SO,
After the whole Renault spy affair scandal has inexplicably passed without punishment for the French manufacturer, they have confirmed their last World Champion Fernando Alonso as lead driver for 2008.
Now while Briatore and co clearly sees Alonso as the team’s Messiah after an average year as de-facto fourth best team, many would be dubious of employing the Spaniard.
Showing at McLaren how subordinate and potentially backstabbing he can be if his backside isn’t wiped and his ego caressed by an adoring team, I’m sure that many other manufacturer squads in the Championship would think twice about employing him, the exceptions being old best mate’s Renault, and new allies Ferrari (to whom many believe he will go next year).
How he would cope alongside the current fastest man Kimi Raikkonen at the Maranello squad remains to be seen – he won’t be number one there that’s for sure.
But of course, alongside the Oviedo man, Renault want some-one who will bend to their whim and be lap-dog to his team-mate in gratitude of a place in the race team.
Enter Nelson Piquet Jr.
The question now arises as to how much like his father the young Brazilian will be: remember, in his time alongside Nigel Mansell, Nelson Sr was hardly a happy and fulfilled man – so much so that on refusing to play second fiddle and trying his best to out-do the Brit, he nearly ruined his career.
But looking outside the French camp for ’08, questions now have to be asked about the driver’s that have been cast out; namely Giancarlo Fisichella and Heikki Kovalainen.
The first seems keen to do whatever he can to keep his place in F1, dropping to the depths of current journey-men Force India (see Spyker/Midland/Jordan) for a possible drive next year.
But the latter is currently a free man. And a quick one at that.
So surely, surely, McLaren will swoop to gather the latest flying Finn to slot in alongside boy-wonder Lewis Hamilton for 2008 and beyond, seeing as at the moment they have the only real empty seat (despite constant rumours that Trulli at Toyota or Barrichello at Honda could be farmed off into retirement or Super Aguri respectively) they must be Kovalainen’s main chance of keeping a deserved competitive seat in the sport.
How keen will he be to run alongside Hamilton at the Anglo-German squad next year?
That remains to be seen.
Showing posts with label Renault. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Renault. Show all posts
Monday, December 10, 2007
You Dare To Question Us?
SO,
Once again the FIA have shot themselves in the foot on the respectability front as it has now arisen that they intend to sue the Sunday Times and Martin Brundle for suggesting they were engaging in a ‘witch hunt’ against McLaren Mercedes in the ‘Spygate’ scandal.
But Brundle has a point.
It is a long standing and well known fact that Ron Dennis’ and the Woking boys are not exactly on holding-hands terms with the sport’s French governing body, and many believe that the $100million fine for McLaren having been in possession of Ferrari documentation was another case of one-upmanship on the part of the FIA; a firm reminder of who’s in charge.
But after Renault – who was found guilty of having McLaren information from the last two year’s cars (courtesy of an employee who swapped sides) – went unpunished in the FIA court, the allegations of ‘witch-hunting’ strengthened.
Brundle, veteran of 158 grand prix, believes that the sport’s governing body clearly tried to prove a point with their punishment of McLaren Mercedes, and also states in his latest column that the timing of this lawsuit against the Sunday paper is not coincidental:
“The timing of the writ is significant, in my view, given the FIA's decision to find Renault guilty of having significant McLaren designs and information within their systems, but not administering any penalty,” Brundle writes.
“It is a warning sign to other journalists and publications to choose their words carefully over that decision.
“I'm tired of what I perceive as the 'spin' and tactics of the FIA press office, as are many other journalists.”
Many have waited with bated breath for the outcome of this hearing, as it is believed that ex-World Champion Fernando Alonso’s race seat for next year, as well as the French manufacturer’s (and Bernie’s mate Flavio’s) future in Formula One, were in the balance.
But now Renault has been inexplicably and unfairly cleared, their plans for next year can continue.
In the meantime, the FIA are doing everything they can to screw up McLaren Mercedes. This much is clear.
Firstly, another company is found guilty of possessing more information on McLaren than the English company had on Ferrari, yet they go unpunished while McLaren struggle to find £50million. (A serious and disturbing case of double-standards)
And then, the FIA decide to hold-up checking McLaren’s 2008 car for Ferrari influences (surely the Renault is as likely to have McLaren bits) until one month before the start of the season, leaving the Woking team on edge that their car may be banned so soon before the first GP of the season.
While McLaren’s integrity is top notch and few believe there will be any suspiciously Italian bits nailed to the car, I’m sure Jean Todt’s FIA buddies can and will find something ‘stolen’ on the MP4-23.
The FIA appear to be doing everything they can to try and stuff McLaren as hard as possible, and anyone who won’t stand up and dance to their tune is being dragged into the dock.
Nice ‘sport’ we’ve got here…
For Martin Brundle's full column, see http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/formula_1/article3021312.ece
Once again the FIA have shot themselves in the foot on the respectability front as it has now arisen that they intend to sue the Sunday Times and Martin Brundle for suggesting they were engaging in a ‘witch hunt’ against McLaren Mercedes in the ‘Spygate’ scandal.
But Brundle has a point.
It is a long standing and well known fact that Ron Dennis’ and the Woking boys are not exactly on holding-hands terms with the sport’s French governing body, and many believe that the $100million fine for McLaren having been in possession of Ferrari documentation was another case of one-upmanship on the part of the FIA; a firm reminder of who’s in charge.
But after Renault – who was found guilty of having McLaren information from the last two year’s cars (courtesy of an employee who swapped sides) – went unpunished in the FIA court, the allegations of ‘witch-hunting’ strengthened.
Brundle, veteran of 158 grand prix, believes that the sport’s governing body clearly tried to prove a point with their punishment of McLaren Mercedes, and also states in his latest column that the timing of this lawsuit against the Sunday paper is not coincidental:
“The timing of the writ is significant, in my view, given the FIA's decision to find Renault guilty of having significant McLaren designs and information within their systems, but not administering any penalty,” Brundle writes.
“It is a warning sign to other journalists and publications to choose their words carefully over that decision.
“I'm tired of what I perceive as the 'spin' and tactics of the FIA press office, as are many other journalists.”
Many have waited with bated breath for the outcome of this hearing, as it is believed that ex-World Champion Fernando Alonso’s race seat for next year, as well as the French manufacturer’s (and Bernie’s mate Flavio’s) future in Formula One, were in the balance.
But now Renault has been inexplicably and unfairly cleared, their plans for next year can continue.
In the meantime, the FIA are doing everything they can to screw up McLaren Mercedes. This much is clear.
Firstly, another company is found guilty of possessing more information on McLaren than the English company had on Ferrari, yet they go unpunished while McLaren struggle to find £50million. (A serious and disturbing case of double-standards)
And then, the FIA decide to hold-up checking McLaren’s 2008 car for Ferrari influences (surely the Renault is as likely to have McLaren bits) until one month before the start of the season, leaving the Woking team on edge that their car may be banned so soon before the first GP of the season.
While McLaren’s integrity is top notch and few believe there will be any suspiciously Italian bits nailed to the car, I’m sure Jean Todt’s FIA buddies can and will find something ‘stolen’ on the MP4-23.
The FIA appear to be doing everything they can to try and stuff McLaren as hard as possible, and anyone who won’t stand up and dance to their tune is being dragged into the dock.
Nice ‘sport’ we’ve got here…
For Martin Brundle's full column, see http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/formula_1/article3021312.ece
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Where's Alonso Going?
SO,
With the forthcoming hearing in the latest twist of the long-dragging Formula 1'Spygate' scenario – namely Renault being accused by McLaren of having a large collection of information of the Woking team’s 2006 and '07' cars thanks to an engineer who switched teams in January – there are now question marks hanging over the head of two-time champion Fernando Alonso’s opportunities to race next year.
Until recently, it was widely believed that the subordinate Spaniard had four options. These were Red Bull Racing, Toyota, Force India (Spyker) and with his previous home, nestled under Flavio’s wing in Enstone.
But it would seem these options are dwindling.
The McLaren reject seems hell bent on serving his own needs by hunting for a single year contract, with a view to setting off to Maranello as partner to Kimi Raikkonen in 2009. However, it seems that no-one is particularly keen or in a position to offer him this.
Toyota have Timo Glock and Jarno Trulli (sort-of) signed up for next year, Force India aren't really in a position to employ a World Champion, Renault are still tied up in the spy situation – which may have massive ramifications on the French manufacturers future in the sport – and Red Bull.
But today it would seem that his chances are fading, as Red Bull driver (and the one considered most likely to be replaced by Alonso) David Coulthard told Reuters there was no chance of his being ousted for next year.
"Why would Fernando leave McLaren to come to Red Bull at the moment?" he asked. "If he didn't enjoy not winning a lot at McLaren, he definitely isn't going to enjoy not winning at all at Red Bull at the moment is he?"
And in case, it would appear that 36-year-old DC has a totally water-tight contract for ’08.
"They simply cannot not put me in the car next year, even if they wanted not to, unless there was a solution found.
"Having been around the block a few times, my contract specifically states that if there's a world championship, they [RBR] have to enter me in it."
So where is he going?
There is a very good chance that the answer may be nowhere. But of course it does make you wonder what would happen in 2009. Fernando has already shown that he heartily dislikes having a team-mate who can rattle him for pace, and unless Ferrari are stupid enough to offer Alonso number one status over their current golden boy and World Champion Kimi Raikkonen, he is going to be in the same situation he is in now.
I wonder how long Ferrari would put up with Alonso's whingeing and threats?
Not as long as McLaren did I’m sure.
With the forthcoming hearing in the latest twist of the long-dragging Formula 1'Spygate' scenario – namely Renault being accused by McLaren of having a large collection of information of the Woking team’s 2006 and '07' cars thanks to an engineer who switched teams in January – there are now question marks hanging over the head of two-time champion Fernando Alonso’s opportunities to race next year.
Until recently, it was widely believed that the subordinate Spaniard had four options. These were Red Bull Racing, Toyota, Force India (Spyker) and with his previous home, nestled under Flavio’s wing in Enstone.
But it would seem these options are dwindling.
The McLaren reject seems hell bent on serving his own needs by hunting for a single year contract, with a view to setting off to Maranello as partner to Kimi Raikkonen in 2009. However, it seems that no-one is particularly keen or in a position to offer him this.
Toyota have Timo Glock and Jarno Trulli (sort-of) signed up for next year, Force India aren't really in a position to employ a World Champion, Renault are still tied up in the spy situation – which may have massive ramifications on the French manufacturers future in the sport – and Red Bull.
But today it would seem that his chances are fading, as Red Bull driver (and the one considered most likely to be replaced by Alonso) David Coulthard told Reuters there was no chance of his being ousted for next year.
"Why would Fernando leave McLaren to come to Red Bull at the moment?" he asked. "If he didn't enjoy not winning a lot at McLaren, he definitely isn't going to enjoy not winning at all at Red Bull at the moment is he?"
And in case, it would appear that 36-year-old DC has a totally water-tight contract for ’08.
"They simply cannot not put me in the car next year, even if they wanted not to, unless there was a solution found.
"Having been around the block a few times, my contract specifically states that if there's a world championship, they [RBR] have to enter me in it."
So where is he going?
There is a very good chance that the answer may be nowhere. But of course it does make you wonder what would happen in 2009. Fernando has already shown that he heartily dislikes having a team-mate who can rattle him for pace, and unless Ferrari are stupid enough to offer Alonso number one status over their current golden boy and World Champion Kimi Raikkonen, he is going to be in the same situation he is in now.
I wonder how long Ferrari would put up with Alonso's whingeing and threats?
Not as long as McLaren did I’m sure.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Prodrive - McLaren talks collapse
SO,
According to Autosport.com talks between Prodrive and McLaren over the Banbury-based company running the Woking-built cars next year have collapsed.
A source informed the website that McLaren COO Martin Whitmarsh told staff at the factory that the team are no longer in negotiation with Prodrive.
The issue over the legality of customer cars under the 2007 Concorde Agreement was not under question, as the regulations clearly stated that all teams must run a unique car of their own construction, to which they own the design rights. However, the suggestion was put forward that for 2008, constructors would be allowed to sell chassis as well as engines to other race teams, and it was on these terms that Prodrive lodged their entry for F1.
But now that the '07 rules may be rolled over into next year, Prodrive may not be legally allowed to run customer cars, and the delays over sorting this out have contributed to McLaren supposedly ending talks.
So the question is, if Prodrive are informed that they will be allowed to run another constructor's car next year, what happens next?
I believe that if it is possible, McLaren will seek to run a second team. After all, they tried so hard in early '06 (when the FIA took entries for the 12th slot on the F1 grid) to get the Jean Alesi fronted 'Direxiv F1' onto the grid as an official McLaren 'B' team.
And if after that has failed Prodrive offer the same possibility then why shouldn't McLaren take it?
As it stands McLaren Mercedes are the one of only two manufacturers who have no links with, and supply no parts to other teams and when it was revealed that Prodrive was searching for a partner team, they were the ones out of the three favourites who seemed the most keen to establish a second team.
But now, if as Autosport has been informed, McLaren are no longer interested, then surely Prodrive will turn to the other two options it supposedly chased up originally.
BMW and Renault.
If this becomes the case then surely BMW would be the better option, as it’s cars are clearly more competitive than those of the French manufacturer at the moment, and unlike Renault, they would have no third group that they are providing with engines (Red Bull Racing) to offer a distraction.
However this whole saga is reliant on the outcome of the Court hearing on October 24 which will decide the legality of customer cars in Formula One for 2008, and therefore whether or not Prodrive will feature on the grid next year.
Will chassis sharing be allowed? That’s a total 50-50 call.
But if it is (and providing there is no skeleton-in-the-closet between them that has yet to be revealed) then I really wouldn’t be surprised if McLaren are still the team that Prodrive link up with for next year.
Four McLaren’s on the grid?
Sounds like a Jean Todt nightmare…
According to Autosport.com talks between Prodrive and McLaren over the Banbury-based company running the Woking-built cars next year have collapsed.
A source informed the website that McLaren COO Martin Whitmarsh told staff at the factory that the team are no longer in negotiation with Prodrive.
The issue over the legality of customer cars under the 2007 Concorde Agreement was not under question, as the regulations clearly stated that all teams must run a unique car of their own construction, to which they own the design rights. However, the suggestion was put forward that for 2008, constructors would be allowed to sell chassis as well as engines to other race teams, and it was on these terms that Prodrive lodged their entry for F1.
But now that the '07 rules may be rolled over into next year, Prodrive may not be legally allowed to run customer cars, and the delays over sorting this out have contributed to McLaren supposedly ending talks.
So the question is, if Prodrive are informed that they will be allowed to run another constructor's car next year, what happens next?
I believe that if it is possible, McLaren will seek to run a second team. After all, they tried so hard in early '06 (when the FIA took entries for the 12th slot on the F1 grid) to get the Jean Alesi fronted 'Direxiv F1' onto the grid as an official McLaren 'B' team.
And if after that has failed Prodrive offer the same possibility then why shouldn't McLaren take it?
As it stands McLaren Mercedes are the one of only two manufacturers who have no links with, and supply no parts to other teams and when it was revealed that Prodrive was searching for a partner team, they were the ones out of the three favourites who seemed the most keen to establish a second team.
But now, if as Autosport has been informed, McLaren are no longer interested, then surely Prodrive will turn to the other two options it supposedly chased up originally.
BMW and Renault.
If this becomes the case then surely BMW would be the better option, as it’s cars are clearly more competitive than those of the French manufacturer at the moment, and unlike Renault, they would have no third group that they are providing with engines (Red Bull Racing) to offer a distraction.
However this whole saga is reliant on the outcome of the Court hearing on October 24 which will decide the legality of customer cars in Formula One for 2008, and therefore whether or not Prodrive will feature on the grid next year.
Will chassis sharing be allowed? That’s a total 50-50 call.
But if it is (and providing there is no skeleton-in-the-closet between them that has yet to be revealed) then I really wouldn’t be surprised if McLaren are still the team that Prodrive link up with for next year.
Four McLaren’s on the grid?
Sounds like a Jean Todt nightmare…
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