So Alonso is scared of a competitive teammate?

True, but that doesn't take away the fact that he's made enough money to last him a couple of lifetimes (I bet you he has his houses paid off, and I doubt his holidays and buying a couple of cars a year will run him into the many millions a year ). It depends if he races for the love of racing or to be in the spotlight...
IMO I'd rather fight for wins/podiums in the WEC than to drive a few more years in F1 for a lower end team, especially after having been driving cars capable of wins for the majority of your career...

 

Couldn't agree more!

I've said before, I'd love to see him partner up with Mark at Porsche...... They've already said 'he'll always be a part of the family' after all.

He's had a great run. If he could add Le Mans to the resume even the haters may have to slow down some.

I for one would certainly pay more attention if he were there......
Cheers,
Ian

 

This. Id probably stay in f1 and get paid gobs of money. You never know when a mid field team can have a strong year and all of a sudden you have a chance for victory (think force india at spa years ago with fisichella driving).

On a side note eddie jordan now predicts alonso will go back to mclaren for 2015. Hes been right on all these wild calls so im not betting against him. The alonso/ferrari relationship is going to melt down next year in all likelyhood.

 

Given the opportunity, sure!....

and;

He's certainly not going to pay himself, but Fauxtus could use some $ it seems.....

Outside of Ferrari, Merc and the Cans I don't think any of 'em are paying their jockeys "big bucks" right now - Seems Kimi was promised some, but not even that has happened.

[Anyone wanna guess if Marks salary is increasing or decreasing next year?]

+1

I've said many times, "hope springs eternal". Particularly with the new formula next year.

OTOH, I'm also pretty sure the status quo will stay pretty much the same.....

*Never* bet against Eddie!

However, I reckon he's now predicted "everyone" to "everywhere" over the years! We only remember (as he reminds us ) the "correct" clips......

I beg to differ - I reckon they've both matured and believe they can be WDC. They also both know it's a little easier to do that with a 'mate working with you rather than against. Who gets #1 status mid-season is a bet I'm not gonna make......The poll now shows Fred @ ~65%, FWIW....

"This is why we watch".

Cheers,
Ian

 

Ian,

Mclaren yesterday are saying they are not afraid to shake up their driver line up. My guess is they are sending Checo a small message about his future. JB is assured from what they are saying now but who knows.

Given that Massa has 'significant' backing he would not be a bad choice if he doesnt get a seat for next year. I would think his experience and backing are more than enough for someone like Mclaren. He has a great team spirit and is good with the press and is not a toy thrower. Brazil is a significant market for F1 and he is still somewhat young.

This all might mean nothing but if you search the normal F1 press there are a few articles out there with Mclarent making some subtle hints about driver moves/changes and the team not being afraid to make them if needed.

 

Oops! I forgot the boys from Woking of course. My bad.

Who knows indeed......

I think you're probably right, but I am a little surprised JB at least hasn't been confirmed for next year. Checo's maybe been a little disappointing, but their car sucks. Hopefully they'll give him a fair crack.....

Whew! I hear you, & broadly agree, but Mclaren aren't looking for $ - Fauxtus are.....

Yep. Agreed. Same as Ferrari (paid Kimi many $ to bugger off as we know!). As much as I dislike Rons crew, they're the only ones with close to the "cachet" of the Scuderia.

Cheers,
Ian

 

I had this discussion with an f1loving mate. In my opinion, rather than race for a lesser team in F1, massa go race in Le Mans or similar. The reason being, in f1, he will either be rejuvenated in a new challenge, and reproduce some of his best racing, and reinforce his old reputation of being a fast driver. The likelihood, however, is in a lower grade car, he might just prove to be barely faster than his teammate, and may not do too well, then the naysayers will be all 'told you so, massa has lost it'

If he goes to another series, and does well, everyone will say how they remember him, and what a great move and a great driver. If he does badly, no one would notice, he can have fun and collect a pay check with no pressure, and no one will judge him because nobody cares.

I thought mika hakkinen was a good racer, bt since he left f1, I could care less what he has or hasn't done in sports cars..... Not many follow much other than f1, I don't know if he is any good, or has finished last every race. The same can be said for the later careers of many, brundle, salo etc, who made the move. Even schumi, I love the guy, but outside f1, I only know he crashed his motorbike a few times because it stopped him replacing massa after his accident.... and it doesn't colour my thoughts over how great he was, I simply don't care

Massa deserves a chance to go out, have fun, race, earn a few dollars, and be remembered as a successful Ferrari driver, not an also ran from Marrussia who went out with a wimper

 

more on alonso to maccy L

Jenson Button fuels rumour of a Fernando Alonso move to McLaren | Sport | The Guardian

 

Ding ding round 2

 

Indeedy

 

Jenson happy to be number 2 driver as long as he keeps his mclaren seat. Alonso will surely go there possibly even for next year but 2015 appears to be guaranteed at this point.

 

Alonso/Ferrari=Rossi/Ducati?

 

You *may* be right, but I sincerely doubt it. At least as long as Ron remains in charge.

I posted his latest comments in the other threaad:

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/142586528-post16.html

Cheers,
Ian
Alonso says he is not interested in a return to McLaren F1 team - F1 news - AUTOSPORT.com

 

I thought Ron was in a back seat role now, focusing on the road car.

I wouldn't rule out anything, who predicted the Ham move to Merc

 

That's true, but I'd bet Whitmarsh (or anyone else) can't make that kind of call without his saying OK.

Indeed. Also very true.

I just think there's too much bad blood between them now - Fred even singled Ron out as one of the reasons it didn't work! I just can't see it.

I honestly reckon he & Ice will get along just fine these days.

Cheers,
Ian

 

+1. It would be fantastic to see a privateer 911 team passing a prototype. I'd throw in a wink,... but...