Just read this on Yahoo... Massa negotiating with Toyota? Sun 23 Sep, 11:39 AM Further to the rumours that Ferrari could be courting Fernando Alonso for their 2008 driver line-up, Felipe Massa is reportedly in talks with Toyota about a possible switch next season. The latest development in a story that has gathered pace since the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, the Daily Mail is reporting that plans are in place for Massa to be manoeuvred out of the Scuderia in favour of double World Champion Alonso. Much of this rumour stems from speculation that Jean Todt could be ousted in a management shuffle at Ferrari, putting his son Nicolas, Massa's manager, in a precarious position within the team. As such, Massa is said to have opened negotiations with Toyota in readiness for being dropped, Toyota are argubly the only other available team on the grid with the capacity to provide the funds required to secure the five-time race winner. Should this occur, it could provide a crucial opening for Alonso to defect to Ferrari as his position in McLaren becomes increasingly isolated in light of his involvement in the spying scandal, one that that has cost the team $100 million and all of their constructor points. Although it is thought Ferrari will have to pay a substantial sum to buy Alonso out of his fixed contract, the fact that the Spaniard and team principal Ron Dennis are no longer on speaking terms could massage his exit from the team before it expires. Note:I get sick every time I read about Alonshole "maybe" going to Ferrari...
There is a theory that the whole of Stepneygate was about the succession and making amends for failing to sign Alonso a couple of years ago when McLaren jumped in
try not to get too sick...its F1...thats all i can say........what i don't undersatand...and this doesn't relate to your point,why noy take drivers points?
It would be an amazing reversal of sentiment. MS hates Alonso and JT has said that Alonso would never drive for SF. Presumably Alonso must not have been high on LdeM's list for JT to make the statement.
+1 i think it's a rubbish report. what can Massa achieve at To-Yoda? at least at Ferrari, he's winning races.
you guys don't want to hear this, but as an Alonso fan and a Ferrari fan, this is the best thing that could happen for me!!! YAY!!! for Alonso at Ferrari in 2008!!!!!!!
No one said anything about Massa trying to get better options. He's just looking at other options. If it was his decision, he'd probably want to race for Ferrari for the rest of his career. According to the article, it doesn't appear Ferrari feels that same. That's what the entire thread is about.
Since none of us know the whole story, could it be possible that Alonso was collaborating with Ferrari the whole time, to get McLaren in trouble? Something doesn't sound kosher in Bernieland.....
Oh whoa! Now there's a creative thought. Just imagine. Who said one can't come up with an interesting script for a F1 racing movie?
The main reason that speaks against this theory is the timing: Alonso was happy at McLaren until the Monaco GP after which Hamilton demanded and received equal status. Stepneygate started already at the beginning of the year.
Please mean that they are kicking out Massa for Hamilton, Alonso at Ferrari would equal mass suicide in Italy among the tifosi
haha....you'd be suprised!! having a 2x WDC(soon to be 3x WDC) at Ferrari is something most wouldn't complain about, even if it's Alonso.
Crash.net just posted the same story. http://www.crash.net/news_view.asp?cid=1&id=154835 Alonso might be just what they need. Kimi or Massa haven't been able to be the team leader like MS was. Alonso might be the man for the job. Regardless of what anyone might feel about how he's acted out of the car, he's still the best driver out there right now.
Where have I heard that before? Ah yes, when they kicked out beloved Jean Alesi for that German driver. The Tifosi will warm up to Alonso once he starts winning and lead the championship for the Scuderia.
What the hell is this supposed to mean: "Toyota are argubly the only other available team on the grid with the capacity to provide the funds required to secure the five-time race winner." Don't tell me it costs much to secure Massa's services? That is laughable.
I'm starting buy into the whole LH and his dad using dirty tactics to take over the team. The more i think about it, the more it makes sense. LH isn't the sweet kid he's made out to be. Alonso might have acted rashly but he was provoked. I still don't think he should have threatened to rat to the FIA, but people say stuff they don't mean in the heat of battle. I'm actually rooting against LH. I don't care who beats him, as long as he doesn't win this year.
I think more people are starting to realize this.... Although I must say, I would hate to see Alonso at Ferrari. Also, I wouldn't want it to be TOO easy for Ferrari to dominate the field, this is supposed to be a SPORT. It's wasteful to have two #1 drivers on a top tier team, would be more interesting to see Alonso at BMW giving the other top teams hell and making for good racing.....
I do believe Massa is approaching $10 million, right? Considering Trulli is something like $11 million and Ralfie Boy at over $20 million, it would be a cinch for them to take on Massa. But Super Best Friends for example couldn't afford it. Hell I'd do it for FREE! Just let me ride in the team van.