2010 Driver Market

Warren Hughes · Post by **Warren Hughes** » 18 Nov 2009, 13:52

As above, my predictions are in italics - the rest are confirmed.

McLaren Mercedes
1. Jenson Button
2. Lewis Hamilton

Mercedes F1
3. Nico Rosberg
4. Nick Heidfeld

Red Bull Renault
5. Sebastian Vettel
6. Mark Webber

Ferrari
7. Fernando Alonso
8. Felipe Massa

Williams Cosworth
9. Rubens Barrichello
10. Nico Hulkenberg

Renault
11. Heikki Kovalainen
12. Robert Kubica

Force India Mercedes
14. Adrian Sutil
15. Vitantonio Liuzzi

Toro Rosso Ferrari
16. Sebastien Buemi
17. Jaime Alguersuari

Campos Meta Cosworth
18. Bruno Senna
19. Vitaly Petrov

Manor Cosworth
20. Timo Glock
21. Lucas di Grassi

USF1 Cosworth
22. Pedro de la Rosa
23. Jonathan Summerton

Lotus Cosworth
24. Jarno Trulli
25. Kamui Kobayashi

Qadbak Sauber Ferrari
26. Giancarlo Fisichella
27. Christian Klien

Popi_Larrauri · Post by **Popi_Larrauri** » 18 Nov 2009, 15:18

Ok, it's, again, a rumour, but it's ammasing strenght here. From time to time argentinean press plays with the idea of an argentiniean near a seat in F1.

In this case, small buzzing have been wandering in the local press for months, so I didn't comment anything here because it didn't even qualify for this. But the whole thing seems to be growing. I wont post any article because there is not too much in any place at all, but I heared from a seroius radio program that José María Lopez is having a meeting right now with Peter Windsor, at USF1 facilities in USA. It's supposed to be a race seat, since they are requesting Lopez no lesss than U$s 8 millon. It's supposed that in 48hs should be at least a confirmation or a termination of conversations.

There's another floating rumor about Esteban Guerrieri having a link to Manor, and that they were requering from him 10 million U$s, but that has less specific weight right now and should not be taken seriously.

That's all. It's a ruomour, merge it to 2010 line up thread if you want.

Warren Hughes · Post by **Warren Hughes** » 18 Nov 2009, 15:50

Can't see anything in that one, to be honest. If I remember him correctly from GP2 a few years ago, he was no slouch, but a bit accident prone. The fact that he's no longer in GP2, and now racing in Argentinian Touring Cars, suggests he never quite made the grade in Europe. Wishful thinking from the Argentinian press I think - Lopez's chance to shine on the world stage has been and gone.

Popi_Larrauri · Post by **Popi_Larrauri** » 18 Nov 2009, 16:58

Oh, until now I thought so (and Ia'm stil thinking it). The guy was about to demostrate something on GP2 that never eventuated in terms of results. But as a pay-driver he may have a chance, and the team seems to be the less serious of the entrants right now.

And, in the end, the guy is in US in a meeting with him. Of course, they always can answer him "ha, ha! in your dreams!".

Post by **DemocalypseNow** » 18 Nov 2009, 17:08

I don't see why everybody is predicting Heidfeld at Mercedes GP. Yes, I know they had talks, but wait 'till you hear what Norbert Haug said.

I have every understanding that all the people in Formula One worldwide want to know who the drivers will be now. It's not finally decided, but I think and hope we can announce something in the course of the next couple of weeks. We will do a very good job in that respect as well I can promise you - and maybe we can create some surprises.

Nick Heidfeld is about the least surprising driver I have seen in my life.

Post by **DemocalypseNow** » 18 Nov 2009, 17:13

José María Lopez has a bright future ahead of him...in FIA GT.
Last time I remember seeing him was in a Labre Competition prepared ACA Argentina Ferrari 550 Maranello, alongside our old friend Esteban Tuero!

homerbhoy · Post by **homerbhoy** » 18 Nov 2009, 18:11

Warren Hughes wrote:As above, my predictions are in italics - the rest are confirmed.

McLaren Mercedes
1. Jenson Button
2. Lewis Hamilton

Mercedes F1
3. Nico Rosberg
4. Nick Heidfeld

Rosberg hasn't actually been confirmed although I do expect him to be there next season.

Warren Hughes · Post by **Warren Hughes** » 18 Nov 2009, 20:25

kostas22 wrote:Nick Heidfeld is about the least surprising driver I have seen in my life.

You won't be saying that if he ever wins...

Jordan · Post by **Jordan** » 18 Nov 2009, 20:45

This is THE single best potential driver signing for 2010 i've read about yet, EVEN if i'll be jaw-droppingly surprised if it turns into something legit

http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/n ... 1121.shtml

homerbhoy · Post by **homerbhoy** » 18 Nov 2009, 20:47

Usf1 or Renault ?

Phoenix · Post by **Phoenix** » 18 Nov 2009, 20:54

If Villeneuve is signed, he'll end at USF1. I'd bet a couple of beers...

shinji · Post by **shinji** » 18 Nov 2009, 20:59

homerbhoy wrote:Usf1 or Renault ?

Stefan GP.

I'm excited now.

Villeneuve and Pavlovic has a rather rejectful ring to it...

kowalski · Post by **kowalski** » 18 Nov 2009, 21:00

Jordan wrote:This is THE single best potential driver signing for 2010 i've read about yet, EVEN if i'll be jaw-droppingly surprised if it turns into something legit

http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/n ... 1121.shtml

let it be true!

USF1 - c'mon, awesome, etc...

put kimi in the renault

shumacher in the merc

kobayashi in anything

then lets see montoya in the other USF1 car

now THAT would be a season i would be looking forward to!!!!

Klon · Post by **Klon** » 18 Nov 2009, 21:19

I hope Haug's surprise will be Villeneuve in the Mercedes. Only to see the virtual looks of my forum mates...

Waris · Post by **Waris** » 18 Nov 2009, 21:36

Klon wrote:I hope Haug's surprise will be Villeneuve in the Mercedes. Only to see the virtual looks of my forum mates...

Oh yes, please... *forumgasms*

Jordan · Post by **Jordan** » 18 Nov 2009, 21:47

The only thing more exciting may truly be 'Dale Earnhardt Jr joins Ferrari's F1 team

noisebox · Post by **noisebox** » 19 Nov 2009, 10:27

Some excellent publicocrap from Jarno Trulli:

"You never know in life. I keep my door open, but definitely I'm dealing closely with some team."

translation: "I'm desperate to stay in F1 and will sign for Lotus if I have to, however if anyone else comes along I'll bite their hand off."

Chewie · Post by **Chewie** » 19 Nov 2009, 10:46

from Jarno Trulli:

"You never know in life. I keep my door open, but definitely I'm dealing closely with some team."

translation: "I am quite happy growing vines and drinking wine, and if all else fails I can always spend all day turning left in a NASCAR"

Valrys · Post by **Valrys** » 19 Nov 2009, 11:30

I don't have an English source, but apparantly Jose Maria Lopez has signed for USF1 today. If true, rather baffling

Captain Hammer · Post by **Captain Hammer** » 19 Nov 2009, 11:44

Jonathan Summerton's Twitter feed suggests he has a drive as well.

Anyway, updated predictions:

McLaren - Button, Hamilton
Mercedes - Rosberg, Klien
Red Bull - Vettel, Webber
Ferrari - Massa, Alonso
Williams - Barrichello, Hulkenberg
Renault - Kubica, Petrov
Force India - Sutil, Liuzzi
Toro Rosso - Buemi, Hartley
Campos - Senna, Maldonado
Virgin - Glock, Davidson
USF1 - Summerton, Villeneuve
Lotus - Trulli, Kobayashi
Sauber - Kovalainen, Fisichella

noisebox · Post by **noisebox** » 19 Nov 2009, 11:49

Captain Hammer wrote:Mercedes - Rosberg, Klien

That's the most baffling prediction I've seen all year. If that one comes off my hat is buttered and ready for lunch!

Salamander · Post by **Salamander** » 19 Nov 2009, 14:55

My current predictions. Admittedly, some of these are complete guesses:

McLaren - Button, Hamilton
Mercedes - Rosberg, Raikkonen (Kubica if Renault pull out)
Red Bull - Vettel, Webber
Ferrari - Massa, Alonso
Williams - Barrichello, Hulkenberg
Renault - Kubica, Kovalainen
Force India - Sutil, Liuzzi
Toro Rosso - Buemi, Alguersuari
Campos - Senna, Petrov
Virgin - Glock, Kobayashi
USF1 - Summerton, Villeneuve
Lotus - Trulli, Maldonado
Sauber - Fisichella, Davidson

Post by **Nuppiz** » 19 Nov 2009, 15:01

Current MTV3 news suggest that Räikkönen has said that he is not negoatiating with Brawn/Mercedes GP.

deCrasheris · Post by **deCrasheris** » 19 Nov 2009, 15:14

Some of these are just pure speculation

McLaren - 1. Button,Hamilton
Mercedes - Rosberg, Heidfeld
Red Bull - Vettel, Webber
Ferrari - Massa, Alonso
Williams - Barrichello, Hulkenberg
Renault - Kubica, Petrov (because of the finaces he brings with him)
Force India - Sutil, de la Rosa (to me he's overdue for a drive and Liuzzi after Monza didn't do anything worth keeping his drive)
Toro Rosso - Buemi, Alguersuari
Campos - Senna, Klien (throwing out a wild guess I suppose but you can't have a rookie team with two rookie drivers.)
Virgin - Glock, Kobayashi
USF1 - Summerton, Wurz (I still believe that he has a shot for this ride and he provides the technical prowess to develop the car unlike Villeneuve who I think is training for his long awaited return to nascar to be honest.
Lotus - Trulli, Maldonaldo (finance based move with the Pastor)
Sauber - Fisichella, Davidson

Debaser · Post by **Debaser** » 19 Nov 2009, 17:28

A new reject in our midst!!! Venezuelan presence in F1!!!

Pastor Maldonado has signed for Campos.

midgrid · Post by **midgrid** » 19 Nov 2009, 17:40

To the person who mentioned Will Power: he will in fact get a good drive for Penske.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/80231

CarlosFerreira · Post by **CarlosFerreira** » 19 Nov 2009, 17:52

Nuppiz wrote:... MTV3 news...

Second most astonishing source of the thread, after BBC Radio Sheffield. I wonder what Veterinary News has to say about the issue?

Post by **DemocalypseNow** » 19 Nov 2009, 17:54

midgrid wrote:To the person who mentioned Will Power: he will in fact get a good drive for Penske.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/80231

Ah well...theres always another year :lol:

Although, the fact we are hearing both Summerton and Lopez sign contracts with USF1 today, and on the same day, Power finally does a deal with Penske, makes it sound like these reports are a little more realistic than we are giving them credit for?

Post by **Nuppiz** » 19 Nov 2009, 18:01

CarlosFerreira wrote:
Nuppiz wrote:... MTV3 news...

Second most astonishing source of the thread, after BBC Radio Sheffield. I wonder what Veterinary News has to say about the issue?

At least they have a proper source: http://www.formula1.com/news/interviews/2009/11/10229.html

Interview Question 6
Q: What about moving to the newly formed Mercedes GP team? Have you put out any feelers towards Brackley?
KR: No, I have not held talks with Brawn. I feel they will run two German drivers next year now that Mercedes are involved.

CarlosFerreira · Post by **CarlosFerreira** » 19 Nov 2009, 18:03

Nuppiz wrote:
CarlosFerreira wrote:
Nuppiz wrote:... MTV3 news...

Second most astonishing source of the thread, after BBC Radio Sheffield. I wonder what Veterinary News has to say about the issue?

At least they have a proper source: http://www.formula1.com/news/interviews/2009/11/10229.html
Interview Question 6
Q: What about moving to the newly formed Mercedes GP team? Have you put out any feelers towards Brackley?
KR: No, I have not held talks with Brawn. I feel they will run two German drivers next year now that Mercedes are involved.

OK, my bad!

Salamander · Post by **Salamander** » 19 Nov 2009, 18:29

Apparentl Paul di Resta is going to test for Force India quite soon...

Phoenix · Post by **Phoenix** » 19 Nov 2009, 19:53

BlindCaveSalamander wrote:Apparentl Paul di Resta is going to test for Force India quite soon...

It's a firm choice for the second seat, beecause it seems more than likely Liuzzi won't stay onboard next season.

frongor · Post by **frongor** » 20 Nov 2009, 02:32

Liuzzi would be great for Indycar

Captain Hammer · Post by **Captain Hammer** » 20 Nov 2009, 03:03

noisebox wrote:That's the most baffling prediction I've seen all year. If that one comes off my hat is buttered and ready for lunch!

I figured he'd be better than Nick Heidfeld. Anyone would.

Debaser wrote:A new reject in our midst!!! Venezuelan presence in F1!!!

Pastor Maldonado has signed for Campos.

Got a source?

'Cause last time I checked, the Campos seat came down to Maldonado and Petrov, with de la Rosa an outside chance if he could match the other two in sponsor dollars.

Porrima · Post by **Porrima** » 20 Nov 2009, 04:10

CarlosFerreira wrote:
Nuppiz wrote:... MTV3 news...

Second most astonishing source of the thread, after BBC Radio Sheffield. I wonder what Veterinary News has to say about the issue?

I have to ask.. since it is so astonishing do you think MTV3 news means the Music Television, or something like that?
SInce MTV3 (Mainostelevisio 3, literally "commercial television", as it was once the third overall, and first channel in Finland run with commercial money, not with the state owned television fee-funded channels) is the biggest TV network in Finland, and one with practically all the F1 coverage and expertise Finland has with them in their crew?

Nin13 · Post by **Nin13** » 20 Nov 2009, 05:35

Phoenix wrote:
BlindCaveSalamander wrote:Apparentl Paul di Resta is going to test for Force India quite soon...

It's a firm choice for the second seat, because it seems more than likely Liuzzi won't stay onboard next season.

Force India are looking at Luizzi, Chandok, Sutil, Fisichella, Jani, Piquet Jr.
Also Mclaren suggested names like Paffett and Di Riesta.

It looks like Piquet Jr. is getting in a lot of father's money which right now Force India wants, plus we know how he was treated at Renault.
I dont think Mclaren / Mercedes will force Paffett or Di Riesta, option will be open. Sutil / Luizzi will get other seat with Chandok in 3rd drivers seat..........

Captain Hammer · Post by **Captain Hammer** » 20 Nov 2009, 09:04

Joe Saward and the Argentine media are reporting TC2000 touring car driver Jose Maria Lopez has signed for USf1. An odd choice, since he hasn't been in an open-hweeler since he left Super Nova at the end of the 1006 GP2 series, and has a reputation for crashing.

A future Reject, then.

CarlosFerreira · Post by **CarlosFerreira** » 20 Nov 2009, 09:37

Porrima wrote:
CarlosFerreira wrote:
Nuppiz wrote:... MTV3 news...

Second most astonishing source of the thread, after BBC Radio Sheffield. I wonder what Veterinary News has to say about the issue?

I have to ask.. since it is so astonishing do you think MTV3 news means the Music Television, or something like that?
SInce MTV3 (Mainostelevisio 3, literally "commercial television", as it was once the third overall, and first channel in Finland run with commercial money, not with the state owned television fee-funded channels) is the biggest TV network in Finland, and one with practically all the F1 coverage and expertise Finland has with them in their crew?

Ah, so it unravels. I understand now. Apologies, then - although I still expect Veterinary News, should it exist, to have a crack at the 2010 grid. :mrgreen:

Jordan · Post by **Jordan** » 20 Nov 2009, 12:31

Reports now indicate potential spots in the WRC for Kimi are Petter Solberg's team (not sure how he'd get paid anything to go there, since Petter is funding his own team) or Citroen with the main tie being the common sponsorship between Kimi and Citroen WRC being Red Bull

Popi_Larrauri · Post by **Popi_Larrauri** » 20 Nov 2009, 12:47

Captain Hammer wrote: 1006 GP2 series, and has a reputation for crashing.

A future Reject, then.

Long gone times, indeed. THAT was F1 one, fully armored horses.... "Oh! King Richard? how many Bph has your chariot? Answer: Well... It depends on how many you attach to it... Most of the time just two..."

THAT was biofuel and adaptability my friend... And for Lopez reputation as a usual crasher... Those chariots didn't even have steering wheel... can you believe it? :shock:

890 bph? how many of them can bring you back home after you got totally drunk? ah?

PS: Personally, and on a more serious level, I think he will last until they find and American with superlicense to then sweep him away...

Edit: But of course, They'll have to wait, at least, until 1492... :lol: