Team expects Webber to win this year The BMW WilliamsF1 team expects its lead driver Mark Webber to claim race victories in 2005, the Australian has revealed. Webber has been much hyped since he made his debut with Minardi, but until 2005 had not driven for a top team. There is much anticipation this season over how Webber will compare with the likes of Michael Schumacher, Juan Pablo Montoya, Jenson Button and Kimi Raikkonen. "I guess next year we're going to find out how fast I really am," said Webber. "Patrick Head has already said to me that he wants wins and that one or two won't be enough, so there's pressure there - but it's good pressure." "If you only set yourself small tasks or goals it's not very challenging," he added. "I know that at the BMW WilliamsF1 Team I'm going to have days when I think, 'Jeez, I'm really under the pump here.' But when you get your breath you think, 'Yeah, this is why I'm here - to consistently test myself against the best.'" Source: F1racing.net The same guy who coddled Moantoya all these years is demanding results from one of the few guys on the grid who needs no incentives or threats!!! I'm tellin' you, Head needs to go on medication. It's no wonder that with this kind of crap and Franky's "support", drivers can not wait to get out after a few years. Fortunately, I think MW is smart enough to see through the idiocy and will do just fine. Jim
I'll bet US$100 with anyone that MW does not get two or more victories this year. At that level if you can't handle a little pressure from the team that's paying you megabucks to win with the top equipment they provide you with then you don't belong in the game. This guy has been overrated his whole career. No more excuses.....
Hmmmmm, looks like the glove has been thrown down! Any takers? Jim BTW, two victories would be one more than Montoya got this year - and that would mean he's still overrated?
I certainly think MW has the stuff to win. Not over rated at all. But, if this years car is anything like last years he won't see past two wins. There are too many other good drivers out there and too many other teams that are coming along.
I think Webber can be lucky if he snatches one victory. JPM might be overrated, but at least he has won several times in his career and though races at that. Winning a GP is more than just coming in one place ahead of 2nd. It is a lot harder. Look how long it took Rubens, Mika or Alesi to figure it out. Button made it ten times to the podium last year, yet no cigar. I'd be really surprised if Webber takes more than one victory.
I won't. He's been racing for many years in lower formula and WON, so he knows the mental stuff ... and he is a cold hard Aussie, not a passionate South American or European, or pumped up Pom. Australia only supports winners ... everybody else can fnck off. Yep it is hard on the sports people, but this attitude means that they grow up understanding that winning and giving it your all is all that counts. We are not interested in excuses. So now is the time for MW to step up ... and he knows it. Very exciting and for once a F1 season might be interesting ... even if it is just to see if MW steps up, but I can guarantee to you that nobody (even MS) will work harder at it than MW (even MS acknowledges that MW is a very hard worker like himself). Pete ps: Oh and you will not hear BS talk from MW like JPM, or it will be my year next year cr@p like DC ...
If this year's car is anything like last year's (compared to the other team's), I think we will see at LEAST two wins! (after the tusk design...) I have always said MW has that MS-like ability to get that extra out of any car. This is a quality that JPM or Ralphy will never have, and for that matter - most of the grid. There are a lot of good drivers out there as you do not get to the F1 level without SOME ability. Except for the pay-pers..... But I think he is one of the best. This year will tell. Jim
"Tough races"???? Define tough. Masterfully working through the field (without punting anyone out) to take the win? Battling foes on a passing friendly track? Blistering performance in the rain? Winning with a lesser car? Hmmm, those are my definitions of a tough race. I don't think I've missed a broadcast race in many many years - certainly before JPM was in F1. I don't remember any of his wins fitting my definitions. Could it be you have him confused with someone else? ;0) Jim
Monaco, probably the technically most difficult race to win. Unless something odd happens (e.g. Panis' win) only the best win it.
Har! Anymore I could win Monaco on a mountain bike! JPM's win at Monaco was a gifted farce! I could compare it to driving behind a school bus on a two lane road. Every time you think you have a chance to pass, the sign pops out and the lights come on! That race was just a parade with MS inches off his tail! OK, points to JPM for not getting rattled and stuffing it, but a tough race? Me no think so! I think we saw JPM's (lack of) technical ability in the tunnel this year. Jim PS "only the best win it"? DC?
I seriously believe it takes a lot to win Monaco and not stuff into the barriers. As Nelson once put it: Racing F1 in Monaco is like flying a helicopter in your living room. The tunnel accident was Michael's fault for an unnecessary brake testing. I'm not the only one who thinks that way. E.g. the Speed commentators thought the same, not that means terribly much, but still. There was a time when DC was actually a great driver. He was never consistent, but he was quick. Monaco was one such instance, but he had other great moments (Imola comes to mind). I'm starting to think of JPM in the same way: The guy can put it together for one great performance and the next race he tumbles around mid field.
Totally disagree on the tunnel incident - but that was hashed and rehashed ages ago. Monaco (the race) is a joke of what it once was with diferent equipment. Today it is just a parade - not to say it doesn't take a huge amount of skill to pilot and F1 car around it. Fair enough on your other comments, but I just do not see the attraction to JPM's so-called racecraft - which is low tiered at best. Peace! Jim
