BBC news quoting Robert Kubica 'seriously injured'

europeanminardi · Post by **europeanminardi** » 09 Feb 2011, 15:36

Ok, how 'bout this one:

"Team Lotus Renault by Hedgefund" look for a driver.
Lotus sponsors an IRL car in the US - Takuma Sato-san's.

BRING BACK TAKUUUUUU!!!!

he certainly is experienced and it will be interesting to see who manages more crashes

Seriously, I want Takuma back.

P_Friesacher · Post by **P_Friesacher** » 09 Feb 2011, 16:42

Usually reliable German (Swiss?) magazine "Speedweek" is reporting as fact that Heidfeld will replace Kubica.
http://www.speedweek.de/Formel1/news/17 ... ubica.html
Translation: http://translate.google.com/translate?j ... ubica.html

Post by **mario** » 09 Feb 2011, 17:05

P_Friesacher wrote:Usually reliable German (Swiss?) magazine "Speedweek" is reporting as fact that Heidfeld will replace Kubica.
http://www.speedweek.de/Formel1/news/17 ... ubica.html
Translation: http://translate.google.com/translate?j ... ubica.html

On the other hand, in an article on Autosport, Lopez has indicated that the team are going to wait until they are certain that Kubica will not be participating in any races this year. If he is definitely out for the entire season, then they will go for a much more experienced driver (i.e. somebody like Heidfeld or Liuzzi) who can develop the car. If, and it is a big if, Kubica can recover much sooner and drive a meaningful number of races, they will probably go for a younger driver (i.e. one of their reserve drivers) and let them rack up some mileage to let them show off what they can do.

As a result, the indication from the team is that no definite decision is likely before the Jerez tests, and probably not until after Barcelona either.

"Our strategy will be to try out a young driver to get kilometres under his belt and prepare for the years to come. Should Robert be out for the entire season, then it will normally be a more experienced driver to do the entire season, to develop the car, and everything else."

He added: "We must wait for the Jerez tests now, and thankfully the Barcelona ones too, and see how the car is going, and how the driver - who will start the season and maybe ending it too - is doing. We don't know.

It's true that Heidfeld's name has come up again as Lopez discussed his options. What will probably happen is Heidfeld, along with one or more alternative candidates, might be given, say, one or two days to test the car at either Jerez or Barcelona. Now, considering the severity of Kubica's injuries, the chances are his recovery will be lengthy, which means Lopez will probably be leaning towards a more experienced driver. However, it looks to be fairly open, so I suspect that Heidfeld won't be getting measured up for a set of black and gold overalls just yet.

"There are drivers who have had good races, for example Nick Heidfeld. We all know that Nick is rather good, but we don't know what level he is in now, we don't know how he does with our car. Same goes for Vitantonio Liuzzi, same goes - I don't know -for Bruno Senna, who last year was in a team with a car that could do nothing.

"It's very difficult to say, because it's a combination between car and driver. With Robert, since we know him very well, we were sure we could do something this year. Without Robert we don't know. Should Robert not come back this season, I think we'll take the decision to go for a driver that can win... but we don't know yet."

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/89362

P_Friesacher · Post by **P_Friesacher** » 09 Feb 2011, 17:15

Sorry, I just realized how bad the automatic Google translation is. Since it is not obvious from this translation I should add that Speedweek are saying Grosjean's manager informed them that he has been told Heidfeld will replace Kubica - and that Heidfeld will also test with the team next weekend (along with Senna, they say, which does not really make sense to me).
But you are correct, of course, in that this does seem to contradict what Lopez has told Autosport - we will probably have to wait until next weekend to see whether Heidfeld will actually test for the team.

fjackdaw · Post by **fjackdaw** » 09 Feb 2011, 18:46

Renault are looking for a driver who can win... so who better to go for than a driver who's raced for over a decade without winning anything?

Glennerz · Post by **Glennerz** » 09 Feb 2011, 18:54

fjackdaw wrote:Renault are looking for a driver who can win... so who better to go for than a driver who's raced for over a decade without winning anything?

Better Heidfeld than a rookie who has never driven in a Grand Prix before...

fjackdaw · Post by **fjackdaw** » 09 Feb 2011, 19:18

Glennerz wrote:
fjackdaw wrote:Renault are looking for a driver who can win... so who better to go for than a driver who's raced for over a decade without winning anything?

Better Heidfeld than a rookie who has never driven in a Grand Prix before...

There are none of those under consideration.

fjackdaw · Post by **fjackdaw** » 09 Feb 2011, 19:34

Considering my excitement at Badoer getting the Ferrari drive in 1999, Heidfeld truly is the new Salo - shatterer of reject dreams.

Paul Hayes · Post by **Paul Hayes** » 09 Feb 2011, 19:45

Renault to test Senna and Heidfeld against each other at Jerez, according to Autosport:

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/89366

It's like Button vs Junqueira back in 2000, although then of course they were both rookies fighting for the seat.

Aerond · Post by **Aerond** » 09 Feb 2011, 21:06

This is turning out a very interesting thing. At least, in the end, its going to be fair for both Senna and Heidfeld. Renault is playing an intelligent game here because, like him or not,they will collect a very important ammount of data from Heidfeld until Bahrein at least.

Aerospeed · Post by **Aerospeed** » 09 Feb 2011, 21:44

Wait, what about GRSSSSSS JJJJJJNNNNNNNNNNN?

Ben Gilbert · Post by **Ben Gilbert** » 09 Feb 2011, 21:48

Sorry to drag this a bit off-topic, but on the subject of Kubica...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/9392434.stm wrote:Former Prost, Jordan and Williams man Heidfeld fits the experienced bill having achieved 12 podium finishes during his 172-race career.

He has also been Mercedes' reserve as well as a test driver for tyre supplier Pirelli.

"We all know that Nick is rather good, but we don't know what level he is in now, we don't know how he [will do] with our car," said Lopez.

Kubica had looked in excellent form after setting the fastest time overall at last week's opening test in Valencia before his crash on Sunday.

And Lopez stressed the importance of choosing the right man to deputise for the 16-year-old Pole, who will undergo further surgery on Friday.

"The fate of our season will depend on the new driver," said Lopez, whose Genii Capital Group now owns the Renault F1 team.

Terrible for a teenage driver to be cut down as he makes history

Glennerz · Post by **Glennerz** » 09 Feb 2011, 22:03

Blimey, he's even younger than those Toro Rosso kiddies!

eagleash · Post by **eagleash** » 09 Feb 2011, 22:43

JeremyMcClean wrote:Wait, what about GRSSSSSS JJJJJJNNNNNNNNNNN?

What about him? He's been mentioned several times in this thread & it has been established that if a substitute were required for say, only 1 or 2 races he might be expected to step up. However as Renault are looking for perhaps a whole season replacement they want somebody experienced alongside a hopefully improving Petrov. It is also understood that Grsjn was commited to a season of GP2 before signing as test driver for Renault.

Heidfeld has tweeted that he will be testing the Renault at Jerez next weekend & according to the Capt's least favourite journalist they will run Petrov & Senna on both days with Nick being "evaluated" as possible race driver on the Sunday. Sounds as if HEID is the preferred choice. Senna waiting for a slip up by Nick.

IdeFan · Post by **IdeFan** » 09 Feb 2011, 23:53

europeanminardi wrote:Ok, how 'bout this one:

"Team Lotus Renault by Hedgefund" look for a driver.
Lotus sponsors an IRL car in the US - Takuma Sato-san's.

BRING BACK TAKUUUUUU!!!!

he certainly is experienced and it will be interesting to see who manages more crashes

Seriously, I want Takuma back.

As nice an idea as it sounds, I don't think there are enough spare parts in the world to accommodate Petrov and Sato in the same team!

JohnMLTX · Post by **JohnMLTX** » 10 Feb 2011, 02:37

Glennerz wrote:Blimey, he's even younger than those Toro Rosso kiddies!

He's got to be the youngest race winner ever! I mean, 13 and winning in Canada? Even gp3 kids are older than that!

Also, sato has signed a deal for inducer this year, and he seems to be happy over here in the states.

My guess is probably heidfeld or grrrrrssssssssjjjjjjjjjjjnnnnnnn.

F1000X · Post by **F1000X** » 10 Feb 2011, 05:25

I don't get it. You retain Bruno Senna even though he will get to do no testing, AND YOU DON'T GIVE HIM THE SEAT? WHAT?!

DanielPT · Post by **DanielPT** » 10 Feb 2011, 10:22

F1000X wrote:I don't get it. You retain Bruno Senna even though he will get to do no testing, AND YOU DON'T GIVE HIM THE SEAT? WHAT?!

Actually Senna has a very good chance in his hands. He will be involved in the Jerez test at some point (along with Heidfeld). If he goes fast enough then maybe he can convince his bosses to give him the seat.

fjackdaw · Post by **fjackdaw** » 10 Feb 2011, 10:27

It'll be like that scene in Mulholland Drive, with Senna's management. "This is the driver."

Glennerz · Post by **Glennerz** » 10 Feb 2011, 12:16

fjackdaw wrote:It'll be like that scene in Mulholland Drive, with Senna's management. "This is the driver."

That movie scarred me. The bit with the hobo in the car park :shock:

chrismcn · Post by **chrismcn** » 10 Feb 2011, 13:30

I was thinking.

By handing Heidfeld a drive to prove himself are Renault saying the car is okay but not much better than last year. Might as well stick an old peddler looking for a drive behind the wheel.

We know Kubica can hustle a reasonable car on to the podium by frustrating the opposition into shoddy pit stops and bad strategy. I don't think Heidfeld, Senna or Rommmmmmmman can but Kimi might.

If they though they had a really competitive car they might splash out on Kimi but knowing they have a bit of a dog best hang on to the cash.

Renault are a team who might need some savings soon. Who knows what lawyers cost and the cost of potentially re-spraying the cars, motor homes buying new outfits for the team.

It just a thought.

fjackdaw · Post by **fjackdaw** » 10 Feb 2011, 13:43

Glennerz wrote:
fjackdaw wrote:It'll be like that scene in Mulholland Drive, with Senna's management. "This is the driver."

That movie scarred me. The bit with the hobo in the car park

That's Bernie.

eagleash · Post by **eagleash** » 10 Feb 2011, 14:23

Autosport are reporting that KUB has been moved out of intensive care......pending further ops to deal with fractures.....

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/89370

Tealy · Post by **Tealy** » 10 Feb 2011, 14:59

chrismcn wrote:I was thinking.

By handing Heidfeld a drive to prove himself are Renault saying the car is okay but not much better than last year. Might as well stick an old peddler looking for a drive behind the wheel.

We know Kubica can hustle a reasonable car on to the podium by frustrating the opposition into shoddy pit stops and bad strategy. I don't think Heidfeld, Senna or Rommmmmmmman can but Kimi might.

If they though they had a really competitive car they might splash out on Kimi but knowing they have a bit of a dog best hang on to the cash.

Renault are a team who might need some savings soon. Who knows what lawyers cost and the cost of potentially re-spraying the cars, motor homes buying new outfits for the team.

It just a thought.

It's possible, but in my opinion if the car wasn't up to too much then you may as well put Senna in the car and make 2011 a "rebuilding" year. I think they may have considered and even approach Kimi but I don't think Kimi cares for F1 enough to join a team unlikely to challenge for the titles.

eagleash · Post by **eagleash** » 10 Feb 2011, 16:48

Was it Renault who supposedly approached Kimi sometime last season? Provoking a fairly blunt response.

Glennerz · Post by **Glennerz** » 10 Feb 2011, 17:08

eagleash wrote:Was it Renault who supposedly approached Kimi sometime last season? Provoking a fairly blunt response.

Renault bandied Kimi's name about with regard to their potential 2011 driver line-up, he wasn't pleased.

eagleash · Post by **eagleash** » 10 Feb 2011, 17:10

Glennerz wrote:
eagleash wrote:Was it Renault who supposedly approached Kimi sometime last season? Provoking a fairly blunt response.

Renault bandied Kimi's name about with regard to their potential 2011 driver line-up, he wasn't pleased.

That's what I thought had happened. Ta. Guess they might not even have considered him after all.

Pedestrian · Post by **Pedestrian** » 10 Feb 2011, 19:48

The next few days of testing are going to be very interesting. Not only will Senna and Heidfeld compete with eachother, but we wil allso see how they compare to Petrov.
At this point, most people see Heidfeld as the favourite. Certainly, Senna needs to drive like there is no tomorrow if he doesn't want to say goodbye to his F1 dreams. However, even if he is slower than Heidfeld he might still have a chance under certain circumstances. For example if both contenders beat Petrov (with Senna being the second fastest), then Renault might give the seat to Heidfeld and look for an excuse to dump Petrov and replace him with Senna during the season. Conversely, if Petrov beats them both (which is not that unlikely seeing that he has more experience in the car), then the Renault management might decide that Heidfeld is not worth the cost of bringing him in the team, no matter how bad Senna is. And in any scenario, Senna could allso get the seat if he is slower but very close to Heidfeld, in which case Renault might give the seat to the younger driver and hope that he improves significantly over the course of the season (which is something no longer expected from Heidfeld)

Well, we only have a couple more days to speculate, and then we will have the facts.

Go Bruno!!!

Paul Hayes · Post by **Paul Hayes** » 10 Feb 2011, 19:52

It looks as if it's Heidfeld's to lose, basically. I certainly expect to see him lining up on the grid in Bahrain in the Renault now.

Post by **mario** » 10 Feb 2011, 23:29

Paul Hayes wrote:It looks as if it's Heidfeld's to lose, basically. I certainly expect to see him lining up on the grid in Bahrain in the Renault now.

It is essentially what the Renault management now seem to be saying, at least according to Autosport; if Heidfeld satisfies the Renault management with his performance in Jerez, the seat will be his. If, for what ever reason, they are not happy, they will try their next choices at Barcelona.

"Nick is here to be evaluated," said Boullier. "Once we have finished our assessment of him, if we are happy with Nick, then we keep Nick.
"If we are not, we go to Barcelona and we test some other drivers."

Predictably enough, the main reason why Nick is so attractive is his experience; after all, he has experience with the Pirelli tyres (having initially worked on their initial development), and has driven a KERS equipped car in the past (which is another complication for the drivers this year).

Boullier explained that the team needed an experienced driver to develop the brand new R31 in the early part of the season. If this had happened in the middle of the season, then the car would have been developed, and you could give a young driver some miles to educate him in Formula 1," he added.
"But we have to develop this car from scratch, so the obvious choice of driver is an experienced one. We need someone to drive the team forwards, but also with the new tyres, with KERS and the adjustable rear wing, there are many things going on in the car. So for that you need experience as well."

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/89386

eagleash wrote:
Glennerz wrote:
eagleash wrote:Was it Renault who supposedly approached Kimi sometime last season? Provoking a fairly blunt response.

Renault bandied Kimi's name about with regard to their potential 2011 driver line-up, he wasn't pleased.

That's what I thought had happened. Ta. Guess they might not even have considered him after all.

Probably not: Boullier has now said that they had already dismissed hiring Kimi as an option due to his rallying commitments (despite Quesnel indicating that he could have possibly allowed Kimi to go back to Formula 1). Hulkenberg, who was also mentioned as an alternative, has been ruled out too, partially because he is still not that experienced, and presumably partially because of his contract with Force India.

eagleash · Post by **eagleash** » 11 Feb 2011, 02:01

HULK hasn't really featured in the discussion all along for those reasons. & his level of ability is still uncertain whereas they know what they are getting with HEID (& indeed Petrov-HULK's closest rival amongst last year's intake).

thehemogoblin · Post by **thehemogoblin** » 12 Feb 2011, 00:53

fjackdaw wrote:
Glennerz wrote:
fjackdaw wrote:It'll be like that scene in Mulholland Drive, with Senna's management. "This is the driver."

That movie scarred me. The bit with the hobo in the car park

That's Bernie.

He's such a punch line.

karsten · Post by **karsten** » 15 Feb 2011, 17:38

I read in a short teletex news in our italian TV that senna has agreed to leave the seat to a more experienced driver...

Any other media covers this?

DanielPT · Post by **DanielPT** » 15 Feb 2011, 18:09

Pretty much every F1 related website in the Internet...

tc3j3r · Post by **tc3j3r** » 16 Feb 2011, 17:57

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/89513 Heidfeld confirmed as Kubica's replacement.

DanielPT · Post by **DanielPT** » 16 Feb 2011, 18:11

It is Quick Nick biggest (and probably last) chance of showing what he is capable of. And win some races! Good luck Nick!

Paul Hayes · Post by **Paul Hayes** » 16 Feb 2011, 20:54

It seemed pretty obvious even mere hours after Kubica's accident, really, but good luck to Nick. Let's hope he can finally get that elusive win and join Button and Webber in the late bloomers club!

Phoenix · Post by **Phoenix** » 16 Feb 2011, 23:02

Why is everybody taking as granted that Group Lotus Renault will be competitive enough to win races next year? Anyway, I expect a swag of points if the car is good, but I fear that still, no wins.

Post by **mario** » 16 Feb 2011, 23:51

Phoenix wrote:Why is everybody taking as granted that Group Lotus Renault will be competitive enough to win races next year? Anyway, I expect a swag of points if the car is good, but I fear that still, no wins.

I think that everybody is assuming that the R31 will be a race winner because a) Kubica racked up a fastest lap in the first test and b) the assumption that the front blown floor will work from the off, and provide a big performance advantage.
The problem is, given the amount of variables during testing (fuel loads, tyre compound and relative wear, variations in track conditions, how hard the drivers are pushing, whether the KERS is fully operational etc.), the fastest times, whilst always published, are effectively useless. OK, longer runs are perhaps a better guide, as we can look for more general trends, but even this can be misleading - especially if a team is running underweight (i.e. the former Prost team), or non race legal parts (such as the F60's and the external exhaust pipes, which had to be covered up later on ahead of scrutineering at the first race).

The other problem with the front blown floor is, firstly, how much of a performance gain you get. At the moment, there is still a fair amount of debate over what Renault are trying to do exactly - some, like scarbsf1, suggest that the exhausts blow air under the floor to accelerate the airflow and increase the effectiveness of the floor. Others have suggested, since the exhausts seem to blow onto the leading edge of the floor, that the airflow may act to seal the edge of the floor to reduce air leakage at the side, or blow across the top of the floor to improve airflow on the upper surface and over the bodywork of the car.
Either way, the question of how much additional performance it gives is questionable. Nick Wirth, for example, said that he had considered the same option as Renault, but decided that the performance gain was too small compared to the cost of redesigning the car to fit around that concept. If it does work properly, I can imagine that there is likely to be a noticeable benefit - but whether that would be enough to overcome the likely deficit to the RB7 (which is an evolution of the the RB5 and RB6 cars, both of which were very competitive) is another matter.
When he gets it right, Newey is a tough man to outsmart (even if he has had a few misfiring efforts along the way): it'll be hard to match the RB7 on pure pace, especially with two very fired up drivers in the cockpit.

F1000X · Post by **F1000X** » 17 Feb 2011, 00:00

Heidfeld - Chapter 10: The Final Disappointment
BEGIN!