This story of Alonso to McLaren smells of 2 kinds of bullshit. - why would Alonso leave a better team in Ferrari and recommend Kimi to partner if he was gonna do a runner. Ferrari would have kept Massa in this case too. - why would Perez be dropped. He has had a steady season in a car that's ****. He has looked better than Button at times also a potential financial gain will be coming their way soon. especially with the Mexican gp please log in to view this image
What we dont know is if Alonso could walk away if he chooses? He might view the strength of the Merc engine and the future Honda engine as better options than Ferrari? Whilst I think Perez has been poor this term (mainly down to the car) if there were to be any movement than I would imagine that they would keep Perez and swap Button who I dont think would be too adverse to finishing his career at Ferrari on a decent pay. A Kimi/Button lineup with a top 3 car could put them in contention for the constructors. However, the more likely results - is as you say - Bullshit!
I thought maybe McLaren might be hinting at a possible move for Alonso for 2015 if they don't think Button is up to the task of leading the team beyond next year, either way it just seems like journos have pounced on a throwaway comment by Whitmarsh and turned it into a story.
Benson: "Martin, do you like your wife?" Whitmarsh: "Yes?" Benson: "McLaren to sign Whitmarsh's wife!!!!"
So Benson was right about McLaren wanting Alonso (although based on what's written in Benson's article, I suspect he was speculating and got lucky). Autosport say that McLaren are trying to get Alonso, and that they have doubts over Perez. Based on the article and Whitmarsh's comments to Sky, to me it looks like Alonso isn't interested in McLaren, but McLaren are trying anyway. Even if Ferrari don't deliver next year, I'm not sure Alonso would go back to McLaren.
For 2014 i'd say the chances are extremely minimal. 2015 with the start of the Honda era is more feasible (albeit still unlikely). Worth noting that even before this the rumours were that both McLaren drivers would be given one-year deals for next year. Loser dropped for Alonso perhaps?
please log in to view this image Some highlights from the article Headline: McLaren-Fernando project funded by Honda for 2015 They say Honda have a big budget and that they demand a top driver Abad denies having talks with McLaren - "I never talked to McLaren and Alonso in 2014 will remain at Ferrari, 100% guarantee". They say it's almost certain that nothing will happen for 2014, but could happen in 2015 Domenicali's response - "When one laughs can not speak ..."
Do we need a 2015 rumours thread already? Stranger things have happened... it really depends on the car and who Alonso's team-mate would be, but unless Mclaren are much improved next year, that to me would possibly be the end of Alonso's career at the very front of the grid.
Wouldn't be surprised if both Perez and Jenson get replaced, they need to keep Vandoorne and Magnussen. I would laugh if Alonso goes back and another McLaren rookie matches him
I don't know how quick Vandoorne is, but Magnussen was superb in the last two YDT's, and if he can't find a place in F1, I hope McLaren take a risk and sign him. Button-Magnussen would be a good line-up.
So, he had no problems at McLaren, only with Ron Dennis, and Kimi was the partner he wanted at Ferrari for next year... Interesting
Suppose this is the best place to put this. Do you remember either of the following: - how in 2006 some of the teams got the chance to run extra drivers in practice sessions (thus giving valuable track time to the likes of Kubica, Sutil and Vettel)? - how earlier in the year, the idea was mooted of having an extended first practice session for rookie drivers? Well looks like the powers that be have noticed that this is a good idea: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/110017 Really good idea IMO. Obviously some teams are just going to exploit it for testing time (I suspect Turvey and Paffett will be back for Mercedes when they're available) but as the names I dropped above suggest, this will be a huge opportunity for others to get regular track time. (It also might help some of the smaller teams get a smidgen of extra funding if there are any pay drivers whose sponsors are desperate to be in FP1). The other reason it's here is because it might mean some teams are less keen to immediately fling a rookie into F1 next year, rather giving them time to adapt via free practice sessions. (Except Sauber, obviously)
Door left open for New Jersey F1 race on 2014 grand prix calendar Provisional 2014 calendar March 16 - Australia (Melbourne) March 23 - Malaysia (Sepang) April 6 - Korea (Korea International Circuit)* April 13 â China (Shanghai) April 27 â Bahrain (Sakhir) May 11 â Spain (Barcelona) May 25 â Monaco (Monaco) June 1 â TO BE CONFIRMED June 8 â Canada (Montreal) June 22 â Austria (Spielberg) July 6 â Britain (Silverstone) July 20 â Germany (Hockenheim) July 27 â Hungary (Budapest) August 24 â Belgium (Spa) September 7 â Italy (Monza) September 21 â Singapore (Marina Bay) October 5 - Japan (Suzuka) October 19 â Russia (Sochi) October 26 â Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina) November 9 â Mexico (Mexico City)* November 16 â USA (Austin) November 30 â Brazil (Interlagos) * (provisional)
