The only implausible aspect of the Fernando to McLaren theory is that Alonso would then have a full working knowledge of Honda's new engine ... which he would then take to Mercedes after 1 season? Why would Honda go for that? Ok, Fernando is as good as anyone in F1, but the short-term gains for Honda would seem to outweigh the prospect of, essentially, espionage that could benefit their biggest competitor. And from Alonso's perspective, don't forget that its last F1 venture didn't exactly leave Honda covered in glory. Ferrari has been in the F1 engine business since day one, CONTINUOUSLY I may add, yet their current F1 engine is second rate at best. Does anyone really think Honda will jump right back in the game and better Ferrari/rival Mercedes? Not me.
as I keep saying, they're the only ones who could potentially have a car doing countless laps testing their systems and different configurations.
Honda may have along to develop there power unit but they have not run it in a race yet to see how it stacks up against the other Impo the French the best engines in f1 for almost 30 years and they are the worst engine on the grid . I personally find it hard to believe that honda will be better than mercedes . Mercedes has been building turbo engines for along time in heavy duty engines it may have given them a good understanding of how to bet turbo lag and get it to spin up quick . Honda builds small cars and they don't build turbos . Honda going to have to climb a big hill in f1
I disagree with you, Honda may not build everyday turbo cars recently, but it DOES have experience with turbo engines and KERS, so it's not like they're starting from scratch. The Honda City was available with a turbo, and the new Civic Type-R will also be turbo. Also can't forget those 80's McLaren, Lotus, and Williams cars. As for K/ERS, they have experience with that too in Super GT in Japan where they race the NSX-GT Concept.
here's a sub-rumor branching out from the rumor of Audi's entry to F1: Alonso and Domenicali's involvement It is believed that they have been in talks with two-time Formula One World Champion Fernando Alonso. That news jells well with everything we've been hearing thus far. The McLaren deal is at a stand-still because Alonso is apparently keen on a one-year contract. We then learned that he may be joining Audi at Le Mans in 2015 before making his F1 return with an unspecified team come 2016. Also, in the midst of an potential racing lull, the Spaniard seems unusually confident. Let us not forget that Audi recently hired former Ferrari Formula One team principal Stefano Domenicali, who has no experience in Le Mans-level sports car racing. Audi in Formula One would also reignite a 75-year-old rivalry with fellow German automobile giant Mercedes, which is currently doing in Formula One what Audi has been doing at Le Mans for some time now ... Dominating. Could we be in for a clash of the titans in 2016? Audi joining F1 has been anticipated almost as much as the incessant pleas that Ferrari would develop a new LMP1 program.
Putting throttle to an engine is different than designing one. I doubt he even knows how to put a quart of oil in it. My gut feeling is that Honda will kick ass. They have quietly sat this season out and watched and learned while their competitors get to race frozen engines next year. Honda engineering is one notch above top notch.
Based on Honda's 1980s and early 90s F1 performance, I'd agree. BUT based on their 2000s performance with BAR and under their own banner, their engine design and performance was sub-par prior to their withdrawal at the end of 2008. So which Honda is designing the new turbo V6, the 1980s Honda or the 2000s Honda? If you go by their most recent effort, then Honda engineering was one notch below top notch. It's certainly not a given that a new Honda engine will be a match for the existing engines.
STUNNING article. Now it finally all makes sense why there hasn't been an announcement from either party. So that to me means, that a) Vettel is coming to Ferrari and that b) Alonso has a deal with Honda (McLaren). However both parties can't say that until the other one caves in. Thanks for posting that link!
I´m not an expert in lawyers´stuff, contracts, etc. But I think this article is BS. I bet that Alonso´s contract has a clause that says that if he wants to leave, he has to decide it before day x, month y. At this point Alonso should know where he´s going to be, or at least where he´s not going to be. If it has not been announced yet maybe it´s because some sponsorship issues, small details with Ferrari and/or McLaren that still have been not ironed out and things like that. But playing the game of chicken with multimillion contracts? No!
Is there something in these contracts that say the team needs to give each driver a car to drive? He could be benched and watch Kimi and Vettel drive until his contract is up and Ferrari wouldn't have to pay severance. And unless Vettel was serious about McLaren (has it ever been suggested?), why wouldn't Ferrari wait to sign him until Alonso for officially gone and avoid this situation? What's written doesn't add up.
That article doesn't make much sense to Me either! Alonso seems desperate to get out of Ferrari and doesn't need the money so why would he be holding out for a pay-off? - Especially in light of the fact that he could be sat on the side lines for two seasons (subject to any applicable contractual terms of course). Ferrari aren't desperate to be rid of him and could probably take Vettel on, making him their No.1 driver, put Alonso besides him in the No.2 car and pay kimi off for far less money than it would cost to pay Alonso off! And of course, if 3 car teams did come in then Ferrari could have Alonso, Vettel and Kimi on board! - Not the worst set of drivers to have (if they can make a decent car for 2015 of course!).
Ferrari isn't the only team late in announcing drivers. They're all waiting for something. And it ain't Fred.
Mmmmm... I can see what your saying! - Now that Max Chilton might be available they're all having second thoughts about who they should sign!
