http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/19940929Just read the article, left a question mark on the title, because the deal has not been officially confirmed, but it seems to have been completed.Mods, if you feel you can merge this then feel free.Would this mean Kamui Kobayashi the no.1 entertainer will be out? for Esteban Gutierrez? please log in to view this image
Benson seems to be writing as if it's been confirmed. Very poor form from Monisha Kalternborn to spend an interview last weekend talking about how unlucky Kobayashi has been this season and how they know he's quick if they are just going to replace him. Let's make this thread about Hulkenberg, anyway. Delighted for him to get a chance in a better seat, he's impressed me at Force India this year, this could be the step he needs. Will be interesting to see if he'll give Sauber the push to the next level.
In her interview this weekend, Kaltenborn was asked whether the photos of Esteban being taken were going to be part of a press release announcing him for next season, to which she replied "definitely not". It could be interpreted from that that Esteban hasn't got a race seat, meaning a Kobayashi/Hulk pairing? When asked about Kobayashi saying he needed funding to continue, she said that wasn't the case.
I'd say it's a slight step up, and to be honest with the amount of drivers looking for very few seats for next season, he's probably just glad to have something confirming he's in F1 next year (assuming it's true). Also, if FI do have financial issues, we've no idea how much work has been done on their 2013 car, whilst Hulk does. If money problems have stopped them starting work on the new car, then it's likely to be less competitive next season, whilst Sauber are likely to be further advanced in that area..
Not a big one. Sauber can only ever be the 6th team at best. They've lost James Key as well which won't help. Who will be on top next year out of Sauber/Williams/ Force india is anyones guess.
They're only 20 points behind Mercedes, when BMW left the sport they were the 8th or 7th best team, I forget which. James Key isn't all that and Sauber have been building up a good design team (including some of the designers who helped build their 2008 car).
This was my first thought, Sauber have had the better season, but long term they're evenly matched teams. Like you say, Force India could be in some trouble and Sauber is probably a more stable environment right now. Disappointed about Kobayashi; he and Hulkenberg would've made an interesting team. I think Gutierrez will be crap as well, another pay driver, probably similar to Petrov. I thought Alguersuari was a shoe in for a Sauber drive, no idea where he'll end up, Bianchi will surely replace Hulk and he was adamant he wasn't with a backmarker team.
Vijay's current situation doesn't bode well for the teams future and there were rumours earlier this year that the Force India drivers had not been paid. Only these things could justify taking a sidestep. For Sauber to have any chance of keeping Slim's money beyond 2013 they would have to take a gamble on Gutierrez - and unless he immediately proves to be a great driver, Slim will surely leave Sauber and take his money to McLaren. Signing Gutierrez is too big a risk to take. They'd be better off having a proven talent like Kobayashi or Sutil - someone who would help them finish higher up in the constructors championship. However if Hulkenburg isn't bringing any sponsors, should they look at someone like Alguersuari or Pic for the second seat?
It's already been confirmed that Slim is staying onboard with Sauber, which would lead me to assume Gutierrez is already lined up to replace Kobayashi.
I'll be disappointed if Kamui doesn't keep a race seat after everything Monisha Kaltenborn said last weekend. I think Hulk had a good performance this race and his stock rose a bit with me personally and I feel like he would be a good partner for Kamui, but I really hope he doesn't lose his seat.
It would be a step up, just the smallest possible step up. I see 4 tiers of F1 teams Tier 1: Red-Bull > Ferrari > McLaren Tier 2: Lotus > Mercedes Tier 3: Sauber > Force-India > Williams > Torro Rosso Tier 4: Caterham > Marrusia > HRT So he would be moving from 2nd best of Tier 3 to best of Tier 3.
The key thing, I think, is that it's a step to safety. Imagine if HWSNBN ends up without a drive next season!
maybe he's got his eyes set on a 2014 RBR drive, and is doing 1 more season in the midfield to improve himself as a racer?
A lot of people dont rate Hulkenberg but I think he is very much underated. I think he may be my new entry to my fav drivers next year
