360 replies to this topic

[Bluesmoke]

You heard it here first (haha! I'm certain it was brought up long ago). J/K. I think it's pretty much a done deal that Williams want Fisi and Webber.

Reasons why I think Villeneuve will go to Renault.

1. Alonso is their star, but the team doesn't garner the same fanfare and respect as the top 3 teams do. Villeneuve will give the team the media coverage it needs. And the team looks that much better on paper.

2. Trulli will probably not be resigned. I really don't know why since he's driven better than Alonso for most of the season. I just get the vibe that he's out.

3. The team probably wants a french driver. Montagny is a possibility, but not yet. We've seen recently (RB on JT pass) that Renault are fed up with inconsistencies. As a new rookie in a good car, Montagny will screwup more than Trulli as expected.

4. Why has Benetton / Renault always seem to hire drivers who can speak Italian? (Patrese, Alesi, Fisichella, Trulli, to name a few). Easier for Flavio to communicate? Villeneuve speaks Italian fluently.

5. It was the Renault powered FW19 that Villeneuve won the title with. There is history and they know him.

5. And I think this is the most important. I feel that one of the reasons for Alonso's slow start, and the apparent surge of Trulli is that Alonso's underestimated Trulli and took it easy on his preparation. With Villeneuve as his teammate, Alonso will not want to be beaten by a champion, and Villeneuve would not want to get upstaged (again) by a 20-something young driver. This is a win win situation for Flavio, because if JV beats Alonso, it'll be because he's expected to as a champion. Alonso's stock won't be damaged nearly as badly as say... if Trulli beats him. Furthermore, if Alonso can beat Villeneuve, it makes him far more valuable. This could be a very strong lineup. Button claims he's learned a lot from watching JV. Surely, Alonso can benefit also. Just as JV benefitted from the veteran Hill.

6. I feel that Renault is struggling to improve. They seem to have been stuck in a limbo in the development department (esp, engine power). They manage to keep pace, but never really stand out like Williams did last year, or Mclaren is doing with the 19B. We saw what happened to Honda's commitment once Sato signed. If JV is signed, the media coverage will be astronomical. And Renault will be expected to improve. This could provide the motivation for the Renault engineers to really make Renault a strong contender.

[Zmeej]

Interesting reasoning.

Unfortunately, I'd love to be more convinced than I am.

Briatore has expressed reservations about Jacques in the past, and I haven't seen evidence of the oft-rumoured pressure that the French auto maker has exerted in JV's favour.

Fisi is indeed looking more likely, although lately Jaguar has been making buyout noises about Webber, so maybe Williams will go with another set of two veterans...

[Ghostrider]

If Renault can't meet Trulli's salary demand, will they be able to meet JV's? Unlikely I would say.

But I am not against it in any way.

[Zmeej]

No longer think it's likely that JV's salary demands are going to be very high. In that respect, IMO he probably would present a competitive alternative to Trulli, who actually deserves a raise.

[wawawa]

For the record, here are two recent quotes by Flav on JV:

July, 2003: "I don't want [Jacques] Villeneuve even if he offers to drive for Renault for free. I've got good drivers who work hard and show respect. I don't want a star driver who doesn't show respect to people. And besides, he's not that fast."

October 2003: "I'm a big fan of Jacques. If he doesn't find a drive next year, I am sure we will see him again in 2005 as he still offers value. Who knows - he might even end up at Renault."

[Davebo]

Originally posted by Ghostrider
If Renault can't meet Trulli's salary demand, will they be able to meet JV's? Unlikely I would say.

But I am not against it in any way.

What are JV's salary demands lately? I know his past salaries have been high, but who's to say what he'd want to drive again.

Seriously, let me know as you seem to be in the know with your statement...

[AlesiUK]

oh ffs

[Albert Quintana]

I believe Alesi is French.... Can he speak italian as well? Didn't know that..

I know that a lot of people wants to see JV racing again but just saying that Ranault is going to sign him because they need a media-star that speaks french... In my oppinion it's just bollocks... excuse me but I don't buy it..

Why not last year? FA was less known and JT did an average season...

[Alapan]

Webber is more likely to go to Renault than JV.

[AlesiUK]

Originally posted by Albert Quintana
I believe Alesi is French.... Can he speak italian as well?

he can speak 4 languages,including italian.


and my comment was clearly in english

[bira]

Originally posted by wawawa
July, 2003: "I don't want [Jacques] Villeneuve even if he offers to drive for Renault for free. I've got good drivers who work hard and show respect. I don't want a star driver who doesn't show respect to people. And besides, he's not that fast."

I have a vague recollection of Briatore going on TV during the broadcast of one of the GPs and saying that quote is untrue and that he's never said it.

[edit]

Here, found this post about the above: http://forums.atlasf...ues#post1364439

[/edit]

[Bluesmoke]

Originally posted by Albert Quintana
I believe Alesi is French.... Can he speak italian as well? Didn't know that..

I know that a lot of people wants to see JV racing again but just saying that Ranault is going to sign him because they need a media-star that speaks french... In my oppinion it's just bollocks... excuse me but I don't buy it..

Why not last year? FA was less known and JT did an average season...

Trulli was contracted through 2004. It makes you wonder why Flavio would say that JV might be in a Renault in 2005, unless he made up his mind last year that Trulli wouldn't stick around, no matter who was available in 2005.

Alesi is part Sicilian. He speaks Italian well. Better than Barrichello's french - which is good.

If Renault feels JVs presence will help their sponsors, they will pick him up whether he is past his prime or not. This is the guy who had an entire team on his shoulders. You seriously think if it wasn't for JV, BAR would be here today?

[fastlegs]

Originally posted by Bluesmoke
You heard it here first (haha! I'm certain it was brought up long ago). J/K. I think it's pretty much a done deal that Williams want Fisi and Webber.

Reasons why I think Villeneuve will go to Renault.

1. Alonso is their star, but the team doesn't garner the same fanfare and respect as the top 3 teams do. Villeneuve will give the team the media coverage it needs. And the team looks that much better on paper.

2. Trulli will probably not be resigned. I really don't know why since he's driven better than Alonso for most of the season. I just get the vibe that he's out.

3. The team probably wants a french driver. Montagny is a possibility, but not yet. We've seen recently (RB on JT pass) that Renault are fed up with inconsistencies. As a new rookie in a good car, Montagny will screwup more than Trulli as expected.

4. Why has Benetton / Renault always seem to hire drivers who can speak Italian? (Patrese, Alesi, Fisichella, Trulli, to name a few). Easier for Flavio to communicate? Villeneuve speaks Italian fluently.

5. It was the Renault powered FW19 that Villeneuve won the title with. There is history and they know him.

5. And I think this is the most important. I feel that one of the reasons for Alonso's slow start, and the apparent surge of Trulli is that Alonso's underestimated Trulli and took it easy on his preparation. With Villeneuve as his teammate, Alonso will not want to be beaten by a champion, and Villeneuve would not want to get upstaged (again) by a 20-something young driver. This is a win win situation for Flavio, because if JV beats Alonso, it'll be because he's expected to as a champion. Alonso's stock won't be damaged nearly as badly as say... if Trulli beats him. Furthermore, if Alonso can beat Villeneuve, it makes him far more valuable. This could be a very strong lineup. Button claims he's learned a lot from watching JV. Surely, Alonso can benefit also. Just as JV benefitted from the veteran Hill.

6. I feel that Renault is struggling to improve. They seem to have been stuck in a limbo in the development department (esp, engine power). They manage to keep pace, but never really stand out like Williams did last year, or Mclaren is doing with the 19B. We saw what happened to Honda's commitment once Sato signed. If JV is signed, the media coverage will be astronomical. And Renault will be expected to improve. This could provide the motivation for the Renault engineers to really make Renault a strong contender.

I totally agree with your assessment.

I only hope it comes true. I would love to see JV driving a Renault powered car again.

I could see him and Alonso working well together as teammates.

[wawawa]

Originally posted by bira
I have a vague recollection of Briatore going on TV during the broadcast of one of the GPs and saying that quote is untrue and that he's never said it.

I found those via Google and, yes, they're not the most reputable websites Thanks for the clarification.

[Ghostrider]

Originally posted by Davebo
What are JV's salary demands lately? I know his past salaries have been high, but who's to say what he'd want to drive again.

Seriously, let me know as you seem to be in the know with your statement...

I don't know his salary demands these days, but I assume he won't come that cheap.

[Rene]

All I can say on the matter, is that I think JV has had contact with more than 1 team, and that people are listening....if he actually gets signed, thats another story....JV is having a hard time over-coming his negative reputation (some of which is deserved, some if it is not)....

Some people I know claim JV has already signed a contract for next year, I don't believe thats true, but if he agree's to a certain wage coupled with PR commitments, I think he has a reasonable shot...

I think Gene's performance in the last couple of races may have shown a couple of current F1 bosses that its not enough to have a good car, and let anyone drive it...but if you want to compete with the likes of MS and KR, you need a top car and driver...

[Rene]

Originally posted by Ghostrider
I don't know his salary demands these days, but I assume he won't come that cheap.

I bet he will come cheaper than Fisi...

[Ghostrider]

Originally posted by Rene
I bet he will come cheaper than Fisi...

Maybe, but Fisi has never had the salaries that JV has had before.

Fisi wants to Williams I think, and will only go to Renault if he has no other option and Flavio is interested.

[Rene]

Originally posted by Ghostrider
Maybe, but Fisi has never had the salaries that JV has had before.

Fisi wants to Williams I think, and will only go to Renault if he has no other option and Flavio is interested.

I think Fisi has a couple of opportunities, (actually 3) in terms of a move to another team, I think JV has the exact same opportunities....Fisi's contract makes it more difficult for him to move to either Renault of Toyota, but the possibility still remains....although I think as the Sauber windtunnel starts to come up to speed, coupled with the awesome Ferrari engine, Sauber may actually be a very good seat come next year :

Would it not be ironic if Fisi goes to Williams, just as Sauber becomes a force....with Fisi's luck it would not surprise me...

[Ghostrider]

Sauber will never be a "real" force, so there is no point staying there if there is an option for a better team.

I think Williams and Renault are Fisi only options. I have never heard anything about interest from Toyota and now when Ralf is there I don't think Fisi wants to go there anyway.

[Rene]

Originally posted by Ghostrider
Sauber will never be a "real" force, so there is no point staying there if there is an option for a better team.

They won't be better than Ferrari, but if Bridgestone continue to have to top tire, couple that with a top engine, and the best windtunnel in F1....I think Sauber are in a position to be spoilers next year...

Coule be wishful thinking on my part, but I sure would like to see them mix it up with the classic big three....just like I am enjoying Renault and BAR's success versus Williams and Mclaren....

[Ghostrider]

Originally posted by Rene
They won't be better than Ferrari, but if Bridgestone continue to have to top tire, couple that with a top engine, and the best windtunnel in F1....I think Sauber are in a position to be spoilers next year...

Yes, but as long as they are not better than Ferrari, you can never become WDC. In a Williams, at least theoritically there is a chance for a pilot.

[Rene]

Originally posted by Ghostrider
Yes, but as long as they are not better than Ferrari, you can never become WDC. In a Williams, at least theoritically there is a chance for a pilot.

You're right, my only hope is that where ever Fisi lands, that he has a car capable of wins....

[fingers]

"Villeneuve likely to sign with Renault"

[DaleCooper]

eeerrrr.... Didn't Villeneuve win Renault's last championship?

It seems reasonable to suggest that they still have some interest.

Personaly, I would love to see JV back, under different circumstances, in a different team. If he fails again, so be it, but lets see him try for a year.


Cooper

[MortenF1]

Originally posted by Ghostrider


I have never heard anything about interest from Toyota and now when Ralf is there I don't think Fisi wants to go there anyway.

Your own Eje Elgh mentioned that (Fisichella moving to Toyota) as the latest paddock gossip last Sunday...

[abf1]

heelo all, i'm new here. I used to read Rene post.
I can say that JV has not sign yet with renault but he's in talk very advanced. It's just a question of time.
I've heard that everyboy in Renault want him except Flavio but he's not the boss. So...
Please believe me.
ciao

[Bluesmoke]

Originally posted by fingers
"Villeneuve likely to sign with Renault"

What's to laugh at? The discussion for the last couple months have been, "JV at Williams", blah blah blah. I think Frank and PH would probably accept, but maybe BMW is getting in the way.

The Renault seat might be empty and I just provided a number of examples why Renault should take him. I'm an independent business man; thus, I look at numbers. In the end, Renault is looking for 3 objectives: 1. Maintain a good reputation. 2. Sell more cars. 3. Make as much money as possible.

JV to Renault is an absolute steal for Renault. And given how balanced the car is, if they can push for more horsepower, it could be challenging for wins. For some reason, Renault isn't pushing quite as much as I expected them too. Everyone knows they're down on power, but they can't match BMW, Honda, Toyota or Ferrari powerwise.

[Deeq]

Originally posted by race addicted


Your own Eje Elgh mentioned that (Fisichella moving to Toyota) as the latest paddock gossip last Sunday...

OT

We are not that proud of Eje E just like the- most[around here] anyway- Brits and J Alen....So
;)


I never have heard JA comenting of F1 but I'm tempted to bet he is better than our own EE and JB[specialy him] If only we could swap them.....Mind you they will lose but the uppside is that would teach them[and me if things go north!] to be gratefull in the future.
BTW where do you flow TV4 from?





About the topic at hand:

Renault would be the best thing happened to JV since 99 IF it happens, Infact this is the best posible outcome[including hypotethical Ferrari seat] for JVi. If O was him I would jump at it in a heart beat and offer my services for free or there abouts If it guarentees me the seat......And JVi isn't[in all likely hood] dumper than me so.........

[Ghostrider]

Originally posted by race addicted
Your own Eje Elgh mentioned that (Fisichella moving to Toyota) as the latest paddock gossip last Sunday...

Eje is seldomn right I would say.

[Ghostrider]

Originally posted by abf1
I've heard that everyboy in Renault want him except Flavio but he's not the boss. So...

Well, if JV comes to Renault and Flavio works against him it won't be a fun ride for JV, that is clear. And I thought that Flavio was the boss over the F1 team.

[CampioneFerrari]

JV in a renault would be a wasted seat.

[Ghostrider]

To be honest, JV had a tough time against Button, so if he has to deal with Alonso, who I rate higher than Button, he needs to get his act together compared to 2003, that is for sure. It will be very tough for JV.

[MortenF1]

Originally posted by Ghostrider


Eje is seldomn right I would say.

Quite the contrary I would say, but he didn't put much weight behind this rumour though. He more or less dismissed it, but just that he mentioned it is great I think, as the info he gave was something I haven't heard elsewhere. (Info like this, the absolutely latest paddock gossip is interesting I think. Even though it may often be baseless rumours. (The Grapevine.... )

Deeq, Eje is better than James Allen. Believe me. Eje is a very knowledgeable man, having been involved in this sport since it's birth ;) , and the fact that he functioned as a consultant/advisor to B-A-R/Ricardo Zonta speaks volumes for his expertise.

[Ghostrider]

Yes I agree race addicted, Eje is quite knowledgeable and usually is quite right.

I just don't believe in Fisi to Toyota though. Eventhough I would like Fisi to Toyota, I just don't see it happening for some reason.

[MortenF1]

Agree with you (and Eje), I don't think Fisichella is Toyota-bound. The serious mags and site's usually pick up all rumours, and no-one(?) have read anything on this before.

However it would be fun to see Ralf Schumacher and Fisichella teamed up again.

[skinnylizard]

well at this point everyone is going everywhere. its gonnas be so much fun to see these things pan out.
Fisichella might get his chance at a top flight car but he wont do any better than Montoya or Ralf in the Williams or Trulli in the Renault.

[MortenF1]

I think Fisichella could be as good as those you mention, skinnylizard.
What bugs me a bit, but just a wee bit (as I quite rate Webber), is that if Fisichella joins Williams together with Webber, we'll have two relatively unknown quantities driving together.
I repeat just a "wee bit", as both these drivers are very highly rated, hence whoever beats the other should get the thumbs up.

[Tomecek]

Villeneuve will never start formula one grand prix race anymore and you hear it first here

[angst]

If we take it that Fisi has indeed let Sauber know that he won't be with them next year then that means Ferrari (MS&RB already on the books), McLaren (JPM&KR already signed) or Williams. So Williams it is. Webber has already said that he knows what's happening next year. If Fisi is Williams bound and Williams are still talking to other drivers (inc. Hakkinen) then Webber surely can't be on his way there?

My take on things (probably completely wrong ;) ).

Ferrari and McLaren we already know.

Williams - MH, GF
Renault - JV, FA
Toyota - RS, MW
Jaguar - DC, ?

Where will Trulli end up? Jaguar or Sauber are his only real options as far as I can see.

[Ghostrider]

Originally posted by race addicted
I think Fisichella could be as good as those you mention, skinnylizard.
What bugs me a bit, but just a wee bit (as I quite rate Webber), is that if Fisichella joins Williams together with Webber, we'll have two relatively unknown quantities driving together.
I repeat just a "wee bit", as both these drivers are very highly rated, hence whoever beats the other should get the thumbs up.

I wouldn't say Fisi is unproven after having beaten Ralf, Wurz, Button, Sato, Firman and Massa as teammates. Webber though is quite unknown quantity.

[MortenF1]

"relatively unknown quantities" , Ghostrider.
Beating Wurz and Ralf Schumacher was good (however, there are some question marks over how Wurz could, or couldn't really get the best out of those Benettons), but beating rookie Firman, rookie Sato and a diluted Button wasn't special in my book.

[skinnylizard]

Originally posted by Tomecek
Villeneuve will never start formula one grand prix race anymore and you hear it first here

good thing what you and i say means f***** all.


i will have to concede that i have heard a lot about fisi being extremely talented. so there must be some truth to it.
however ive seen him block like a world champion and he hasnt ever been touted for a frontline drive. so i think the team bosses know something bout that we dont.
but maybe a winning car might give him a few wins and coupled with consistency he could be a challenger
but still. jury is out.

[MortenF1]

Originally posted by skinnylizard

however ive seen him block like a world champion and he hasnt ever been touted for a frontline drive. so i think the team bosses know something bout that we dont.
.

Of course they do. Otherwise he would've been picked up much earlier. (But we've dicussed that at length recently in another thread...)

[kodandaram]

I am afraid to say that it looks like Williams have cooled on driver negotiations . Although Fisi was praised by Patrick and Mario last weekend , it looks to have stagnated ATM . The teams are all looking for ways to make up the time they lose during the test ban and their concentration is on that thing right not. One can say that they will probably work out some time in the 'break' to disucess about drivers.

I haven't heard anything positiv enough to post about JV and F1 .....so till then I just keep my ears open and listen........

[MortenF1]

Originally posted by kodandaram
I am afraid to say that it looks like Williams have cooled on driver negotiations . Although Fisi was praised by Patrick and Mario last weekend , it looks to have stagnated ATM . The teams are all looking for ways to make up the time they lose during the test ban and their concentration is on that thing right not. One can say that they will probably work out some time in the 'break' to disucess about drivers.

I haven't heard anything positiv enough to post about JV and F1 .....so till then I just keep my ears open and listen........

A friend of mine who was at the British GP, managed to get a chat with a Williams employee, a factory worker. This guy is a JV-fan, and of course he used this opportunity to ask him about JV's chances. The Williams employee answered with something like this; ...Well lets just say I was asked to find his seat mouldings....
So don't give up just yet. (If, and that's certainly if, this is anything to go by, I find it a little weird if they can use the mouldings from '98. And secondly, do they keep these??)

[LuckyStrike1]

Originally posted by angst
Where will Trulli end up? Jaguar or Sauber are his only real options as far as I can see.

Toyota, Renault or Williams. Presumably in that order. Those three are his only real options as far as I can see.

[MaxScelerate]

Originally posted by race addicted

A friend of mine who was at the British GP, managed to get a chat with a Williams employee, a factory worker. This guy is a JV-fan, and of course he used this opportunity to ask him about JV's chances. The Williams employee answered with something like this; ...Well lets just say I was asked to find his seat mouldings....
So don't give up just yet. (If, and that's certainly if, this is anything to go by, I find it a little weird if they can use the mouldings from '98. And secondly, do they keep these??)

lol...

That doesn't make much sense... Unless, maybe, they've started design on next year's car and don't want to close any door yet so they want a look at his (and others) size in a sitting position (waist size, shoulder's height, leg clearance or something of the like...).

[MortenF1]

Originally posted by MaxScelerate

lol...

That doesn't make much sense... Unless, maybe, they've started design on next year's car and don't want to close any door yet so they want a look at his (and others) size in a sitting position (waist size, shoulder's height, leg clearance or something of the like...).

Yeah, agree. And these guys are just "you & me"-people. I guess he could've made it up, just to make himself interesting.

[Ghostrider]

Someone should tell FW that JV is already signed for Renault according to another thread here in the RC.