2012 Silly Season

Aerospeed · Post by **Aerospeed** » 19 Nov 2011, 23:40

Myrvold wrote:Yeah, well, Petrov is Russian. Glock supposedly has a contract that says that if a better team approaches him, he can swap.

Considering one of the said teams is Virg.... Maurssia, I doubt Petrov would take their offer (even if Renau... Lotus is going on a downward spiral)

TomWazzleshaw · Post by **TomWazzleshaw** » 19 Nov 2011, 23:46

If Petrov is fired by Renault and if Williams' PDVSA deal falls by the wayside, what are the odds that Williams might be tempted by Petrov's Russian Rubles?

Aerospeed · Post by **Aerospeed** » 20 Nov 2011, 01:00

Wizzie wrote:If Petrov is fired by Renault and if Williams' PDVSA deal falls by the wayside, what are the odds that Williams might be tempted by Petrov's Russian Rubles?

Zero to nil. Because there's Jerome d'Ambrosio who probably has more money than Petrov...

Besides, if Maldonado wasn't there, I'd hire Heikki Kovalainen.

TomWazzleshaw · Post by **TomWazzleshaw** » 20 Nov 2011, 02:10

JeremyMcClean wrote:
Wizzie wrote:If Petrov is fired by Renault and if Williams' PDVSA deal falls by the wayside, what are the odds that Williams might be tempted by Petrov's Russian Rubles?

Zero to nil. Because there's Jerome d'Ambrosio who probably has more money than Petrov...

I for one highly doubt D'Ambrosio would have more than the rumoured 15 million pounds a year Petrov brings to Renault (From memory, that was the figure being reported when he first signed for the team)

Aerospeed · Post by **Aerospeed** » 20 Nov 2011, 02:55

Wizzie wrote:
JeremyMcClean wrote:
Wizzie wrote:If Petrov is fired by Renault and if Williams' PDVSA deal falls by the wayside, what are the odds that Williams might be tempted by Petrov's Russian Rubles?

Zero to nil. Because there's Jerome d'Ambrosio who probably has more money than Petrov...

I for one highly doubt D'Ambrosio would have more than the rumoured 15 million pounds a year Petrov brings to Renault (From memory, that was the figure being reported when he first signed for the team)

Weird, that must have meant he might have been signed due to TALENT!!!

Lol, I'm sure d'Ambrosio is a good driver, but considering how bad Virgin is, I thought they would have signed a pay-driver by now...

AndreaModa · Post by **AndreaModa** » 20 Nov 2011, 04:14

D'Ambrosio does bring some money to Virgin, yes, but it's not that much in comparison to Maldonado, Petrov or Karthikeyan. Remember that Virgin are operating on one of the lowest budgets in the field, and with both Virgin and Marussia currently propping the team up, they don't actually need that much in finance for their current budget. Obviously if they were to aim for a budget similar of Team Lotus/Caterham, then they'd almost certainly require a second driver with a bit more punch in the cash department.

Captain Hammer · Post by **Captain Hammer** » 20 Nov 2011, 13:30

JeremyMcClean wrote:
Wizzie wrote:If Petrov is fired by Renault and if Williams' PDVSA deal falls by the wayside, what are the odds that Williams might be tempted by Petrov's Russian Rubles?

Zero to nil. Because there's Jerome d'Ambrosio who probably has more money than Petrov...

Assuming that both d'Ambrosio and Petrov were both on the market, and that both drivers bring the same amount in sponsorship, why would Williams pick d'Ambrosio?

Post by **Londoner** » 21 Nov 2011, 09:22

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/motorsports/view/221652/Ferrari-are-racing-to-pair-Lewis-Hamilton-with-Alonso-again/

:lol:

The Daily Farce strikes again! Should this also go in the Naff F1 Journalism thread, as an appallingly bad example of tabloids reporting on F1

Collieafc · Post by **Collieafc** » 21 Nov 2011, 12:47

The only way that would ever happen is if Enzo Ferrari himself was still around!

DanielPT · Post by **DanielPT** » 21 Nov 2011, 13:23

Collieafc wrote:The only way that would ever happen is if Enzo Ferrari himself was still around!

And even then I very much doubt it. After what happened at McLaren no one on their right mind would bring those two together...

Post by **mario** » 21 Nov 2011, 13:38

DanielPT wrote:
Collieafc wrote:The only way that would ever happen is if Enzo Ferrari himself was still around!

And even then I very much doubt it. After what happened at McLaren no one on their right mind would bring those two together...

Although to be fair it does seem as if Hamilton and Alonso are on much more amicable terms these days (and it has to be said that Alonso's frustration at McLaren was as much towards the management as it was towards Hamilton). Overall, though, I agree that the prospect of Alonso and Hamilton together at Ferrari is very unlikely, not least because I can't see Hamilton wanting to move to Ferrari as things currently stand (I'm not sure that his mindset would suit Ferrari, and Domenicali has indicated that, although he respects Hamilton, he isn't interested in him at the moment).
Besides, as far as I am aware Ferrari have been more interested in Kubica (they're said to be keeping a watching brief on his recovery, and the situation at Renault, in case there is the possibility that he'll be on the market quite soon).

Henrique · Post by **Henrique** » 21 Nov 2011, 15:23

Guess who's back! http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/271814/de-la-rosa-to-drive-for-hrt-in-2012/

Jack O Melley · Post by **Jack O Melley** » 21 Nov 2011, 15:34

I suppose that Liuzzi's chance to keep the seat at HRT now hugely decreased, as they've already signed up what is supposed to be an experienced driver like Pedro.

QuickYoda41 · Post by **QuickYoda41** » 21 Nov 2011, 15:34

Good choice for the team, Pedro is experienced, good in testing and Spanish, so the other seat can be really for sale.

I'm still surprised, as De La Rosa was really critical towards HRT earlier.

Myrvold · Post by **Myrvold** » 21 Nov 2011, 15:36

Also liked Will Buxtons tweet about this.

So Pedro's back, Kimi probably too. Heidfeld will no doubt spring up somewhere. Great to see an exciting new generation breaking through.

Ed24 · Post by **Ed24** » 21 Nov 2011, 15:37

Yes, a good choice. De La Rosa's a great development driver and has solid pace, but frankly, his value in development will outweigh any speed deficiencies he may have had over someone like Liuzzi.

I suppose the other seat will go to Ricciardo or Vergne with the Red Bull money.

DanielPT · Post by **DanielPT** » 21 Nov 2011, 16:22

Speaking of Chinese manufacturers, Great Wall Motors will participate in Dakar 2012 with a team of their own using SUVs called Haval. They just signed Carlos Sousa as their main driver. This should be interesting to watch. In case of unexpected success will they move to, dare I say it, F1?

Nessafox · Post by **Nessafox** » 21 Nov 2011, 17:10

DanielPT wrote:Speaking of Chinese manufacturers, Great Wall Motors will participate in Dakar 2012 with a team of their own using SUVs called Haval. They just signed Carlos Sousa as their main driver. This should be interesting to watch. In case of unexpected success will they move to, dare I say it, F1?

if dakar is anything to go by, the great Latvian manufacturer OSCar should have been in F1 already...

S951 · Post by **S951** » 21 Nov 2011, 17:11

now all we need is a certain dutch driver to get a drive and that would be great

DanielPT · Post by **DanielPT** » 21 Nov 2011, 17:20

This wrote:
DanielPT wrote:Speaking of Chinese manufacturers, Great Wall Motors will participate in Dakar 2012 with a team of their own using SUVs called Haval. They just signed Carlos Sousa as their main driver. This should be interesting to watch. In case of unexpected success will they move to, dare I say it, F1?

if dakar is anything to go by, the great Latvian manufacturer OSCar should have been in F1 already...

They are small, never won Dakar and don't have the required money, while Great Wall Motors are bigger, might win Dakar and should bring up the needed cash for an engine, at least.

Post by **tommykl** » 21 Nov 2011, 17:21

This means that if Rubens is somehow still on the grid next year, this will be the first time since, I believe, the 1971 United States GP that there will be three drivers over 40 entered in the same event.

Nessafox · Post by **Nessafox** » 21 Nov 2011, 17:25

DanielPT wrote:
This wrote:
DanielPT wrote:Speaking of Chinese manufacturers, Great Wall Motors will participate in Dakar 2012 with a team of their own using SUVs called Haval. They just signed Carlos Sousa as their main driver. This should be interesting to watch. In case of unexpected success will they move to, dare I say it, F1?

if dakar is anything to go by, the great Latvian manufacturer OSCar should have been in F1 already...

They are small, never won Dakar and don't have the required money, while Great Wall Motors are bigger, might win Dakar and should bring up the needed cash for an engine, at least.

They are Latvian, your argument is invalid

DanielPT · Post by **DanielPT** » 21 Nov 2011, 17:29

This wrote:
DanielPT wrote:
This wrote:if dakar is anything to go by, the great Latvian manufacturer OSCar should have been in F1 already...

They are small, never won Dakar and don't have the required money, while Great Wall Motors are bigger, might win Dakar and should bring up the needed cash for an engine, at least.

They are Latvian, your argument is invalid

Perhaps they are not in F1 because electric motors are still forbidden...

Nessafox · Post by **Nessafox** » 21 Nov 2011, 17:38

dude, i just want constructors from obscure countries, this was my chance to create rumours and inspire these people!

But by the way, great wall has been competing for a few years, so they have some experience, and now they're ready to take on a step higher, but hasn't Geely been competing too?

DanielPT · Post by **DanielPT** » 21 Nov 2011, 17:52

This wrote:dude, i just want constructors from obscure countries, this was my chance to create rumours and inspire these people!

But by the way, great wall has been competing for a few years, so they have some experience, and now they're ready to take on a step higher, but hasn't Geely been competing too?

Couldn't find anything about Geely and Dakar. Chery Automobiles competed there in 2011 and was elected the best rookie team, though.

Also, if you want constructors from obscure countries look no further than Edran! :lol:

Nessafox · Post by **Nessafox** » 21 Nov 2011, 18:00

DanielPT wrote:
This wrote:dude, i just want constructors from obscure countries, this was my chance to create rumours and inspire these people!

But by the way, great wall has been competing for a few years, so they have some experience, and now they're ready to take on a step higher, but hasn't Geely been competing too?

Couldn't find anything about Geely and Dakar. Chery Automobiles competed there in 2011 and was elected the best rookie team, though.

Also, if you want constructors from obscure countries look no further than Edran!

Yeah i wasn't sure if it was Geely, but i couldn't find which it was and was to lazy to look it up, you know it's been almost a year since the last Dakar rally...

since when is Belgium obscure? Everyone knows Belgium is a fictional country!

dr-baker · Post by **dr-baker** » 21 Nov 2011, 18:02

S951 wrote:Now all we need is a certain HUNGARIAN driver to get a drive and that would be great.

Fixed.

DanielPT wrote:
This wrote:dude, i just want constructors from obscure countries, this was my chance to create rumours and inspire these people!

Also, if you want constructors from obscure countries look no further than Peel, DeLorean and TVR!

Also fixed.

Post by **mario** » 21 Nov 2011, 18:06

Henrique wrote:Guess who's back! http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/271814/de-la-rosa-to-drive-for-hrt-in-2012/

Now that is something I really was not expecting - I know that De La Rosa has popped up a few times before, particularly over at Sauber, but I would have thought that after his stint at Sauber he would have hung up his helmet.

OK, I know that Thesan Capital has promised to give the team a Spanish flavour, including relocating it to Spain (there is talk that they are moving into a former Americas Cup venue in Valencia), but I would have thought that they'd have gone for an up and coming driver like Dani Clos. I suppose that in theory De La Rosa can probably offer them quite good feedback and help develop the car (though some would argue that, although his season at Sauber was blighted by an unreliable car, the Sauber C29 did not drastically improve over the season).

Myrvold wrote:Also liked Will Buxtons tweet about this.

So Pedro's back, Kimi probably too. Heidfeld will no doubt spring up somewhere. Great to see an exciting new generation breaking through.

It's weird to think that even the newer teams are becoming increasingly conservative in their driver choice - as Rubens once pointed out, the banning of in season testing, coupled to a relatively tight grid, means that the teams are less willing to gamble on rookie drivers who might take time to mature, given that they simply can't afford to let them do that.

dr-baker · Post by **dr-baker** » 21 Nov 2011, 19:10

mario wrote:It's weird to think that even the newer teams are becoming increasingly conservative in their driver choice - as Rubens once pointed out, the banning of in season testing, coupled to a relatively tight grid, means that the teams are less willing to gamble on rookie drivers who might take time to mature, given that they simply can't afford to let them do that.

I would still like to see Maria de Villota in the second HRT seat, though!

cbbcisace · Post by **cbbcisace** » 21 Nov 2011, 20:12

I can see Dani Clos with the team still.

DanielPT · Post by **DanielPT** » 21 Nov 2011, 20:21

cbbcisace wrote:I can see Dani Clos with the team still.

Although that from a reject point of view it would be better if HRT chose de Villota.

S951 · Post by **S951** » 21 Nov 2011, 20:26

daniel she the lady who tested that renault?

DanielPT · Post by **DanielPT** » 21 Nov 2011, 20:30

S951 wrote:daniel she the lady who tested that renault?

Yes, she is. Tested the Renault just last month, so she has fresh F1 experience.

Aerospeed · Post by **Aerospeed** » 21 Nov 2011, 21:06

Henrique wrote:Guess who's back! http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/271814/de-la-rosa-to-drive-for-hrt-in-2012/

WHAT???

Seriously, WHAT??? That came from nowhere! And while we're on the subject, let's get Jean Alesi in the Caterham as well...

Post by **mario** » 21 Nov 2011, 21:15

dr-baker wrote:
mario wrote:It's weird to think that even the newer teams are becoming increasingly conservative in their driver choice - as Rubens once pointed out, the banning of in season testing, coupled to a relatively tight grid, means that the teams are less willing to gamble on rookie drivers who might take time to mature, given that they simply can't afford to let them do that.

I would still like to see Maria de Villota in the second HRT seat, though!

Whilst I'm sure that de Villota would help raise the profile of HRT if nothing else, at the moment somebody like Dani Clos is a more likely bet given that he'd probably stand a better chance of raising sponsorship cash. Yes, they did say that they were interested in a Latin American driver, but on the other hand I suspect that their priorities could be changed if somebody waived enough money in their general direction...

dr-baker · Post by **dr-baker** » 21 Nov 2011, 21:21

mario wrote:
dr-baker wrote:
mario wrote:It's weird to think that even the newer teams are becoming increasingly conservative in their driver choice - as Rubens once pointed out, the banning of in season testing, coupled to a relatively tight grid, means that the teams are less willing to gamble on rookie drivers who might take time to mature, given that they simply can't afford to let them do that.

I would still like to see Maria de Villota in the second HRT seat, though!

Whilst I'm sure that de Villota would help raise the profile of HRT if nothing else, at the moment somebody like Dani Clos is a more likely bet given that he'd probably stand a better chance of raising sponsorship cash. Yes, they did say that they were interested in a Latin American driver, but on the other hand I suspect that their priorities could be changed if somebody waived enough money in their general direction...

Latin American? Publicity? Milka Duno!

DanielPT · Post by **DanielPT** » 22 Nov 2011, 10:43

Since F1 is in the mood to bring back older drivers, why they are yet to remember... LUCA BADOER?

jpm · Post by **jpm** » 22 Nov 2011, 11:00

Luiz Razia to drive in practice for Brazil in place of Jarno. I think its very likely that he will race for them next year.

Captain Hammer · Post by **Captain Hammer** » 22 Nov 2011, 12:58

dr-baker wrote:
mario wrote:It's weird to think that even the newer teams are becoming increasingly conservative in their driver choice - as Rubens once pointed out, the banning of in season testing, coupled to a relatively tight grid, means that the teams are less willing to gamble on rookie drivers who might take time to mature, given that they simply can't afford to let them do that.

I would still like to see Maria de Villota in the second HRT seat, though!

Except that she isn't good enough, and would struggle endlessly - which would end in discrediting the idea of women in Formula 1.

Klon · Post by **Klon** » 22 Nov 2011, 16:06

Captain Hammer wrote:Except that she isn't good enough, and would struggle endlessly - which would end in discrediting the idea of women in Formula 1.

The idea is already discredited, otherwise we would have more than five female F1-Fahrer (I had to use German there, I couldn't let that beautiful alliteration splip past) in the history of our sport, furthermore rookies struggle always, so unless that woman gets put in a top car from the outlet, female drivers are always going to hurt their cause following your logic so ... there is no hope for female race drivers at all.