BTW: People who were in awe of that start (which was indeed brilliant) probably forgot that he is one of the best starters in the whole field. In his Sauber years he regularly won a few spots at the start. Anyhow, this thread was about Kimi possibly replacing Webber.
'was' being the keyword here. I agree with VIZSLA. It is painfully clear that Massa can't catch a break among some of us here. That is all fine and well. No one is obliged to even like the guy, but to them I must see: W E - G E T - IT ! ! ! !
Still trying to herd cats are you? The fact that he has a talent for goods starts wouldn't seem a reasonable basis for dismissing him when he makes a good start. Is there another #2 driver (and yes he is #2) beside Schuey that anyone would prefer to see in his seat?
Remember those Italian "kids" who tested at Fiorano like a year ago and set the track sheets on fire?
I remember the seat warmers from last season You'd prefer a new driver with no experience in F1 based on just potential over Massa? If for the WCC alone he's a better bet.
I dunno what you're talking about... Massa has always been a great starter, and I think Alonso would have gotten him without question if it weren't for the Button incident. When I say Massa was nervous with Alonso in his mirrors, I mean for the rest of the race. Massa was constantly almost losing it - Alonso wasn't. I think Massa was really overdriving the car and on the knife edge while Alonso was cool and calm. As for Hammy's pass... the kid is an excellent passer, no doubt. I don't see anything "bonehead" about going on one side for the pass. Maybe it was a real attempt, maybe it was a fake-out? Who knows. But he did nothing wrong... Webber plowed into him from the rear.
I don't think anyone dislikes Massa in the #2 seat @ Ferrari... I think he is arguably the best #2 on the grid, maybe Button is a better #2, but it would be close. I think a lot of folks think he's not a #2... but we all know he is
Personally I don't give a hoot about the WCC so if that is lost, so be it. It'd be nice to have a new young gun in F1, particularly an Italian since LdM seems to want the team to be Italian first. And as stated before (but it can never be repeated enough ): Anybody but Massa.
If we're agreeing I'm going to have to reconsider As much as I admire the man's comeback I don't think that he's the complete package that Alonso is when it comes to on-track ability. But I can't think of anyone who I'd replace him with (among #2s) at this point. BTW I think that it is important that, for Ferrari at least, there be de-facto #1 and #2 drivers. Otherwise team politics become too poisonous (particularly if Alonso's in the mix).
The WCC was only created to deal with sharing the $'s of F1 around. The manufacturer of car driven by the driver that wins the WDC gets FAR more press than the manufacturer who wins the unnecessary WCC. The WCC is but a poor consolation price, unless you won the WDC also . Pete
Totally incorrect. To say the WCC is of bigger relevance would be one of the biggest understatements ever made.
Kimi needs to stay in rally Time Out for a bit longer. Until he fully appreciates the opportunity that was given to him and he blew. Webbo is still a good driver, just not great as obviously seen in his comparison times with Vettle. With the stupid no refueling rules the Tortoise has a real good chance this year. Not exactly edge of the chair viewing. If Kimster has indeed packed on weight I think that is an excellent indicator of where his priorities are. As I understand it MS continued to work out after his "career was over". Shows you HIS priorities. Got to hand it to MS for that.
Only for the $'s. I stand by my opinion and it is shared by many (including Ferrari, see below). Remember there wasn't even a WCC until 1960 something. I personally could not give a toss who won the WCC as I could also not give a toss how the $'s from F1 is divided. Take 1999 for example; Ferrari won the WCC, but they did NOT care and did NOT get excited until MS won the WDC for them in 2000. Then they started partying. Also Ferrari won the WCC in 1984 (I think) but as far as they were concerned they hadn't won for 21 years which takes us back to their last WDC in '79. Nothing more to say, the above 100% proof that the WDC is everything. Pete
