Not attacking, just stating that Ralf was at Williams from 1999 through 2004 and won what 2 more races than JPM. Although JPM by mid year 2001 was far faster and consistent. Ralf got lucky that JPM took a while to get up to speed or else BMW Williams would never have given him the contract extension (read money) that they did. What is a farce is that Toyota was stupid enough to cough up that much dough when Ralf didn't have much choices, and no way was BMW going to give him what they had been paying from 02 through 04, hence the move to Toyota.
Let me preface this by saying that I totally agree and feel that Ralf is a mediocre driver, who on his day, or when he felt like it, was excellent. Not exceptional, but excellent. Now, Ralf got his first win in 2001... The same year Montoya joined Williams. Montoya's first win didn't come until Monza, the race where Michael was the most un-motivated driver that I've ever seen. (I guess you could say that he pulled a "Ralf". ) 9-11 and the Zanardi accident weighed heavy enough on him to try to talk the other drivers into a "walkout" of sorts. Now beyond that, the only glaring difference between the two are the two injury spells the Ralf had. He missed 7 races between 2003 and 2004. Even running 7 less races over the same period (1 in 2003 and 6 in 2004) , Ralf won 2 more than Montoya. Gilles, that is why I suspect that BMW are interested in him. Personally, I think Ralf became a driver that was just looking for a paycheck after he broke his back at Indy 2004. There's just nothing left in his tank. Which is why the odds say that Ralf will be out of F1 after this season. But.... and this is a big But.... Unless BMW wins a race this year, I can see Heidfeld making a move to a Renault or a Honda.... or here's one for you a Prodrive McLaren-Mercedes. Which would leave BMW with a few options for the second seat.... 1) Fisi - How many lives will he get? My guess is that IF he gets another seat, he lands at STR with the Renault engines. 2) Vettel - Will BMW put two young inexperienced drivers in their cars? I don't think so, I just can't see them pairing Kubica and Vettel for this reason. They're still a very conservatively managed team. IE: one veteran and one youngster. 3) Ralfie... with the memories of drinking champagne from the top step of the podium making Dr. Mario Thiessen feel warm and fuzzy all over. Of course if this happens, Vettel might be in the seat by the end of 2008. It's really Heidfeld's play. I'd say that much of this depends on a few things.... Is BMW a race winner this year? Is Honda's forthcoming B-spec new chassis a race winner? Is Renault as big of a mess as they appear? Will Prodrive secure the all-mighty 2007 McLaren package? By the time Hungary rolls around, all these answers will be clear. And I suspect that Nick can afford to wait until then. Ralf.... will be available. And Vettel, might already be in STR Red Bull Pajamas for all we know. Which leads them back to Ralf.
No. Michael is still very very popular here. Ralf is only seen as the little brother with a questionable high-society-glamour-and-party-wife.
If you are trying to state that Ralf is better than Montoya, then i have to disagree. I, and many people would take Monty over Ralf on his best day. The teammate comparison from 2001 to 2004 even shows it. JPM usually finished in front of Ralf, won at Monaco and was in the fight for the title with MS and Kimi in 03. he was generally the more convincing driver. 2001 JPM 9 RS 7 (missing race both retired Aus) 2002 JPM 10 RS 7 2003 JPM 8 RS 8 (RS missed 1 race) 2004 JPM 7 RS 4 (RS missed 6 races)
No one would miss RS. They should hire a new driver from another formula. Alex Lloyd is doing a great job in Indy Pro series. http://www.indycar.com/pro/ Why not add another Brit to the grid?
I agree and unless some miracle happens with Ralfie (or JPM coming back) the proof is already in the history books. Both completely irrelevant.
Pretty much. I feel that in JPM's case it was more unfullfilled promise than anything else. I still rank him ahead of Ralf. Ralf was only good once in a while.
Latest news: John Howett, president of Toyota Motorsport. "We were sure that Ralf would win a grand prix for us. Now we have to admit, it's the car we have to blame, not the driver." (Source: German magazine "Spiegel" http://www.spiegel.de/sport/formel1/0,1518,486658,00.html )
