If someone not understand problem, shouldn't go into discussion such resolutely.

And you say " team has such a contract with a driver"  and in same sentence - "but that has nothing to do with F1". Team and driver makes SPECIFICALLY contract regarding F1 championship. It is not "possible" it is subject of such contract. Primary subject.

 

I am not giving up, but I might give up on explaining obvious thing.             

Edited by Kodza, 08 November 2017 - 00:32.

[Exumer]

If it’s true and I hope it is, then good on him! I wish more F1 drivers have an opportunity to drive in different categories when their schedule allows to do so.

Edited by Exumer, 08 November 2017 - 01:39.

[V8 Fireworks]

If it’s true and I hope it is, then good on him! I wish more F1 drivers have an opportunity to drive in different categories when their schedule allows to do so.

 

The trouble is they would often not be wanted, apart from publicity purposes, because F1 drivers (or F1 specialists, more precisely) would usually be slower than series specialists of other series.

[PlayboyRacer]

What a story.

First, good for WEC. That is only positive for them.

Second, FOM should ban Alonso from F1 if he miss another F1 race for any other series. He signed contract. He disrespect and should go to another series. Not to ruin image of F1.

End - Alonso must grow. Adults makes choices. And stay with their choices.

Stop

I am not surprised by Alonso, I am surprised by FOM not reacting.

Just wow. What a time to be alive.

[TF110]

Too bad Alonso didn't visit TMG for a seat fitting 9 years ago. I think in the TF109, he would have had a shot at the title. Only a few races where Toyota wasn't at or near the front and with a driver like him in the car, he would have put it up there. Something a Trulli and Glock couldn't do.

[Danyy]

What a story.
 
First, good for WEC. That is only positive for them.
 
Second, FOM should ban Alonso from F1 if he miss another F1 race for any other series. He signed contract. He disrespect and should go to another series. Not to ruin image of F1.
 
End - Alonso must grow. Adults makes choices. And stay with their choices.
 
Stop
 
I am not surprised by Alonso, I am surprised by FOM not reacting.

[Exumer]

The trouble is they would often not be wanted, apart from publicity purposes, because F1 drivers (or F1 specialists, more precisely) would usually be slower than series specialists of other series.

Maybe but we don’t know that for sure and it will be fun to watch anyway. Finest example is Alonso at Indy 500.

Also, wouldn’t be great to see top drivers from different categories doing a F1 GP as well from time to time? I think it would be great, there are plenty of talented drivers out there.

[PayasYouRace]

I hope you will understand all contradictory statements in your post.
Please, you say "They can hire whoever they want, but if they want to put them in their cars during an FIA F1 event". ONLY reason they have a contract is to participate in F1 race.
And you say "teams. They can hire whoever they want" Sorry, teams can not hire "whoever" but there is STRICT rules who, and on top of that FIA approve drivers.
We are talking seriously about it, not chatting. If someone not understand problem, shouldn't go into discussion such resolutely.
And you say " team has such a contract with a driver"  and in same sentence - "but that has nothing to do with F1". Team and driver makes SPECIFICALLY contract regarding F1 championship. It is not "possible" it is subject of such contract. Primary subject.
 
I am not giving up, but I might give up on explaining obvious thing.

I’m sorry but you’re the one displaying the lack of understanding.

To use examples from a few years back, Ligier in 1995 and Red Bull in 2005 both had cars shared between drivers. Brundle and Suzuki and Klien and Liuzzi respectively. Each had their contract with their respective team for a certain number of races right from the start of the season. There was no substituting for injury or drivers fired.

The entry to the championship is the team’s, and their drivers are contracted to them. Therefore if a driver has a contract that allows him to race elsewhere and the team use a substitute for a Grand Prix, the only concern of the FIA is that both drivers are qualified and that the team isn’t using too many drivers that season. The drivers have no direct contract with the FIA in terms of their entry because the teams are entered.