| artkevin | 05-10-2006 11:48 AM |
I was acutally talking to JoD about this just the other day. Kimi is in a round about way the reason why team Red Bull exist. Sauber wanted Kimi and Dietrich (owner of Red Bull) wanted Bernoldi in the car and thought since he had so much money invested in the team he should get is way. Peter Sauber thought he had spotted talent and stuck to his guns. That split Sauber and Red Bull relationship and once Jag went bye bye Red Bull stepped in.
I think we all got lucky w/ Kimi but there is no way someone w/o exp. should get into a Grand Prix. You should have to have at least a certain number of miles in a modern F1 car before you should be allowed out there with the other 21 guys IMHO.
I think we all got lucky w/ Kimi but there is no way someone w/o exp. should get into a Grand Prix. You should have to have at least a certain number of miles in a modern F1 car before you should be allowed out there with the other 21 guys IMHO.
| 10th Warrior | 05-10-2006 12:36 PM |
[quote]You should have to have at least a certain number of miles in a [b]modern[/b] F1 car before you should be allowed out there with the other 21 guys IMHO.[/quote]
that would be difficult for SA ;)
that would be difficult for SA ;)
| JoD | 05-10-2006 12:48 PM |
Ferg, somebody - Please post a new thread for this weekend's race. I don't know where you kids get those nifty maps n stuff....
| Ferg | 05-10-2006 12:52 PM |
Done! :D
| NYEJ25 | 05-10-2006 01:46 PM |
I"m glad Ide got his license taken away. It was only a matter of time before he killed someone else or himself. I was thinking his demise would come at Indy this year on turn 13, Ralf's favorite turn!
| StuBeck | 05-10-2006 03:01 PM |
You do need a certain number of miles in an F1 car to qualify, its like 300km or something. Ide got this, but it still isn't enough. I think he got a raw deal with it though since Oz was really bad for everyone and he just plain got unlucky in SM. If Albers hadn't flipped it wouldn't have been such a big deal. I still don't think he would have done much though, but I think he could have been the third driver for the rest of the year.
| finnRex | 05-10-2006 08:16 PM |
[QUOTE=StuBeck]You do need a certain number of miles in an F1 car to qualify, its like 300km or something. Ide got this, but it still isn't enough. I think he got a raw deal with it though since Oz was really bad for everyone and he just plain got unlucky in SM. If Albers hadn't flipped it wouldn't have been such a big deal. I still don't think he would have done much though, but I think he could have been the third driver for the rest of the year.[/QUOTE]
Agreed. IF Albers didn't flip...but he did. When was the last time someone caused a flip like that in F1? I can't remember with my crappy memory, but I think it's been quite some time. I didn't see Ide doing anything, and I still don't see Taku doing anything(albeit with crappy cars).
Mika
Agreed. IF Albers didn't flip...but he did. When was the last time someone caused a flip like that in F1? I can't remember with my crappy memory, but I think it's been quite some time. I didn't see Ide doing anything, and I still don't see Taku doing anything(albeit with crappy cars).
Mika
| rupertberr | 05-10-2006 08:38 PM |
[QUOTE=finnRex]When was the last time someone caused a flip like that in F1? I can't remember with my crappy memory, but I think it's been quite some time. [/QUOTE]
Derek Daly comes to mind for some reason, on several occasions. I guess he was always doing it to himself though... :lol:
Derek Daly comes to mind for some reason, on several occasions. I guess he was always doing it to himself though... :lol:
| Ferg | 05-10-2006 09:10 PM |
Wurz pulled a barrel roll in Canada back in '98 or '99, Villenueve did a sort of side flip off of Ralfie into the barriers in Australia (sadly killing a marshall)...um, I recall Christian Fittipaldi doing a full on backflip at Monza in a Minardi.
| artkevin | 05-10-2006 09:42 PM |
Dammit Ferg. I was going to bring up both of those!
| rupertberr | 05-10-2006 11:43 PM |
[QUOTE=rupertberr]Derek Daly comes to mind for some reason, on several occasions. I guess he was always doing it to himself though... :lol:[/QUOTE]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/rupertberr/image/59999854.jpg[/IMG]
There is another great one of Derek doing a 360 over the fence at the Tarzan corner of Zandvoort, but I can't find that on line. It's in my 1980 copy of Autocourse.
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/rupertberr/image/59999854.jpg[/IMG]
There is another great one of Derek doing a 360 over the fence at the Tarzan corner of Zandvoort, but I can't find that on line. It's in my 1980 copy of Autocourse.
| artkevin | 05-11-2006 12:02 AM |
[IMG]http://www.luna.co.uk/~daveg/wuaben02.jpg[/IMG]
A tire flew off and killed a marshal during this. Part of the reason the tires have ultra strong teathers now.
[IMG]http://espn.go.com/media/rpm/2001/0303/photo/a_crash_i.jpg[/IMG]
Forgot about this one from last year.
[IMG]http://myspace-784.vo.llnwd.net/00634/48/71/634731784_l.jpg[/IMG]
A tire flew off and killed a marshal during this. Part of the reason the tires have ultra strong teathers now.
[IMG]http://espn.go.com/media/rpm/2001/0303/photo/a_crash_i.jpg[/IMG]
Forgot about this one from last year.
[IMG]http://myspace-784.vo.llnwd.net/00634/48/71/634731784_l.jpg[/IMG]
| artkevin | 05-11-2006 04:55 PM |
Ummm, what? :confused:
Doornbos in, Klien out for 15 Mil Euros.
[url]http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=117789[/url]
Doornbos in, Klien out for 15 Mil Euros.
[url]http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=117789[/url]
| StuBeck | 05-11-2006 05:08 PM |
The wheels had teathers in 00 when that accident happened, it was the amount and strength which has increased. I beileve they only had one, and now they have at least two possibley three, but wheels still come off.
My exact response to Doornbos coming in was "Holy ****, holy ****ing ****." That is just amazing, I guess it makes sense since Red Bull does need money, hopefully he just won't suck.
My exact response to Doornbos coming in was "Holy ****, holy ****ing ****." That is just amazing, I guess it makes sense since Red Bull does need money, hopefully he just won't suck.
| StuBeck | 05-11-2006 05:09 PM |
[QUOTE=finnRex]Agreed. IF Albers didn't flip...but he did. When was the last time someone caused a flip like that in F1? I can't remember with my crappy memory, but I think it's been quite some time. I didn't see Ide doing anything, and I still don't see Taku doing anything(albeit with crappy cars).
Mika[/QUOTE]
Zonta got huge air time in 00 or 01 during winter testing, and Panis went over a few years ago, but that was all their own doing, or the car failing them.
Mika[/QUOTE]
Zonta got huge air time in 00 or 01 during winter testing, and Panis went over a few years ago, but that was all their own doing, or the car failing them.
| Ferg | 05-12-2006 10:02 AM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]Ummm, what? :confused:
Doornbos in, Klien out for 15 Mil Euros.
[url]http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=117789[/url][/QUOTE]
Red Bull is denying the rumor. It'll be interesting if in the end it proves true.
[QUOTE]Horner backs 'unlucky' Klien
By Jonathan Noble Friday, May 12th 2006, 12:46 GMT
Red Bull Racing sporting director Christian Horner has issued a vote of confidence in Christian Klien after dismissing wild rumours that the Austrian's job was on the line.
"Obviously it is too early to judge the job that Christian has done to date, but he is in his third year of F1, he knows this year is important but he is totally committed to the job," Horner told autosport.com.
"He drove well at the Nurburgring, and was unfortunate with the incident (the red flag in qualifying) and hopefully he will be hoping to repeat that performance here."
Horner further refuted rumours that Red Bull Racing are planning to promote third driver Robert Doornbos to a race seat at the Monaco Grand Prix
"Regarding the Robert Doornbos rumours, there is no substance to them at all. We are happy with the job he is doing as third driver, he is doing a good job for us in the work he is doing on the Friday and in his test role, but we have no immediate plans to change any drivers."
Horner believes that Klien's failure to finish in the points since the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix had more to do with bad luck and poor reliability than anything to do with his driving.
"Christian has had some bad luck and we have not had a tidy race weekend from start to finish without a session or race being interrupted by an incident or a mechanical issue," explained Horner.
"We are getting on top of that now and hopefully this weekend we will have a straightforward practice, race and qualifying scenario.
"The focus for us at the moment is very much on improving the car, which is happening. We were unlucky at the Nurburgring that incidents with the red flag in qualifying and at the start of the race, which hurt us quite badly, but we have got a positive upgrade coming for Silverstone.
"Everyone in the factory is working quite hard, we have got a fairly strong team of people now and hopefully we still start to see the impact of that shortly."
Horner said that the team were in no rush to make a decision about their future driver line-up, with both Klien and David Coulthard's contracts running out at the end of this year.
"Both of our drivers are focused on trying to remain with the team for next year, but we won't be making any decisions until later in the year."[/QUOTE]
Doornbos in, Klien out for 15 Mil Euros.
[url]http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=117789[/url][/QUOTE]
Red Bull is denying the rumor. It'll be interesting if in the end it proves true.
[QUOTE]Horner backs 'unlucky' Klien
By Jonathan Noble Friday, May 12th 2006, 12:46 GMT
Red Bull Racing sporting director Christian Horner has issued a vote of confidence in Christian Klien after dismissing wild rumours that the Austrian's job was on the line.
"Obviously it is too early to judge the job that Christian has done to date, but he is in his third year of F1, he knows this year is important but he is totally committed to the job," Horner told autosport.com.
"He drove well at the Nurburgring, and was unfortunate with the incident (the red flag in qualifying) and hopefully he will be hoping to repeat that performance here."
Horner further refuted rumours that Red Bull Racing are planning to promote third driver Robert Doornbos to a race seat at the Monaco Grand Prix
"Regarding the Robert Doornbos rumours, there is no substance to them at all. We are happy with the job he is doing as third driver, he is doing a good job for us in the work he is doing on the Friday and in his test role, but we have no immediate plans to change any drivers."
Horner believes that Klien's failure to finish in the points since the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix had more to do with bad luck and poor reliability than anything to do with his driving.
"Christian has had some bad luck and we have not had a tidy race weekend from start to finish without a session or race being interrupted by an incident or a mechanical issue," explained Horner.
"We are getting on top of that now and hopefully this weekend we will have a straightforward practice, race and qualifying scenario.
"The focus for us at the moment is very much on improving the car, which is happening. We were unlucky at the Nurburgring that incidents with the red flag in qualifying and at the start of the race, which hurt us quite badly, but we have got a positive upgrade coming for Silverstone.
"Everyone in the factory is working quite hard, we have got a fairly strong team of people now and hopefully we still start to see the impact of that shortly."
Horner said that the team were in no rush to make a decision about their future driver line-up, with both Klien and David Coulthard's contracts running out at the end of this year.
"Both of our drivers are focused on trying to remain with the team for next year, but we won't be making any decisions until later in the year."[/QUOTE]
| artkevin | 05-12-2006 10:40 AM |
Good to see Horner sticking up for Klien. I hope he keeps his seat at least through 06.
| OnTheGas | 05-13-2006 08:54 PM |
On why Ide's Superlicense was revoked
�
�
[QUOTE]I think (Ide) got a raw deal... If Albers hadn't flipped it wouldn't have been such a big deal...[/QUOTE]Ide flipping Albers was not the primary reason why Ide lost his superlicense. Think of all the collisions we have seen in F1... quite a few. Now think how often a starting F1 driver has had their superlicense revoked mid-seaon. I can not recall this happening since I've been following F1.
I think his fellow drivers provide the reasons why his superlicense was revoked:
[quote][I]Christian Klien[/I]
Sometimes he has really different lines to us.[/quote][quote][i]Kimi Raikkonen[/i]
He's a nice guy but he was quite slow and then he was spinning quite often so you never knew if he was going to spin in front of you when you were close to him.[/quote][quote][i]Nick Heidfeld[/i]
Without judging Ide's driving, I don't think it will change a lot if he does more testing.[/quote]Klien's comment is very interesting... The difference between the lines one F1 driver and another is small. If you're fortunate enough to attend an F1 race in person, you know what I mean... Yes, there are differences, but they are small. Klien's comment about Ide's lines, and Heidfeld's comment that more experience may not help Ide, point to the real reasons why FIA yanked his license.
We have all read how drivers who drive an F1 car for the first time find them to be very different beasts than most any other form of race car. So these comments from Ide's fellow F1 drivers are coming from folks who have a natural sympathy for an inexperienced driver, since they have all experienced that learning curve... I found these public comments from the other drivers about the abilities of one of their own to be rather unusual in that they appear to be held in common.
Ide is a proven driver in other formulas, (runner-up in Formula Nippon in 2005), but there is not a direct relationship between success in the junior formulas, and F1. Because F1 cars are vastly different from most other race cars in power to weight ratios, lateral Gs, braking Gs, and electronics.
I'll be very surprised to ever see Ide in an F1 car on a race weekend again.
I think his fellow drivers provide the reasons why his superlicense was revoked:
[quote][I]Christian Klien[/I]
Sometimes he has really different lines to us.[/quote][quote][i]Kimi Raikkonen[/i]
He's a nice guy but he was quite slow and then he was spinning quite often so you never knew if he was going to spin in front of you when you were close to him.[/quote][quote][i]Nick Heidfeld[/i]
Without judging Ide's driving, I don't think it will change a lot if he does more testing.[/quote]Klien's comment is very interesting... The difference between the lines one F1 driver and another is small. If you're fortunate enough to attend an F1 race in person, you know what I mean... Yes, there are differences, but they are small. Klien's comment about Ide's lines, and Heidfeld's comment that more experience may not help Ide, point to the real reasons why FIA yanked his license.
We have all read how drivers who drive an F1 car for the first time find them to be very different beasts than most any other form of race car. So these comments from Ide's fellow F1 drivers are coming from folks who have a natural sympathy for an inexperienced driver, since they have all experienced that learning curve... I found these public comments from the other drivers about the abilities of one of their own to be rather unusual in that they appear to be held in common.
Ide is a proven driver in other formulas, (runner-up in Formula Nippon in 2005), but there is not a direct relationship between success in the junior formulas, and F1. Because F1 cars are vastly different from most other race cars in power to weight ratios, lateral Gs, braking Gs, and electronics.
I'll be very surprised to ever see Ide in an F1 car on a race weekend again.
| Ferg | 05-15-2006 09:50 AM |
Morning news.
[QUOTE]GPMA confirm: all members have signed
By Jonathan Noble Sunday, May 14th 2006, 10:39 GMT
All five members of the Grand Prix Manufacturers Association have now signed a memorandum of understanding that will see them commit to Formula One until the end of 2012.
In a statement issued at Barcelona, the GPMA said its members now await the commercial rights holder to sign the MOU as well.
CVC's managing partner Donald McKenzie is expected to arrive at Barcelona today and sign the deal agreed.
"Today's MOU constitutes a comprehensive solution to the future of the sport," BMW's executive board member Burkhard Goeschel said, on behalf of the GPMA.
"We can build on this result and look forward to jointly grow F1 and make it an even bigger sporting spectacle than ever before."
Autosport.com understands the breakthrough in the negotiations between the manufacturers and sport's commercial rights holder came when the GPMA agreed to compromise on the share of the revenues given to the teams.
The GPMA demanded 60% of Formula One's revenues, but eventually the sides agreed the teams will receive a smaller share than that - presumed to be more than 50%, which will be paid back from 2006, rather than from 2008.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Ferrari to announce drivers 'around Monza'
By Pablo Elizalde Sunday, May 14th 2006, 18:04 GMT
Ferrari team chief Jean Todt has said the Italian squad plan to announce their driver line-up around the date of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
Todt's comments come on the back of Michael Schumacher saying he could wait until the end of the year to make up his mind on whether to retire or continue racing in Formula One.
Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn said on Friday the team were happy to wait for the German driver to decide.
"I think someone of the magnitude of Michael gets as much time as he wants and we have to work around it," said Brawn. "We are not objecting and we are happy to wait, so we will see what happens."
Despite Schumacher's comments, however, Todt said after the Spanish Grand Prix that they expect to announce their drivers by Monza.
The Frenchman also was critical of the constant rumours surrounding Schumacher.
"You know, in a way, it's a bit tiring to always have speculation and we know that once we will announce the drives, we start on other speculation," said Todt.
"When we answer to those new speculations, we will have some other ones, so in a way, to concentrate on speculation at the moment on drivers is quite good because we don't get on other matters.
"We have a good harmony in the team. Everybody knows that Michael is like the spoiled, which he deserves, kid, in the team, together with Felipe. They get on very well. You must see the photo on the podium in the last Grand Prix. You can see the harmony.
"So I want Michael to be happy, I want Felipe to be happy. Saying that, we need to make sure to secure that Ferrari is in a strong situation for the present and for the future.
"That's what we will do and together with Michael, when Michael feels comfortable with the announcement, we should announce it around Monza." [/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]GPMA confirm: all members have signed
By Jonathan Noble Sunday, May 14th 2006, 10:39 GMT
All five members of the Grand Prix Manufacturers Association have now signed a memorandum of understanding that will see them commit to Formula One until the end of 2012.
In a statement issued at Barcelona, the GPMA said its members now await the commercial rights holder to sign the MOU as well.
CVC's managing partner Donald McKenzie is expected to arrive at Barcelona today and sign the deal agreed.
"Today's MOU constitutes a comprehensive solution to the future of the sport," BMW's executive board member Burkhard Goeschel said, on behalf of the GPMA.
"We can build on this result and look forward to jointly grow F1 and make it an even bigger sporting spectacle than ever before."
Autosport.com understands the breakthrough in the negotiations between the manufacturers and sport's commercial rights holder came when the GPMA agreed to compromise on the share of the revenues given to the teams.
The GPMA demanded 60% of Formula One's revenues, but eventually the sides agreed the teams will receive a smaller share than that - presumed to be more than 50%, which will be paid back from 2006, rather than from 2008.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Ferrari to announce drivers 'around Monza'
By Pablo Elizalde Sunday, May 14th 2006, 18:04 GMT
Ferrari team chief Jean Todt has said the Italian squad plan to announce their driver line-up around the date of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
Todt's comments come on the back of Michael Schumacher saying he could wait until the end of the year to make up his mind on whether to retire or continue racing in Formula One.
Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn said on Friday the team were happy to wait for the German driver to decide.
"I think someone of the magnitude of Michael gets as much time as he wants and we have to work around it," said Brawn. "We are not objecting and we are happy to wait, so we will see what happens."
Despite Schumacher's comments, however, Todt said after the Spanish Grand Prix that they expect to announce their drivers by Monza.
The Frenchman also was critical of the constant rumours surrounding Schumacher.
"You know, in a way, it's a bit tiring to always have speculation and we know that once we will announce the drives, we start on other speculation," said Todt.
"When we answer to those new speculations, we will have some other ones, so in a way, to concentrate on speculation at the moment on drivers is quite good because we don't get on other matters.
"We have a good harmony in the team. Everybody knows that Michael is like the spoiled, which he deserves, kid, in the team, together with Felipe. They get on very well. You must see the photo on the podium in the last Grand Prix. You can see the harmony.
"So I want Michael to be happy, I want Felipe to be happy. Saying that, we need to make sure to secure that Ferrari is in a strong situation for the present and for the future.
"That's what we will do and together with Michael, when Michael feels comfortable with the announcement, we should announce it around Monza." [/QUOTE]
| artkevin | 05-15-2006 02:36 PM |
There are a bunch of stories floating aorund about McLaren and Kimi pretty much giving up all hope on either title but just aiming to win a few races. I guess Alonso is at least happy he stayed put for 06.
| StuBeck | 05-15-2006 07:42 PM |
It makes sense, Renault isn't going to suddenly start sucking, and Fernando isn't either. The constructors is still slightly possibly with Fisicella being an emo bastard, but I don't think that is very much an option either.
| finnRex | 05-15-2006 08:15 PM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]There are a bunch of stories floating aorund about McLaren and Kimi pretty much giving up all hope on either title but just aiming to win a few races. I guess Alonso is at least happy he stayed put for 06.[/QUOTE]
I wouldn't be surprised that Kimi gave up. 5 years, and still not a car that's consistent [I]and[/I] fast enough. McLaren needs to pull their collective heads out of their @$$es.
I'm not surprised that McLaren has giving up either. You can only kick yourself in the jimmy so many times before it starts to hurt, not just physically, but psychologically too.
Mika
I wouldn't be surprised that Kimi gave up. 5 years, and still not a car that's consistent [I]and[/I] fast enough. McLaren needs to pull their collective heads out of their @$$es.
I'm not surprised that McLaren has giving up either. You can only kick yourself in the jimmy so many times before it starts to hurt, not just physically, but psychologically too.
Mika
| OnTheGas | 05-16-2006 12:07 AM |
OK... So what is the difference?
�
�
[quote][i]McLaren's managing director [b][u]Martin Whitmarsh[/u][/b] (as quoted by Reuters' Alan Baldwin):[/i]
The gap is bigger than we expected and disappointing obviously, coming away from only one week ago when we were very close to the front-runners. We were some way further behind. It's something that we've got to look at.
We've got to go away from here and make sure we continue to develop the package, the car, the engine to make sure we are stronger for the rest of the season.
Probably at the moment we shouldn't be focusing on the championship, we should be focusing on making our car go quicker and winning some races.[/quote]Though the difference may be subtle, what would be the real difference for McLaren between focusing on winning races vs. fighting for the championships?
:confused:
Anyone know?
The gap is bigger than we expected and disappointing obviously, coming away from only one week ago when we were very close to the front-runners. We were some way further behind. It's something that we've got to look at.
We've got to go away from here and make sure we continue to develop the package, the car, the engine to make sure we are stronger for the rest of the season.
Probably at the moment we shouldn't be focusing on the championship, we should be focusing on making our car go quicker and winning some races.[/quote]Though the difference may be subtle, what would be the real difference for McLaren between focusing on winning races vs. fighting for the championships?
:confused:
Anyone know?
| finnRex | 05-16-2006 01:08 AM |
Focusing on winning races means picking races that are advantageous to their car, and notsomuch others. Since the Macca lacks power, it'd be more of a twisty race, San Marino perhaps or where passing is difficult.
Focusing on championships is moreso of a total dedication to each weekend. trying to find the perfect setup for each race weekend. That's my guess.
Seems that Whitmarsh is throwing the towel in(AKA, Kimi has signed). Now it's a waiting game. It's only a matter of time 'til someone spills the beans. (all 110% speculation at this time, obviously).
Mika
Focusing on championships is moreso of a total dedication to each weekend. trying to find the perfect setup for each race weekend. That's my guess.
Seems that Whitmarsh is throwing the towel in(AKA, Kimi has signed). Now it's a waiting game. It's only a matter of time 'til someone spills the beans. (all 110% speculation at this time, obviously).
Mika
| Ferg | 05-16-2006 08:26 AM |
[QUOTE=finnRex]I wouldn't be surprised that Kimi gave up. [/QUOTE]
Kimi doesn't seem that surprised either... Sorry Jody :(
[QUOTE]Raikkonen rules out fighting for title
By Michele Lostia Monday, May 15th 2006, 12:13 GMT
McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen has ruled himself out of this year's fight for the drivers' title after a disappointing Spanish Grand Prix.
The British team are yet to win a race this season, and Raikkonen has finished on the podium only twice in six races. In Barcelona, where he won last season, the Finn finished in a distant fifth position behind the two Renaults and the two Ferraris.
The McLaren driver has scored 27 points, the same amount that separates him from championship leader Fernando Alonso, and also the same number of points he had scored after six races in 2005.
Coincidentally, Alonso has 54 points so far, the same number he had last year at this point.
In 2005, however, Raikkonen had already scored two wins.
Raikkonen, runner-up to Alonso last season, believes the Barcelona circuit highlighted McLaren's flaws, and the Finn believes only Renault and Ferrari will fight for this year's title.
[B]"This is an unforgiving track where you can't hide your flaws," [/B]Raikkonen was quoted as saying by Gazzetta dello Sport. [B]"If you don't have a good car, you don't go anywhere. That's why on other tracks we managed to stay close to Ferrari and Renault, while here we were never in the game.
"I'll only say that we had a lot of understeer and it was difficult to drive, we lack a bit of everything. Things should be going better in Monaco, but I'm not under the illusion that it will be a big step forward.
"The title battle will be fought between Ferrari and Renault because they always get to the end of the races and they are always fighting for victory and podiums. Me? I'll look for winning some races. At least I'll try."[/B]
Raikkonen, whose contract with McLaren expires this year, is yet to announce his plans for the future.
There are 12 races left in the season.[/QUOTE]
Kimi doesn't seem that surprised either... Sorry Jody :(
[QUOTE]Raikkonen rules out fighting for title
By Michele Lostia Monday, May 15th 2006, 12:13 GMT
McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen has ruled himself out of this year's fight for the drivers' title after a disappointing Spanish Grand Prix.
The British team are yet to win a race this season, and Raikkonen has finished on the podium only twice in six races. In Barcelona, where he won last season, the Finn finished in a distant fifth position behind the two Renaults and the two Ferraris.
The McLaren driver has scored 27 points, the same amount that separates him from championship leader Fernando Alonso, and also the same number of points he had scored after six races in 2005.
Coincidentally, Alonso has 54 points so far, the same number he had last year at this point.
In 2005, however, Raikkonen had already scored two wins.
Raikkonen, runner-up to Alonso last season, believes the Barcelona circuit highlighted McLaren's flaws, and the Finn believes only Renault and Ferrari will fight for this year's title.
[B]"This is an unforgiving track where you can't hide your flaws," [/B]Raikkonen was quoted as saying by Gazzetta dello Sport. [B]"If you don't have a good car, you don't go anywhere. That's why on other tracks we managed to stay close to Ferrari and Renault, while here we were never in the game.
"I'll only say that we had a lot of understeer and it was difficult to drive, we lack a bit of everything. Things should be going better in Monaco, but I'm not under the illusion that it will be a big step forward.
"The title battle will be fought between Ferrari and Renault because they always get to the end of the races and they are always fighting for victory and podiums. Me? I'll look for winning some races. At least I'll try."[/B]
Raikkonen, whose contract with McLaren expires this year, is yet to announce his plans for the future.
There are 12 races left in the season.[/QUOTE]
| StuBeck | 05-16-2006 12:58 PM |
I can see Raikkonen leaving just because its been the same issue for the entire time he's been there. Look good in winter testing, get to the first race and its crap, then halfway through they might get some more speed.
| Ferg | 05-16-2006 01:09 PM |
I can imagine Ron's promises are starting to sound somewhat hollow to Kimi.
"Don't worry Kimi, [i]next[/i] season will be better..."
Teams back in the testing slog...
[QUOTE]Alonso on top at Paul Ricard
Tuesday, May 16th 2006, 16:35 GMT
Fernando Alonso maintained his place at the top of Formula One on Tuesday when he led the way on the opening day of testing at Paul Ricard in France.
The Spaniard, fresh from victory in his home Grand Prix last weekend, set a best lap of 1:05.686 to edge out Ferrari's Felipe Massa by just two hundredths of a second.
The pair's closest challenger was Jarno Trulli in the Toyota TF106B, which was featuring updated aerodynamics from the version that ran prior to the European Grand Prix earlier this month.
All the teams were working on basic set-up and tyre evaluation for the forthcoming high-downforce Monaco Grand Prix, which demands complete different characteristics to those needed at virtually any other track on the calendar.
Behind Trulli, Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya continued work on trying to lift the performance of their McLaren closer to the Renault and Ferrari.
BMW-Sauber's Nick Heidfeld was just three tenths behind Montoya, while teammate Robert Kubica brought the only red flag of the day out when his car stopped on the track.
Red Bull Racing's early season pace showed little signs of a big improvement, with Christian Klien and Robert Doornbos right at the bottom of the timesheets.
The next major update on the RB2 is not expected until the British Grand Prix, which takes place a fortnight after Monaco.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Alonso Renault (M) 1:05.686 143
2. Massa Ferrari (B) 1:05.707 128
3. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:05.752 117
4. Kovalainen Renault (M) 1:05.818 174
5. Raikkonen McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:05.996 68
6. Montoya McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:06.466 102
7. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber (M) 1:06.566 100
8. Kubica BMW-Sauber (M) 1:06.615 124
9. Speed Toro Rosso-Cosworth (M) 1:06.725 151
10. R.Schumacher Toyota (B) 1:07.009 104
11. Klien Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1:07.016 65
12. Doornbos Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1:07.760 83
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Williams, Honda in action at Vallelunga
Tuesday, May 16th 2006, 16:32 GMT
The Williams and Honda teams kicked off on Tuesday their preparations for the Monaco Grand Prix, testing at the Vallelunga circuit in Italy.
There were four drivers today at the Italian track, which included a third chicane that shortened the total lenght from 4.028 to 3.284 kms to make it similar to the Monte Carlo layout.
Honda's test driver Anthony Davidson was the quickest of the four after 126 laps at the wheel of the RA106 car, the Briton finishing over a second ahead of Williams test driver Alex Wurz.
Williams focused on set-up changes and evaluated revised suspension components for Monaco. The British squad also worked on tyre comparision for the street race.
Wurz drove alongside test driver Narain Karthikeyan, who returned to work after more than a month out of the cockpit. The Indian was slowest today, finishing behind Briton James Rossiter, who joined Davidson at Honda.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Davidson Honda (M) 1:01.855 126
2. Wurz Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:02.927 101
3. Rossiter Honda (M) 1:03.784 77
4. Karthikeyan Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:03.843 79
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
"Don't worry Kimi, [i]next[/i] season will be better..."
Teams back in the testing slog...
[QUOTE]Alonso on top at Paul Ricard
Tuesday, May 16th 2006, 16:35 GMT
Fernando Alonso maintained his place at the top of Formula One on Tuesday when he led the way on the opening day of testing at Paul Ricard in France.
The Spaniard, fresh from victory in his home Grand Prix last weekend, set a best lap of 1:05.686 to edge out Ferrari's Felipe Massa by just two hundredths of a second.
The pair's closest challenger was Jarno Trulli in the Toyota TF106B, which was featuring updated aerodynamics from the version that ran prior to the European Grand Prix earlier this month.
All the teams were working on basic set-up and tyre evaluation for the forthcoming high-downforce Monaco Grand Prix, which demands complete different characteristics to those needed at virtually any other track on the calendar.
Behind Trulli, Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya continued work on trying to lift the performance of their McLaren closer to the Renault and Ferrari.
BMW-Sauber's Nick Heidfeld was just three tenths behind Montoya, while teammate Robert Kubica brought the only red flag of the day out when his car stopped on the track.
Red Bull Racing's early season pace showed little signs of a big improvement, with Christian Klien and Robert Doornbos right at the bottom of the timesheets.
The next major update on the RB2 is not expected until the British Grand Prix, which takes place a fortnight after Monaco.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Alonso Renault (M) 1:05.686 143
2. Massa Ferrari (B) 1:05.707 128
3. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:05.752 117
4. Kovalainen Renault (M) 1:05.818 174
5. Raikkonen McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:05.996 68
6. Montoya McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:06.466 102
7. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber (M) 1:06.566 100
8. Kubica BMW-Sauber (M) 1:06.615 124
9. Speed Toro Rosso-Cosworth (M) 1:06.725 151
10. R.Schumacher Toyota (B) 1:07.009 104
11. Klien Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1:07.016 65
12. Doornbos Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1:07.760 83
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Williams, Honda in action at Vallelunga
Tuesday, May 16th 2006, 16:32 GMT
The Williams and Honda teams kicked off on Tuesday their preparations for the Monaco Grand Prix, testing at the Vallelunga circuit in Italy.
There were four drivers today at the Italian track, which included a third chicane that shortened the total lenght from 4.028 to 3.284 kms to make it similar to the Monte Carlo layout.
Honda's test driver Anthony Davidson was the quickest of the four after 126 laps at the wheel of the RA106 car, the Briton finishing over a second ahead of Williams test driver Alex Wurz.
Williams focused on set-up changes and evaluated revised suspension components for Monaco. The British squad also worked on tyre comparision for the street race.
Wurz drove alongside test driver Narain Karthikeyan, who returned to work after more than a month out of the cockpit. The Indian was slowest today, finishing behind Briton James Rossiter, who joined Davidson at Honda.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Davidson Honda (M) 1:01.855 126
2. Wurz Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:02.927 101
3. Rossiter Honda (M) 1:03.784 77
4. Karthikeyan Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:03.843 79
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
| JoD | 05-16-2006 01:42 PM |
[QUOTE=Ferg]Kimi doesn't seem that surprised either... Sorry Jody :([/QUOTE]
It's okay Ferg. Honestly, I liked the idea of McLaren with Alonso and Kimi head to head because I wanted to finally settle the argument of who was the better driver when they were theoretically driving the "same" car so to speak.
But, since it appears that isn't going to happen - I sure hope Kimi pics Renault. His personality just doesn't fit the whiny mentality of Ferrari, IMO.
It's okay Ferg. Honestly, I liked the idea of McLaren with Alonso and Kimi head to head because I wanted to finally settle the argument of who was the better driver when they were theoretically driving the "same" car so to speak.
But, since it appears that isn't going to happen - I sure hope Kimi pics Renault. His personality just doesn't fit the whiny mentality of Ferrari, IMO.
| bitterWRX | 05-16-2006 10:01 PM |
[QUOTE=JoD]
But, since it appears that isn't going to happen - I sure hope Kimi pics Renault. His personality just doesn't fit the whiny mentality of Ferrari, IMO.[/QUOTE]
But would his introverted personality be a match to Renault's outspoken and flamboyant qualities? ;)
But, since it appears that isn't going to happen - I sure hope Kimi pics Renault. His personality just doesn't fit the whiny mentality of Ferrari, IMO.[/QUOTE]
But would his introverted personality be a match to Renault's outspoken and flamboyant qualities? ;)
| JoD | 05-17-2006 08:03 AM |
[QUOTE=bitterWRX]But would his introverted personality be a match to Renault's outspoken and flamboyant qualities? ;)[/QUOTE]
No - but if I had to pick the lesser of "the evils" so to speak, it would be Renault.
Despite their lack of pace this year, I really do think the best match (personality and philosophy wise) to Kimi is McLaren.
No - but if I had to pick the lesser of "the evils" so to speak, it would be Renault.
Despite their lack of pace this year, I really do think the best match (personality and philosophy wise) to Kimi is McLaren.
| finnRex | 05-17-2006 09:55 AM |
[QUOTE=JoD]No - but if I had to pick the lesser of "the evils" so to speak, it would be Renault.
Despite their lack of pace this year, I really do think the best match (personality and philosophy wise) to Kimi is McLaren.[/QUOTE]
I do like the fact that Kimi and McLaren have been together for so long, but I can't see him doing this to himself another year. The money would have to be astronomical(Read:more than Schumi is making) to make it worth his while. All the headaches and frustrations of the past 5 years you can more or less blame McLaren. Yes there's been a couple incidents where Kimi messed up, but they've been few and far between.
Bottom line for Kimi. If he doesn't start winning championships soon, he'll be one of the greatest drivers to never win one.
Mika
Despite their lack of pace this year, I really do think the best match (personality and philosophy wise) to Kimi is McLaren.[/QUOTE]
I do like the fact that Kimi and McLaren have been together for so long, but I can't see him doing this to himself another year. The money would have to be astronomical(Read:more than Schumi is making) to make it worth his while. All the headaches and frustrations of the past 5 years you can more or less blame McLaren. Yes there's been a couple incidents where Kimi messed up, but they've been few and far between.
Bottom line for Kimi. If he doesn't start winning championships soon, he'll be one of the greatest drivers to never win one.
Mika
| StuBeck | 05-17-2006 10:19 AM |
I don't think any top driver will go to Ferrari with Schumi still in the team, it would just be retarded.
| bitterWRX | 05-17-2006 11:23 AM |
[QUOTE=StuBeck]I don't think any top driver will go to Ferrari with Schumi still in the team, it would just be retarded.[/QUOTE]
Very true. Perhaps Kimi is just waiting for Schumi to make his decision so he can run the opposite direction.
Very true. Perhaps Kimi is just waiting for Schumi to make his decision so he can run the opposite direction.
| artkevin | 05-17-2006 12:00 PM |
[QUOTE=finnRex]I do like the fact that Kimi and McLaren have been together for so long, but I can't see him doing this to himself another year. The money would have to be astronomical(Read:more than Schumi is making) to make it worth his while. All the headaches and frustrations of the past 5 years you can more or less blame McLaren. Yes there's been a couple incidents where Kimi messed up, but they've been few and far between.
Bottom line for Kimi. If he doesn't start winning championships soon, he'll be one of the greatest drivers to never win one.
Mika[/QUOTE]
As much crap as we've given McLaren they are still one of the last 3 teams to win a championship. They are also 1 of the 4 that are always up there. They are still 3rd in points right now aren't they?
The major issue I have with them right now is the blaming of the drivers for the lack of championships when they haven't held up their end of the bargain. Develop a car with the pace AND the reliability and then blame the drives.
Bottom line for Kimi. If he doesn't start winning championships soon, he'll be one of the greatest drivers to never win one.
Mika[/QUOTE]
As much crap as we've given McLaren they are still one of the last 3 teams to win a championship. They are also 1 of the 4 that are always up there. They are still 3rd in points right now aren't they?
The major issue I have with them right now is the blaming of the drivers for the lack of championships when they haven't held up their end of the bargain. Develop a car with the pace AND the reliability and then blame the drives.
| finnRex | 05-17-2006 04:59 PM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]The major issue I have with them right now is the blaming of the drivers for the lack of championships when they haven't held up their end of the bargain. Develop a car with the pace AND the reliability and then blame the drives.[/QUOTE]
Exactly. It's frustrating to see Kimi do crappily. And Montoya as well. I bag your boy quite a bit, but when he's got a car, he gets dedicated. When he gets dedicated, he can be tough to beat. I'd like to see Kimi and JPM go out in style in '06. I think it's a bit too late for this season, but I'd like to see both McLaren drivers on podium for the rest of the races.
Mika
Exactly. It's frustrating to see Kimi do crappily. And Montoya as well. I bag your boy quite a bit, but when he's got a car, he gets dedicated. When he gets dedicated, he can be tough to beat. I'd like to see Kimi and JPM go out in style in '06. I think it's a bit too late for this season, but I'd like to see both McLaren drivers on podium for the rest of the races.
Mika
| artkevin | 05-18-2006 12:15 PM |
The newest game sweeping Italy. Toss the Massa!
[IMG]http://schlegelmilch.smcc.de/archive/images/2006/05/previews/0605-0130.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://schlegelmilch.smcc.de/archive/images/2006/05/previews/0605-0130.jpg[/IMG]
| JoD | 05-18-2006 12:53 PM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]The newest game sweeping Italy. Toss the Massa!
[IMG]http://schlegelmilch.smcc.de/archive/images/2006/05/previews/0605-0130.jpg[/IMG][/QUOTE]
:lol: Love it!
[IMG]http://schlegelmilch.smcc.de/archive/images/2006/05/previews/0605-0130.jpg[/IMG][/QUOTE]
:lol: Love it!
| artkevin | 05-18-2006 02:33 PM |
You can also call it what Ferrari will look like right after the last lap of the season.
| StuBeck | 05-18-2006 03:07 PM |
Haha. I think it looks like Schumi is going to retire at the end of the season. I would make that a requirement of my contract if I was Kimi.
| artkevin | 05-18-2006 03:14 PM |
Dear Ferrari:
For you to hire me, please fire him.
Best regards,
Kimi
For you to hire me, please fire him.
Best regards,
Kimi
| Student Driver | 05-18-2006 04:32 PM |
No, no, you've got it all wrong:
Hugs and Kisses,
The Kimster
Although "The Kiminator" would work. The first sounds like a small furry pet, while the last sounds like an appliance.
Hugs and Kisses,
The Kimster
Although "The Kiminator" would work. The first sounds like a small furry pet, while the last sounds like an appliance.
| Student Driver | 05-18-2006 04:35 PM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]The newest game sweeping Italy. Toss the Massa!
[IMG]http://schlegelmilch.smcc.de/archive/images/2006/05/previews/0605-0130.jpg[/IMG][/QUOTE]
Is this what happened to Barrichello?
"Ve must make ze room for ze Kimster! Out vit ze Massa-bater unt in vit ze Kiminator!"
[IMG]http://schlegelmilch.smcc.de/archive/images/2006/05/previews/0605-0130.jpg[/IMG][/QUOTE]
Is this what happened to Barrichello?
"Ve must make ze room for ze Kimster! Out vit ze Massa-bater unt in vit ze Kiminator!"
| finnRex | 05-18-2006 09:16 PM |
Stu, what makes you think that MS is going to retire? Curiosity more than anthing here...
Mika
Mika
| meebs | 05-19-2006 09:15 AM |
If Schumi stays... I just hope that Kimi doesn't pull a Damon and go to like Midland or something.
/F1 Career
/F1 Career
| Ferg | 05-19-2006 12:13 PM |
PEACE!
Finally it looks like the FIA/FOM and GPMA have all agreed.
[QUOTE]Exclusive: Ecclestone signs deal with GPMA
By Jonathan Noble Friday, May 19th 2006, 15:44 GMT
Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has now put his signature on a deal that ends the threat of a breakaway series, autosport.com can reveal, after the manufacturers pledged their commitment to the sport last weekend.
The five members of the Grand Prix Manufacturers' Association (GPMA) - BMW, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Renault and Toyota - all signed a Memorandum of Understanding over the Spanish Grand Prix weekend that committed their future to the sport until the end of 2012.
The teams had hoped that their acceptance of the deal, which will see them take 50 percent of the sport's earning, would be immediately ratified by Ecclestone at the Circuit de Catalunya.
But with Ecclestone leaving the track without signing the document and a few days of uncertainty about whether he had put pen to paper, prompting suggestions that there could even be a last minute hitch in proceedings, the sport's commercial boss confirmed on Friday that he had now approved the deal.
"The manufacturers all signed it in the end," Ecclestone told autosport.com. "There were a lot of negotiations and things came to a head in the end thanks to Alain Dassas (Renault F1 president). He, along with Professor Goeschel (BMW board member), was the driving force behind getting the deal.
"They effectively made it happen and saw in the end that the deal made sense. We've now signed our part and it is now just a question of sending it to the lawyers."
Ecclestone's comments about Renault are believed to relate to the pressure that Dassas and Renault team boss Flavio Briatore were putting on other GPMA members to commit to the 50 percent offer.
Briatore said last weekend: "We have been talking about this for six years and in the end you have to decide what you are going to do. I was happy with the offer and I said to Alain we should go for it."
Ecclestone expressed a sense of relief at the conclusion of the talks, which ends six years of talks with the manufacturers against the backdrop of a threatened breakaway.
"The negotiations have taken a while and we spent a lot of time discussing issues which were not real, honest issues," he said. "But now at least we have the MOU and that will form the basis of the Concorde Agreement, once we get the FIA technical issues sorted."
In fact, the discussions over the technical regulations are now likely to form the key battleground between the manufacturers and the sport's bosses over the future.
The manufacturers have made it clear that they are not in favour of plans to impose an engine freeze in F1, while the FIA insisted earlier this week that it will not back down in plans for engine homologation in F1. Ecclestone hoped that a compromise solution would eventually be found.
"The FIA have been clear for a little while now that we have got to save some money in the sport. When we reduced engine capacity to 2.4-litre V8s it was to save costs, and if they didn't do something then we would never have cut costs.
"I think these people (the manufacturers) have to be saved a little bit from themselves. But, then again, I think we also have to keep the technical side of F1. It's something that needs to be discussed."[/QUOTE]
Finally it looks like the FIA/FOM and GPMA have all agreed.
[QUOTE]Exclusive: Ecclestone signs deal with GPMA
By Jonathan Noble Friday, May 19th 2006, 15:44 GMT
Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has now put his signature on a deal that ends the threat of a breakaway series, autosport.com can reveal, after the manufacturers pledged their commitment to the sport last weekend.
The five members of the Grand Prix Manufacturers' Association (GPMA) - BMW, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Renault and Toyota - all signed a Memorandum of Understanding over the Spanish Grand Prix weekend that committed their future to the sport until the end of 2012.
The teams had hoped that their acceptance of the deal, which will see them take 50 percent of the sport's earning, would be immediately ratified by Ecclestone at the Circuit de Catalunya.
But with Ecclestone leaving the track without signing the document and a few days of uncertainty about whether he had put pen to paper, prompting suggestions that there could even be a last minute hitch in proceedings, the sport's commercial boss confirmed on Friday that he had now approved the deal.
"The manufacturers all signed it in the end," Ecclestone told autosport.com. "There were a lot of negotiations and things came to a head in the end thanks to Alain Dassas (Renault F1 president). He, along with Professor Goeschel (BMW board member), was the driving force behind getting the deal.
"They effectively made it happen and saw in the end that the deal made sense. We've now signed our part and it is now just a question of sending it to the lawyers."
Ecclestone's comments about Renault are believed to relate to the pressure that Dassas and Renault team boss Flavio Briatore were putting on other GPMA members to commit to the 50 percent offer.
Briatore said last weekend: "We have been talking about this for six years and in the end you have to decide what you are going to do. I was happy with the offer and I said to Alain we should go for it."
Ecclestone expressed a sense of relief at the conclusion of the talks, which ends six years of talks with the manufacturers against the backdrop of a threatened breakaway.
"The negotiations have taken a while and we spent a lot of time discussing issues which were not real, honest issues," he said. "But now at least we have the MOU and that will form the basis of the Concorde Agreement, once we get the FIA technical issues sorted."
In fact, the discussions over the technical regulations are now likely to form the key battleground between the manufacturers and the sport's bosses over the future.
The manufacturers have made it clear that they are not in favour of plans to impose an engine freeze in F1, while the FIA insisted earlier this week that it will not back down in plans for engine homologation in F1. Ecclestone hoped that a compromise solution would eventually be found.
"The FIA have been clear for a little while now that we have got to save some money in the sport. When we reduced engine capacity to 2.4-litre V8s it was to save costs, and if they didn't do something then we would never have cut costs.
"I think these people (the manufacturers) have to be saved a little bit from themselves. But, then again, I think we also have to keep the technical side of F1. It's something that needs to be discussed."[/QUOTE]
| meebs | 05-19-2006 01:24 PM |
Bitter peace no doubt... there's way too much money involved. :)
| StuBeck | 05-19-2006 02:56 PM |
[QUOTE=finnRex]Stu, what makes you think that MS is going to retire? Curiosity more than anthing here...
Mika[/QUOTE]
He's been pushing off the announcement for a while, he was supposed to state at the start of the season. He hasn't signed a contract (that we know of.) I believe he wants to retire because of his ability this year to not suck like last year. He says he doesn't care about records but its pure bull****, he cried when he beat Senna's win record and was very different directly after beating Senna's pole record too.
Mika[/QUOTE]
He's been pushing off the announcement for a while, he was supposed to state at the start of the season. He hasn't signed a contract (that we know of.) I believe he wants to retire because of his ability this year to not suck like last year. He says he doesn't care about records but its pure bull****, he cried when he beat Senna's win record and was very different directly after beating Senna's pole record too.
| bitterWRX | 05-19-2006 05:06 PM |
[QUOTE=StuBeck]He's been pushing off the announcement for a while, he was supposed to state at the start of the season. He hasn't signed a contract (that we know of.) I believe he wants to retire because of his ability this year to not suck like last year. He says he doesn't care about records but its pure bull****, he cried when he beat Senna's win record and was very different directly after beating Senna's pole record too.[/QUOTE]
But I think his performance this year will have a direct effect on his decision whether to stay or not. I mean, Ferrari is way more consistent than it was last year and I think Schumi wants to see how this season plays out before he signs on for another year. If Ferrari fails him, I'm sure he doesn't want to be with them for another couple of years. That's why I think he is pushing back his announcement.
But I think his performance this year will have a direct effect on his decision whether to stay or not. I mean, Ferrari is way more consistent than it was last year and I think Schumi wants to see how this season plays out before he signs on for another year. If Ferrari fails him, I'm sure he doesn't want to be with them for another couple of years. That's why I think he is pushing back his announcement.
| StuBeck | 05-19-2006 07:04 PM |
That's what I'm saying!
If he's doing well I think he'll retire so he has a good legacy, if they suddenly lose the plot I can see him retiring just so he doesn't hurt his legacy anymore then last year already did. Almost all athletes who retire still have a lot of skill left, but I think he wants to go out on top. I think Ferrari also knows this is their biggest chance to get a top driver for the next 5 years, so tehy may be reluncant to sign him up again knowing he is a liabiilty on them getting a good driver.
If he's doing well I think he'll retire so he has a good legacy, if they suddenly lose the plot I can see him retiring just so he doesn't hurt his legacy anymore then last year already did. Almost all athletes who retire still have a lot of skill left, but I think he wants to go out on top. I think Ferrari also knows this is their biggest chance to get a top driver for the next 5 years, so tehy may be reluncant to sign him up again knowing he is a liabiilty on them getting a good driver.
| bitterWRX | 05-19-2006 08:28 PM |
Yeah I can see that. But I don't see Schumi as a guy who is satisfied with just a good legacy. He seems to be the type that want to blow away all existing records. His determination reflects this. If Schumi takes the WDC this year, I can picture him sitting on the grid for another couple of years to rack up everything he can.
| StuBeck | 05-19-2006 08:38 PM |
He already has 7 WDC's and everything else. I don't think anyone else will ever touch his record again simply because teams don't throw themselves around one driver like Benneton and Ferrari did. I think the history behind him is safe, he just didn't want to retire after a crap 05 and not beating Senna's pole record, even if it took him 3 years longer.
| bitterWRX | 05-20-2006 04:03 AM |
Perhaps. All I am saying is that I can still see Schumi on the grid... whatever his motivation might be. If this year is successful, I think he will stay for at least one more season. At least it seems that way to me.
:p
:p
| artkevin | 05-20-2006 09:47 AM |
I think he will stay as long as he can compete. He has a warrior mentality. He most likely wont be content sitting in his gigantic house with his hot wife and pretty kids for 60 more years. Prick.
| KAX | 05-20-2006 03:32 PM |
i wouldnt be either, if i could be driving an F1 car and winning races.
| JoD | 05-23-2006 07:50 AM |
Another funnay from planetf1.com...
[B]
The Sekret Diary of Michael Schumacher: Spain[/B]
Saturday May 20 2006
Michael Schumacher gives Planet-F1 the inside track on the latest shenanigans in F1...
Hello tifosis. This is getting a bit more interesting now. You will have noticed that things have certainly livened up in the last few weeks. All the expectations of the beginning of the season have been turned on their heads. The man who was expected to be the front-runner this year is now falling away - yes, Valentino Rossi's name has hardly been mentioned in the last few weeks.
So in 2007 it could be me and Felipe at Scuderia Ferrari, or it could be me and gurgle boy. Or it could be gurgle boy and Felipe. The motorbike monkey does not seem to figure in it all. However everything is conditional upon me
My movements are being studied by everyone in trying to work out who will be driving where in 2007. One thing is for certain, Jarno Trulli will be leaving Formula 1 - to open a hair salon in San Remo. He is likely to be very good in the shampooing, but fall steadily behind during the cutting and the blow-drying.
It is interesting to see that Edmund Irvine is having a change of views about who should go where in F1. Edmund said that Jenson should not go to Honda at the end of last year because Williams were a better team, then he said that he would have trouble racing against Rubens, and now he says he shouldn't have committed himself so long to Honda. Basically he doesn't know anything - which makes him the perfect candidate to take over an F1 team. He and Flav could talk for hours.
I think the reason that Fernando is fighting so hard to be World Champion in 2006 is because he knows that he will not stand a chance in 2007 with McLaren. All the talent is leaving the team, first Adrian Newey and then the aero team, and it is not surprising when you consider their boss has all the charisma of a water butt. There have been rumours in the past that if Rossi and Raikkonen joined Ferrari then I might go to McLaren. When I read that I am almost choking on my Schnitzel with laughing. It is the same likelihood as Max Mosley dressing up in gay biker gear or my sister-in-law wearing underwear. Well, the second one definitely.
I am quite happy to sit back and wait for things to pan out in the long run eventually, at this moment in time. As Mark Blundell would say..
Some people have been asking me about my movie debut in 'Cars', but it is my voice only that will be appearing.
The plot of the story is that this little car is on the way to the Piston Cup Championship in California when he gets stopped on a detour through sleepy little Radiator Springs on Route 66. There he learns about other important things in life and not just racing.
Have you heard this kind of thing before? Yes you have, it's the plot to Doc Hollywood with Michael J.Fox who used to have my haircut. I play an interesting voiceover, as well as Fernando Alonso. Because most Americans do not know who we are, or what F1 is, or where to find Europe on a map, I think this is for marketing purposes only.
I have to tell you, I don't think it's as strong a performance as my Vodafone advert last year where I had to queue up at a bus-stop and go to work while some nerk gets to drive my car... That, I think, is my best moment in acting - even better than pretending to find Ted Kravitz's questions interesting.
So, we saw what happened in Spain, what lies ahead for your Schum? Monaco could be good to get points off Fernando, or it could be disastrous. Though I am telling people it is not just two horses in this race, quite honestly and obviously it is. And when people know there are two horses fighting it out, they know they can stick their car up the inside and that horse won't turn in and risk losing the points. So we will both have to watch ourselves and make sure we are nowhere near Juan Pablo Montoya.
Monaco could be heaven or hell, but it will certainly be worth watching. See you there tifs.
The Schum
Possibly my favorite one so far - Especially the Jarno Trulli opening a salon part. That's just great! :lol:
[B]
The Sekret Diary of Michael Schumacher: Spain[/B]
Saturday May 20 2006
Michael Schumacher gives Planet-F1 the inside track on the latest shenanigans in F1...
Hello tifosis. This is getting a bit more interesting now. You will have noticed that things have certainly livened up in the last few weeks. All the expectations of the beginning of the season have been turned on their heads. The man who was expected to be the front-runner this year is now falling away - yes, Valentino Rossi's name has hardly been mentioned in the last few weeks.
So in 2007 it could be me and Felipe at Scuderia Ferrari, or it could be me and gurgle boy. Or it could be gurgle boy and Felipe. The motorbike monkey does not seem to figure in it all. However everything is conditional upon me
My movements are being studied by everyone in trying to work out who will be driving where in 2007. One thing is for certain, Jarno Trulli will be leaving Formula 1 - to open a hair salon in San Remo. He is likely to be very good in the shampooing, but fall steadily behind during the cutting and the blow-drying.
It is interesting to see that Edmund Irvine is having a change of views about who should go where in F1. Edmund said that Jenson should not go to Honda at the end of last year because Williams were a better team, then he said that he would have trouble racing against Rubens, and now he says he shouldn't have committed himself so long to Honda. Basically he doesn't know anything - which makes him the perfect candidate to take over an F1 team. He and Flav could talk for hours.
I think the reason that Fernando is fighting so hard to be World Champion in 2006 is because he knows that he will not stand a chance in 2007 with McLaren. All the talent is leaving the team, first Adrian Newey and then the aero team, and it is not surprising when you consider their boss has all the charisma of a water butt. There have been rumours in the past that if Rossi and Raikkonen joined Ferrari then I might go to McLaren. When I read that I am almost choking on my Schnitzel with laughing. It is the same likelihood as Max Mosley dressing up in gay biker gear or my sister-in-law wearing underwear. Well, the second one definitely.
I am quite happy to sit back and wait for things to pan out in the long run eventually, at this moment in time. As Mark Blundell would say..
Some people have been asking me about my movie debut in 'Cars', but it is my voice only that will be appearing.
The plot of the story is that this little car is on the way to the Piston Cup Championship in California when he gets stopped on a detour through sleepy little Radiator Springs on Route 66. There he learns about other important things in life and not just racing.
Have you heard this kind of thing before? Yes you have, it's the plot to Doc Hollywood with Michael J.Fox who used to have my haircut. I play an interesting voiceover, as well as Fernando Alonso. Because most Americans do not know who we are, or what F1 is, or where to find Europe on a map, I think this is for marketing purposes only.
I have to tell you, I don't think it's as strong a performance as my Vodafone advert last year where I had to queue up at a bus-stop and go to work while some nerk gets to drive my car... That, I think, is my best moment in acting - even better than pretending to find Ted Kravitz's questions interesting.
So, we saw what happened in Spain, what lies ahead for your Schum? Monaco could be good to get points off Fernando, or it could be disastrous. Though I am telling people it is not just two horses in this race, quite honestly and obviously it is. And when people know there are two horses fighting it out, they know they can stick their car up the inside and that horse won't turn in and risk losing the points. So we will both have to watch ourselves and make sure we are nowhere near Juan Pablo Montoya.
Monaco could be heaven or hell, but it will certainly be worth watching. See you there tifs.
The Schum
Possibly my favorite one so far - Especially the Jarno Trulli opening a salon part. That's just great! :lol:
| MattNJ2.8 | 05-23-2006 09:43 AM |
[QUOTE]Because most Americans do not know who we are, or what F1 is, or where to find Europe on a map, I think this is for marketing purposes only[/QUOTE]
LMAO at the whole thing!!!!!!
Yeah, the Trulli part was hysterical.
LMAO at the whole thing!!!!!!
Yeah, the Trulli part was hysterical.
| Ferg | 05-24-2006 10:00 AM |
Rossi says "No Thanks" to F1.
[QUOTE]Rossi says no to Formula One
By Michele Lostia Wednesday, May 24th 2006, 13:00 GMT
MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi has ruled out driving in Formula One in the near future, ending months of speculation about his plans.
The Italian rider, who has been linked with a move to F1 with the Ferrari team, was thankful to the Italian squad for the opportunity to get behind the wheel of their car several times.
Rossi, however, said he still has unfinished business in in MotoGP.
"No F1, at least for now. I'm staying in motorbikes," Rossi said. "It's been a wonderful experience from a technical point of view, and especially from a personal one: I was able to meet some exceptional people.
"I thank (Ferrari president Luca di) Montezemolo, (team boss Jean) Todt and the entire team for the great opportunity I was given.
"I feel that my work in motorbikes hasn't finished yet: I still have many stimuli and I will carry on in MotoGP for a while longer. I wish Ferrari will reach the objective they've set for themselves and which coincides with mine: to win the world title."
The 27-year-old has a contract with Yamaha until the end of the season.[/QUOTE]
Meanwhile....
[QUOTE]Hamilton would 'love' Alonso challenge
Tuesday, May 23rd 2006, 13:34 GMT
GP2 front-runner Lewis Hamilton has said he would not be fazed by lining up alongside Fernando Alonso at McLaren next year if he is given the chance.
Hamilton's performances this year in GP2, especially his double victory at the Nurburgring, have propelled him into contention to land the second seat at McLaren next year.
His career is overlooked by McLaren boss Ron Dennis and the team have admitted that it would not be impossible for them to promote the youngster into their outfit for 2007 if Kimi Raikkonen leaves.
Speaking to The Guardian on Tuesday, Hamilton said that he would be ready for the challenge of being Fernando Alonso's teammate next year, although he thinks it more likely that he will be loaned out to another outfit.
"If Kimi's smart he'll stay at McLaren," said Hamilton, "(although)...it gives me a much better chance if he does go.
"But look at Alonso. He started at Minardi, so I expect to do something like that [being loaned out]. But if I end up alongside Alonso it definitely would not intimidate me.
"I've never had a teammate who's beaten me over the course of a season. So I would love that challenge."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Rossi says no to Formula One
By Michele Lostia Wednesday, May 24th 2006, 13:00 GMT
MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi has ruled out driving in Formula One in the near future, ending months of speculation about his plans.
The Italian rider, who has been linked with a move to F1 with the Ferrari team, was thankful to the Italian squad for the opportunity to get behind the wheel of their car several times.
Rossi, however, said he still has unfinished business in in MotoGP.
"No F1, at least for now. I'm staying in motorbikes," Rossi said. "It's been a wonderful experience from a technical point of view, and especially from a personal one: I was able to meet some exceptional people.
"I thank (Ferrari president Luca di) Montezemolo, (team boss Jean) Todt and the entire team for the great opportunity I was given.
"I feel that my work in motorbikes hasn't finished yet: I still have many stimuli and I will carry on in MotoGP for a while longer. I wish Ferrari will reach the objective they've set for themselves and which coincides with mine: to win the world title."
The 27-year-old has a contract with Yamaha until the end of the season.[/QUOTE]
Meanwhile....
[QUOTE]Hamilton would 'love' Alonso challenge
Tuesday, May 23rd 2006, 13:34 GMT
GP2 front-runner Lewis Hamilton has said he would not be fazed by lining up alongside Fernando Alonso at McLaren next year if he is given the chance.
Hamilton's performances this year in GP2, especially his double victory at the Nurburgring, have propelled him into contention to land the second seat at McLaren next year.
His career is overlooked by McLaren boss Ron Dennis and the team have admitted that it would not be impossible for them to promote the youngster into their outfit for 2007 if Kimi Raikkonen leaves.
Speaking to The Guardian on Tuesday, Hamilton said that he would be ready for the challenge of being Fernando Alonso's teammate next year, although he thinks it more likely that he will be loaned out to another outfit.
"If Kimi's smart he'll stay at McLaren," said Hamilton, "(although)...it gives me a much better chance if he does go.
"But look at Alonso. He started at Minardi, so I expect to do something like that [being loaned out]. But if I end up alongside Alonso it definitely would not intimidate me.
"I've never had a teammate who's beaten me over the course of a season. So I would love that challenge."[/QUOTE]
| Bonzo | 05-24-2006 10:45 AM |
For the record Valentino is in an un-characteristic 8th in points with 40. Two dnfs and a spill have pretty much ended his chances for overall. This may be his impetus to come back to win another.
American Nicky Hayden sits first in points with 83. His worst finish to date was a 5th this past w/e whilst struggling with the flu.
American Nicky Hayden sits first in points with 83. His worst finish to date was a 5th this past w/e whilst struggling with the flu.
| KAX | 05-24-2006 10:53 AM |
its funny, McLaren said that if kimi leaves theyll have an open spot. Im guessing JPM is out of the picture for good.
| Ferg | 05-24-2006 11:10 AM |
Yeah, rumor is that JPM has completely fallen out with RD and the rest at Macca.
My favorite rumor right now about who will get the drive alonside Alonso is either Rosberg or Webbo. Rosberg because RD has chumped up $30 million to Frank for his contract, Webbo because it would be a nice little "F-U" to Flav...
Ron signs Flav's #1, Alonso
Flav signs Ron's #1 Kimi (if that rumor proves out)
Ron signs Flav's #2, Webbo
and so on and so on...
My favorite rumor right now about who will get the drive alonside Alonso is either Rosberg or Webbo. Rosberg because RD has chumped up $30 million to Frank for his contract, Webbo because it would be a nice little "F-U" to Flav...
Ron signs Flav's #1, Alonso
Flav signs Ron's #1 Kimi (if that rumor proves out)
Ron signs Flav's #2, Webbo
and so on and so on...
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