16 replies to this topic

[SennasCat]

This post comes from an Aussie so I would like a bit of overseas (ie anywhere not in Australia) feedback on it. PS I would also like to hear from other Aussies but wanted an impartial view on it.

Realistically, with Alonso gone from Minardi and to Benetton as test driver, what will happen to Mark Webber (also considering he didn't win the F3000 championship). I sure can't see a lot of opportunity for him. I know that there is an Alonso leaves Minardi thread going, but think that this is different enough to it.

[HSJ]

I don't know Webber very well, but it seems to me that a F1 drive isn't on the cards for him. Ever. Too bad, probably, since all sorts of Mazzacanes get drives instead. Lately it has become really difficult to get a F1 drive unless you're supremely talented. Just think about the rookies from 00 to 02: NH, JB, KR, FA, Sato, Massa. That's 6 seats taken just like that. And of course JPM took one more, and now that Prost may not line up on the grid next year, there will be effectively 2 seats less since Toyota already have drivers. Well, the good thing is that the competition level should rise.

[Mr Melvin]

Well, his only hope is with Minardi. He won't be able to stay on as Renault test driver. As Renault took up an option on him they may find him somewhere to go. If he doesn't find a seat this year he won't go anywhere. It would be a shame to see a talent like that go to waste, but it seems to happen all too often nowadays.

[confucius]

Is he also under Flavio's management?

[Witt]

Yep, he sold his soul to Flavio, and is under his control.

[LuckyStrike1]

I'd say he will stay in F3000 for a few too many years as so many before him and eventually end up in Sports Cars .. dunno if that is obscurity or what you call it. But I think his F1 chance has already passed by him somewhere along the road.

Now he has even lost his testseat at Benetton/Renault to Alonso. Doubt he will go to Minardi - firstly there are other drivers with more money Minardi need and will take on. Secondly - that would be no help to his career at all.

[Witt]

Webber looked after Stoddart's F3000 team in 2000 with his against all odds performances. Stoddart's an Aussie himself who wants to see an Aussie driver on the F1 grid. Alonso replaces Webber at Renault as test driver. Both Alonso and Webber are under Flav's management. All the facts make Webber the most likely candidate for the seat. I'm confident it will be him.

[gerry nassar]

In an interview mid year, Webber stated that he had a 70-80% chance of being on the grid in Melbourne 02. Therefore, I'll agree with Witt on this one. Im pretty sure Stoddart has already organised him a drive with Minardi (this is his final option considering he didnt win the F3000 title). Im sure Webber would accept!

[Daemon]

I reckon Christian Albers will land the Minardi seat. He's Official Test Driver, but only tested once. He was also Marks team mate at European F3000 in 2000. Mark seriously outdrove Albers that year, but at the time, Albers was still quite an inexperienced driver.

I think Mark could well be in line for a race seat at Prost, if Burti does not return, or possibly (and hopefully, but not likely) at Arrows, but it's more likely Frentzen will land that seat, with Verstappen as team mate. Which could see Bernoldi taking the seat at Prost. Which is just what we need, more paydrivers:mad:

The strange thing is, Mark hasn't said a word. May well be he knows he's in for a seat. 70-80% sure??? Never heard a driver say that before.

[lustigson]

Webber could very well be a Minardi driver next year. He's been dumped by Renault in favour of Alonso. Otherwise he could be on his way to Prost -- if they get through the winter -- or Arrows.

[MortenF1]

Webber may very well drive for Minardi next season. It might be Flavios compensation for Alonso.

[lulup]

Didn't Biratora said that Webber will be Renault test driver working alongside with Alonso next year?

[Berner]

Webber + Fosters = Minardi seat.

[baddog]

webber is definitely not testing renault.. and he IS talking to minardi about the race seat.

Shaun

[confucius]

Australian driver Mark Webber has admitted that there is a possibility that he could be the second driver with Minardi next year, and teaming up with Malaysian driver Alex Yoong. Last week it was announced that Fernando Alonso would be leaving the team to take up a testing role at Renault for 2002 and would most probably get a drive with the team the following year, leaving Webber out in the cold with the team even though he has a long term contract with Renault.

Webber, who like Alonso is managed by Renault boss Flavio Briatore, says that he believes that he could be one of the few drivers in line for the Minardi seat next year, and is holding his thumbs that he will be on the grid come the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne in March. Minardi have yet to confirm who besides Yoong will be lining up for them next season, but reports in the media suggest that other hopefuls are Christijian Albers, Andrea Piccini, and perhaps ex- Minardi driver Tarso Marques.

Webber said: "Flavio doesn't want me to be a test driver. He has told me that. I would like to be on the grid next year. And I would like to think I am in the frame at Minardi. I had a good time with them in Formula 3000. We are talking and I think the chances of getting on the grid next year are reasonable." (f1-live.com)




Cool...both my home countries would be represented by the same team next year if it goes through! Alex's is gonna get whooped though methinks.

[lulup]

Quote

Originally posted by confucius
Australian driver Mark Webber has admitted that there is a possibility that he could be the second driver with Minardi next year, and teaming up with Malaysian driver Alex Yoong. Last week it was announced that Fernando Alonso would be leaving the team to take up a testing role at Renault for 2002 and would most probably get a drive with the team the following year, leaving Webber out in the cold with the team even though he has a long term contract with Renault.

Webber, who like Alonso is managed by Renault boss Flavio Briatore, says that he believes that he could be one of the few drivers in line for the Minardi seat next year, and is holding his thumbs that he will be on the grid come the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne in March. Minardi have yet to confirm who besides Yoong will be lining up for them next season, but reports in the media suggest that other hopefuls are Christijian Albers, Andrea Piccini, and perhaps ex- Minardi driver Tarso Marques.

Webber said: "Flavio doesn't want me to be a test driver. He has told me that. I would like to be on the grid next year. And I would like to think I am in the frame at Minardi. I had a good time with them in Formula 3000. We are talking and I think the chances of getting on the grid next year are reasonable." (f1-live.com)

IMO,Webber is the best choice foe Minardi.
At least compare to Albers,Piccini and Marques!

[madmac]

If Webber is ever going to break in to F1 it has to be now & why not with Minardi. It shouldn't be to hard to bury his team mate & if the Asia Tech proves a halfway decent motor then he could put in a few suprising drives to get noticed by the bigger teams.

IMO he has to do it in 2002 or join the almost made in ranks.