160 replies to this topic

[Nivra]

http://www.motorspor...i_11103102.html
Rumor: Rosberg, Massa takes to Ferrari?
by Christian Nimmervoll
31st Oct 11

(Motor-Total.com) - Since his serious accident in qualifying for the Hungarian Grand Prix 2009 (including subsequent injury break) Felipe Massa has pulled out of trees. His record against team-mate Fernando Alonso speaks volumes: 242:479 points, winning 0:6, 5:19 podiums, 8:28 acquired qualifying. Not enough for a Ferrari driver?

Massa still has the contract until the end of 2012 and Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has in the past repeatedly stressed that it intends to comply with this also, but the latest rumors, this decision is not carved in stone. "Felipe is on his team under enormous pressure," feels as McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh - and this opinion is by no means alone.

After a "weekend to forget 'in India also fears Eddie Jordan, bust out that Massa could" watch out, he must, because there are many young talents out there, he does have a contract for next year, but his future at Ferrari is not absolute. guarantees, "says the former team manager. "In Formula 1 you you can never be sure. He has damaged the car in qualifying and just made the same mistake in the race again."

Haug: "The market is open"
It is known that Michael Schumacher will stay at least until the end of 2012, and even with Rosberg is one previously assumed that a three-year contract between 2010 and 2012. But according to "Bild am Sonntag 'are the dice for 2012 have not been made:" The market is open, "Mercedes motorsport director Norbert Haug said in an interview with the newspaper," and we have many drivers who knock on us But Nico. wants us forward and we with him. "
"Nico believes in the people who work at Mercedes," team boss Ross Brawn interjects, "and we believe Nico. It's all just a matter of time." Preferably one would bind the young German long-term, but he wants to get involved in the face of the current crisis, reportedly sporting. "In general: One can also be at the wrong time in the wrong team," says Haug. "Should avoid a mistake that every driver."

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http://www.berliner-...8,11081210.html
Massa's Ferrari to squint Rosberg?

................. And what does Michael Schumacher? Gives the research fellow ("It is not true that Michael is in the race faster") with one. "I've shown that I go in his race times and can even go faster"

Promptly makes team boss Ross Brawn to extend advances the veteran, his contract beyond 2012. Rosberg, however, was not even confirmed for next year and should consider a change. A source said: "Nico is thinking about Ferrari."

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Wooow!! Seems very plausible that Ferrari might be interested in Rosberg to replace Massa for 2012, given the fact that Nico Rosberg doesn't have a signed contract yet with Mercedes. Also for Rosberg, if Ferrari did give him an offer... he surely can't REFUSE, considering how he made a shambolic career decision by rejecting a Mclaren offer already.

Alonso might be endorsing this move too, considering the fact that Rosberg is good.... but isn't setting the world on fire against Shumi. Nothing to worry, atleast at present. Rosberg might improve, but when?? As for Mercedes, it doesn't seem like they are hell bent on retaining him either, or they would have signed something by now. So both parties are 50/50, meaning a SPLIT

As with Mclaren in fear of Hamilton, If he rejected a Ferrari advances this time too for fear of Alonso.... he'll be forever regarded as a complete wuss! A real dud?

Edited by Nivra, 31 October 2011 - 09:25.

[hero]

His record against team-mate Fernando Alonso speaks volumes: 242:479 points, winning 0:6, 5:19 podiums, 8:28 acquired qualifying. Not enough for a Ferrari driver?

That is surely one of the most lopsided team mate comparisions in history?

Edited by hero, 31 October 2011 - 09:11.

[Lights]

Rather have Schumacher back at Ferrari.

Anyone but Massa.

[Ferrari_F1_fan_2001]

Massa and Rosberg should swap seats.

Nico will get the chance he has wanted and probably wants out of Mercedes ASAP given that Schumacher could ruin his future career prospects. On the other hand Massa gets on well with Schumacher, is close to him and may get some of his mojo back.

[Realyn]

FYI motorsport-total is so **** today. Most articles seem to be written by people doing an intership ...

The whole article is full of stuff the guys at BBC said. Another fun fact: They quote the "Bild am Sonntag". A paper you can buy every sunday ... morning.

Edited by Realyn, 31 October 2011 - 09:23.

[Clatter]

Massa and Rosberg should swap seats.

Nico will get the chance he has wanted and probably wants out of Mercedes ASAP given that Schumacher could ruin his future career prospects. On the other hand Massa gets on well with Schumacher, is close to him and may get some of his mojo back.

Why would Merc want Massa? If Rosberg were to leave then there are other potential Merc drivers waiting in the wings who would be more likely replacements. On top of that it all ignores that Ferrari only resigned Massa a few months ago. Unless there are performance clauses that he isn't meeting then I don't think they will want to pay off yet another driver.

[F1ultimate]

This article is a bowl of dung. Mercedes have lined up great technical people for next year and will potentially be more competitive. Rosberg cold turn out to be the team's Vettel/Hamilton. At Merc he is treated well which would unlikely be the case at Ferrari where politics are in high temperatures. Menu contracts will be up for renewal in at the end of 2012 which will a golden time to shop for a new seat at either Ferrari, Red Bull or Mclaren. No need to rush

[Sevach]

Massa and Rosberg should swap seats.

Nico will get the chance he has wanted and probably wants out of Mercedes ASAP given that Schumacher could ruin his future career prospects. On the other hand Massa gets on well with Schumacher, is close to him and may get some of his mojo back.

Agreed, Massa needs to get away from Ferrari (and Alonso) if he is to get back on his groove , going back under Schumacher, without much pressure, seems like a good move in the current picture.

Rosberg would get his win capable car (probably), and a shot at a prime Fernando Alonso, i would love to see how he fares.

[One]

Strange. Why should Merc take Massa? Because big Bro Michael wants him in? perhaps, but michael is not as quick. If Nico were to move to Ferrari then Merc may have yet another contender in the boots, as haug said (reported in the article), Merc has many guys at their door steps... For sure Sutil would be one a,d many more means...

[KirilVarbanov]

Just anyone but Massa.
Rosberg himself, I think, stated, that he wants to remain at MGP.
Kubica, perhaps?

[sharo]

I'd very much like to see Rosberg in Ferrari next to Alonso.

[primer]

Schumacher for one would love Massa, it will make him look good again. Ferrari though need someone better than Rosberg; they should try Sutil's number first.

[DarthWillie]

Why would Merc want Massa? If Rosberg were to leave then there are other potential Merc drivers waiting in the wings who would be more likely replacements. On top of that it all ignores that Ferrari only resigned Massa a few months ago. Unless there are performance clauses that he isn't meeting then I don't think they will want to pay off yet another driver.

Well that is true, but by not scoring points Massa is costing them lots and lots of money. It could be preferable to pay Massa of and take a driver that scores more points. For Massa, I hope he can leave. He needs to get away there. To me he looks so unhappy and out of his depth, a fresh restart in a different team could really restart his carreer.

[Ferrari2183]

I don't know if the article is true or not but I would accept just about anyone except Massa at present.

[Sevach]

I'd very much like to see Rosberg in Ferrari next to Alonso.

Unless Merc comes up with WDC car Rosberg is in a loose x loose situation in Mercedes.

If he beats MS is because Schumacher is old and past it, if he looses "haha i told you Rosberg wasn't any good!!!!"
In Ferrari we would know what's he's worth.

Regarding Mercedes, taking Massa on a 1 year contract might be a good move, if Massa continues to suck they have plenty of choices for 2013.
Kubica, Di Resta, Hulkenberg... even Raikonnen.

[dinky]

That is surely one of the most lopsided team mate comparisions in history?

*cough* *cough* Michael Andretti *cough*

[Massa_f1]

Massa and Rosberg should swap seats.

Nico will get the chance he has wanted and probably wants out of Mercedes ASAP given that Schumacher could ruin his future career prospects. On the other hand Massa gets on well with Schumacher, is close to him and may get some of his mojo back.

Seems like a win win situation for both drivers. Rosberg gets a possible winning car. More likley than Mercedes anyway, and Massa can go back to a lower team with his friend and try to enjoy the rest of his racing career.

[apoka]

Unless Merc comes up with WDC car Rosberg is in a loose x loose situation in Mercedes.

If he beats MS is because Schumacher is old and past it, if he looses "haha i told you Rosberg wasn't any good!!!!"
In Ferrari we would know what's he's worth.

Agree. He has beaten the statistically greatest F1 driver last year and isn't getting much praise for it. Driving next to Alonso would be better if he could manage to get somewhat equal treatment.

Regarding Mercedes, taking Massa on a 1 year contract might be a good move, if Massa continues to suck they have plenty of choices for 2013.
Kubica, Di Resta, Hulkenberg... even Raikonnen.

They could hire Hulkenberg, Di Resta, Raikonnen already for 2012. Since the driver situation is pretty much sale, Merc can get any midfield driver basically for free. It doesn't make much sense for them to wait until next year when the situation might be different.

[apoka]

Seems like a win win situation for both drivers. Rosberg gets a possible winning car. More likley than Mercedes anyway, and Massa can go back to a lower team with his friend and try to enjoy the rest of his racing career.

There are four parties involved: Ferrari, Merc, Rosberg and Massa. Three of them would be happy, but I can't see why Merc would want Massa. The Massa - Schumacher friendship is not a foundation the team can build on as MS will eventually retire. Friendship between drivers isn't the most important thing in F1 from a teams point of view anyway.

[Sakae]

Kubica to Ferrari, Rosberg to Ferrari... what's next? Massa has a contract with them for next year, and someone has to buy that one, unless Ferrari decides to pay him out instead. At the moment I think Mr. Jordan is just in his usual mode of rhetorics. Massa's move to MGP is unlikely, because as long as Rosberg decides to stay with Mercedes, his seat I think is protected for foreseable future, and second seat belongs to Schumacher.

Move to Ferrari is a risk as well; they are third in team standings, and who can predict what 2012 will bring? Besides, Rosberg will support there Alonso? Is that beliveable?

Nice story for this morning, but hard to swallow.

[Massa_f1]

Kubica to Ferrari, Rosberg to Ferrari... what's next? Massa has a contract with them for next year, and someone has to buy that one, unless Ferrari decides to pay him out instead. At the moment I think Mr. Jordan is just in his usual mode of rhetorics. Massa's move to MGP is unlikely, because as long as Rosberg decides to stay with Mercedes, his seat I think is protected for foreseable future, and second seat belongs to Schumacher.

Move to Ferrari is a risk as well; they are third in team standings, and who can predict what 2012 will bring? Besides, Rosberg will support there Alonso? Is that beliveable?

Nice story for this morning, but hard to swallow.

I agree it wont happen, but i would not mind it if it did. I would like Massa out of Ferrari as soon as possible. Not out of F1. I would like to see him in a new team for at least one more year. and MGP or Sauber seem the only likely options.

[Sevach]

They could hire Hulkenberg, Di Resta, Raikonnen already for 2012. Since the driver situation is pretty much sale, Merc can get any midfield driver basically for free. It doesn't make much sense for them to wait until next year when the situation might be different.

Yes they could do that, but right now choosing between those guys would be a shot in the dark, given how they perform in 2012 they could see weather Raikonnen still got it, and who's more talented between Di Resta and Hulk.

[arknor]

Rosberg would get his win capable car (probably), and a shot at a prime Fernando Alonso, i would love to see how he fares.

poorly no doubt if a past it MSC can outdo him on race pace, i dont see why any top team would want rosberg anymore , another season alongside schumacher could finish rosbergs career though

[glorius&victorius]

Rosberg has shown that he can go up against MS.

India showed once again that MS needs some help from the team to beat his team mates and demoralize them (nothing new here). Knowing the team is on his side seems to work as an added boost in performance. Maybe he can concentrate better.

Now is time for Rosberg to go away if he could.

[Ferrari2183]

Agree. He has beaten the statistically greatest F1 driver last year and isn't getting much praise for it. Driving next to Alonso would be better if he could manage to get somewhat equal treatment.

I thought that this has been dealt with already... Out of the times that Massa has been ahead of Alonso, which is very few times, how many times was he asked to move aside for Alonso? I can recall only one which for me was a no brainer because Massa was not a championship contender.

Rosberg, should he move to Ferrari, will get equal treatment as long he keeps himself in contention.

[SeanValen]

Rosberg has shown that he can go up against MS.

India showed once again that MS needs some help from the team to beat his team mates and demoralize them (nothing new here). Knowing the team is on his side seems to work as an added boost in performance. Maybe he can concentrate better.

Now is time for Rosberg to go away if he could.

What season have you been watching,

Now that MS has improved from 2010, and is actually fast and faster at times in races, it's everything people said couldn't happen last year, that Schumacher was finished, it was a mistake for him to come back, but this year has changed that. Rosberg if he goes to ferrari, not only will he run from Schumacher now that's he's improved, he's running from the old man who's back and improved, and he's running to Schumacher's old team to pair with the clone of Schumacher as he was called a while ago-Alonso, who will eventually have a faster race pace like MS if Nico starts and decides to beat Alonso in quali and go back in the race, his stategy for formula one so far.


Nico has seen Schumacher is back and better then him even at this stage of his career, of cource it's time to go, ferrari will offer more money, he'll get a beating from Alonso, but he'll have money, and potential race wins, anything more will depend if Alonso has a off season which I think is unlikely, as he'll want the ferrari title first.

Didn't Schumacher send his car into a spin at Hungary to avoid Massa crashing into him? That's some teamate stuff even when not in the same team.

This article is a bowl of dung. Mercedes have lined up great technical people for next year and will potentially be more competitive. Rosberg cold turn out to be the team's Vettel/Hamilton. At Merc he is treated well which would unlikely be the case at Ferrari where politics are in high temperatures. Menu contracts will be up for renewal in at the end of 2012 which will a golden time to shop for a new seat at either Ferrari, Red Bull or Mclaren. No need to rush

Alot of people just don't see how good Merc has been to Rosberg, and are avoiding the fact the team is getting sorted, but Schumacher has improved, every team that Rosberg goes too, will have either Schumacher, Vettel,Hamilton/Button/Alonso, he can't hide from anyone, I said to people last year that 2010 may just end up being rosberg's best f1 season because he's catching Schumacher re-entering formula one and relearning things, but that doesn't translate into future consistent success, and this year he's been not the stronger man in the races, point proven!

Edited by SeanValen, 31 October 2011 - 12:06.

[arknor]

Rosberg has shown that he can go up against MS.

India showed once again that MS needs some help from the team to beat his team mates and demoralize them (nothing new here). Knowing the team is on his side seems to work as an added boost in performance. Maybe he can concentrate better.

Now is time for Rosberg to go away if he could.

lol right schumacher came out of the pits on hards and matched rosbergs sector 2 time instantly with tyres not upto temprature than in sector 3 he was already faster than rosberg,,,

he would have done it on the track anyway.. look at schumachers times as soon as rosberg pitted he instantly put in some + 0.9 second laps to kill the gap i doubt rosbergs side of the garage had any idea schumacher has so much pace in reserve..

any top driver in their prime is going to murder rosberg and make him look average hes lucky its not a 10year younger schumacher

[grunge]

why the heck would Mercedes or any top team for that matter want Massa?..

He's had his fun...more than lucky to drive with ferrari for all these years ..time to say goodbye

[teejay]

That is surely one of the most lopsided team mate comparisions in history?

RBR 2011?

[Ferrari_F1_fan_2001]

It's lose-lose for Nico.

Schumacher is going strong now and is universally regarded as a driver significantly past his prime. For Nico to struggle to match him or get as much out of his car as an old Schumacher will have an adverse affect on his career prospects.

Schumacher will retire by end of 2013 in my opinion and if Nico just matches him, it won't be good enough. He needs to leave the team and start afresh. This is becoming Schumacher's team quickly and Nico will have realised that.

[Massa_f1]

Rosberg has shown that he can go up against MS.

India showed once again that MS needs some help from the team to beat his team mates and demoralize them (nothing new here). Knowing the team is on his side seems to work as an added boost in performance. Maybe he can concentrate better.

Now is time for Rosberg to go away if he could.

Aww whats wrong? Cant take Rosberg being beat by Schmacher. So you had to make up a fantasy in your head.

[SeanValen]

I also think people are forgetting just how important role Schumacher played in helping Massa in 2006/he didn't need too, he could of been more ruthless, got on with his own stuff, but Michael helped Massa/learn/bridgestone/set up and all that, Massa has commented on that, and when Michael left, you could see the benefits of Massa's learning from MS, and Kimi's unsetteling nature at ferrari without asking for help from MS when he was there, because KIMI has a ego, and wouldn't ask for help, so I think Massa being MS's teamate again will actually be better for him-Michael will help him again, rather then be at ferrari, Alonso's not going to help, Michael can beat Massa, but Michael isn't cunning about it, he knows Massa needs to be at a certain level, it's a win win for everyone, but for Rosberg, whereever he goes, it's all downhill from his 2010 season, Michael practically was testing that year at the races/relearning the formula, 2011 proves the benchmark MS should of set in 2010, and rosberg has impressed less, but that's not a discredit, he's a very capable very good f1 driver, but he isn't going to look as good because Schumacher comebacks just come once a lifetime I think, and Schumi won't be doing a 2010 season repeat-everyone should understand how hard it is to re-enter f1 after many years, and unless Rosberg does it, which I doubt, many will probably never understand.

[NissanGTR]

Rosberg - Ferrari
Sutil or Di Resta - Mercedes
Massa - Lotus/Virgin/HRT, his level of talent is probably around there

[Wade]

If Schumacher wins,

"ZOMG! TIS SO UNFAIR!!!! TEAM ORDERS111111!!!!!!"

If Schumacher loses,

"HAHAHAHAHA WHAT A SCRUB. OLD MAN SUCKS TIME TO RETIRE!!!11111"

Just saying what I'm seeing.;)

Anyways, a lot of great points in this thread so far. Massa at Merc, even though he's not the same since the injury - could lift his spirits up and maybe have a "rebirth" or something next to Schumi again. Not to mention Merc might just be a darkhorse. If Massa disappoints, then try to base the potential replacement's performance in 2012, just like what others said - Raikkonen, Di Resta, Sutil, etc. Let Rosberg leave for Ferrari if he wants to. That would be fun seeing him and Alonso as well.

[Szoelloe]

Rumour mill is at full swing, it is the end of the season. Driver's managements are dropping hints to the press bargaining on deals, building leverage. I don't think this will happen. Saying that, there is some logic in this scenario. If NR feels(I really don't know if he does) that 1-2 more years beside MS will hurt his career, now is the time to jump ship, because he certainly has been fairing well against MS, he can build on that, his value is high. Massa had a great working relationship with MS, and he can count on him leaving within 2 years at the most for good. But then NR can count on the same too. I don't know about the general situation at Merc, but it just could come down to the fact that NR feels secure at the team, or the opposite.

Edited by Szoelloe, 31 October 2011 - 13:25.

[primer]

If NR feels(I really don't know if he does) that 1-2 more years beside MS will hurt his career, now is the time to jump ship, because he certainly has been fairing well against MS, he can build on that, his value is high.

Whatever reputation NR has built by thrashing Schumacher, he'll lose instantly once paired alongside Alonso. Rosberg is safest at Mercedes, the team though need another year of misery before coming to their senses and getting rid of Schumacher.

Massa should not be in F1, let alone a Ferrari seat. He's the real 'problem' driver, his seat is the one up for grabs.

Edited by primer, 31 October 2011 - 13:34.

[kar]

Rosberg at Ferrari...I'd like to see that. (Old AFL advert).

[Panktej]

Sergio Perez will replace Felipe Massa at Ferrari.

[Richardc]

At least him moving would give us an idication of how much speed schumacher has lost.

[ed24f1]

Whatever reputation NR has built by thrashing Schumacher, he'll lose instantly once paired alongside Alonso. Rosberg is safest at Mercedes, the team though need another year of misery before coming to their senses and getting rid of Schumacher.

Rosberg thrashing Schumacher, have you been watching F1 in 2011?

[Concorde]

any top driver in their prime is going to murder rosberg and make him look average hes lucky its not a 10year younger schumacher

Pretty much so, now that the team and car are more to Michael's liking he's dealing with Nico easily.

Still Nico to Ferrari might not be such a bad thing, he's a solid #2, he's presentable, he speaks Italian fluently and I think overall he'd do a better job than Felipe of late.

For Nico playing second fiddle to Alonso or to Michael doesn't really make a difference and I'd expect him to be better compensated for his job at Ferrari.

[holiday]

Whatever reputation NR has built by thrashing Schumacher, he'll lose instantly once paired alongside Alonso.

Not if he also "trashes" Alonso. We know how nervous FA can become when he is paired with an equally fast driver.

[BRK]

I don't know about Rosberg. I think he's very quick over a single lap and will trouble even the likes of Vettel and Hamilton in their prime; over a race distance he's solid but rarely spectacular. I like Massa so I have wanted him out of Ferrari for years, now, Rosberg would be destroying his career if he goes to Ferrari of all teams, with their ongoing fear\love-affair with the number one. Hopefully Ferrari give him a fair chance to prove his mettle, he's charismatic and intelligent, not going to be easy signing him on as clear number two but who knows.

[Ferrari2183]

I don't know about Rosberg. I think he's very quick over a single lap and will trouble even the likes of Vettel and Hamilton in their prime; over a race distance he's solid but rarely spectacular. I like Massa so I have wanted him out of Ferrari for years, now, Rosberg would be destroying his career if he goes to Ferrari of all teams, with their ongoing fear\love-affair with the number one. Hopefully Ferrari give him a fair chance to prove his mettle, he's charismatic and intelligent, not going to be easy signing him on as clear number two but who knows.

Lol. Even when Massa was playing second fiddle to Schumacher?

[PNSD]

If it means Ferrari can give Mclaren and RedBull a real fight then I am all for it.

What made RBR so strong in 2010 was that they had two capable drivers as did Mclaren.

Now in 2011 it seems only Mclaren can boast that. It would be a huge boost to Ferrari to have a better performer. I used to be a fan of Massa, but he seems to moaning too much about other drivers, external things and not really focusing on the issue. Himself.

He moaned about the curbs, after crashing. Who else crashed? Just him? Therefore the problem is him.

He needs to take responsibility for his own actions and his own lack of pace. As a person, he's great. I've met him once, got his autograph as well as rob smedleys, and in general he was probably the most approachable driver ive met. Its a shame such a nice guy is having the hard time he is, but its all down to himself.

[sharo]

Reading this I am thinking that maybe negotiations are going at MGP and, as usual in such cases, the driver's manger "inadvertently" leaks similar rumors to up the price.

[fieraku]

How did I know this would turn into a MSvsNR thread.
@ Alonso fears Rosberg

I think Ferrari should strongly consider Suttil,he's been performing very strong against PDR who many think is the second coming of....well you know.So I say get Suttil and get him quick.

[schubacca]

Rosberg has shown that he can go up against MS.

India showed once again that MS needs some help from the team to beat his team mates and demoralize them (nothing new here). Knowing the team is on his side seems to work as an added boost in performance. Maybe he can concentrate better.

Now is time for Rosberg to go away if he could.

NR can barely handle a 42 year old legend who is past his prime...... I say that as a massive MS fan.

So the next step up is going up against perhaps the most complete driver currently in F1? A man in his prime, FA?

Seriously...

[apoka]

NR can barely handle a 42 year old legend who is past his prime...... I say that as a massive MS fan.

So the next step up is going up against perhaps the most complete driver currently in F1? A man in his prime, FA?

Seriously...

First of all, we do not how much speed MS has actually lost compared to his prime time. Secondly, he doesn't need to beat Alonso, but should do (a lot) better than Massa.

[grunge]

How did I know this would turn into a MSvsNR thread.
@ Alonso fears Rosberg

I think Ferrari should strongly consider Suttil,he's been performing very strong against PDR who many think is the second coming of....well you know.So I say get Suttil and get him quick.

agreed there..Ferrari should get Sutil ASAP..im surprised there hasn't been rumors on this already...

After all how worse can it possibly get considering Massa's performances this year.