The F1 thread

chillidoggy

Riccardo confirmed at Red Bull.

Van_Hayden

Finally....right, move along Massa.

Finally....right, move along Massa.

Ianpdq

He did nearly win the championship until Lewis came round the last corner
 

Van_Hayden

Eddie Irvine nearly won the championship and that didn't stop him getting the boot....

chillidoggy

So, what's the next predicted moves, guys?

stickyfiddle

Kimi to Ferrari. Massa and/or Hulk to Lotus, maybe?

Van_Hayden

I'm not sure where Massa would go, Sauber I'd guess. There must be half the field out of contract this year, going to be interesting.

I can see a few unemployed drivers too - especially if Sauber get Sergey the Russian.

chillidoggy

I can't see Lotus wanting Massa. I reckon he's finished, unless he's bringing a shedload of cash along with him. Hulkenberg is a more logical choice, or maybe Rosberg because I'm unsure if he's safe at Merc.

I can see Kimi going to Ferrari, but I'm still not convinced that JB won't end up there or Mercedes, despite him saying he's going to end his days at McLaren. That's what Lewis said!

Van_Hayden

Massa has bags of experience, he'd be a help to Sauber if they end up with the Rookie Russian. He'd help any of the teams with some of the younger drivers. Plus I expect he has access to plenty of Brazillian sponsorship if needed. Could even see Williams being interested, Maldonardo is ut of contract.

stickyfiddle

I can see Sauber going for Maldonado and his cash if he's out of contract. He's genuinely quick when he's not crashing, much like Grosjean and Perez but comes with bags of cash to boot. That would leave a gap at Williams for Massa, following the Barrichello route. Maybe a big step down, but no top team is going to pick him over Kimi or Jenson or Rosberg, surely?

Fretwired

Massa will be off I'm sure. British driver Sam Bird is being tipped for an F1 drive. He's currently doing well in the GP2 series and is the Mercedes reserve driver.

Not sure what's happening with Button as McLaren haven't been falling over themselves to make reassuring noises. I think they might bite the bullet and go for youth on the grounds it will take them two years to get back to the top by which time Button will be over the hill.

Van_Hayden

I get the feeling Rosberg will stay until Kubica comes back. That'll wake Lewis up. I think Sam Bird is mercs back up option for Kubica (although they've got 3 reserve drivers) The rate Merc are attracting personnel I wouldn't be surprised if they started a junior Team.

Something's brewing at MacLaren. I wouldn't be surprised to see Whitmarsn, Perez and Button walk. I can't imagine Ron is a happy bunny, he needs results to sell motors. It'll depend how the shareholders feel.

stickyfiddle

Kubica's not coming back. He can't physically turn the steering wheel enough while sitting in the tight cockpit

Fretwired

Breaking news: According to Spanish website COPE, F1 insiders say Raikkonen could be heading to McLaren with Jenson Button moving to Ferrari as a replacement for Massa. This could account for the silence on driver line-ups from McLaren and Ferrari. Button stated over the weekend that only Alonso could beat Vettel this year .... vocal support for his new team mate?

Van_Hayden

stickyfiddle;26334" said:

Kubica's not coming back. He can't physically turn the steering wheel enough while sitting in the tight cockpit

Well, not yet. He's in the sim. I'd really like him to come back, Vettle & Kubica would have been something to watch. Admittedly it's a long shot.

Interesting news from Spain...

chillidoggy

Blimey, that's hot news, Fret! And I can see that happening, too!

chillidoggy

Planet F1 reported that JB is expected to sign a 3-year deal with McLaren.

Fretwired

Whitmarsh has confirmed McLaren are talking to Kimi - apparently they spoke to him last year as well. It's on the official F1 website.

Van_Hayden

Wishful thinking methinks

http://www.espn.co.uk/mclaren/motorsport/story/123255.html?CMP=OTC-RSS

Fretwired

Van_Hayden said:

Wishful thinking methinks

http://www.espn.co.uk/mclaren/motorsport/story/123255.html?CMP=OTC-RSS

I think Kimi, if he joins, is more likely to replace Perez ... unless Button is temped by a move to Ferrari.