2014 Silly Season Thread

Post by **mario** » 10 Nov 2013, 09:25

solarcold wrote:Raikkonen not to race in USA and Brazil due to urgent surgery. Turun Sanomat

I wonder if he has been diagnosed with a case of severe wallet trauma...

OK, I'll admit that is a bit harsh on Kimi - there are some claims that Kimi is still suffering from the back injuries that he had picked up around the Singapore GP, but I was under the impression that he had recovered from those injuries (he did dismiss questions over his health before the Korean GP and said that he was back to full health at the time).
Perhaps I am being a bit too cynical, but there is a part of me that does wonder if, given the recent dispute between Kimi and Lotus over pay, whether this is really is a case of Kimi being injured or whether Kimi is actually following through on his threat to walk out on the team and has used his injuries as a way of defending his actions.

Ed24 wrote:
solarcold wrote:I'd go with Valsecchi. Finally a good chance for a tester. It can't be Hülkenberg cuz I can't see anyone to race for Sauber if he goes. (Pedro de la Rosa anyone? Oh please make it happen. I want this to happen.)

That sounds really good actually (although my favourite rumour was the Kimi/Hulk swap rumours)! Like I was saying about Ferrari yesterday, another PDLR comeback is always welcome! The problem with Valsecchi is that we saw that D'Ambrosio wasn't that good as a sub and he had the extra experience at Marussia, so I can't see him doing that well. However, it would be sad to see him overlooked, like the old Badoer 1999 situation.

Would be pretty bizarre if both Alonso and Raikkonen are out though!

EDIT: As an argument for Valsecchi, as we saw with Kobayashi in 2009, sometimes drivers can come in and do surprisingly well.

I guess that Boullier might seek to put Valsecchi into the car, although d'Ambrosio, as Lotus's official reserve driver, might be given that chance instead. I'd agree, though, that it could be a bit of a double edged sword - he would be under heavy pressure to help the team in their battle with Ferrari and Mercedes over 2nd in the WCC, so it would be a difficult situation to be dropped into without much preparation.

solarcold · Post by **solarcold** » 10 Nov 2013, 09:38

Ed24 wrote:EDIT 2: I must say, this whole story does seem a little fishy though - could be just a convenient excuse to cut their losses and get Kimi out of there.

Sure, why not?

Ed24 · Post by **Ed24** » 10 Nov 2013, 09:39

Valsecchi would probably have the advantage over D'Ambrosio as he has at least driven this year's car, and probably wouldn't be any worse than Jerome, but who knows, could be much better.

I'd give Davide one chance in Austin, and have a back-up ready for Brazil (maybe Kovalainen if Hulk deal not possible?) in case he doesn't live up to reasonable expectations.

TomWazzleshaw · Post by **TomWazzleshaw** » 10 Nov 2013, 10:08

Ed24 wrote:Valsecchi would probably have the advantage over D'Ambrosio as he has at least driven this year's car, and probably wouldn't be any worse than Jerome, but who knows, could be much better.

I'd give Davide one chance in Austin, and have a back-up ready for Brazil (maybe Kovalainen if Hulk deal not possible?) in case he doesn't live up to reasonable expectations.

Problem is Brazil is the next weekend after Austin, so whoever drives the car in Austin will probably have to drive in Brazil as well, simply because they wouldn't be able to get any outside replacement to adjust to the team environment in such a short turnaround.

roblo97 · Post by **roblo97** » 10 Nov 2013, 10:10

mario wrote:
solarcold wrote:Raikkonen not to race in USA and Brazil due to urgent surgery. Turun Sanomat

I wonder if he has been diagnosed with a case of severe wallet trauma...

That is a contender for Post Of The Year :lol:

Post by **Londoner** » 10 Nov 2013, 10:24

Autosport confirmation, so it's definitely legit.

Klon will be pleased - we're finally getting a change of driver in 2013. :lol:

CoopsII · Post by **CoopsII** » 10 Nov 2013, 10:58

solarcold wrote:Raikkonen not to race in USA and Brazil due to urgent surgery. Turun Sanomat

I think its known as a Lotusectomy. Ouchy.

Backmarker · Post by **Backmarker** » 10 Nov 2013, 11:28

Ferrari to be sponsored by Cura-Heat for 2014.

WeirdKerr · Post by **WeirdKerr** » 10 Nov 2013, 11:29

How unfortunate :roll:

UncreativeUsername37 · Post by **UncreativeUsername37** » 10 Nov 2013, 14:35

And once again, the season where every driver enters every race is narrowly avoided! Yes!

Post by **kevinbotz** » 10 Nov 2013, 15:47

Magnussen now the favorite for 2014 McLaren seat.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/111221

andrew2209 · Post by **andrew2209** » 10 Nov 2013, 16:19

Anyone else think one of the midfield teams could try and sign up Perez? If he brings money to the table, then it could be a possibility.

The Mexican GP could be a lot of fun with no Mexican drivers. Ticket sales will be so high.

CaptainGetz12 · Post by **CaptainGetz12** » 10 Nov 2013, 16:23

andrew2209 wrote:Anyone else think one of the midfield teams could try and sign up Perez? If he brings money to the table, then it could be a possibility.

The Mexican GP could be a lot of fun with no Mexican drivers. Ticket sales will be so high.

Did you mean not so fun with no Mexican Drivers?

Though I do think Perez has some speed and him leaving F1 altogether after being dumped by Mclaren would be pretty sad. Not as sad as Hulkenberg or Kobayashi not racing in 2014, but still...

UncreativeUsername37 · Post by **UncreativeUsername37** » 10 Nov 2013, 16:28

CaptainGetz12 wrote:
andrew2209 wrote:The Mexican GP could be a lot of fun with no Mexican drivers. Ticket sales will be so high.

Did you mean not so fun with no Mexican Drivers?

Did the italicised "so" not tip you off to any possible sarcasm?

rachel1990 · Post by **rachel1990** » 10 Nov 2013, 17:57

roblomas52 wrote:
mario wrote:
solarcold wrote:Raikkonen not to race in USA and Brazil due to urgent surgery. Turun Sanomat

I wonder if he has been diagnosed with a case of severe wallet trauma...

That is a contender for Post Of The Year

I second that.

I wonder if Lotus have to pay him for the last two races or can they get a nice pay driver to come in for two races- Could cover some bills

Yannick · Post by **Yannick** » 10 Nov 2013, 18:21

May Kimi Raikkonen get well again soon. Here's to a full and quick recovery.

Who knows which driver GenII F1 RacingTeam will pick as a replacement? Monsieur Custard stepped into the race seat for them once before already but that was last year at Monza. Might we see this drive for 2 races go to the highest bidder even? Probably not because the team still want to achieve something in the constructors' championship.

Sublime_FA11C · Post by **Sublime_FA11C** » 10 Nov 2013, 18:51

They have a reserve driver for this scenario. They may just do the least controversial thing and plonk him into the car. I doubt he's totally crap otherwise he wouldn't be a reserve driver.

As for Kimi, it seems the deal with Lotus that would see him race in USA and Brazil fell through. Lotus have not paid him, but ironically if he were to walk out on them, then they could use that legally against him and the dispute might drag or reduce the amount Lotus eventually cough up. So he conveniently uses genuine medical reasons to avoid driving for the team and make good on his threat. Nice "fu" from the Iceman there, and it will cost Lotus extremly valuable points he could have scored in Abu Dhabi, Austin and Interlagos.

Well played by Kimi i think. Renault were much less of a threat when they had Heidfeld and Petrov, it was Raikkonen that lifted them up, won for them, also carried Grjn up and drew silly publicity their way. They are in debt because they fought the big teams, but it's thanks to Raikkonen they ever had a chance. To be late paying such a driver for one year is unfortunate but to do it 2 years in a row and then mistake his threat for a bluff is idiotic. Why would you even consider fighting or pressuring your star driver?

I can't see this as coincidence. Kimi was pushed aside when he left the team, though he was professional enough to deliver points for them until the year's end. It's pretty normal for a team to push a driver aside but Lotus wnet out of their way to show Raikkonen how hurt they were. To the point of screwing him some more with his money, which while huge is still his and he earned it the only way he earns money, and risking his life/health in doing so. Why not ignore the plight of a team that shouts profanities at you to better prepare to work for a team that is de facto your team now.

Anyway i could be off but i do like how this played out. It's good drama. Now for D'Ambrosio to win a race and do 57 donuts... :D

roblo97 · Post by **roblo97** » 10 Nov 2013, 18:55

Ed24 wrote:Valsecchi would probably have the advantage over D'Ambrosio as he has at least driven this year's car, and probably wouldn't be any worse than Jerome, but who knows, could be much better.

I'd give Davide one chance in Austin, and have a back-up ready for Brazil (maybe Kovalainen if Hulk deal not possible?) in case he doesn't live up to reasonable expectations.

I do find that Valsecchi does deserve a chance in the final 2 races to prove himself because he is a GP2 champion and to date, only one GP2 champion has never made it to F1. Gorgio Pantano. Having said that, he did race for Jordan in 2004 so he does technicaly have some experience in f1.

eichy · Post by **eichy** » 10 Nov 2013, 19:45

roblomas52 wrote:
Ed24 wrote:Valsecchi would probably have the advantage over D'Ambrosio as he has at least driven this year's car, and probably wouldn't be any worse than Jerome, but who knows, could be much better.

I'd give Davide one chance in Austin, and have a back-up ready for Brazil (maybe Kovalainen if Hulk deal not possible?) in case he doesn't live up to reasonable expectations.

I do find that Valsecchi does deserve a chance in the final 2 races to prove himself because he is a GP2 champion and to date, only one GP2 champion has never made it to F1. Gorgio Pantano. Having said that, he did race for Jordan in 2004 so he does technicaly have some experience in f1.

Seriously, I would like to see Valsecchi over Jerome at this point.

andrew2209 · Post by **andrew2209** » 10 Nov 2013, 19:54

Lotus should offer the drive to one of their prospective 2014 drivers, Maldonado for 2 reasons:
1. We can see Grosjean and Maldonado in the same team
2. Williams can bring in their reserve driver: http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/wp-content/uploads/44.jpg
Frankly I think that's a win-win scenario for everyone.

Backmarker · Post by **Backmarker** » 10 Nov 2013, 20:46

roblomas52 wrote:
Ed24 wrote:Valsecchi would probably have the advantage over D'Ambrosio as he has at least driven this year's car, and probably wouldn't be any worse than Jerome, but who knows, could be much better.

I'd give Davide one chance in Austin, and have a back-up ready for Brazil (maybe Kovalainen if Hulk deal not possible?) in case he doesn't live up to reasonable expectations.

I do find that Valsecchi does deserve a chance in the final 2 races to prove himself because he is a GP2 champion and to date, only one GP2 champion has never made it to F1. Gorgio Pantano. Having said that, he did race for Jordan in 2004 so he does technicaly have some experience in f1.

Well, since Abu Dhabi Fabio Leimer is also a GP2 Series champion. Davide Valsecchi has a lot of money behind him, so he can likely afford the Lotus seat, unlike Heikki. Leimer's had enough to support a reasonably long GP2 career, but I don't ever see him having a chance at an F1 drive.

roblo97 · Post by **roblo97** » 10 Nov 2013, 20:56

andrew2209 wrote:Lotus should offer the drive to one of their prospective 2014 drivers, Maldonado for 2 reasons:
1. We can see Grosjean and Maldonado in the same team
2. Williams can bring in their reserve driver: http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/wp-content/uploads/44.jpg
Frankly I think that's a win-win scenario for everyone.

Mods, can one of you please move the post to its riteful place here?
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=5293&start=1280
Thank you

dr-baker · Post by **dr-baker** » 10 Nov 2013, 22:57

andrew2209 wrote:Lotus should offer the drive to one of their prospective 2014 drivers, Maldonado for 2 reasons:
1. We can see Grosjean and Maldonado in the same team
2. Williams can bring in their reserve driver:
Frankly I think that's a win-win scenario for everyone.

Brilliant! Although I would imagine that she could bring in a few pennies for Lotus via publicity. But that didn't work with having Kimi at the team...

Post by **DemocalypseNow** » 11 Nov 2013, 00:18

In non-driver news, Quantum's recent investment in Lotus means they will apparently be leaving their former Enstone base behind for a new purpose built facility.

watka · Post by **watka** » 11 Nov 2013, 00:29

Why don't Lotus put their "young driver" in the car to give them a bit of experience? Oh wait, it's Nicolas Prost.

Cynon · Post by **Cynon** » 11 Nov 2013, 03:29

andrew2209 wrote:Lotus should offer the drive to one of their prospective 2014 drivers, Maldonado for 2 reasons:
1. We can see Grosjean and Maldonado in the same team
2. Williams can bring in their reserve driver: http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/wp-content/uploads/44.jpg
Frankly I think that's a win-win scenario for everyone.

Absolutely it is! A Grosjean-Maldolan pairing, or better yet, Grosjean-Wolff pairing would be FAR more exciting than Davide Valsecchi... even though Valsecchi deserves his chance.

DOSBoot · Post by **DOSBoot** » 11 Nov 2013, 03:54

I might sound a little patriotic here, but how about Conor Daily? He was third this year in GP2 with ART, which is sponsored by Lotus. It would be a good choice for the American interest in F1, especially with Austin coming up.

wsrgo · Post by **wsrgo** » 11 Nov 2013, 04:17

DOSBoot wrote:I might sound a little patriotic here, but how about Conor Daily? He was third this year in GP2 with ART, which is sponsored by Lotus. It would be a good choice for the American interest in F1, especially with Austin coming up.

Not anymore. That was until last year.

AustralianStig · Post by **AustralianStig** » 11 Nov 2013, 04:28

DOSBoot wrote:I might sound a little patriotic here, but how about Conor Daily? He was third this year in GP2 with ART, which is sponsored by Lotus. It would be a good choice for the American interest in F1, especially with Austin coming up.

GP3, actually. He had two GP2 races with Hilmer before getting replaced by Frijns and going back to GP3.

This probably isn't very realistic, but it'd be cool if Sauber let the Hulk race for Lotus in exchange for some money. That way Lotus would actually be able to see how he would fit in with the team.

DOSBoot · Post by **DOSBoot** » 11 Nov 2013, 04:40

AustralianStig wrote:
DOSBoot wrote:I might sound a little patriotic here, but how about Conor Daily? He was third this year in GP2 with ART, which is sponsored by Lotus. It would be a good choice for the American interest in F1, especially with Austin coming up.

GP3, actually. He had two GP2 races with Hilmer before getting replaced by Frijns and going back to GP3.

Damn typo. But still, I'd like to see him take a shot at it.

dr-baker · Post by **dr-baker** » 11 Nov 2013, 10:03

AustralianStig wrote:This probably isn't very realistic, but it'd be cool if Sauber let the Hulk race for Lotus in exchange for some money. That way Lotus would actually be able to see how he would fit in with the team.

Lotus? Money? What money? What money they do have, they owe to Kimi first, surely? :roll:

Sublime_FA11C · Post by **Sublime_FA11C** » 11 Nov 2013, 13:53

Since when does Hulk have money? Also, what is the point of having reserve drivers? Also also, why is D'Ambrosio on a podium not a dream come true on this forum of all places.

Post by **Ataxia** » 11 Nov 2013, 15:06

Confirmation of Massa and Bottas!

Alextrax52 · Post by **Alextrax52** » 11 Nov 2013, 15:11

Ataxia wrote:Confirmation of Massa and Bottas!

Wow. If you said to me in 2008 that Massa would be driving for Williams in 2014 I would have called you insane. Nice to see him on the grid still and maybe Bottas could learn a lot from him and become a solid driver

rachel1990 · Post by **rachel1990** » 11 Nov 2013, 15:15

Freeze-O-Kimi wrote:
Ataxia wrote:Confirmation of Massa and Bottas!

Wow. If you said to me in 2008 that Massa would be driving for Williams in 2014 I would have called you insane. Nice to see him on the grid still and maybe Bottas could learn a lot from him and become a solid driver

This is good news. Massa has proved in the last few races that he deserves a drive for 2014. Hopefully he and Bottas can lead Williams well

Ed24 · Post by **Ed24** » 11 Nov 2013, 15:34

Really happy to see Massa stay in F1, he has a good chance now to have a strong couple of years which might well determine his legacy in F1.

One interesting subplot out of this is Massa now working under Pat Symonds!

Dj_bereta · Post by **Dj_bereta** » 11 Nov 2013, 15:57

Alonso could miss Austin racing, because your back too:

http://grandprix247.com/2013/11/11/alon ... ari-debut/

If this happens, De La Rosa could return, or Rodolfo Gonzalez make your debut (replacing bianchi at Marussia).

Post by **Londoner** » 11 Nov 2013, 16:01

Massa got the Williams seat? Well that's disappointing. As much as I want to give the guy sympathy, the fact is he just hasn't been good enough since his accident, or indeed since Germany 2010. The odd flash of inspiration, and the odd storming drive aside, he's been mediocre like hell for the last three seasons.

Still, if it ensures Williams are still in a good financial shape for some more seasons, then it's OK. At least Bottas gets another go, poor lad's been hamstrung with this year's car.

Of course, the big question now is...where does The Reverend go from here? Force India? Sauber (to get rid of Gutierrez), Caterham even?

S951 · Post by **S951** » 11 Nov 2013, 16:22

happy for massa hopefully with a bit less pressure he can put in some strong drives

now alonso missing next race if it happened most likely be pedro although we can hope for a heroic return by kamui

Dj_bereta · Post by **Dj_bereta** » 11 Nov 2013, 16:32

East Londoner wrote:Massa got the Williams seat? Well that's disappointing. As much as I want to give the guy sympathy, the fact is he just hasn't been good enough since his accident, or indeed since Germany 2010. The odd flash of inspiration, and the odd storming drive aside, he's been mediocre like hell for the last three seasons.

Still, if it ensures Williams are still in a good financial shape for some more seasons, then it's OK. At least Bottas gets another go, poor lad's been hamstrung with this year's car.

Of course, the big question now is...where does The Reverend go from here? Force India? Sauber (to get rid of Gutierrez), Caterham even?

I think Maldonado prefer to stay in home than racing for Caterham.