450SEL6.9

I would hate to see more and more young "talent". I'm really disliking sub-20 year-olds getting into F1 with little formula racing experience. I like it even less when they get into F1 and immediately go to a top team so I am happy to read about Vettel possibly starting full-time with STR.

When Raikkonen made it into F1, he had a handful of races with Formula Renault. He was said to be "good enough" for F1 and I'm not doubting that. The simulators, driver aids, testing budgets, team budgets, etc . . . made sure he would be ready for F1, but had he achieved enough to be considered for F1? I think he had not.

My point is that F1 is supposed to be the top racing series in the world and, in my perhaps extreme opinion, these inexperienced, teenage "star" drivers are making entry into the sport look excessively simple and super quick. Even exceptionally talented drivers used to toil in the feeder series, test cars, drive backmarking lemons for several years before a top team will take a look at them.

F1 is already a young man's game and it might become an extremely young man's game. If it does, I don't see why it should continue to be the pinnacle of motorsport because entry will look too easy.

450SEL6.9

About Ralfie. F1 fans in general are very unflattering towards him. Is it because he has the Schumacher name or his bloated pay cheque? Or is it because he always insists that he is as good as his brother?

I just want to point out one thing about Ralfie. He can't drive unless he has a perfect car, but surely he is not the only one! Most of the other drivers cannot do squat without a sublime race car! We see it with even double-WDCs, journeyman drivers, overrated poofs, etc . . . Sure, I don't rate Ralf highly, but he convinced his employers to give him a big salary, he owns a couple jets and snagged a decent-looking bird for a wife. He certainly is not the only one who struggles with a rubbish car. I wouldn't go as far as his wife and call him one of the best drivers if he had a good car though.

Imhotep Evil

I have to agree with that.
Interesting fact is that Ralf is a late breaker type, but his car usually lacks brake stability and the new tires are complete crap.

Ofcourse the question is his development and setup skills.

Imhotep Evil

Whoa latest rumors ...


Wild rumours - Silly season gets sillier
Button, Alonso, back to Renault
07/07/07 12:18
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F1's annual 'silly season' always slips into a high gear at Silverstone, but one particular paddock rumbling is worth a mention.

Sources including Britain's Daily Mail and the Spanish newspaper Diario As suggested on the scene of the British Grand Prix that Renault could completely overhaul its driver line-up next year.

The Daily Mail said 27-year-old Button, who drove for Renault in 2002, 'could be handed an escape route from his problems at Honda' by former boss Flavio Briatore.

The article went on: 'Although (Button) maintains he intends to stay at Honda, Renault's director of engineering Pat Symonds said they would welcome Button back.'

Reigning world champion Alonso, meanwhile, drove successfully for Renault until his switch to McLaren this year, where he is admittedly 'uncomfortable' alongside rookie sensation Lewis Hamilton.

Diario As is reporting that, among the various approaches the Spaniard has received in recent weeks, was 'one from his old boss Briatore'.



'Flavio would love to have him back in 2008 with an attractive contract of at least two years'.

The Italian television station Canale 5, meanwhile, said late on Friday that Alonso has in fact reached an agreement with Ferrari, who intend to buy out his McLaren contract. It has also been whispered that Alonso might then announce the news and sit out the 2008 on 'sabbatical'.

Alonso at Silverstone wearily rejected the swathe of wild rumours: "The only thing that I am going to say is that all the rumours are not true. I am completely concentrated on winning the championship with McLaren."

Source GMM
CAPSIS International

450SEL6.9

Alonso back at Renault would make them instantly competitive. He can make Ferrari world champion with his development skills. I feel sorry for him. He has two titles and gets no respect. A lot of new F1 fans elevate his teammate to god-like status at Alonso's expense.

I hope he leaves Mclaren. If he bolts, we will see how fast the car is without him. It's nice to see that there are still people in F1 who rate Alonso highly. For a second, I thought you and I were the only ones left, IE.

Imhotep Evil

These are ofcourse rumors. But ofcourse Renault would want him back.

BMW_Dude

These latest rumours are very weird, Alonso going back to Renault, no chance, and I can't see Button leaving Honda either.

I think Ferrari is doing just fine with their drivers, so don't see why they'd want to change. I think Alonso with be staying with Mclaren to the end of his career!

Imhotep Evil

Well it just gets weirder and even more silly.
Acording to - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER Alonso is going to Renault for 2008 and then to Ferrari in 2009.

siko

Spyker just canned Albers so there might be an opening for next season @ Spyker.

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450SEL6.9

What? Most reports I read have him sitting out 2008 on a sabbatical. I must admit I like Alonso a bit more this year, probably because I think he is getting a raw deal.