Still no word on what his 2008 plans are. Strange. I expected him to speak at the press conference about Renault etc. Also surprised not to hear more about Ralf's plans and was surprised to hear that Rubens might have already had his last race. Are we in for a flurry of announcements coming next week?
After seeing Alonso so happy and friendly towards Kimi and Massa in the press conference, I'll predict Toro Rosso will become Ferrari's B-team next year, with Alonso as #1 driver bulding it up, trying to become a second Schumacher. What do you say? Drugs? Me? Of course not...*cough* Speaking of Rubens, isn't he the driver who's been in F1 the longest of them all at the moment? He had great days with Schumi, but I fear his time has come
I say yes about you being on drugs. Same here btw, that Champagne tasted never better... Yes Rubens is the longest running pilot. But all the rumors were that 08 was his last season until Speed TV today started speculating that he is done for now.
Oh Andreas you and your Crystal Ball.........your suppose to look into it, not pick it up and shake it around
IMO we'll start hearing announcements within the next couple weeks as to where Alonso will be headed if anywhere. I guess it's time to settle down and wait out the off season.
Martini here, and indeed, it tastes fine Didn't know about his future, but as said, his time is over... what has he got to win? It will only become worse for him.
Alonso MUST be going back to Renault. How could he stay at MM after this year with what went on between him and the team, Lewis and the press. He must be leaving, I would say there is a huge chance that he is with Renault next year. Q: The driver line-up is another issue of burning interest. You were seen talking to Ralf Schumachers manager in Shanghai. Would he be an option? Dr Vijay Mallya: I know Ralf well from my role as a sponsor of the Toyota team and I personally hold him in high regard. But a driver line-up is not something that should be decided by the heart but by the brain. I want drivers that can raise the standards in the team. {<<< OUCH!} I always get asked if we will have an Indian driver and my response is - if I can find one who is ready, yes. But only under the parameters just said. Drivers are a crucial part of the team so the driver line-up is a serious matter and not a sympathy contest. I say Ralf is lacking in his options, is Toro Rosso still available to him? Spyker maybe? Super Aguri possibly?
I would say Ralf is going to "Force India". If you look on F1.com, there are a few pics of Ralf walking around with VJ and conversing with him. I know that's not really a strong indication, but they are friends and Ralf has no other options.
Prediction : Alfonso at Toyota, rookie (or Sato) as his partner. (Trulli, Ralf out)...dont forget Toyota has big $$$$$$ and can afford him 2 new drivers in the Renualt 1 new rookie at McCheaters Rubens (50/50 out)...Trulli taking that seat if open. Everything else the same (more or less)
I'm presuming Heikki K is staying in F1, I thought he looked pretty good towards the end. I think Renault might hold onto him.
No WAY would Alonso go to Toyota. Renaul would be able to pay him too, and he has memories of WDC's there. He probably feels that if he can get the gel going again, he can win in an Renault. I don't think he feels he can win in a Toyota and he's right. Toyota needs to worry about making a car that is half decent, not getting a driver who is a WDC-level competitor.
i don't see why or how Rubens could have had his last race. it's the friggin car, and not the driver.
He's going to Renault and depending on when he gets released from his contract, he may be able to start early testing with the team and get the car sorted out. We may very well see three drivers competing for the WDC at the last race next year, just with three different teams rather than two.
He has already turned that down. Regardless of how much money he would get paid, he is not dumb; therefore, he knows that he will never have a chance to win in the Toyota. Besides, money isn't really a problem for this guy.
Right on. He's not a stupid man and he is already one year removed from winning the WDC. If he went to Toyota he can count on not winning it 2 more years - and then guys like Hamilton and Kimi (who will be winning in his absence) will be the big name guys and Alonso will be an also-ran who won a WDC "years ago". He will quickly turn into someone like Villeneuve. And don't forget that Alonso is what, 26 or 27 this year? No doubt he would want a 3-year or longer big money contract, because thats what it would take (and if he did a one year, and when he didnt win, he would quickly find his market price much much lower). He would end his time at Toyota as a 30-year old also ran who nobody really wanted. IMO of course. Nah, he will go to Renault on a 2-year deal and Flavio will pay Ron what his salary would have been. Then McLaren will likely take someone else who'se available. Perhaps Button, perhaps Heidfeld if he comes available, maybe even Paffet or maybe some back-room deal would be arranged where they get someone else. I am sure Ron wouldn't mind someone like Vettel or Rosberg or even someone like Sutil perhaps.
+1 I would love to see Rosberg in car that can win, or maybe even Vettel. Although I think it's pretty unlikely, it would be really interesting to see how Sutil would do in a competitive.
Yes, but don't forget, Alonso is still young. very young. if he joins Toyo-da, there's a chance he might pull of something like what MS did for Ferrari.