2013 Silly Season Thread

roblo97 · Post by **roblo97** » 18 Oct 2012, 09:53

BlindCaveSalamander wrote:
giraurd wrote:Hulk may be slightly better, diresta may be slightly better....but what I don't want to see is another dull German and another dull Brit in a good ride instead of the two more interesting guys from countries that don't have other f1 drivers atm.

Well, tough; if Sauber think signing Hulkenberg will help, they're perfectly entitled to do that. Hulkenberg might be boring and entitled, but there's no denying he's got talent. At least we know they're hiring him solely based on that rather than anything else. If Kobayashi can't get a drive for next year, then, much as it pains me to say it, it's his own fault for simply not being good enough.

w
hulk's 4th in spa was amazing in what is normally an inferior car to the sauber so that might be why
1000th post on this thread

Benetton · Post by **Benetton** » 18 Oct 2012, 09:54

How can you blame Sauber if they go for Hulkenberg instead of Kobayashi? Hulkenberg has shown very good potential this season and has been better than di Resta, who at least was regarded as being a top class driver. Difference between Hulkenberg and Kobayashi is that Hulkenberg has more potential and a higher ceiling than Koba, this is my opinion.

The real question is will Kobayashi lose his seat to Gutierrez/Pic??

roblo97 · Post by **roblo97** » 18 Oct 2012, 09:56

Benetton wrote:How can you blame Sauber if they go for Hulkenberg instead of Kobayashi? Hulkenberg has shown very good potential this season and has been better than di Resta, who at least was regarded as being a top class driver. Difference between Hulkenberg and Kobayashi is that Hulkenberg has more potential and a higher ceiling than Koba, this is my opinion.

The real question is will Kobayashi lose his seat to Gutierrez/Pic??

i reckon pic cause he also has potential

RonDenisDeletraz · Post by **RonDenisDeletraz** » 18 Oct 2012, 10:46

It is funny that people are forgetting how anonymous the Hulk was until Valencia

Post by **Ataxia** » 18 Oct 2012, 11:01

eurobrun wrote:It is funny that people are forgetting how anonymous the Hulk was until Valencia

And YOU forget that Hulkenberg hadn't been racing for a year. It takes time to get back in the swing of things.

Post by **Londoner** » 18 Oct 2012, 11:05

And to be honest, Perez hasn't dominated Kamui this year as much as people are trying to make out. In fact, Kobayashi has actually finished in the points more times than Perez (7-6). Admittedly, Perez has stolen the spotlight with his podiums, but outside of those he has a best finish of 6th and appears, results-wise, to be more inconsistant than Kamui.

A Kamui-Hulk partnership next season would be pretty fruitful for Sauber, if they can produce another good car.

Benetton · Post by **Benetton** » 18 Oct 2012, 12:58

East Londoner wrote:And to be honest, Perez hasn't dominated Kamui this year as much as people are trying to make out. In fact, Kobayashi has actually finished in the points more times than Perez (7-6). Admittedly, Perez has stolen the spotlight with his podiums, but outside of those he has a best finish of 6th and appears, results-wise, to be more inconsistant than Kamui.

A Kamui-Hulk partnership next season would be pretty fruitful for Sauber, if they can produce another good car.

This is true. Honestly, nobody is questioning it. However, Perez has more potential, a higher ceiling if you will, than Kobayashi. Kobayashi is 4 years (?) older than Perez and has more F1 experience than Perez, yet he is being outscored by him.

Hulkenberg, after starting slow this season, most likely getting into his groove as someone pointed out, has IMO both outqualified and outraced di Resta, who's held in high regard. Hulkenberg does have more potential than Kobayashi.

Kobayashi's problem is not that he is a bad driver, or worse than those mentioned in this post, it is just that his development curve seems to be quite steady at the moment and possible is near his own potential. Fact is also that his situation is worsened that he doesn't bring any sponsorship, which again Pic (whose potential seem to be on par with Koba to be frank) does.

I think Nico's seat at Sauber is confirmed. He is going to replace Sergio. Question is will Koba retain his seat. IMO it is Pic vs. Koba. Sauber have to make a calculation if Kobayashi's better results next year off set Pic's sponsorship.

Salamander · Post by **Salamander** » 18 Oct 2012, 14:15

East Londoner wrote:And to be honest, Perez hasn't dominated Kamui this year as much as people are trying to make out. In fact, Kobayashi has actually finished in the points more times than Perez (7-6). Admittedly, Perez has stolen the spotlight with his podiums, but outside of those he has a best finish of 6th and appears, results-wise, to be more inconsistant than Kamui.

A Kamui-Hulk partnership next season would be pretty fruitful for Sauber, if they can produce another good car.

I agree, I think this might be what Sauber is going for, actually. If Kobayashi can bring some money to the team, I imagine they'll resign him in a heartbeat. As for the Hulk, does anyone know if he still thinks he's too good to go out and get sponsorship?

solarcold · Post by **solarcold** » 18 Oct 2012, 16:55

Liuzzi for 2013 anyone?

Backmarker · Post by **Backmarker** » 18 Oct 2012, 17:08

solarcold wrote:Liuzzi for 2013 anyone?

Srsly tho, I think Liuzzi's had his shot at F1, and he didn't do well enough. It's sad that he didn't deliver on the potential he showed in his junior career, but that's just the way it goes sometimes. Unless he's suddenly become rich, I don't see why any F1 team would bring him back.

Post by **DemocalypseNow** » 18 Oct 2012, 18:17

What about Nick Heidfe......LOL NO JUST KIDDING.

DanielPT · Post by **DanielPT** » 18 Oct 2012, 18:23

kostas22 wrote:What about Nick Heidfe......LOL NO JUST KIDDING.

Never heard of that Nick Heidfe bloke, but he seems to be quite good and dependable driver. I wouldn't mind seeing him having a try! :mrgreen:

Minardi Man · Post by **Minardi Man** » 18 Oct 2012, 18:25

I think Villeneuve is going to make a comeback, for sure.

Salamander · Post by **Salamander** » 18 Oct 2012, 18:29

Minardi Man wrote:I think Villeneuve is going to make a comeback, for sure.

I wouldn't count Nigel Mansell out either, I think he's due for another comeback.

DanielPT · Post by **DanielPT** » 18 Oct 2012, 18:35

BlindCaveSalamander wrote:
Minardi Man wrote:I think Villeneuve is going to make a comeback, for sure.

I wouldn't count Nigel Mansell out either, I think he's due for another comeback.

Or Michael Schumacher announcing another comeback stating that he misses racing...

Klon · Post by **Klon** » 18 Oct 2012, 18:40

Ahem, guys. Alain Prost wants to test F1 cars. You don't need to be a genius to know where that'll lead.

Meatwad · Post by **Meatwad** » 18 Oct 2012, 18:57

roblomas52 wrote:hulk's 4th in spa was amazing in what is normally an inferior car to the sauber so that might be why

Yes, it was an impressive result for Hülkenberg. Sadly, Kobayashi couldn't do much as Grosjean ruined his race on the first lap.

Even though both Kobayashi and Pérez had bad starts, they could have fought for a podium if it wasn't for Grosjean...

FullMetalJack · Post by **FullMetalJack** » 18 Oct 2012, 19:05

DanielPT wrote:
kostas22 wrote:What about Nick Heidfe......LOL NO JUST KIDDING.

Never heard of that Nick Heidfe bloke, but he seems to be quite good and dependable driver. I wouldn't mind seeing him having a try!

And I don't ever recall him boring anyone, not even slightly.

Dan B · Post by **Dan B** » 18 Oct 2012, 20:01

Meatwad wrote:
roblomas52 wrote:hulk's 4th in spa was amazing in what is normally an inferior car to the sauber so that might be why

Yes, it was an impressive result for Hülkenberg. Sadly, Kobayashi couldn't do much as Grosjean ruined his race on the first lap. Even though both Kobayashi and Pérez had bad starts, they could have fought for a podium if it wasn't for Grosjean...

Kobayashi was smoking on the grid and had a terrible start anyway. Yeah, Grosjean did screw it up somewhat but Kobayashi didn't exactly start well in that race.

EDIT: And if it were to be between Kobayashi and Pic, I'd honestly would rather choose Pic. If their talents are about equal, and since Pic has done well against Glock (compared to di Grassi or D'Ambrosio), Pic seems like a good alternative. I'd reckon to say that he would improve in a better car. Mind you, Kobayashi can as well; I think he stagnated behind the wheel of the Sauber and I don't think we have seen his true potential. That said, maybe it is time to go for another driver.

Kobayashi going to Williams is unlikely though, with the way Williams has been grooming Bottas for an F1 drive. It's certainly possible, but Williams seems so into Bottas that I don't see it happening. Force India though is another proposition, and that I see more likely.

Backmarker · Post by **Backmarker** » 18 Oct 2012, 21:35

Klon wrote:Ahem, guys. Alain Prost wants to test F1 cars. You don't need to be a genius to know where that'll lead.

Damon Hill's going to test the Red Bull RB6 and Mario Andretti's going to test the Renault R30. Comebacks? :lol:

Cynon · Post by **Cynon** » 18 Oct 2012, 21:36

Backmarker wrote:
Klon wrote:Ahem, guys. Alain Prost wants to test F1 cars. You don't need to be a genius to know where that'll lead.

Damon Hill's going to test the Red Bull RB6 and Mario Andretti's going to test the Renault R30. Comebacks?

Mario Andretti is crazy enough to attempt a comeback. He thought about running the Indy 500 again in 2009 or so.

DOSBoot · Post by **DOSBoot** » 19 Oct 2012, 02:31

Cynon wrote:
Backmarker wrote:
Klon wrote:Ahem, guys. Alain Prost wants to test F1 cars. You don't need to be a genius to know where that'll lead.

Damon Hill's going to test the Red Bull RB6 and Mario Andretti's going to test the Renault R30. Comebacks?

Mario Andretti is crazy enough to attempt a comeback. He thought about running the Indy 500 again in 2009 or so.

Hmmm. Damon Hill is 52. Alain Prost is 57. Mario Andretti is 72. I could see Hill, and Prost doing it. But Andretti?! If he was to go back in F1, or Indycars again, and do well, then he would make Louis Chiron look young. But I'm already seeing Prost, and Hill in my head. It would be 1993 all over again. Or let Prost start his team again, hire his son Nicolas as co-driver, and then we have the first father-son F1 team.

TomWazzleshaw · Post by **TomWazzleshaw** » 19 Oct 2012, 11:55

The Emperor has his say on Ferrari's driver situation

FullMetalJack · Post by **FullMetalJack** » 19 Oct 2012, 12:56

Wizzie wrote:The Emperor has his say on Ferrari's driver situation

Johnny Herbert has to be my second favourite persona on that site.

dr-baker · Post by **dr-baker** » 19 Oct 2012, 22:15

DOSBoot wrote: Or let Prost start his team again, hire his son Nicolas as co-driver, and then we have the first father-son F1 team.

Nicolas Prost and Josh Hill at Williams Renault with Bruno Senna as test-driver!

(Only problem for me is, what would happen to Susie Wolff? But then, you can't have it all...).

Backmarker · Post by **Backmarker** » 20 Oct 2012, 17:36

Backmarker wrote:I don't think Hamilton will leave McLaren.

Dohhhhh.

mediocre · Post by **mediocre** » 21 Oct 2012, 12:16

Since his DTM contract is about to finish, I'd like to bring Ralf Schumacher back in the game.

pasta_maldonado · Post by **pasta_maldonado** » 21 Oct 2012, 12:37

mediocre wrote:Since his DTM contract is about to finish, I'd like to bring Ralf Schumacher back in the game.

Who'd seriously hire Ralf bin-it Schumacher? He's old now, and even in his prime it seemed all he was capable of doing was crashinghe wasn't all that great

Post by **DemocalypseNow** » 21 Oct 2012, 13:19

Prost/Hill for Red Bull!

They've both done mid-season tests for them now, surely they're being lined up to replace the current duo? :mrgreen:

Post by **Ataxia** » 21 Oct 2012, 16:04

Toro Rosso should can Ricciardo already, what Da Costa has done in FR3.5 is quite incredible.

Post by **DemocalypseNow** » 21 Oct 2012, 18:07

BaconLettuceNinja wrote:Toro Rosso should can Ricciardo already, what Da Costa has done in FR3.5 is quite incredible.

Amen to that. I'm very very sure that back in 2010 I posted something along the lines of "Antonio Felix da Costa will be Portugal's first F1 world champion" in the controversial opinions thread, or whatever it was called. Now some more evidence is accumulating that could make this turn out to be true. Wonder if I can find it....

Edit: Found it! Post date 17 January 2010. I should replace that nitwit Helmut Marko as the head of Red Bull's young driver programme I think...

Salamander · Post by **Salamander** » 21 Oct 2012, 18:20

kostas22 wrote:Edit: Found it! Post date 17 January 2010. I should replace that nitwit Helmut Marko as the head of Red Bull's young driver programme I think...

Honestly, you couldn't do much worse. Their only success to date has been Vettel.

roblo97 · Post by **roblo97** » 21 Oct 2012, 18:47

BlindCaveSalamander wrote:
kostas22 wrote:Edit: Found it! Post date 17 January 2010. I should replace that nitwit Helmut Marko as the head of Red Bull's young driver programme I think...

Honestly, you couldn't do much worse. Their only success to date has been Vettel.

must of been because of the stone in the eye at charade in 1972 :lol:

would like to see da costa in f1 because if vettle is going to be a ferrari driver in 2014, da costa would make a perfect replacment because he needs a race seat in a team at the back of the grid to get used to racing in f1 and then he should be fine imo

the Masked Lapwing · Post by **the Masked Lapwing** » 21 Oct 2012, 20:10

BaconLettuceNinja wrote:Toro Rosso should can Ricciardo already, what Da Costa has done in FR3.5 is quite incredible.

Why Ricciardo? He's been destroying Vergne recently, he's scored in four of the last five races (and it should be 5/5) while Vergne's only scored twice (but arguably three if the old man hadn't been involved). Plus he only finished behind Vergne in Korea because he had a brake problem, and when you consider he started from amongst the Marussias...

Backmarker · Post by **Backmarker** » 21 Oct 2012, 20:15

I think Antonio Felix da Costa should spend a whole season in Formula Renault 3.5, try and get a championship under his belt, gain experience racing for a title (as there's no telling how not having the pressure of racing for a title influenced his performance in Formula Renault 3.5), and give Ricciardo and Vergne one more season to try and show they deserve a seat at Red Bull for 2014.

Post by **DemocalypseNow** » 21 Oct 2012, 20:47

the Masked Lapwing wrote:
BaconLettuceNinja wrote:Toro Rosso should can Ricciardo already, what Da Costa has done in FR3.5 is quite incredible.

Why Ricciardo? He's been destroying Vergne recently, he's scored in four of the last five races (and it should be 5/5) while Vergne's only scored twice (but arguably three if the old man hadn't been involved). Plus he only finished behind Vergne in Korea because he had a brake problem, and when you consider he started from amongst the Marussias...

You are the only person in the known universe who supports Daniel Ricciardo.

Post by **Ataxia** » 21 Oct 2012, 20:52

kostas22 wrote:
the Masked Lapwing wrote:
BaconLettuceNinja wrote:Toro Rosso should can Ricciardo already, what Da Costa has done in FR3.5 is quite incredible.

Why Ricciardo? He's been destroying Vergne recently, he's scored in four of the last five races (and it should be 5/5) while Vergne's only scored twice (but arguably three if the old man hadn't been involved). Plus he only finished behind Vergne in Korea because he had a brake problem, and when you consider he started from amongst the Marussias...

You are the only person in the known universe who supports Daniel Ricciardo.

Ricciardo's done half a season more than Vergne anyway, plus Vergne would have 3 points in the 2003-09 points system and Ricciardo would have none.

Post by **DemocalypseNow** » 21 Oct 2012, 20:55

Backmarker wrote:I think Antonio Felix da Costa should spend a whole season in Formula Renault 3.5, try and get a championship under his belt, gain experience racing for a title (as there's no telling how not having the pressure of racing for a title influenced his performance in Formula Renault 3.5), and give Ricciardo and Vergne one more season to try and show they deserve a seat at Red Bull for 2014.

The only championship Sebastian Vettel won before racing in Formula One was the Formula BMW ADAC in 2004.

the Masked Lapwing · Post by **the Masked Lapwing** » 21 Oct 2012, 21:03

BaconLettuceNinja wrote:
kostas22 wrote:
the Masked Lapwing wrote:Why Ricciardo? He's been destroying Vergne recently, he's scored in four of the last five races (and it should be 5/5) while Vergne's only scored twice (but arguably three if the old man hadn't been involved). Plus he only finished behind Vergne in Korea because he had a brake problem, and when you consider he started from amongst the Marussias...

You are the only person in the known universe who supports Daniel Ricciardo.

Ricciardo's done half a season more than Vergne anyway, plus Vergne would have 3 points in the 2003-09 points system and Ricciardo would have none.

Half a season in an HRT. Just ask Senna, Chandhok, Klien and Liuzzi what that's done for their careers :roll:

And kostas, he's Aussie. He's got a whole continent full of supporters (especially after scoring points in said continent).

Zetec · Post by **Zetec** » 21 Oct 2012, 21:19

Some new rumours suggest, that Karthikeyan may be up for another year with HRT, if he's able to raise the biggest bag of money.
German sources on the other hand claimed, that he's in talk with Force India.