I'm a "yes" to as I believe he could probably move team, he defiantly doesn't belong in the top half of the grid. The problem with being a Ferrari number 2 driver is that ever since the mid 90's it is usually the last competitive race seat you'll have, Rubens just got lucky with the Brawn.
Would it be less embarrassing and/or detrimental to his career for him to (e.g.) switch with Perez soon (after Malaysia or at the latest before Spain) and have the best part of a season to turn things around and maybe get some decent midfield results before the end of the year? If he can do it at all it'll take him a few races to get on terms with Kobayashi and to have a season getting trashed by Alonso and then by Kobayashi could be extremely demoralising.
10 races in which car? Stefano Domenicali: "Hey Peter, want some cheap engines?" Peter Sauber: "Er, sure. Cheap or free?" Stefano Domenicali: "Cheap" Peter Sauber: "How cheap?" Stefano Domenicali: "Going to cost you one Perez and we can throw in a free Massa" Peter Sauber:"....................................." Stefano Domenicali: " Hello, Pete, still there?.............hmmmmm must have gone through a tunnel or some thing......."
Autosprint applies a comment by Alonso about the glass being half full (which he meant as "a positive basis from which to start") to the two drivers, with Alonso as the full half. As well as Perez, the article suggest Trulli as a potential replacement.
Putting him in the Sauber might do even more damage, but it might be the last chance he has, because honestly how many midfield teams will want him for 2013? He doesn't have much to lose by spending half a season at Sauber. If Ferrari make do replace him, they should wait until the big update in Spain. Maybe the increased rear grip will put him back up to 0.5 off Alonso's pace. I don't think any other driver can get into the car mid-season and be within 0.5 of Alonso.
Sutil in a Ferrari Stefano Domenicali: "Fernando, you're faster than Adrian in front of you in P12, we can get him to move over" Fernando Alonso: " Thanks Stef.....oh wait, what's his drinks bottle made from?" Stefano Domenicali: "Er glass I think" Fernando Alonso: " It's ok, he can keep the position I'm liking P13......"
Stefano Domenicali: "Ciao Felipe, you're faster than Fernando in running over the gravel, we need you to show him 'ow you do dat" Felipe: " Thanks Stef.....oh wait, you want me to hit the trap AGAIN??" Stefano Domenicali: "exactly, either that or make Lewis smash into you again" Felipe: " It's ok, Fernando is doing his own thing with the run-offs" Stefano Domenicali: "I'm glad you mention running off, we wondered if you had thought about HRT'S offer for you?" Felipe: " *&<) off!!!' Stefano Domenicali: "The radio is **** again, BOX BOX Ciao"
There's been a Ferrari reshuffle, Massa has been moved into a new role: please log in to view this image
It would be highly unusual to fire a driver after 2 races. I'd give him 8-9, if he doesn't improve sharpish, then throw Bianchi into the car.
Ferrari's test/reserve drivers are listed as: Giancarlo Fisichella Marc Gené Davide Rigon With Ferrari moaning about lack of Italian's in the sport wonder what the chances are of giving Rigon a shot? If Massa continues to be way off then Rigon wouldn't be much worse. I'd probably say he's actually got more of a chance than Fisi strangely.
It has to be Bianchi. He's on loan at FI, and could be recalled if Massa doesn't improve (he should improve, he couldn't be as bad as he was in oz)
Bianchi makes sense, it's just I get the sense Ferrari are falling out with him. He probably needs a few more years before he's ready, one to watch for the future though!
