Fernando Alonso to Ferrari to kick-start 2010 F1 driver market moves
Kimi Raikkonen is expected to return to McLaren in 2010
It seems only a matter of time before we get official word that Fernando Alonso will drive for Ferrari in 2010.
Once that piece of the 2010 F1 driver line-up puzzle is in place, the rest of the picture should be assembled very quickly.
Other key moves expected for 2010 include a surprise return for Kimi Raikkonen to McLaren, Nico Rosberg displacing one of the Brawn drivers, and Robert Kubica signing for Renault. How will the rest of the grid shape up?
Kimi Raikkonen to McLaren
F1 Fanatic understands Raikkonen was one of three names under consderation by McLaren for the seat alongside Lewis Hamilton. That selection has now narrowed to two drivers with Finnish passports.
Heikki Kovalainen, who joined the team in 2008 and had a one-year contract extension for 2009, is still in the running. But his results this year have not compared well with his team mate’s, even taking into consideration the fact they have not always had the same equipment available to them.
Raikkonen is, in some respects, a surprise contender. He left the team somewhat under a cloud after a win-less 2006. He won first time out for Ferrari and claimed the 2007 championship.
However he remains popular with McLaren, who he was championhip runner-up for in 2003 and 2005. The installation of Martin Whitmarsh as team principal in place of Ron Dennis (who is overseeing the company’s road car production including the MP4-12C) is also believed to have attracted Raikkonen.
Nico Rosberg to Brawn
The third name under consideration at McLaren was Rosberg. He is now expected to drive for Brawn in 2010, as Mercedes prepares to invest in the team.
But will he replace Jenson Button or Rubens Barrichello? Either driver could win the championship, but with Button having led it all season long and Barrichello admitting last week he’s unsure about where he’ll be in 2010, suspicion falls on the Brazilian driver losing the seat.
Robert Kubica to Renault
Following Renault’s wrist-slap punishment from the FIA last week and the team’s first podium of the year at Singapore yesterday, the future for the team in F1 now looks brighter.
Presumably Romain Grosjean will be able to keep his newly won seat until the start of next season. But idealy the team needs a more experienced driver to partner him.
Kubica is being widely tipped for the drive. Although the future of the BMW team appears to be secured, details on the teams new investers Qadbak are hard to come by. And Kubica was not impressed the team did not tell him it would be quitting F1 before it made its public announcement.
Kubica got his break in F1 after winning the World Series by Renault in 2005, which earned him a test for the team.
What other moves will happen?
GP2 champion Nico Hülkenberg’s graduation to F1 with Williams is being widely predicted.
Toyota will not know until November whether their team will still be in F1 next year – though Timo Glock’s podium finish at Singaore may help win support for their cause.
However the team has already dropped a substantial hint that Jarno Trulli will not be driving for them after this season.
What other driver moves are you expecting for 2010? Have your say in the comments.
I really hope Kimi returns to Mclaren.
agreed
agreed, it’s where he belongs.
Little bit if of Coincidence or irony …Why is that Kimi always has to move out of a team to make way for Fernando ? Nature is always playing a cruel joke on him.
In fact the last time he moved out of a team to make way for Fernando he won the championship with the new team and the other team was in disaster with Driver Equality Issues.
FOR SURE (in Kimi’s style) it will be real fun to see Kimi winning the WDC next year in McLaren and Fernando-Massa fighting in Maranello with Equality Problems. Remember Fernando is currently moving to a team where his team mate Massa already has spent 3 years and almost won the WDC and also has the sympathy of the team due to the accident. Kimi will have a huge laugh at Fernando.
It is not Surprising that Santander is negotiating the whole deal. I mean they have everything to gain. Eventually they will have 3 WDCs and 1 almost WDC representing their logo next year. Nice business deal.
Agree on this. B Santander has recently renewed his deal with McLaren. I think that has been a key for moving Kimi.
I only have a little doubt: Has had B Santander to equalize Kimi fees for 2010, or just, with the renewal of their sponsor agreement, McLaren will take care of the whole fee for Kimi?
I read somewhere Kimi had 47M$ agreement for 2010?
F Alonso seems to have agreed something around 30M$ per season.
Not bad in both cases, there are some days in which I cannot spend such amount…
I had this impression that Schumacher was moved out to make way for Kimi in 2007 too…
I for one, would welcome Kimi’s return to where he really belongs, and not having control freak Ron in the management structure probably gives him more incentive to return.
I would also like to see Massa and Alonso arguing in Italian, just like Nurburgring 2007…
Kimi will never win a WDC with Lewis at Mclaren. Given the same equipment, Lewis will always do better over an entire season. However, this could lead Mclaren to be in the fight big time for the constructors title.
i heard that alonso would drive a ferrari at japan, unless the reporter just muddled his words!!
I disagree. I always thought that it was Montoya slated to be shunted out to make way for Alonso – and Ron Dennis’ aim was for a Nando/Kimi pairing. Only Kimi put the kybosh on that by signing with Ferrari once Schuey retired -slash- got pushed aside in favour of Kimi. Hence the inclusion of Hamilton in the 2007 line up, as Montoya was already stateside by then.
But Kimi was rumoured to have signed up as early as 2005….
I also reard that Montoya left McLaren because he knew that Hamilton was coming and that Ron Dennis would arrange the things for him. So: multiple theories…
@PinkPeril
Well, Ron was so wrong about being able to “handle temperament” of the fiery latino. Montoya by his own admission warned Alonso to not go to McLaren as Hamilton was to be moved in for a drive in ‘07. Montoya was not very pleased with his McLaren experience and then another fiery latino made his move to the team who walked out within a year as well. They weren’t the only ones, Mansell and Andretti also left McLaren for some reasons which frighteningly resemble Montoya’s and Alonso’s. Ron’s inept handling of his driver situation.
Kimi was long frustrated with McLarens blowing their engines left right and center for the last 4 years that he was with them. Luca did the unthinkable and slotted out Schumacher, and Kimi was not the one to decline a generous offer as that, which came with a huge retainer. I heard upwards of £20 million.
Kovalainen crumbled in the face of Hamilton but the Iceman will not.
The story is that 30 minutes before his career first F1 start Kimi was tight asleep in the motorhouse. Imagine that.
You cannot fake that. Kimi has no nerves. Let us hope that LH will put the spark and hunger back to him.
My prediction is that LH will blink first.
Mansell didn’t leave the team, he was sacked. To start with Bernie had forced Mansell on Mclaren.
With all this driver movement, Red Bull are looking rock solid for next year. Bring it on.
It’s going to be great next year, but I’m sure Lewis has more hunger than Kimi. I think Lewis will be un beatable!!
He should be worried about not imploding under the pressure of Kimi’s lack of emotions to mind games. Lewis going down the toilet bowl. This isnt alonso. But in the process mclaren will loose any decent chance of the title because of the one-sided moaning and fighting.
It’ll be a real shame if Barrichello is ousted from Brawn.
I second that.
I wouuld keep him over Button.
Because you like the color of his eyes or something?
Button performed a huge amount better than Barrichello. Why would you keep Barrichello?
exactly, Button has more points than Barichello at the moment, therefore he is slightly better.
I doubt that Button has performed a lot better than Barrichello. Look at the last few races. Barrichello was clearly better considering that they both had the same car.
I would expect Button to be a lot better than Barrichello since he is a lot younger than him, right?
Its either Button isnt good enough, or Barrichello is too good for his age.
Why would you only look at a few races where Barrichello was marginally better than Button?
Button is A LOT better than Barrichello. He has 6 wins to his name while Barrichello has only 2. Button is 15 points ahead! That’s a massive lead with the current point scoring system!
younger? that doesnt mean anything, if anything rubens has more experience
Barrichello spent the most time in F1. Its time for him to retire and it’ll be a wise decision to retire on a high
That sounds to me like a decision made from the heart. Use your head aand you will realise that Barrichello is very old, not a choice of the engine suppliers and almost certainly not as fast as Nico Rosberg.
I love Rubiniho too but the reality is he wasn’t quite quick enough at his peak, never mind in 2009.
I amcomparing him and Button and I would keep him as I believe he is a better supporting driver and is still as quick as some of the young lions.
I agree completely.
I’m with you on that one. Guessing they would have renewed Button’s contract by now if they intended to. He seems to have trouble within his head to get to the end and surely one of the best ways would be for Ross to renew his contract, could the fact that it hasn’t been done be Ross sending a signal loud and clear?
Im in total agreement. I rate Barichello as a better driver than Button. Many would say that the proof is in the pudding, but Rubens is much better at setting up a car than Jenson, and also better at fighting through the field. Jenson seems to drive well enough when the car and conditions are perfect, but otherwise I think Rubens has the upper hand.
I’m puzzled by this surge of Rubens love. He’s made loads of errors this season, as well as accusing his own team of foul play on more than one occaision.
Yes, he can set up a car and drive fast now and again, but cast your mind back to the start of the season and perhaps you’ll undersand why Button should get the seat.
Yeah and talking about “fighting through the field”. Remember Turkey? Or even Singapore? Also remember how Button has passed many a KERS car (Hamilton and Massa). Barrichello rammed Raikkonen and was lucky to get past without receiving a penalty.
2 vs 6 wins. Button finished ahead of Barrichello in 9 vs 4 races and Button outqualified Barrichello 7 to 6.
It’s really mindboggling that Barrichello finally has 2 or 3 races where he outshines Button and all of a sudden people start claiming that he’s so much better than Button.
Barrichello keeps repeating “You’re only as good as your last race” and indeed with shortsighted “fans” like this that is very very true.
I’m in complete agreement, but as a williams fan I’m hoping they make a straight swap! Barichello still has some driving in him and one thing williams have needed for years now is an experienced head to help with setting up the car. I personally think that Barichello and Hulkenburg would be a perfect combination cause I believe that Hulkernburg is gonna be a huge star one day, and who better to show him the ropes than the most experienced man on the grid?
How can a guy with 6 wins out of the first 7 races be struggling to win the championship. Barrichello may not always be fastest but he is consistent, on his day he can beat anyone: donnington 93, silverstone 03, china 05. Button constantly stutters, when things are against him he cant handle it, if he doesnt win the championship it will be the biggest wasted oppertunity of all time.
Button was supreme for most of this season.
Mike,
If anything then Barrichello is consistent in that he is driving inconsistently.
How manty races did he have where he messed up a least one stint. Then only to start whining how the team messed up his race?
Even in Singapore he was inconsistent again. Button beat him because of that.
I wasnt trying to insult Button whatsoever, and his performances this year clearly speak for themselves, I am simply saying that I think Rubens is the superior driver. Both he and Button have had their share of bad luck and inconsistency this year, but if we started the season over again, I really feel it could go either way between the two.
Thanks for being the voice of reason!
I can’t believe that people are doubting the fact that Jenson has had a better season than Rubens. The facts speak for themselves. Jenson 6 wins, Rubens 2. Never in the 16 or so years I have been watching F1 have I heard people saying that a driver who has won 4 more races than his (vastly) more experienced team mate hasn’t had a better season. I’d say that Rubens has been owned…
If Jenson wins this WDC it will be because he had the best start to the season and then did what he had to do while his main challengers all made far too many mistakes during the course of the season to mount a serious challenge.
Yes Jenson has had a downturn in form mid season (which had a lot to do with other teams catching up with Brawn as well as a few errors by Jenson) but he seems to have sorted out his probems over the last couple of races.
And when has he come out of his downturn? Rubens does have shotty luck sometimes in F1. Obviously not in life since he is one of the best of all time. Take singapore, he was leading button until he was brought in because webber wrecked. Yeah I thought it was a good idea, but no sc came out and he was passed by button and some other dude. You need to look at the BIG picture not race finishes, that includes testing and car setup which teammates get off of each other. That williams swap wouldn’t be such a bad thing though. Maybe. I won’t say nico is quicker either. Look at all the races where he was shining, his teammate which we all know is crappy, has had decent races as well.
Alonso heading to Ferrari could see him in championship contention again. But how will his relationship be with Massa, who has been with the team for long? Alonso will surely want to have the team leader role, but could sparks fly as in McLaren in 2007?
I truly hope that next year is a terrible year for ferrari and only massa shines. I hope they show preference to alonso and massa still beats him. It would be pure poetry.
I really hope you are right. Im a Ferrari fan and I find it disheartening to see Alonso moving there. He drives very well, and sponsors love him, but I dont feel like he is a good sportsman.
exactly, Alonso just isn’t right for Ferrari. good driver, but too involved with scandals etc.
I think exactly the same.
BUT, in light of recent events, maybe Ferrari won’t want to be associated with someone like Alonso, who won a race while his team cheated and didn’t say he was sorry or gave away his win, and even thanked the guy who did the cheating.
Alonso didnt do anything wrong. HE drove impeccably and won the race. If he also says sorry , people ll feel he is also guitly which is totally wrong. He is a driver who speaks his heart out and who calls a spade a spade which ICEMAN can never.
Lol, a Ferrari fan talking about good sportsmanshop.
I gather you hated Schumacher too huh?
I didnt say anything about Schumacher, but he and Alonso do seem to be cut from the same cloth. I like that Ferrari had been distancing themselves from that in the last few years.
My sentiments exactly!
I am just so dissappointed they chose him over Kimi.
Ummm…sure? Please remember this the next year.
Alonso is going to be way better than Massa. (And Hamilton than Kimi)
I can´t believe that F1 lovers don´t want to see the best drivers in the best cars.
Lewis and Fernando are now the best F1 drivers, and I want them in the best cars.
Also if RB gets the mercedes engine and BGP gets money we could see one of the most xciting championship with Vettel and Rosberg fighting too.(And lot of cars racing…)
Button is going down each race…next year with Rosberg as team mate…
My guesses:
Brawn — Button, Rosberg
Williams — Hulkenberg, Barrichello
Red Bull — Webber, Vettel (obviously)
Ferrari — Alonso, Massa
McLaren — Hamilton, Raikkonen
Renault (or Prodrive?) — Kubica, Grosjean
Sauber — Heidfeld, Fisichella
Toyota — Nakajima, Trulli
Force India — Liuzzi, Soucek
Toro Rosso — Algersuari, Buemi
Manor/Virgin — Davidson, Sutil
Campos — de la Rosa, Senna
Lotus — Fauzy, Villeneuve
USF1 — sign Kyle Busch and Marco Andretti but fold in February with their car not having turned a wheel in anger.
Fisichella is at Ferrari as their reserve/test driver. Heidfield will probably kept on for his loyalty (or having nowhere else to go). Perhaps Klien will join Sauber, or maybe Sauber will gamble on another swiss driver, and cousin to Buemi, Natacha Gachnang. She hasn’t set the world on fire on F2, but it might be worth testing her at least, to see where she’ll be in relation to the rest of the field.
Klien for Sauber, solid driver.
Fisichella is retiring after this season, mate.
Hearing this name again in F1 makes me almost shed a tear.
Anyway, next season we could have as many as 5 former F1 champions if Villeneuve comes back, which is 25% of this years’ field.
And perhaps even 6, if Schumi would need to drive for Massa in the initial races, or substitute one of the drivers for any reason.
When was the last time one team had two former champions?
It must’ve been in the mid 80’s with Prost and Lauda, also in McLaren, right?
How many times before has this happend at all?
Whoops – Prost and Senna in 1989 was the last time that has happend.
And before that: Prost and Lauda in 1984/85.
Actually, I reckon Luca de Montezemelo would spout the usual crap about Ferrari having both Alonso the 2 times champion and Massa the 30 second champion…
Seeing Ferrari celebrate before realising they had lost it was one of the funniest but also most incredible moments in F1.
It’s just a shame there wasn’t a camera at the aforementioned Luca’s house- apparently he trashed his mega wide screen TV in a fit of Latin rage!
Well we got to see the crazed mechanic who punched his head through a display in the Ferrari garage.
Or maybe Massa the 2008 champion if the gossip on Brazilian TV is right about Ferrari finding a loop hole in the regulations to annul the Singapore race and crown Massa champion…
Really? Didn’t Di Montezemelo say Fisichella was free to race for another team next year as well as fulfilling the Ferrari reserve driver role?
“Fisichella is retiring after this season, mate.”
Well, that’s not strictly true, Monte has stated that Fisi is free to drive for another team – If he gets an offer.
Damn! I didn’t see your post Chris.
Oh, I didn’t know that.
What is your reasoning behind Nakajima beating Glock to a seat with Toyota? :S
Both at mclaren
guess other teams don’t have the ballz to hire two 2 world champions.
ferrari had prost and mansell at the same time just before mansell retired.
But Mansell hadn’t been champion back then, so it doesn’t count.
They might also not have the money…
@adz2193
Glocks been sacked
Like TommyB said,
Glocks been sacked, but in addition, Williams is dumping Toyota engines and Naka is backed by Toyota, so it makes sense.
I just wonder who the second driver would be for Williams!
stupid question but why do you got to pretty much bad mouth usf1? I mean the other 3 new teams have just as much of a chance of not ever doing anything either? why would the u.s. team stand out? I mean yea they arnt goin to spend the money some people will but you got to give them just as much a chance as you do the other new teams. Oh and one more thing they will not sign kyle busch. He seems to be a nascar guy all the way and another thing is he is hated here in the usa. why would they want someone like that in a car thats for the u.s. people pretty much and also he has no experience with open wheel racing? I would hope they would use their heads a little too if they signed marco. I love the andretti’s i have even worked for them for a short time but he just dont have what it takes…. neither did his dad sorry to say. I think they will get a guy like ryan hunter reay. They would also need someone who has drove F1 befor to give them feed back on a car. They never said both drivers would be american. lets all pray its not scott speed
If only you were to go by US people not recognizing inexperience or for that matter giving a seat to someone who is hated by many, look no further than 2000 and 2004 elections. The “precedent” is not working in your favor (pun intended).
Actually I am thinking Mark Martin and Danica ..
Chill out dude I think he’s just joking why so serious..
Good one, but Martin is driving seriously well this season. It’s probably a bit too late for him to make an F1 switch though
Two reasons. One, no Indy driver has been good at F1 in a long time. Two, Windsor is damn annoying.
I think the only Indy driver that would step up to F1 is somebody like Scott Dixon. I say this because his racing heritage was not on oval tracks like many of the others in Indy and because he seems to excel on the street and flat circuits the Indy cars go to. I think he’d be a great fit in USF1, even though he isn’t an American. I think he’d be accepted by the US public. Trouble is it will never happen.
(Should also point out that I am a Kiwi so would like to see another NZ’er in F1 – it’s been too long)
who says they are using indy drivers….
I dont believe Micheal Andretti was ever given a fair shot in F1 by Mclaren. His fist 4 races he was taken out in the first lap by others and not his fault. He was having to learn new tracks and then they had the stupid 25 laps practice rule back then. By monza when he was finally coming to terms with the car, he got a podium finish and then Ron sacked him for mika.
as far a teamates go he and Senna got along well as Senna didnt feel threatened by him.
Andrettis biggest downfall was trying to race in F1 from the US and not moving to England, that made some feel he wasnt devoted to the sport and he didnt last.
Will usf1 do well, who knows but I dont give them much hope in the first 2 yrs. but 1 thing is for sure. with the testing ban after the season starts, they could test in the us all the time and no one else would know, so they might could become competitive, all though it would be by btreaking a rule.
Why would USF1 fail, but manor, campos, and fake lotus stand a chance? Illogical given that they have good resources and ample cash.
Kyle Busch??haha I guess. I think they will sign a non-US born driver and then try to create some sort of US driver campaign.
My guess is that your guesses are less than 50% correct….
Ya know, I’m really laughing- yes, laughing- at all of you who think USF1 isn’t going to be up and running at Bahrain next season.
Last time I talked to my source inside the team, which was a few weeks ago, everything was on-target, alhtough the political wrestling had surely not helped. In fact, the source in question wants me to come to the facility in January to see for myself- I’ll be sure to send you a poastcard on that one!
Can I come?
source inside the team? Was it eddie jordan?
Haha, that would be a cool day out.
Gman, I heard that they were going to do a launch in January with public viewing. Have you heard anything about this? I live in Atlanta so I’m only about 3-4 hours away. keep me posted if you hear anything, it’s too close for me not go check it out!!
Source inside the team? Don’t you mean “nothing”!?
I would really like to see Rubens win the title and have no seat in 2010. Not that I hate Rubens, it’s just interesting.
That would mean no team would have a number 1 car. The cars would start at 2, so the teams would be 2,3….4,5.
No, like in 1994 (When Prost won in 1993 and retired) Jenson would have Number 2 and Rosberg would have Number 0 (zero)
Number Zero? wasn’t that Dick Darstardly’s number in the wacky races? 00 (double zero).
That number should be reserved for cheats.
Number Zero? wasn’t that Dick Darstardly’s number in the wacky races? 00 (double zero).
That number should be reserved for cheats.
Damon Hill had the number 0 in 1993 and 1994, and was the victim of Schu’s first attempt at cheating…so it’s not really fair to say it should be reserved for cheats!
Damon Hill had car number 0 after Mansell retired.
Hill also had number 0 in 1994 after Prost left.
Oh yeah, in 1993 as well, forgot about that.
So you would like to see the longest career in the history of F1 brought crashing to a halt, just so you could see a grid without a number 1 car on it… how very very spiteful!
That would also be a great reason to retire. Win the wdc and then sign off a winner.
I reckon Rosberg will only head to Brawn if Barrichello retires which I think he might.
Well, I think he’ll try to stay in order to break the 300 grand prix mark…
Scratch Glock from Toyota as they have just told him that they will not be taking up his 2010 option. As Toyota have told Trulli that they don’t want him either and they have not mentioned any drivers on their shortlist it looks a lot like Toyota are leaving F1 at the end of the year. Come to think of it I don’t recall any drivers mentioning Toyota as a option either?
Toyota did say that they would need a win this season to persuade them to stay in F1. Everybody seems to have forgotten that. Unless Toyota can pull something out of the bag in Japan or Abu Dhabi, I reckon the board will pull the plug.
I’ve excluded Brazil as I reckon that’ll be a win for Vettel, Webber, Barrichello or Button.
Where did you hear that Glock wouldn’t be offered a new contract Kevin? I’d be inclined to agree that Toyota are on their way out, if it wasn’t for the fact that they’ve already signed the concord agreement.
Then again, I suppose contracts never really mean too much these daays, they’re just there to be broken…
I too reckon that Toyota are about to leave the sport. They now have no drivers – and while it won’t be the first time they have changed their lineup, it seems to be a silly move!
Why is everyone saying that USF1 might fold? I was still under the impression that their development was going well!
I remember Bernie said something to that effect, and everyone seems to be running with it. But we should remember that USF1 announced their plans long before any of the other new teams…
Yeah exactly- you want to beleive Bernie on that one anyone? The man lies for a profession…. The one thing I’ll give him credit on is he sent me a personal reply to a letter I wrote to him a few years back, expressing support for the revival of a USGP. So he’ll get my respect for that.
But that’s about it in my book.
Kevin report that Kimi’s reps ages ago approached him about Toyota but he was less than pleased, could just have been another baseless report. I mean, Kimi would never go there.
Shame if Barrichello does go especially if it is mainly because they want a German driver. Tbh I wouldn’t keep Button, but Barrichello’s age and results at beginning all count against him.
Here’s my guess:
Brawn–Mercedes
1. Jenson Button
2. Nico Rosberg
Red Bull–Mercedes
3. Mark Webber
4. Sebastian Vettel
Ferrari
5. Fernando Alonso
6. Felipe Massa
McLaren–Mercedes
7. Lewis Hamilton
8. Kimi Räikkönen
Toyota
9. Timo Glock
10. Heikki Kovalainen
Williams–Renault
11. Rubens Barrichello
12. Nico Hülkenberg
Renault
14. Robert Kubica
15. Romain Grosjean
Force India–Mercedes
16. Adrian Sutil
17. Vitantonio Liuzzi
Toro Rosso–Ferrari
18. Sébastien Buemi
19. Jaime Alguersuari
Campos–Cosworth
20. Pedro de la Rosa
21. Vitaly Petrov
Virgin–Cosworth (née Manor)
22. Anthony Davidson
23. Bruno Senna
Team US F1–Toyota
24. Ryan Hunter-Reay
25. Alex Wurz
Lotus–Cosworth
26. Fairuz Fauzy
27. Christian Klien
Sauber–Ferrari
28. Nick Heidfeld
29. Giancarlo Fisichella
Just a slight adjustment.
McLaren–Mercedes
5. Lewis Hamilton
6. Kimi Räikkönen
Ferrari
7. Fernando Alonso
8. Felipe Massa
It looks that way doesn’t it with McLaren’s recent performance.
It’s pretty much Kimi vs Lewis in the battle between Ferrari and McLaren….I guess Kovy has a slight advantage over Fisi….
I personally think its a great little mid-field championship battle (although I think Ferrari would have won it with Massa/Kimi). Lewis made a huge jump after Singapore, but Kimi should be back on form at Suzuka.
Another small adjustment:
Red Bull–Mercedes
3. Sebastian Vettel
4. Mark Webber
Fisi retiring to be a ferrari test driver.
I doubt he’ll go to sauber now.
Villnuerve could take that seat.
Qadbak will use Ferrari engines …
Alonso is set to join Kimi, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Gerhard Berger, Stefan Johansson, Niki Lauda, Patrick Tambay, Gilles Villeneuve, Jody Scheckter and Jacky Ickx in driving for both Ferrari and Mclaren in F1.
However, it looks unlikely that either Raikkonen or Alonso will join Niki Lauda in winning the WDC for both teams.
Unlikely for Alonso to win a title with Mclaren mabye (and that’s an understatement!), but I see no reason why Raikkonen shouldn’t be able to challenge Hamilton for the title if he ends up back at Mclaren next season. I think we’ve seen the Kimi of old since Massa was injured back in July.
It would be great to see Kimi and Lewis head to head with the same equipment, but this relies on Mclaren having a championship winning car, and a fairly dominant one, as I dont see Mclaren allowing their two drivers to fight each other if another team is in the hunt. And in this situation Hamilton will most likely be the one that Mclaren get behind
.
If Kimi manages to steal all Lewis’s telemetry data, maybe ;0)
Wait till september 2010 . Alonso will wrap up the championship by then
Hamilton and Raikkonen at silver will be something to see. With similar testing restrictions to this year, there will be extra pressure to give them the same parts and it won’t always be possible. Similar issues will crop up at Ferrari, but we know Fred will chuck his toys from the pram if he gets a hint that Massa is getting equal treatment. I’m certain that Alonso has negotiated his status. But whatever is on the paper, we know Massa is pretty quick and will give him as hard a time as Hamilton did.
The fact that Button is dickering over pay with his current team instead of writing his own check with a top team is sad. Brawn has been caught. And next year, Ferrari, RedBull, McLaren and Renault engineering depth, and their accumulation of terrific drivers, will mean JB will be scrapping for the final point again.
I was just going to mention the disparity this year that Button has performed spectacularly this year, if a little inconsistent, and despite leading the championship still isnt really that highly regarded as a driver. I sort of feel bad for him. He has tried to prove himself but succeeded, rather, at proving his team’s worth.
If Button had been driving a Ferrari or McLaren in the last couple of seasons and putting in consistent performances, his performance at Brawn now would be regarded as good. However the fact he has had troubled cars for most years of his career and also with Barrichello being consistently with him it looks as though its got nothing to do with the driver.
We don’t hear people shouting from the rooftops that Barrichello is a terrible driver when the fact is he’s behind Button in the same car.
I totally agree with you. I’m simply trying to say that it feels like the Brawn car’s supremacy has somewhat ’stolen the thunder’ from the excellent performances that both Jenson and Rubens have had this year.
I will be sad to see Kimi in a McLaren again, but i do wanna see him upset Hamilton. I very much doubt Rosberg will get Buttons seat.
@DMW,Similar issues will crop up at Ferrari? what are they? one season where they have not won at least one title and they are in crisis? I waited 21 years for them to win again and that they have more than done. Mclaren are not even as fast as the customer cars over the last 3 races. Hamilton and Kimi will be good and fast but I think Ferrari with who ever will also be.
Similar issues meaning a limited availablity of new parts and two extremely competent drivers. I thought that was clear.
It is also clear now that Ferrari is not fast with just any driver. Ask Giancarlo Fisichella. Hamilton in silver and Button in yellow-hiighligher is no competion and hasnt been for a while. The mercedes customer cars are not going to be ahead next year, especially once Kofailainen is dislodged from his seat.
If Red Bull get Mercedes power next year I think the championship will go to one of those two drivers. Hopfully Webber.
There will be a Canadian driver in F1 next year, but I doubt it will be Villenueve.
Three cheers for Wickens, I thought he was better than Algersuari. But where did you get the info?
Ferrari had indicated that Fisi would likely be permitted to race for another team in addition to his duties at the Scuderia. Could work if Sauber does indeed wind up with Ferrari engines. I don’t know…somehow I just don’t see it happening. Unless , of course, part of the Ferrari engine deal is that the recipient team has to take him as one of their drivers. That way he could pirate information about the customer teams chassis!
All this sounds good. McLaren will have a very strong duo. I like the fact that Raikkonen is returning to Mac.
I wish that in the same way, Alonso would end his career either at McLaren or at the Mercedes F1 team in the making. This is a few years into the future.
Looks like a great 2010 season, and now with the cars more equalised, after all the rules confusion of 2009.
Cheers
I really don’t mind seeing Raikkonen retire this year and wouldn’t want him to waste McLaren resources for next year. He may be a good driver, but he is so boring to watch! No expression on his face and when he wins a race, his expression is like as if he is going into an execution chamber. Show some spirit, RAI!
It’s because he is what we know as an ICEMAN.
‘Icecream man’ surely.
thats kind of the point behind raikkonen and why so many people like him.
man really doesn’t care about you and your camera.
cares about racing fast and getting drunk.
I think McLaren could be going for their first WCC in a while next year and win it comfortably.
Ferrari, hmm lets see whats Massa like when he gets back. I reckon fiery Latina temprement wont mix well with the sulky spaniard. Hope massa blasts past him
Really want rosberg to do well for some reason. Another addition to the fantastic crop of drivers we’ve got at the moment.
Button must prove himself next year against a balanced field. Otherwise ill truly right him of as merely a champion of luck.
heres to a competative 2010
GO TEAM GO, V-I-C-T-O-R-Y WHATS THAT SPELL VICTORY VICTORY GO KIMI. I just gave you his spirit for life, he’s run out now.
My own guesses:
Brawn: Button/Rosberg
Red Bull: Vettel/Webber
McLaren: Hamilton/Raikkonen
Ferrari: Alonso/Massa
Williams: Barrichello or Kovalainen/Hulkenberg
Toyota: Nakajima/Glock
Renault: Kubica/Grosjean
Force India: Sutil/Liuzzi
Toro Rosso: Buemi/Alguesuari
Campos: de la Rosa/other (maybe Soucek)
USF1: No Idea
Manor: No idea
Senna will get a drive next year, but I don’t know where. Barichello may retire, and Fisichella could wind up at another team. Trulli will probably head to a small team.
Really though, I hope Rosberg goes to McLaren instead of Raikkonen.
Lets hope you’re all correct about Anthony Dasvidson.
There’s a guy who needs a good break for a change.
Seems a pity that Rubens will go after all his fantastic work this season. Talk about life in the old dog yet, he makes most of the new young guns look like pussy cats !
Rubens Barrichello to Williams
Also:-
US F1 – Jacques Villeneuve and Alexander Wurz
Campos – Pedro De La Rosa and Giorgio Pantano
Manor – Anthony Davidson and Adam Carroll
Lotus – Christian Klien and ???
I was really looking forward for Rosberg going to McLaren
@ adz2193
Seems like you missed the 2007 season, then…
Haha, point taken. But to be fair, Ferrari were about 15-20 points behind for most of the season in the WDC.
That’s true, indeed. Räikkönen was 18 points behind Hamilton 4 Grands Prix before the finale, with Massa a further 5 points adrift.
My Guess:
Kubica to Toyota. Alonso to Ferrari. Kimi to Mclaren. Resoberg to Brawn.
Out From F1: Barrichello, Kovlainenen, Nakajima, Fisichella.
In F1: Nico Hulkenburg, Bruno Senna, Vitaly Petrov, Pedro de la rosa, Jacques Villenve,
Kubica to Toyota? I don’t think so. He underlines he looks for a longer deal. Toyota is more than uncertain with F1. As a matter of fact, Renault too…
I wonder the car numbers actually. I mean, will McLaren give the number 5/7 to Lewis or Kimi? The same story for Ferrari, too. It sounds like unimportant but I think it could be important for some drivers. We’ll see.
I believe
Lewis and Massa will get the odd numbers
and
Kimi and Alonso the even ones
I hope a British driver gets 22, it’s been lucky for us these last two years!
Cant believe I hadnt noticed that…
I hope Alonso does not go to Ferrari. It would be a mistake for Ferrari because all he will do is cause trouble for Massa and the team.
I think they should just keep RAI and MAS. The car hasn’t been that great this year.
If Alonso causes trouble to Ferrari then his career in the big teams will over.
He will end up to Renault once again
Do you really think that the people at Ferrari think like you? that to have a double world champion is a mistake? Of course it would be different if it was Lewis… no? It’s always the same story…
Ferrari don’t think. If they did that, they wouldn’t let Kimi go when Massa still is a question mark
Alonso at ferrari. It’s inked now for sure and in my opinion Massa will have some problems. Alonso wants to be number one as he wanted to be at McLaren but this time Ferrari will give him that status and poor Massa will be in the position Barrichello/Irvine were when Schumi was the leader in the red car. Ferrari are not used to give equal status hence one have to bow his head and this will be Massa.
Kimi to McLaren. If they keep harmony in the team they will be the ones to beat. Kimi is a great driver and in my opinion his results at Ferrari were not great before Massa’s accident cause the Scuderia have prefered to help Massa by building the car more to his driving style. Give Kimi a good car and he will be able to beat anyone. Lewis is young and hungry for more success hence it’s everything in the managment hands to bring harmony between the drivers and glory back to McLaren.
I would like to see Villeneuve back in a cockpit (I have some doubts about this) as he’s character is needed in F1.
Hopefully we will see 28 drivers on the grid next year and all these rumours that some teams will not be able to make it for the starting grid come March 2010 will not materialise.
I think Villeneuve would be very frustrated once he finds out he’s not as fast as he was on his own head for the last couple of years. He would then squirm and sob and blame the team who would in turn tolerate it for a couple of races and then sack him and hire a GP2 winner that would go faster from his 2nd race onward than JV had gone all season
What character does he have? Ask the teams he has driven for what their opinion of him is.
Jugnu,why would kovalainen be gone out of f1.hes still young and reasonably fast.
I find Lustigson’s predictions on which teams will have which engines interesting, especially Williams being powered by Renault (I’d've assumed they’d get Cosworth engines next year).
Brawn-Mercedes
1. Button
2. Rosberg
Red Bull-Renault
3. Vettel
4. Webber
McLaren-Mercedes
5. Hamilton
6. Raikkonen
Ferrari
7. Alonso
8. Massa
Williams-Cosworth
9. Kovalainen
10. Hulkenberg
Renault
11. Kubica
12. Grosjean
Torro Rosso-Ferrari
14. Buemi
15. Aguersuari
Force India-Mercedes
16. Sutil
17. Liuzzi
Manor-Cosworth
18. Davidson
19. Petrov
Campos-Cosworth
20. Barrichelo
21. Senna
Lotus-Cosworth
22. Trulli
23. Klien
USF1-Cosworth
24. Villeneuve
25. Wurz
Sauber-Ferrari
26. Heidfeld
27. Glock
Last I heard, Horner wants Mercedes engines next year
I like the pairing of barrichello and senna. The once student of master senna now becomes the teacher to the young inexperienced senna.
I’m disappointed in that headline Keith
surely it should be Kimi out of Ferrari kick starts the driver market, he is the key, without him vacating a seat Alonso would have to wait another year!
And I am looking forward to seeing Kimi back in silver!
Alonso is the more highly rated driver than Kimi and moreover its Alonso who wantes to leave Renault and that is what triggering the driver buy outs.
Everyone knows ho Kimi drives when he is abt to leave a team. Like he did in 2006 (leaving mclaren) and now (while leaving ferrari). But this isnt a case with Alonso. He drives his heart out for any team.
Kimi drove his heart out for McLaren the whole time not just 2006. And 08/early 09 was a slump for kimi but from mid 09 he’s been driving well. The Alonso to Ferrari rumours are older than Hamilton’s F1 career so are not a factor in kimi’s performance!
And wiping the floor with the opposition.
I havent believed the Alonso-Ferrari rumors even once so far. Countless times, it seemed baseless and stupid.
But now that Kimi seems to be finding a seat elsewhere, it somehow seems to be happening.
This is going to be weird. There is potential for
Did the manufacturer teams not commit until 2012? Can Renault and Toyota really call it a day if they wanted too?
Yeah, did they not? I thought that was the whole point about signing a new Concorde agreement – stability until 2012.
Do you have any information on that Kieth? Any details on the exact terms? Do the manufactures incur any penalties if they withdraw having signed the new Concorde agreement?
I havent believed the Alonso-Ferrari rumors even once so far. Countless times, it seemed baseless and stupid.
But now that Kimi seems to be finding a seat elsewhere, it somehow seems to be happening.
This is going to be weird. There is potential for TWO repeats of Mclaren 2007 in 2010 now. One at Ferrari, one at Mclaren. Why would not one, but two teams do the same mistake again?
Lewis showed in 2008 that throwing weight behind one driver pays dividends. Kimi showed the same for Ferrari in 2009 since Felipe’s injury.
However, if the lawyers have somehow proved Kimi to be a Santander driver and not Ferrari driver, then the biggest roadblock of Kimi’s heavy salary is moved away with ease without costing any of the teams (Ferrari & Mclaren) any extra buck.
It will be weird to cheer for Alonso for next year. True, he is a great driver. He beat Michael fair and square in 2006. And I respect him for that. He is as ruthless as Michael, as controversial as him as well. But is he still as good as he was in 2006?
This silly season is too convoluted. I still cannot digest the fact that Alonso is joining Ferrari. 2010 will be a curious season indeed.
You mean you cannot digest the “rumor” that Alonso is going to Ferrari…it’s not a fact yet eh?
I think Kieth’s title for this post was a bit misleading.
Loeb to Toro Rosso? There’s an Italian report about him testing a GP2 on 1 November with a view to racing at Abu Dhabi…and sometimes one Sebastien just isn’t enough.
I think Alonso in a Ferrari(a winning car) is a source of concern for a few people. But the season that Alonso, Lewis, kimi and Massa (hopefully) could give us is to be remembered. Can’t wait.
I’ve thought all along that Raikkonen is the guy McLaren wanted all along. Whitmarsh has been sending all kinds of signals through the media all year long that he wants him back: defending him against Coulthard’s attacks, praising his performances in races numerous times, etc., saying that McLaren were going to “wait until Alonso is confirmed at Ferrari” (how else would Whitmarsh have known that Alonso is going there for sure if he wasn’t talking to someone who would be affected by the move?), etc..
I think Rosberg wanted to go to Brawn, not McLaren, all along. He knows how good Hamilton is: after all, Hamilton beat him when they were teammates in karting. If he wants to be a number one driver and contend for a title down the road, he can’t be beaten by a teammate so early in his career. Button isn’t exactly going to be the easiest challenge, but if the rumors of Mercedes taking a stake in Brawn (if not taking over outright) are true, then he’ll have much more support within the team than he’d have with Hamilton at McLaren, who has been supported and developed by the team.
I’ve got to think Ferrari have made a big mistake dumping Raikkonen for Alonso. Raikkonen is quicker, IMO, and is at least as good as an overall driver as Alonso when he’s motivated. Treating Raikkonen as Ferrari has over the term of the relationship- designing and developing a car that suited Massa’s style after he won them a WDC, giving Massa the superior fuel strategy in qualifying for virtually the whole season this year, dumping him after he won them a race and four straight podiums in a car that hasn’t been upgraded since the Nurb- is not the best way to motivate him.
Alonso is definitely a very good driver, but we’ve seen what happens when he isn’t getting his way. What makes Ferrari think he would act any differently if, say, Massa is beating him next year? If they intend to anoint Alonso the number one driver, what makes them think that Massa- who has shown he can win a championship- or his side of the garage will take the news lying down?
I think Ferrari may come to regret their decision.
I agree. But Ferrari like a driver who not only wins races, but also moves the fans and the tifosi.
Kimi on the podium is little more than a robot, not that it takes away anything from him as an excellent driver or endears him any less to fans like me. But even after his podium at Monza this year, in that dud of a car and with the bonus of Hamilton crashing there were no reports anywhere, of the joyous celebration of the tifosi.
Someone like Alonso would appeal more to Ferrari. After all, their succes and fans from F1 is waht sells their roadcars and in turn keeps the team in business.
The thing is Santander will practically own Scuderia Ferrari next year and Alonso is part of their package. Kimi wasn’t booted out but choose to go with the offer from McL knowing RD is gone. That’s when Santander made their move.
My picks:
Brawn – Button / Rosberg
Red Bull – Vettel / Webber
McLaren – Raikkonen / Hamilton
Ferrari – Massa / Alonso
Williams – Barrichello / Hulkenberg
Toyota – Glock / Kobayashi
Renault – Kubica / Grosjean
Force India – Sutil / Liuzzi
Toro Rosso – Alguersuari / Buemi
Campos – de la Rosa / Petrov
Manor – Trulli / Senna
USF1 – Wurz / Summerton
Lotus – Kovalainen / Fauzy
QADBAK – Heidfeld / di Grassi
Finally, someone said Summerton
Interesting pick with Rubens going to Williams, but you may want to revise the Glock/Toyota deal- apparently they aren’t picking up his option, or are at least looking at other options.
I’ve heard that if he performs, Toyota may offer it back to him. And I can’t really see him going anywhere else save for one of the new teams. Which would be a shame, because I think that he’s a driver who can wins races, but not championships.
If Raikkonen doesn’t go to McLaren, I could see Glock ending up there if Norbert Haug still wants a German driver there. He’s quicker than Kovalainen, but won’t callege Hamilton. He’s proven that he can shoulder a team’s hopes and dreams if it goes badly for the other (like Hamilton at the Nurburgring). And unlike Toyota, he seems to know why he’s in Formula One.
As for Summerton to USF1, I think he’s the best choice because he’s been bred on road courses instead of ovals. And I’m ick of people suggesting Danica Patrick and Sctt Speed – both are absolutely useless.
Excellent! Love a good silly season thread, but bless you Keith, you’ve been sensible, haven’t squeezed and rattled the prezzies under the tree until NOW.
Whispers suggest Ferrari confirming Alonso this Thursday, thus Renault’s tearful fairwell statement to Nando at the end of the Singapore-fest. That gives McLaren 2 days to steal a march on the Maranello boys by announcing Kimi early.
These things may seem petty, but the marketing folk will be hot on the phone to wouldbe sponsors the second they have finalised. Timing IS money.
Brawn have hung both Rubens and Jenson out to dry somewhat. Rather harsh, given the faith they put in the ‘non’ team at the end of last year. The one fact that is widely reported is that Rosberg may have a drive for next year. Whilst understand both drivers can win the championship and they are hedging bets, would be nice to see them, nah… it’s just business.
another great article keith. Hamilton to Ferrari anyone? jokes.
I would say not in a million years, but I felt the same about Alonso to Ferrari in 2008 and here we are.
Honestly, why are so many people listing names like DeLarosa, Villeneuve and Wurz?? Whereas others insist Barrichello will retire, some even claim Kovalainen and Nakajima will retire…
Why would a team hire hasbeens like Villeneuve, that haven’t driven in F1 for years, when there are many talented guys up for grabs with fresh experience. Yes even Barichello. I read on some F1 site that Jenson’s sudden decline in performance was because Barichello stopped sharing his telemetry data…I think it may have been this very site, anyway, I rate Barichello higher than Button: Great talent wasted playing second fiddle at Ferrari…do people now just find it too hard to accept he’s a good racer?
Just look at Kimi, I believe his improved performance comes from Ferrari finally backing him and not favoring Massa. Kovalainen is even more neglected at McLaren with Hamilton getting not only the better strategies, but more updated equipment aswell. In my mind, given the chance, Kovalainen can be every bit as fast as Hamilton and Raikkonen…and he has proven it many times in this seasons qualifying sessions. Race days are a whole other thing where McLaren might even intentionally choose a bad strategy, like in Monza. It’s no wonder Rosberg is probably avoiding McLaren. Raikkonen is probably the only guy that has a chance at fair treatment while Hamilton is in the team.
I too believe Ferrari is making a mistake with Alonso. He’s rumored to be a superior car developer, so if he is, why isn’t Renault among the top teams this season? If Massa is allowed fair treatment then he will wipe the floor with Alonso. Massa has proven to be able to win the championship, and his ability to perform well with a mediocre car… Alonso not only needs the best car on the grid to do well, he also needs to be the team favourite.
Villen euve put his hand up as interested, but de la Rosa and Wurz have frequently been linked to Campos and USF1. As they are new teams, they need experienced drivers more than they need quick drivers to establish themselves within the paddock. After a year or two, they can replace those drivers with newcomers.
You can’t see Kovalainen and Nakajima not being offered new contracts?
That has nothing to do with it. Barrichello experienced the same downturn in performance as Button did; the problem was with the car – particularly the Silverstone upgrade – not with Button’s ability to set it up.
Why would they? It’s clear Kovalainen is no match for Hamilton, so why would they sabotage themselves and get first and eighth when they could have first and second?
Yeah I have to concur. Im pretty sure that Ross would not be okay with Rubens’ side of the garage withholding valuable telemetry/setup data…
1. Kovalainen had the best strategy on the grid and the same car as Hamilton at Monza.
2. Kovalainen had a better strategy and a car the team eventually decided was better at Valencia.
3.Alonso has been performing very well in a total dog of a car all season, has not made any mistakes and just dragged it to third in Singapore admitadly with a lil bit o’ luck.
4. I largely agree with the top paragraph.
Cept the fact the Kazuki has scored no points in a car thats scored 30.5
Little bit if of Coincidence or irony …Why is that Kimi always has to move out of a team to make way for Fernando ? Nature is always palying a crueal joke on him.
In fact the last time he moved out of a team to make way for Fernando he won the championship with the new team and the other team was in disaster with Driver Equality Issues.
FOR SURE (in Kimi’s style) it will be a real fun to see if Kimi wins the WDC next year in McLaren and Fernando and Massa would be fighting in the team with Equality Problems. Remember Fernando is currently moving to a team where the team mate Massa already has spent 3 years and almost won the WDC and also has the sympathy of the team due to the accident. Kimi will have a huge laugh at Fernando.
It is not Suprising either that Santander is negotiating the whole deal. I mean they have everything to gain. They have 3 WDCs and 1 almost WDC represting their logo next year. Nice business deal.
I thought Renault were not allowed to race? Can someone shed some light on the issue please? I am really confused.
They only get banned IF they cheat again
No wonder people are out-raged by this.
I really hope allthe people saying that Anthony Davidson going to Manor are right – he definately deserves another chance in F1, although it will be a shame to loose him from the BBC commentary team!
What about Paul Di Resta? No one has mentioned him but I think he would be a good signing for one of the new teams.
And what about Gary Paffett? I thought the McLaren link might have got him a seat at Force India but he seems to have become forgotten about by everyone!
If McLaren have Lewis & Kimi next year they’ll probably win the Constructors championship, but not the WDC – the two drivers will just be taking points off of each other.
Just watched the bbc red button coverage from after the Singapore GP and when they asked Martin Whitmarsh about the possibility of Raikkonen joining the team in 2010 he remained silent, well apart from giving a slight chuckle and legging it off set before any more questions were asked!
Think that might just be the answer to that question!
Kimi to Mclaren, nothing but grrrrrreat!!! He will show for all that Hamilton is NOT fastest guy on the grid. Mclaren and Kimi has always been better mix than Ferrari and Kimi…..but let´s see how things are going, cause nothing is sure yet…
I really hope Raikkonen goes back to McLaren. That is the reason I became a McLaren fan back in the day. I still am though he hasn’t been there since the end of 2006.
Can hardly wait for it too
so Lewis can prove to everyone that
he is THE FASTEST MAN ON THE GRID
You mean the “greatest whiner” don’t you? Daddy will be working over time to get the story right after every race. Mind games wont work on the iceman. He couldn’t care less about the angry tifosi or the wrath of the Ferrari management, Hamilton will be so easy to stamp on with like taking candy from a kid.
After all in 2007 with all the attention and focus Hamilton got he couldn’t beat Alonso for outright points, it was a tie. Speak volumes about just how overrated and waste of investment Hamilton is, and it took a completely demotivated hekkie to win the title in 2008 not to mention the baggage of inferior strategies and parts delays.
As I see it both Mclaren and Ferrari will be wasting their time dealing with imminent implosion caused from Hamilton and Alonso within their respective teams. This is all provided any of these two teams have a car decent enough to mount a title challenge, this remains to be seen. Brawn GP has shown how well they go with heavy fuel they are definitely going to be in contention and a safer bet than any other team given the refueling ban.
Remember the name Ricciardo when the driver line-ups are released for next year, and where you heard it first
Interesting, GB2009. Be great to see another Aussie on the grid (or a replacement Aussie when Webber retires). Given that he’s part of the Red Bull junior program, maybe a prospect for RBR if/when Webber’s contract finishes?
Sorry to be the Harbinger of doom but as anyone considered that Massa might not return to F1.
He is fully recovered! He just needs to get back in shape physically. He was at Granja Viana today karting getting ready for 2010. Domelicalli even said he could come back in 2009 but not likelly
I hope he comes back and I think he will, but just because he recovered doesn’t mean he will be able to come back and race an F1 car. The worry is that the plate inserted in his head will not withstand constant g-loads without causing a lot of pain and major distractions.
I’m hoping for the best because I want him back in F1!
I will hate if the Brawn’s line up is broken,they have two good drivers who can win WC.Kimi to Mclaren will be nice & like many Fanatic I think he deserve a DWC with Mclaren & MP4-12C.Rubica to Renault sounds good but will Renault will be competitive?Nico to Williams is ok,but who will be in Toyota with Glock?Nick Heidfeld!
I think Santander made a great deal here! I’m a huge Massa fan and I hate Fernando! But Santander being a spanish bank and having a MASSIVE presence in Brasil this is a great great deal for them!
Don’t forget Santander has a BIG presence in UK also.
McLaren’s Drivers will have Santander Logo on their clouths. (I believe this is the sponsorship agreement they signed with McLaren, not their logo on the cars, just the drivers)
So, how could they loose? They have bought almost all lottery tickets for next year! (With the permission of Brawn and RBR, of course)