21 replies to this topic

[Mario]

Hindsight is always 20/20, but to pass up the opportunity to sign perhaps the best ever driver in F1, is amazing. I read that both Williams and McLaren gave Senna a test opportunity. Both were equally impressed, but neither signed him. Maybe this is why both teams seem to have test drivers sign a contract of rights? Just in case they turn out to be promising, i.e., Coulthard from Williams to McLaren, Montoya, Button etc.

BTW, does anyone know if Montoya can enter F1 with a team other than Williams. Or does Frank own this guy until JPM competes for at least one season?

Cheers

Mario, new round here, sorta

[The Swerve]

Welcome to the party Mario!

I think Frank has first refusal on Montoya and the option to extend his contract if they decide to farm him out for a season. That's never going to happen though - if Montoya's in F1 in 2001 then he'll be in a Williams.

[RedFever]

oh, it happens all the time. McLaren also had Gilles Villeneuve race for them on his first GP. He did immediately better than their 2nd driver but still they decided to go with Tambay, I think, for 1978. Of course, Enzo Ferrari was happy they didn't hire him.....

[Rich]

Well, every major record label turned the Beatles down at least once. I suppose it happens to the best of them. Maybe especially to the best of them.

btw, hi and welcome Mario.

[Pascal]

If I remember correctly, these teams' failure to sign Senna had more to do with Toleman's swiftness to make a great offer early than their own lack of desire to do so. Their move was preempted by a smaller team which could actually offer the young Brazilian a quasi-number 1 driver status...

[Nikolas Garth]

Their move was preempted by a smaller team which could actually offer the young Brazilian a quasi-number 1 driver status...

ahhhh, so that's were Schuey got the idea from.;)

[130R]

Welcome to Atlas Mario.

I wonder how many potential WDC's never made it because of circumstance? (poor career choices, unreliable cars, bad luck, etc)

[Mario]

Thanks for the welcome

Rich,

An admin joining in on the chat! Unheard of in my parts

130R,

"unreliable cars, bad luck"

Smells like Chris Amon to me. This guy did everything but win a race, nevermind a title. In the current climate of Formula One as a big money sport, having the right lead is key. Doesn't hurt having a resourceful manager like Willi Weber pulling a few strings or two.

[Smooth]

Welcome Mario....


Happened to Schumacher, sorta.... Jordan didn't sign him, Benetton scooped him up immediatly.

Eddie Jordan has missed the boat a couple of times.... he is a great talent scout, but has made some odd decisions.

[JaqFan]

Originally posted by Mario
An admin joining in on the chat! Unheard of in my parts

Welcome, Mario.
btw, it's quite common in these parts.

[Pete Stanley]

Hey Mario:

Welcome!

Smells like Chris Amon to me. This guy did everything but win a race, nevermind a title. In the current climate of Formula One as a big money sport, having the right lead is key. Doesn't hurt having a resourceful manager like Willi Weber pulling a few strings or two.

Go over to the nostalgia forum.

[Mario]

Hey, I'm not that old

Cheers

[Turbo]

I read somewhere that Senna insisted on a killer contract and wouldn't back down--including having his F3 drives funded in the meantime until he joined the big team. Toleman was willing, Frank W wasn't. Anyone know if this is true? Can't remember where I heard it.

[Pete Stanley]

Originally posted by Mario
Hey, I'm not that old

Cheers

Nor am I, but there is a wonderful Amon thread there.

[Mario]

McLaren did not offer a seat as well. If true, the guy had big onions to push for something like that at such an early stage in his career.

[Mario]

Thanks Pete, I'll have to check it out

[Megatron]

I think that Brabham wanted to sign him in 1984 but Piquet vetoed him...

[130R]

Mario, your 'parts' wouldn't happen to be DF1?

[Mario]

130R,

Sshhh!;)

[Simioni]

Heya Mario, don't I know you from somewhere?;)

The year before he entered F1, Senna carried negotiations with Mclaren, Brabham, Lotus and Toleman. Williams were the first to offer him a test, but even though Senna managed to be quicker than Rosberg right away, negotiations never took place because the team already had contracts with their two drivers for the following year.

Mclaren was never a solid option because the conditions offered were too unfavorable. Brabham and Lotus were serious about it, but Piquet (who had Parmalat on his side) vetoed Senna while John Player Special pressed Lotus to keep Mansell. As the doors began to close, Senna decided to be safe and signed with Toleman, though he made sure it was on his terms.

[SB]

Hi, Mario.

Recently I'm reading the book 'Ayrton Senna - As time pass by'. According to the book, Senna tested and negoicated with several teams in 1983 but only Brabham and Toleman have the real interest to sign him. While Piquet said no to Senna, Toleman was the only place for him,

SB

[Mario]

You sure do Sim

Thanks for the response. It wasn't so cut n' dry as I first thought. Imagine if Senna had started his career with one of these powerhouses? Piquet's stance against Senna, now that's enlightening. SB, was there much friction between the two?

Thanks