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Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 10 Dec 2011, 23:52
by Captain Hammer
QuickYoda41 wrote:I really hope that'll remain a rumour.
Well, it was first reported by
Blick, a Swiss tabloid, but now the Dutch journalist who gave details of the Grosjean-Lotus deal seems to think there is some truth to it. he suggests Sauber and Bianchi could be negotiating right now.
Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 10 Dec 2011, 23:57
by AndreaModa
Bloody hell! This silly season has gone from being one of the most uninteresting and straightforward ones into one crazy mass of rumours and random hirings! First, we've had De La Rosa in at HRT , then Raikkonen's return, then Grosjean getting the nod over Petrov, now as the Captain reported in the Petrov/Senna thread, we could have Petrov being hired by Marussia and then potentially replacing Hamilton at McLaren mid-way through next year with Hamilton possibly replacing either Webber or Massa!
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It's nuts!
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EDIT, and I forgot Kobayashi potentially being booted in favour of Bianchi at Sauber! Though this makes AndreaModa sad...
Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 11 Dec 2011, 00:01
by Captain Hammer
AndreaModa wrote: as the Captain reported in the Petrov/Senna thread, we could have Petrov being hired by Marussia and then potentially replacing Hamilton at McLaren mid-way through next year with Hamilton possibly replacing either Webber or Massa!
Just to clarify: reports from Russia claim Petrov could go to McLaren mid-season. I cannot find anything to substantiate it. Nor is there anything solid on Hamilton replacing Webber or Massa - that's just me hypothesising the only scenario I can think of that would pave the way for Petrov to join McLaren.
Personally, I think Petrov will join Marussia, replacing Charles Pic.
Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 11 Dec 2011, 00:10
by DemocalypseNow
Captain Hammer wrote:AndreaModa wrote: as the Captain reported in the Petrov/Senna thread, we could have Petrov being hired by Marussia and then potentially replacing Hamilton at McLaren mid-way through next year with Hamilton possibly replacing either Webber or Massa!
Nor is there anything solid on Hamilton replacing Webber or Massa
Actually, the Daily Star reported a while back that Hamilton could be on his way to Ferrari...
So yeah, there's absolutely no chance in hell of that happening
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Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 11 Dec 2011, 00:12
by Captain Hammer
Right, because The Daily Star only ever reports on things that will never happen.
When they ran those stories, Hamilton was not going to go to Ferrari. But something could have changed in the time since.
Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 11 Dec 2011, 00:16
by DemocalypseNow
Captain Hammer wrote:Right, because The Daily Star only ever reports on things that will never happen.
Well...yeah. Aren't you aware what a tabloid is?
And my god, must you take everything so seriosuly? I make a joke and still you can't switch off the seriousness. I'm a little bored
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Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 11 Dec 2011, 20:48
by Ataxia
When Kobayashi leaves F1, it will be the day I live the remainder of my days as a lonely hermit in the Welsh valleys. Moving to Aberystwyth would have the same effect, actually.
Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 12 Dec 2011, 11:06
by TomWazzleshaw
Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 12 Dec 2011, 13:00
by DanielPT
If it is true that Kubica has signed a contract with Ferrari for 2013 then it might look a bit useless for them to groom Perez or Bianchi or both as Alonso is in it for the long run. Obviously Kubica might never fully recover from his injuries *knocks three times in wood*, making them have a plan B which includes wrecking Kobayashi's career in the process (I still find him better than Perez anyway). Typical Ferrari...
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Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 12 Dec 2011, 13:25
by madmark1974
Kind of reminds me of something I wrote back in February ....
"Re: BBC news quoting Robert Kubica 'seriously injured'
by madmark1974 ยป 07 Feb 2011, 10:47
Whilst this is of course, terrible news, I wonder what implications it may have in the future driver's market. How long is left to run on his contract?
I assume if (hopefully when) he returns, if it is after an entire year on the sidelines, he will still be a Renault driver and of course they will want him back in the car, but
as far as I am aware, Webber's contract runs out this year, and maybe Massa's too (?), might other teams sense an opportunity to pounce?"As I wrote earlier on in this thread, I don't think Renault want him back for what will clearly be just one season (or part season), if all the rumours are true and he's going to replace Massa. I would have
thought they might have had some sense of loyalty to Kubica, you know, helping him recuperate and re-acclimatise to F1, etc, but if he's not showing any to them, then why should they?
Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 12 Dec 2011, 17:18
by jpm
Official Sauber Twitter feed:
"Unfortunately someone published nonsense about Kamui leaving our team. Stupid. We are very fond of him, he stays with us!"
Don't panic Captain Mainwaring!!!
Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 13 Dec 2011, 01:28
by DemocalypseNow
If Kubica really has signed a Ferrari contract for 2013, that's quite a huge risk by the Scuderia. What if he turns out to be the next Olivier Panis?
Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 13 Dec 2011, 01:53
by AndreaModa
kostas22 wrote:If Kubica really has signed a Ferrari contract for 2013, that's quite a huge risk by the Scuderia. What if he turns out to be the next Felipe Massa?
Fixed.
Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 13 Dec 2011, 03:17
by Jeroen Krautmeir
AndreaModa wrote:kostas22 wrote:If Kubica really has signed a Ferrari contract for 2013, that's quite a huge risk by the Scuderia. What if he turns out to be the next Felipe Massa?
Fixed.
Irony
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Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 13 Dec 2011, 18:53
by DanielPT
DanielPT wrote:I think Grrrrrjjjjjjjjjjnnnnnnnnn is toasted this year...
Talk about bad predictions...
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Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 14 Dec 2011, 16:34
by eagleash
5 live & Joe S are both reporting that Toro Rosso have confirmed Ricciardo & Vergne for 2012. Harsh on Buemi & The Saurus somewhat.
Edit. Gotta get that "N" button fixed.
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Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 14 Dec 2011, 16:39
by DanielPT
eagleash wrote:5 live & Joe S are both reporting that Toro Rosso have confirmed Ricciardo & Verge for 2012. Harsh on Buemi & The Saurus somewhat.
It is very hard. Specially since we, in the end, don't really know what is their position in relation to the other drivers. The position of Toro Rosso next season can give us an hint though. About their former drivers, perhaps Dj Squire can squeeze himself in that 2nd HRT seat, but for Buemi it might be the end of the line...
Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 14 Dec 2011, 16:39
by FullMetalJack
eagleash wrote:5 live & Joe S are both reporting that Toro Rosso have confirmed Ricciardo & Verge for 2012. Harsh on Buemi & The Saurus somewhat.
Very harsh, both have had good seasons, especially Alguersuari.
Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 14 Dec 2011, 16:55
by solarcold
I personally expected that they'll give both of them one more chance. Really unexpected
Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 14 Dec 2011, 16:57
by jpm
Ouch.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/96745Yep, Buemi and Algguersuari out on their ears. I didn't see that coming! So, Chandhok to Caterham? Or could Trulli pull off the great escape and steal the hang up the keys award from Ruby? Senna, Petrov, Heidfeld, d'Ambrosio, Buemi, Alguersuari, Wickens, Sutil, Hulkenberg... I can't remember a time when so many names were in the bargain bin scrapping for last minute.com seats...
Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 14 Dec 2011, 17:12
by Ataxia
I blame the clingers-on who clearly don't know when to give up (Trulli and de la Rosa, I'm looking at you two.)
I'd imagine Sutil will go to Williams, maybe Alguersuari at HRT, leaving Senna and d'Ambrosio on reserve duty for whatever team (Force India a possibility?). Petrov already has some 'program' tied up allegedly.
Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 14 Dec 2011, 17:16
by Mister Fungus
Well this is a bizzare silly season, a lot of unexpected things happening. Then a few expected things get written off and actually happen etc., really weird. I don't think the chances of Buem/Alguersuari finding a drive this year are there at all.
Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 14 Dec 2011, 17:20
by Londoner
That was unexpected. Tough tough luck for Buemi and the Alguersaurus. I can't see them being on the grid for 2012. Then again, seeing how this silly season has panned out, they could easily find seats!
Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 14 Dec 2011, 17:23
by Faustus
jpm wrote:Ouch.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/96745Yep, Buemi and Algguersuari out on their ears. I didn't see that coming! So, Chandhok to Caterham? Or could Trulli pull off the great escape and steal the hang up the keys award from Ruby? Senna, Petrov, Heidfeld, d'Ambrosio, Buemi, Alguersuari, Wickens, Sutil, Hulkenberg... I can't remember a time when so many names were in the bargain bin scrapping for last minute.com seats...
shite! Guess Red Bull's patience has run out. Alguersaurus supposedly has or had a bit of money from Cepsa or Campsa, wasn't it? Could this mean that the Arabs are no longer investing in Toro Rosso?
Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 14 Dec 2011, 17:23
by QuickYoda41
More quite decent drivers sacked - that makes Ferrari's decision to keep Massa more and more ridiculous.
Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 14 Dec 2011, 17:25
by DanielPT
Faustus wrote:jpm wrote:Ouch.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/96745Yep, Buemi and Algguersuari out on their ears. I didn't see that coming! So, Chandhok to Caterham? Or could Trulli pull off the great escape and steal the hang up the keys award from Ruby? Senna, Petrov, Heidfeld, d'Ambrosio, Buemi, Alguersuari, Wickens, Sutil, Hulkenberg... I can't remember a time when so many names were in the bargain bin scrapping for last minute.com seats...
shite! Guess Red Bull's patience has run out. Alguersaurus supposedly has or had a bit of money from Cepsa or Campsa, wasn't it? Could this mean that the Arabs are no longer investing in Toro Rosso?
Maybe it is a bit wide, but seeing how this is panning out in the drivers market, The Saurus to move into Williams?
Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 14 Dec 2011, 17:30
by Klon
It's like this entire off-season is written by M. Night Shyamalan or Vince Russo.
Although I hope the Saurus finds a spot somewhere. He is a driver that could go places (in the positive meaning of the term).
Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 14 Dec 2011, 17:31
by FullMetalJack
I honestly think Buemi or The Saurus would be a better option than Massa at Ferrari.
At least The Saurus has his DJing if he doesn't find a seat.
Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 14 Dec 2011, 18:37
by fjackdaw
So that leaves Algesuari, Buemi, Petrov and Sutil currently without a drive, all of whom did a decent job.
Any news on Trulli's seat?
Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 14 Dec 2011, 19:06
by QuickYoda41
fjackdaw wrote:Any news on Trulli's seat?
This is actually, Ricciardo is
not taking now his place. Among Petrov's options, Caterham is not mentioned, so I guess Trulli is quite safe now.
Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 14 Dec 2011, 19:24
by jpm
QuickYoda41 wrote:fjackdaw wrote:Any news on Trulli's seat?
This is actually, Ricciardo is
not taking now his place. Among Petrov's options, Caterham is not mentioned, so I guess Trulli is quite safe now.
You forget Karun Chandhok!
Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 14 Dec 2011, 19:25
by tristan1117
Buemi and Squire out!! That truly is a shocker. I think Buemi should probably have been dropped last year but Alguersuari has showed some legitimate talent over the years. However, since Franz Tost is notorious for firing drivers whenever he feels like it (Bourdais, Speed, Liuzzi, not to mention all the drivers that have come and gone in the Red Bull Junior Team) I was actually surprised that the Saurus and Buemi lasted so long. Both have a future, I hope, but it appears that they will not be getting a drive. And by the way,
CAN SOMEONE HIRE KARUN CHANDHOK!
(fixed)
Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 14 Dec 2011, 19:52
by eytl
This really is quite dramatic.
Although I'm kind of salivating at the prospect of a Ricciardo v Vergne deathmatch for the second Red Bull seat in 2013. Both have seemed very promising of late.
This makes it two teams now (Lotus-Renault and Toro Rosso) who have effectively dumped both drivers when neither had signed for another team and would have been happy to stay. Jamie and I were debating when any team last did that and the best I can come up with was 2002 when Jaguar dropped Irvine and De la Rosa in favour of Webber and Pizzonia, and Toyota dropped McNish and Salo in favour of Panis and Da Matta.
But yes, I think this is all quite unfair on Sutil, Petrov and Alguersuari, especially [teaser] given our end-of-year season rankings which we have just decided [/teaser].
Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 14 Dec 2011, 20:09
by Benetton
Ridiculous that young capable drivers like Alguersuari, Buemi, Petrov and Sutil do not have a seat yet, and some of them will be left completely off the grid for 2012, when guys like Massa and Trulli keep theirs. di Montezemolo needs to get his head out off his ass and fire Felipe as any of the four mentioned above would be an upgrade. In fact, I do hope Santander could put some pressure to move Alguersuari to the second seat at Maranello. An all Spanish super team with two Spanish drivers, the mentor and the mentee, and a Spanish title sponsor.
Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 14 Dec 2011, 20:16
by golic_2004
I'd have to assume with continuity for Squire that he'll join HRT considering his nationality.
Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 14 Dec 2011, 20:34
by AndreaModa
Do either Buemi or Alguersuari still carry Red Bull backing with them, or have they finally been dumped from the program, now they're not with Toro Rosso any more?
Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 14 Dec 2011, 20:35
by QuickYoda41
jpm wrote:QuickYoda41 wrote:fjackdaw wrote:Any news on Trulli's seat?
This is actually, Ricciardo is
not taking now his place. Among Petrov's options, Caterham is not mentioned, so I guess Trulli is quite safe now.
You forget Karun Chandhok!
Ok, so Trulli is safe for next year with the exception of the Indian GP.
Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 14 Dec 2011, 20:39
by Faustus
AndreaModa wrote:Do either Buemi or Alguersuari still carry Red Bull backing with them, or have they finally been dumped from the program, now they're not with Toro Rosso any more?
Probably dumped outright from the Red Bull driver program, like Vitantonio Liuzzi, Christian Klien, Robert Doornbos and Brendon Hartley (and so many more than I can't remember).
Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 14 Dec 2011, 21:00
by eytl
On further thought, this reflects really poorly on Marko and the Red Bull young driver program. Just when they've got Buemi and DJ Squire to a decent level of consistency, they dump them. What a waste of the last 3 years. Plus they'll miss their experience next year when Ricciardo and Vergne struggle on set-up.
The young driver program has developed no-one they've wanted to keep long term except Vettel. That's a fail in my books.
Re: 2012 Silly Season
Posted: 14 Dec 2011, 21:07
by fjackdaw
I still think Klein is one of the biggest wasted talents of the last few years - dropped by TR for no real reason, and having not found a seat since.