10 replies to this topic

[Mosquito]

Today, Dutch TV raised speculation for Dutchman Christian Albers getting a possible drive at Minardi. He is presumably on a hot list together with 2 other (unknown) drivers. The Dutchman had a meeting with team boss Paul Stoddart on Wednesday, believing to have a discussion on a F3000 deal. The following day he reported to 'De Telgraaf', a Dutch newspaper: "I was stunned when Stoddart and manager Rupert Manwaring told me I was on their shortlist for the second F1 seat in their team. I don't know who the other two candidates are, but the fact that I'm in the picture is quite spectacular."

Of course, Minardi needs dollars, millions of them, but his manager is convinced that that is never going to be a problem. According to him, Dutch companies are standing in line to offer larger and smaller sponsorships.

This rumor doesn't come totally out of the blue: Albers is always considered to be a great talent, and has shown some very decent racing. August last year, their were strong rumors that he had a testing session with the minardi F1 team in France. Minardi denied these rumors while Albers said he was not allowed to talk about it, and he would neither deny nor confirm the test session having taken place.

Well, if this all holds any truth, Verstappen may get a respectable competitor, a young talented dog who might bite his ankles.

[Witt]

Webber absolutely crushed this guy last year when they both drove for Stoddart. Surely Stoddart can't be this desperate for a driver, or maybe he's just got a bad memory.

[Mosquito]

Maybe so, but he also showed some very good performances. I'm not going to say he suffered from some bad luck as well, but he sure has talent.
And, I his achievements in just 3 years of F3 and F3000 are very good. 3rd in his first German F3 race, 2 victories and 5 podiums.
His next year (1999) was even more impressive: Champion with 6 poles, 6 wins, 13 podiums, 13 fastest laps and 3 lap records, Nominated 'Best International driver Award 99'.
His 2000 season in F3000 with the Arrows junior team was set up as a learning experience, aiming for real results in the later stage of the season. He's had some crashes, spins and also car failures and the usual bad luck.

Don't forget this guy is only 22, and has a lot still to learn and experience. At his age and his already impressive results, the future may look bright.

And yes, Webber had a much better overall season, but wasn't that something to be expected? Albers would be the last to say he was going to be the rookie who would be emberrasing the #1 teammate in his rookie year.

I think he's a great talent, but then again I might be wrong.

[A3]

Well said, mossie

[Nathan]

I think at this point all Stoddart wants is a person who can bring him money and keep the car in the 107% area.

Why scout pure speed over cash when even if you can have MS or MH you would still finish 21st???

I think Minardi has there young speed demon in Alfonso, now just needs a guy with some deep pockets.

[Mosquito]

Originally posted by Nathan
I think Minardi has there young speed demon in Alfonso, now just needs a guy with some deep pockets.

Granted.

However, I don't think Albers would be the prime choice in that case.
Yes, he can probably bring in some good sponsorship money, but, having a Dutchman (they ARE cheap bastards, and I can know since I am one ;)) is not the best of your options.
As long as this world still has enough rich kids of the likes of Diniz, there's always the option to get some spoiled young bratt who can bring in millions in the double figures.
Don't get me wrong, Diniz came in F1 with the help of a HUGE wallet, but also showed that he can at least drive a decent race. (Though I must say that he has a dubious reputation and just TOO much uncalled for incidents on his name as well).

All said, IF Albers can bring in the cash Mindardi wants, he's probably a very good choice, and been choosen for his talented drive and short impressive carreer.
Whoever gets the drive for Minardi must bring in Millions, that's clear. I don't think on the other hand Minardi will just sell out to the highest bidder. There are kids with FAR more money and financial backing available than Albers.

[Ross Stonefeld]

Im still out on Webber myself. You gotta remember most F3000 guys are coming out of super low power F3 cars into mega high power F3000 cars. Some of the F3000 engineers ive talked to say these kids simply forgot how to put the power down.

Webber came out of Le Mans GT cars, F3000 will be more on that level. I think this year will be his real test against 3 extremely good (and extremely brasilian) super nova teammates. Haberfeld, Pizzonia, and Sperafico

[Pacific]

I think the European Minardi F3000 Racing team will have Andrea Piccini and Christijan Albers. Not a bad pairing really. Why would Stoddart break his relationship with Albers?

I hope that Minardi signs Gianni Morbidelli to team with Fernando Alonso and have Andrea Piccini and Christijan Albers as their F3000 guys and have them test the F1 car from time to time.

Supposedly driver number 2/1 is supposed to be announced this week by Minardi. I'm sure they'll have everything in order, driver-wise, soon.

[Ghostrider]

What is the deal on Haberfeld? Have I missed something or what, because to me he has been underperforming the last two year. Still people refer to him as a great talent, on what basis?

[Ross Stonefeld]

British F3 champion

His first year in F3000, 99 he was teamed with Nick Heidfeld at Mclaren on what was obviously a one car team. He also had a massive testing accident pre-season and broke his leg.

Second year he drove for Fortec, and broke his leg again in Barcelona

[Ghostrider]

OK, thanks for the info. Will be interesting to follow him this year then. Hope he can get through this year without breaking his legs.