F1 2007/2008 Winter Testing and Rumours
- Thread starter rpstewart
- Start date
When you sack your Technical Director after he's dragged you up to 4th in the championship, delivered your first podium finish etc then you have to wonder what the long term plan is.
At McLaren he didnt know what he was getting into - ie. he thought he was racing with a rookie; by the middle of the season, Alonso wouldve thought that he would be the only contender for the title and automatically would get No.1 status (ie. if Hamilton is leading a race, he would be asked to pull over, in order to ensure McLaren win the drivers title, bearing in mind that Hamilton is too far behind at this stage to win the title himself). It was almost like a forgone conclusion that this would happen. It would not be unreasonable for Alonso to be thinking along these lines. Unfortunately for Alonso, Hamilton had the best season of any rookie in F1, which created a lot of animosity.
At Ferrari, he would go in knowing that he would have a battle on his hands. He wont have to reset his mindset in the middle of the season and change how he treats his team mate.
Big difference.
This is why I honestly believe that it was Alonso's mindset when Hamilton turned out to be a genuine contender, that prevented Alonso from winning the WDC. I feel Alonso beat Alonso, not Ferrari or Hamilton. Had he stayed with McLaren next year, I'm sure he wouldve scored many points than Hamilton, as by then he wouldve been comfortable in the team and would know how things work (off the track and on it).
Kimi only has a contract to 2009 I think, Massa till 2010.
There could be a chance that Alonso could have a pre-contract with Ferrari for 2009, moving Kimi out of the way. Thus bringing Alonso as number 1 in the team. Its a chance but I doubt it would happen.
Filling the McLaren seat, I can only see Heikki doing so. Alonso to Renualt. Depends how long he wants to stay there for though is the question whether Renualt would use him only for a year.
There could be a chance that Alonso could have a pre-contract with Ferrari for 2009, moving Kimi out of the way. Thus bringing Alonso as number 1 in the team. Its a chance but I doubt it would happen.
Filling the McLaren seat, I can only see Heikki doing so. Alonso to Renualt. Depends how long he wants to stay there for though is the question whether Renualt would use him only for a year.
Why would any team employ Alonso for just one year, unless they already had a competitve car (like Ferrari) and could have him come in, test for 3 months, get used to the car and then challenge for the title immediately. It doesnt make sense hiring an expensive driver like Alonso, just to fill time.
Alonso may well help speed up development of the car during 2008, but there isnt any point if he leaves at the end of the season. Renault would once again be a middle of the grid car as soon as Alonso is gone (just like we saw this year).
Alonso may well help speed up development of the car during 2008, but there isnt any point if he leaves at the end of the season. Renault would once again be a middle of the grid car as soon as Alonso is gone (just like we saw this year).
The question is, are renault going to be on the grid next year. The FIA *must* find them guilty, the same as McLaren - as it's a pretty much identical case, with identical "evidence" that Renault "might have" gained "a possible" advantage. For the sake of parity, they're going to be getting fined fairly heavily. The question is will the boss of Renault - who has already made it known that he thinks F1 is too expensive to be worth it - pull out?
I think that's why Alonso is still undecided.
I think that's why Alonso is still undecided.
Ralf's getting desperate:
Ralf Schumacher and Giancarlo Fisichella will be among seven drivers competing for a race seat with Force India in Spain next week.
Both Schumacher and Fisichella will have a full day testing alongside fellow hopefuls Christian Klien, Viantonio Liuzzi, Franck Montagny, Giedo van der Garde and Roldan Rodriguez.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7116961.stm
Ralf Schumacher and Giancarlo Fisichella will be among seven drivers competing for a race seat with Force India in Spain next week.
Both Schumacher and Fisichella will have a full day testing alongside fellow hopefuls Christian Klien, Viantonio Liuzzi, Franck Montagny, Giedo van der Garde and Roldan Rodriguez.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7116961.stm
Ralf knows the guy Mallya that's bought Force India through Kingfisher's sponsorship of Toyota, he also worked with Mike Gascoyne at Jordan and Toyota. Mike also knows Fisi from his time at Renault.
The BBC are saying that Sutil has been retained for 2008 but I've not seen any other corroboration. Assuming that's the case (and I think it's pretty likely) then the choice for the second seat will make it clear whether FI are serious or not.
The BBC are saying that Sutil has been retained for 2008 but I've not seen any other corroboration. Assuming that's the case (and I think it's pretty likely) then the choice for the second seat will make it clear whether FI are serious or not.
So many drivers chasing a single seat. It wont matter though, as I feel Force India will intially be bringing up the rear of the field. If they stick at it though, maybe they might work their way up the field, over the next decade or so.
Soldato
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Agreed, I really did think that Toyota would come on leaps and bound for the next few seasons after those few good races. Strange how things work out though, Toyota are a joke tbh.
When they were Toleman, they used to use my old mans pub as their local.
I remember seeing Rory Byrne passed out on the bar with paper serviettes tied into his hair.
His daughter was the year below me in school.
Maybe the 'powers that be' felt that 1 podum finish wasnt enough.
Also which year did they finish 4th?
Looks like Force India have plenty of drivers to choose from. Fisi, Ralf, Montagny, Klien and Liuzzi are all trying to get the remaining seat alongside Sutil.
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=41355
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=41355
They had 5 podiums, 1 fastest lap and a couple of poles as well as the 4th in the constructors in 2005. Gascoyne was sacked on 5/4/06, three days after Toyota's last podium finish to date.
Soldato
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Hmm, as long as Fisi or Ralf don't get it then it's all good. I'd quite like to see Klien back in a race seat, he wasn't that bad.
Soldato
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If I remember correctly Klien showed a bit a talent driving for whatever team he was driving for a few years back. Jaguar was it?
Just as long as Fisi doesn't worm his way back in to a race seat I'll be happy whoever they sign. But Ralf in a Force India... *rubs hands with glee*
You seem to think Force India will last more than one year in F1....! The sign at the Team's headquarters at Silverstone has a special temporary bolt on section so the team name can be changed quickly and easily every time the owners change.... Jordan/Midland/Spyker/Force India.....