44 replies to this topic

[MONTOYASPEED]

From Autosport:

Alonso signs as Renault test driver

The Spaniard will no longer race for Minardi, but will concentrate on testing duties instead

Fernando Alonso won't be racing in F1 next year

Spanish sensation Fernando Alonso will step down from racing in Formula 1 next year to take up a role as Renault's official test driver instead.

The 20-year-old made a strong impression in his first F1 season with Minardi this year. But being contracted to Renault, it had been expected that the French manufacturer would take him back under its direct wing for next year. With Jarno Trulli and Jenson Button already confirmed as race drivers, a testing role was his only option.

But Alonso is expected to make a return to racing with Renault in 2003. That could leave Button high and dry, unless Williams takes up its option for him to rejoin the Grove outfit.

Renault managing director Flavio Briatore said: "We have followed Fernando's performance very closely this season. He did an excellent job, and we therefore decided that it was important to integrate him quickly into the Renault F1 programme."

Briatore gave a strong hint that Alonso will graduate to the race team in 2003. "As our test driver next year, Fernando will have the opportunity to fully develop his talent and, in seasons to come, I'm sure that he will be a strong asset in the team's challenge for the championship."

Alonso's deal leaves question marks over the future of this year's test driver, Mark Webber. The Australian is a Renault-contracted driver too and is still hoping to be placed with another team to race in F1 next year. But with few seats available, his options are limited. Now with Alonso taking on the main testing duties at Renault, Webber appears to have lost his fall-back role.

Who will take his place???

I'm thinking of Justin Wilson.

[RV_Canada]

Wow, that's kind of a strange move. I wonder if he volunteered or was 'told' to go by Flav. I guess he didn't ask Wurz for his thoughts on the matter ;)

[ehagar]

A shame. I fail to see how this helps his career. Too bad they couldn't let him drive for Minardi and test for Benetton. It's not like they are a major threat (although, at the start of the year they were!).

[RV_Canada]

Bye bye Button.

[Arrow]

jenson is history for 2003:)
Maybe sooner.......

[MONTOYASPEED]

Originally posted by RV_Canada
Bye bye Button.

Agree

Trulli is going to kick Button's butt and at the middle of the season they're going to take Button out and Alonso in.

[flyer72]

Originally posted by ehagar
A shame. I fail to see how this helps his career. Too bad they couldn't let him drive for Minardi and test for Benetton. It's not like they are a major threat (although, at the start of the year they were!).

I disagree. Alonso will learn sooooo much more about F1 cars and how to do a setup, work with engineers and so on. Alonso stands a chance to really learn everything in F1 by testing.
If Button had done the same, he would have still been regarded as a good driver. Button was hampered by not having enough F1 experience this year.

Besides, Alonso will have a shot for a racedrive at Renault in 2003.

[Paste]

It's too bad to see Minardi lose Alonso, seeing as how they were so optimistic about their chances for next year. I'm sure Stoddart was counting on Fernando being a big part of that.

[ehagar]

Originally posted by flyer72


I disagree. Alonso will learn sooooo much more about F1 cars and how to do a setup, work with engineers and so on. Alonso stands a chance to really learn everything in F1 by testing.

I don't disagree with your opinion, as he will probably get more mileage as a test driver. But when the season starts, pwople tend to concentrate on qualifying and racing results to judge talent, not the latest testing time. For all you know, the guy might be using control tyres, full/light tanks, testing new components, etc, etc.... The only people who will really know Alonso's ability will be Benetton (unless he sets sensational times, like Panis beating Mika & David)....

It would be nice to see him race at Minardi and get to do ocassional tests with Benetton, as Luca Badoer did when he drove for Minardi.

[Peter North]

Although I would have liked to have seen Fernando racing next year, this move is best for his long term career goals. It's quite clear that Renault will nudge Button out, and slot Alonso in. My only concern is that he may be treated as a number 2 driver to Trulli. Fernando, in my opinion, is a number one driver and should have equal opportunity to fight for the championship if he is partnered with Trulli.

Rey Fernando Alonso de Espana!

[Jason]

I think this is a good move for Alonso. Most likely, he'll have a seat on the Renault team, next year. If Button does well, Frank Williams will want him back, if he struggles there's no reason to keep him. Either way, Alsonso gets his ride.

[EKB]

I don't know. Ask Wurz, Zonta or Gene about just how career boosting a move from a racing position to testing one can be (anyone remember Gene, the next great star?). Frankly, I would want a young charger to get more RACING miles under his belt then testing miles. And I fail to see how Minardi would be a threat to Renault.

As for Button, if I were him I'd be hoping that either JPM or Ralf fall off the pace next season....

Cheers,

EKB

[flyer72]

Originally posted by ehagar


I don't disagree with your opinion, as he will probably get more mileage as a test driver. But when the season starts, pwople tend to concentrate on qualifying and racing results to judge talent, not the latest testing time. For all you know, the guy might be using control tyres, full/light tanks, testing new components, etc, etc.... The only people who will really know Alonso's ability will be Benetton (unless he sets sensational times, like Panis beating Mika & David)....

It would be nice to see him race at Minardi and get to do ocassional tests with Benetton, as Luca Badoer did when he drove for Minardi.

Alonso is young and needs the right training! Testing is "part" of the education, the more the better. In testing he can develop himself and his understanding of the car, he can experiment and be more daring in his setups. Testing is a more relaxed setting than a race. I personally think he will learn more and faster in testing!!!! He already showed us that he is a good driver with his pace in the Minardi, it is time to get into some decent machinery and Flavio just gave him a good opportunity. Something sadly missed by Button.... Alonso is already under contract to Flavio; He will most surely drive for Renault in 03. Alonso will hopefully develop into a magnificant racer!

I will miss Alonso next year on the track but I think we will see him in 03.

[AD]

Button was just about matching Fisichella at the end of the year, Trulli has amazing speed, Alonso was a revelation last year. However 3 into 2 just will not go. So who will be the left in the cold for 2003? At the moment I'd say Button. The chances of Williams wanting him are wafer slim at best, so he'll have to fight tooth and nail to keep his Renault drive becuase I'm sure that the big 3 will soon become a big 4 with Renault joining halfway through next year.

As for Alonso. Testing a top car is probably more beneficial than racing for 20th position in a car he will not test very much. He's made his mark this year, and becuase of that is 99% sure to be in F1 in 2003 with some team.

[Dudley]

CRAP!

This benefits no-one except who ultimately gets that Minardi ride.

Minardi are screwed, Alonso could have got the asiatech points

Alonso doesn't get a race drive, he'll lose a full year of valueable experience and still end up exactly where he would have been anyway, in Button's seat for 2003, although now it's whether he wants it or not.

Button's career at Renault is over, unless by some miracle he beats trulli.

Renault have their best driver doing testing rather than racing.

[FredF1]

Hasn't Frank Williams already stated that Button is to stay at Renault until his contract is up?

FW has stepped in during the season to remind Flavio Briatore that Button's contract with Benetton/Renault is for 2 years.

[RJL]

I'm really disappointed about this as Alonso was definitely a point of interest last season. Outqualifying Villeneuve at Indy was brilliant! I'll miss him this year. The heat is on for poor Jenson, that's for sure. As for the vacant minardi seat...I hate to say it but Alesi would probably be a good fit. I know, I know he's retired. Stranger things have happened.

[senninha]

Originally posted by RV_Canada
Bye bye Button.

Agree.

This soap opera will have the same finish as Jaguar's this year (Button as Burti and Alonso as PdL.Rosa)

If Prost keeps in F1, may have an space for JB... as a teammate to LB!!

[nichotj]

I think this is a good move for Alonso. He knows Jenson's only got one more year at Renault, and then goes back to Williams.

This sport is all about money.

Now Frank's a very canny man (could qualify as being Scottish ) and he doesn't like paying his drivers too much. So at the end of '02, when JPM has thrashed Ralf (who will blame Williams), Ralf will leave and Jenson will take his place at a much cheaper price. This will allow Frank to spend more on the cars. Because, lets face it, you don't need the fastest drivers to win Constructors Championship, you need cars that finish the race. So, if your new driver is 0.2-0.4s slower than your old driver, but you've got the odd couple of million more to spend on reliability, engines and aerodynamics, you may even make up some of that time deficit.

And I can hear you all shouting "Where does Ralf go then?"


Isn't it obvious?


MS will retire at the end of '02 and Ralf will go there.

This will save Ferrari about £20m on dirvers fees and they won't have to change the driver name.

[Morcheeba]

Originally posted by Dudley
Alonso doesn't get a race drive, he'll lose a full year of valueable experience and still end up exactly where he would have been anyway, in Button's seat for 2003, although now it's whether he wants it or not.

Agreed.

There were some rumours making the rounds as the season was comming to a close that Alonso would move to a team that was up the grid at bit such as Arrows. Not sure how close that came to happening but I think Alonso would have been better off by having another year of racing experiance under his belt.

But I think Flavio is looking at this in two ways. Not only "to integrate Alonso quickly into the Renault F1 programme" but to light a fire under Button's ass.

[AyePirate]

I wonder if Button's contract would allow him to
be the Renault tester? That Alonso kid is wicked
quick.

[MinardiRules]

Fernando Alonso won't be racing in F1 next year

Bye bye Button

Come back quick Alonso, we miss you already!

I hope nichotj's predictions are right - that should make for an interesting 2003!

[philhitchings]

MS will retire at the end of '02 and Ralf will go there.

nichotj

Micheal retire? in 2002 I don't think so cos he is signed till 2004 (what is a contract in F1 these days)

But on the other hand I didn't thinkthat:

Mika would go

Alesi would be gone

Button would Struggle

BAR would get points

etc. etc.

So there might be something in what you say As for Flav yes he wants to get Alonso into the Renault way as soon as possible.

But I think Flavio is looking at this in two ways. Not only "to integrate Alonso quickly into the Renault F1 programme" but to light a fire under Button's ass.

Morcheeba

But we will miss a Racer next year and Paul Stoddart must be facing a lot of questions from sponsors and from others involved in European Minardi right now

Alonso could have got the asiatech points

Dudley

That make me sad for Minardi but good luck to Alonso I just hope he get a race seat in 2003 or ?2002 Does Button's contract stipulate a race seat?

[Witt]

I'm suprised to see nobody has mentioned the story of the promising young Finn who tested for Mclaren in 93 after having two great seasons of racing under his belt.

Alonso is in safe hands at Renault. He is Flavio's flavour of the month at the moment, and so long as Button keeps looking like a fool, Alonso should feel safe in the knowledge he will return to racing as hungary as he left it in 2003. OTOH, Button might get his act together, but i'd highly doubt that so long as he's got the "human relations" king as his boss.

This soap opera will have the same finish as Jaguar's this year (Button as Burti and Alonso as PdL.Rosa)

Wouldn't be suprised. I feel sorry for jenson. Like Wurz & Zonta, the slumps have happened to many other promising talents in recent years, i just hope Jenson can pull himself out coz he's shown he is better than those two ever were.

Lastly, What is to be made of Webber? Either this is gonna work out good for him and he's gonna get Alonso's seat in a straight swap, or it's gonna end his career before it starts, where he will be named "second test driver" at Renault. Stoddart, being an Australian himself who really wants to see an Aussie driver in F1, might be a help in the matter.

[MinardiRules]

Stoddart, being an Australian himself who really wants to see an Aussie driver in F1, might be a help in the matter.

Good thinking, but can Webber bring enough money into the team?

Maybe Yoong will supply enough sponsorship money that Stoddart can afford to give Webber a go.

[Witt]

MindardiRules, It's a known fact that Webber can only bring himself and no money. Australian companies seem to have no interest in supporting Webber, and aussie drivers in europe in general. Except Yellow Pages (god bless them!) and of late Fosters have given Webber a hat to wear but not much else.

Webber is another one of Flavio's contracted drivers, like alonso, and Flav is looking to place him in a lower grid team. It just so happens that an Australian Owned team has just lost it's number one driver to Renault. Webber is already a Renault test driver, so with Alonso's arrival, where does that leave him? The simplest explanation is usually the right one, and a straight swap between Webber & Alonso is simple for both Flav and Paul to organise and accept.

Paul will be accepting because he and Mark go back along way. Mark finished 3rd in the 2000 F3000 championship driving for Paul Stoddart, and won the second F3000 race he and the team had ever competed in. I think the only thing that stopped Webber from driving for Paul this year in F1 was that Mark thought Minardi were not good enough to start an F1 career in. However, after watching Alonso this year, he might have changed his mind....

[Jdcasas]

Button was just about matching Fisichella at the end of the year

if this is a joke...

[arcwulf7]

Button had a credible last race after a frustrating season -- and he's been given messages all year that unless he buckles down to his driving and starts living up to hype he's history. The Renault is clearly going to a rising team next year, and Trulli history is spotty in races, excellent in qualifying -- but you don't get points for qualifying. So i'm not so sure it'll be Button on the bubble next year, his destiny is certainly in his own hands. Alonso, though, deserves a seat in 2003, or sooner, if it becomes clear one of the other Renault drivers in not pulling his weight.

[taran]

While it may be true that there are no points for qualifying (positions), HHF was fatally undermined by being outqualified 9-1 by Trulli. Most teams recognize that outright speed is shown in qualifying. In racing too many other variables come into play. If Trulli does to Button what he did to Frentzen and Panis, another F1 driver will be shown the door!!!

Button will indeed have to perform stupendously to keep his seat and even that may not be enough. Just ask Giancarlo. If Flav the Impaler has a different game plan, out you go!

I disagree with the idea that testing is better than racing. All the teams and engineers agree that you learn more in a single race than in miles and miles of testing. It also teaches focus and discipline. There isn't any decent racing driver that would prefer testing to racing. They might claim it was to further their career but the truth is they simply couldn't get a seat. Wurz was kicked out by Benetton, Gene lost his telefonica money and Zonta clashed with Team Villeneuve once too often. Even Panis (the only success story) couldn't get a seat after being trashed by Trulli at Prost.
Considering Minardi's poor record of testing (hardly any at all due to budget restrictions and considering the fact that no teams test during race weekends), Alonso would have been much better off racing for Minardi and testing for Benetton.

The fact that he is indeed the tester means that Flav wants a reserve driver to "motivate" his regulars and be able to replace them if needed.

As to Webber, he might indeed have a small chance at Minardi's but realistically, Minardi need an experienced driver. Two rookies might not be able to sort out a car and a new engine package.

[AD]

Originally posted by Jdcasas




if this is a joke...

No joke. Look at the last 3 races. GF was just ahead in the races, but JB outqualified him 2-1. Jenson was coming on pretty strong at the end of the year, and the gap between himself and GF was very close in the last 3 races.

Button has a lot to prove next year, but the guy has talent. However he has no chance in hell of getting into Williams. Ralf and Montoya are much better drivers than he is. Trulli is also up there with Ralf and JPM. Alonso? Nobody knows. It's between Jenson and Fernando to get the second Renault seat for 2003. At the moment my money would be on Alonso. Jenson will probably get another seat somewhere else.

I think that this is a good move for Alonso. He will probably to thousands upon thousands of Km next year, where as at Minardi he would get very little testing. He knows all the tracks now.


And lastly the only thing holding Renault back is Flavio. Michael Schumacher is the only reason he's in F1 now. When Renault get rid of him and take in someone like Ross Brawn (i.e. a good communicator, very technically driven, and not really interested in the press) they will be seriously hard to beat.

[MortenF1]

So Alonso joins Renault as test-driver yeah? Well to me, this is no surprise! Check out the thread "Where will Alonso be next year?", and you'll find that I told you this a long time ago. Brag brag brag!!;)

[Todd]

Mika Hakkinen went from a crummy race ride to a testing gig for the biggest team in F1. He has had a pretty good career. Renatton has a big budget, an unspectacular driver lineup, and needs about 30,000 testing miles to deliver on their ambitions. Alonso should get another chance to race in a GP. I'm more concerned about Marc Gene. He was rather good in 2000, but he seems forgotten at Williams. Maybe he could go to Ferrari as a tester?

[MortenF1]

Todd, I don't think they would "remember" him any better at Ferrari. I dont see Gene returning to a race-seat in F1 really, but as Minardi wanted someone experienced, he could actually return.

[AD]

That's right! Gene was impressive in 1999 and 2000 with Minardi. Didn't he score a point for them at the Nurburgring '99? In the wet too. The current crop of Spanish drivers is probably the strongest ever in Alonso, Gene, and De La Rosa.

[flyer72]

Originally posted by Todd
Mika Hakkinen went from a crummy race ride to a testing gig for the biggest team in F1. He has had a pretty good career. Renatton has a big budget, an unspectacular driver lineup, and needs about 30,000 testing miles to deliver on their ambitions. Alonso should get another chance to race in a GP. I'm more concerned about Marc Gene. He was rather good in 2000, but he seems forgotten at Williams. Maybe he could go to Ferrari as a tester?

I agree. Don't worry about Alonso. He will be in a RENAULT 03. Flavio tried to get rid of Button but have to wait for the contract to run out. The reasons for Flav to bring Alonso in is simple: He will get experience in working with engineers, the car, the setup before he rejoins the racegrid in 03. Alonso WILL learn more from doing testmiles than in racing for the lowest team on the grid.

Marc Gene is currently testdriver number 1 for WilliamsBMW, he signed on another year because he wants to improve his driving!!!!
Gene admits to have learned soooooo much more about F1 in his testing year. Although, he wants to go back racing and I'm sure he will be back in 03. The q is where..... Sauber?

[vroom-vroom]

These are 4-month old news. Expect a Button/Alonso seat swap by 2002 GP #3.

[flyer72]

Originally posted by race addicted
Todd, I don't think they would "remember" him any better at Ferrari. I dont see Gene returning to a race-seat in F1 really, but as Minardi wanted someone experienced, he could actually return.

I'm sorry but I think you are wrong. Marc Gene will be very attractive to Sauber, BAR, Jaguar, Arrows, Prost, Minardi (if they can afford him), Toyota (money!!!).

People, Toyota just entered the F1 circus. There are 2 more driverseats available. Salo and McNish will have a doom or gloom year ahead, both of them are pretty old (34ish) and will only have a couple of years racing in them.

Marc Gene will be more experienced than most drivers out there due to his testing duties.

[flyer72]

Originally posted by vroom-vroom
These are 4-month old news. Expect a Button/Alonso seat swap by 2002 GP #3.

Will only happen if Flavio boots Button out. He is under contract and will have to pay for the reminder of the season anyways!!!

Unless he wants to go to british court and deal with Sir Frank Williams......

[taran]

Originally posted by AD
That's right! Gene was impressive in 1999 and 2000 with Minardi. Didn't he score a point for them at the Nurburgring '99? In the wet too. The current crop of Spanish drivers is probably the strongest ever in Alonso, Gene, and De La Rosa.

Hmmm, I wonder what you have been smoking?
Gene impressive?

In 1999 he finished 6th once because his teammate, the not especially highly rated Luca Badoer broke down in 4th place! Not quite the same impact as wrestling a Minardi in the points and making your teammate look stupid.

In 2000, he did in fact handlily beat his teammate. And who was this fearsome purveyor of speed? None other than Gaston Mazzacane.... No, I don't think Marc Gene is very impressive. He simply did not make a complete fool of himself, which was what everybody was expecting from a nobody whose main claim to fame was winning some Spanish ersatz F3/F3000 series.

Somehow loosing his seat and Telefonica leaving F1 seem to be related. It seems more likely we will be seeing Gene test a Williams and race BMW's in the Spanish Touring Car series.

While the current crop of Spanish drivers may well be sizeable, they are not really impressive. Alonso may have good potential but de la Rosa seems an average driver and Gene below average (for F1 standards!).

The Spanish batch of the late 80's; Luis Pezes-Sala, Alphonso de Vinuesa and Adrian Campos seemed to have more potential, especially de Vinuesa and Perez-Sala. It just did not come out.

[Flying Panda]

Tell me people, in what report does it say that Alonso will NOT be driving for Minardi in 2002?
All it says is that he has been appointed by Renault (Briatore).
Thay have had contraoll of his contract for the last two years, for which he has tested for Benetton AND raced for Minardi.
Who says thing will change. Look at Luca Badoer he drove for one team whilst testing for another all season long.

But, unfortunatlyt, i think you are right. If Fernando is out of a seat for 2002, then this is a dark, dark, dark day for Formula One.
We will have lost a 'great one'

Maybe it's something to do with the Spanish drivers (Gene and Alonso) - Do they really think it will be better for their carrer to do laps on their lonesome with a top team on a test circuit with last years car than to RACE and COMPETE in Formula One in a Mid-feild/Backmarker team. that is CRAZY!!!

Ignore the first sentance, I have located a 'reliable source' that says that.

[Nomad]

I am really pleased about this.
I have no doubt that Alonso deserved to be in a better team this season, unfortunately with Flavio as his manager this limits his options and the testing position was the best that could happen.

I agree that unless Button has a mighty year he will leave Benneton at the end of 2002 and Alonso will have a race seat for 2003 with what should be a top 5 team.

Where will Button go? Well quite frankly who cares!!

[z bleebox]

I do not undestend why you all are "surprised" or "shamed" or whatsoever!!

I´ve told you long ago that this was going to happen. Now Alonso, as a Renault driver not loaned to any other team, places Button has all the pressure on his shoulders and more likely, during preseason or " a la Rosa" style, if he still fails to deliver he will be substituted by Alonso.

with this maneouvre Flavio will not break Button´s contract and he will save a lot of €€€€.

If Alonso outraces Buttom during pre-season (we´ll check that) we´ll see him very soon on a Renault.

Besides, I hope Scalextric then makes another mould for a new slot car!!

[Alfisti]

Thisis bad news for Webber. It's hard to stand out in a Minardi, I know Trulli and Fisichella have moved to close tothe front of the grid from there but really ... bad news for MW.

[RedFever]

It is worst for Button than Alonso. The Spanish driver will learn a lot also as a test driver for a top team with plenty of resources. Jenson, instead, sees the faith of his team getting smaller and smaller. With Trulli on his side, he must deliver in 2002 and be very close to Trulli or Alonso will be there available to take his seat. Flavio is not one to think about it twice, for sure

[RaggedEdge]

Originally posted by taran

Hmmm, I wonder what you have been smoking?
Gene impressive?

In 1999 he finished 6th once because his teammate, the not especially highly rated Luca Badoer broke down in 4th place!

Gene still finished ahead of Eddie Irvine in his WCC-winning Ferrari.