News is that Daniel Ricciardo is to replace Narain Karthikeyan at Hispania from the British GP onwards in a loan deal from Toro Rosso/Red Bull. To me this seems a bit of a pointless move, yes Ricciardo will get some race experiece, but how valid is that experience if you are just trundling around at the back perhaps with another HRT or a Virgin. I think he would of been better suited in just staying with Toro Rosso and having time in the Toro Rosso during P1, driving for HRT is more likely to damage your reputation than help in anyway.
Its very valid experience. He will have proper time in the car to learn circuits, tyre management, qualifying and a whole host of other stuff he wouldn't get if he just did the odd morning session. Red Bull aren't stupid so they won't look at him and think, oh he's only qualified in 23rd position so he must be rubbish! I'd say they're giving him some race time in preparation for a full season at Torro Rosso in 2012. That way he will hit the ground running having had some proper F1 experience before the winter tests start.
lol. well I guess Algae did enough to keep his seat so RBR are desperate to get Ricciardo in. I bet they are paying HRT. I guess TATA will not be happy
Yeah but damage your reputation with whom? The chances are he already has a seat for 2012 with Toro Rosso so, in their eyes, it doesn't matter what he does in an HRT. His reputation will be made next year. This at least gives him some kind of preparation for that with a team he's expected to fail in. It'll also ensure the Toro Rosso drivers get to drive their practice sessions. It probably gives a good bit of needed dosh to HRT. It gets shut of Karthikeyan (almost, except for India, although I don't see the point of that). Is it not win-win-win-win? EDIT: Also, hopefully there'll be less scriking in the sweepstakes, so win-win-win-win-win.
It is good for us to see how good he is. If he cant beat Liuzzi, there is no point to him racing. (at a high level like RB)
there's a vast difference between driving in practice and racing 'in anger'. any chance to experience race conditions must surely be taken, even if it is in a backmarker, driving for Minardi didn't do Alonso any harm, did it?
please log in to view this image so how long till the bbc report the news... <starts clock> EDIT: I also hear rumours of fisi replacing Hiedfeld?
I agree but Buemi said that was only due to Alguersuari having an extra set of new options because he went out in Q1 (as in Canada). What rumours El_B?
Seems like I am the only one who thinks this is a bad move, although Hulkenberg turned down a Virgin/HRT race seat for the Force India test driver seat. If Fisi instead of Senna replaces Heidfield I'm gonna be pissed. EDIT: I will do a poll. RE-EDIT: No I won't.
It's "Richy - ardo" Paco (and Fred): the Italian double 'c' is pronounced 'ch'. Back to the subject matter, I'm very pleased with this move; Karthikeyan has been an embarrassment to F1 right from the word go. This is nothing personal Narain, but in the interests of motor racing and quality, you should know that you are not helping. Please do not come back for 2012.
you never know, he might start challenging the virgin's seriously, or maybe even the lotus'!!!! then we'll know he's up to the job as an F1 driver.
I'm not sure he could challenge anyone in that car. Liuzzi might not be the greatest driver but he has enough current experience to drive a car that can be driven yet the only driver he ever beats is his team mate.
He has outqualified the virgins on this year and has a higher best finish. Far from a definate thing Ricciardo would be able to beat Liuzzi anyway, especially with less time in the car.
Liuzzi is better than many people seem to appreciate. He may not be the best racer in the field but he gives very good technical feedback and can bring a lot to the direction of a car's development.
