My line up predictions: Lotus: Grosjean Hulkenberg Force India: Maldonado / Massa Sutil Williams: Di Resta / Massa / Maldonado Bottas Sauber: Maldonado / Massa / Gutierrez Stiltskin Caterham: Pic Kovalainen Marussia: Magnusson Bianchi
I still think Perez could factor in somewhere. Whilst it seems logical that he will stay, if his funding isn't/hasn't been there what's to say they will keep him? Also if they only offer a 1 year deal (which is likely) he at opt for a longer option with another team.
TJ13 mentioned on Wednesday that Red Bull will be testing their RB10 soon at Idiada. Looks like the test will happen tomorrow: I was wondering why Kvyat wasn't doing F3 this weekend.
Agree with that, in terms of raw pace he's certainly got something. We saw that last year in Spain, Belgium Qualifying and in Singapore, he just does not have the consistency to go with it and it is holding him back from progressing further. I also think he could take a leaf out of Grosjean's book and admit that his racecraft is probably not good enough and look to improve on that as opposed to always blaming others when he has incidents and proclaiming that he will never change.
But he's always so polite in interviews! Thing is, he's not from 'round these parts and, in my considerable experience of Latin Americans, his attitude is fairly typical; it can be kind of infuriating or bemusing though for Northern European types. I agree he should be in F1 and I hope he gets a better drive because I want to see what he can do. He won a frikkin' grand prix in a Williams, FFS!!!!
F1Racing says Hulk has negotiated a three year deal with Lotus but it has yet to be approved by Genii. Interestingly they say Genii "tend to think of issues beyond mere driving - including marketing and whether the chief executive will enjoy spending time with a given driver at a race". Maybe Sutil would be a good option then?
A sign that Red Bull are looking for someone other than Da Costa? They offered Vandoorne a 1 year contract. http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/301991/vandoorne-toro-rosso-contacted-me/
Maldonado may be quick (sporadically) but he is not in the same class as Montoya and in my opinion, never will be. JPM – a driver of great skill – was a genuine loss to F1 whereas I doubt I'd feel the same about Maldonado if he were to make an unscheduled exit. JPM's reasons were also political but nothing to do with his country; rather, he became completely disillusioned with the internal politics of F1, and this loss of interest was reflected in performances during the latter portion of his F1 career. By comparison, Maldonado, in my view, can be downright reckless, especially when things aren't going his way… As for mentality, South Americans tend to have a different outlook, borne of a raw survival instinct where life can be cheap. Interestingly, the neighbouring nations of Colombia (JPM) and Venezuela (MAL) tend to view each other with a sense of common purpose, though I am not suggesting a similar near-kinship exists between these two drivers! It'll come as no surprise that I respect only one of them!
cosicave is a Montoya fan !! And I strongly agree, Maldonado may have some similar traits, but Montoya was much more talented
I'd agree, but I still hold to the dream I'll win Euromillions quadra-penta-poly rollover, and I'm sure if I throw enough money at BE I'll get a drive.
Looking forward to 2014 F1 with an optimistic approach, sadly I've become somewhat disenchanted with the current years F1, never ever thought I would say that about F1. Although the noises being made concerning weight limits are beginning to sound alarm bells. I wonder how the Honda turbo engine is coming along, not heard much about its integration into next years McLaren, I guess the Merc turbo unit is perfected by now, can't wait to hear both these engines on full song, hope they are better developed than the early Renault engines of the 70s, where large clouds of smoke and bits all over the track were a guaranteed feature during the course of a GP. Oh, them were the days. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cosi yes, Montoya was a great F1 prospect who's pragmatic common sense approach simply could not come to terms with F1s internal politics.
Hans, how right you are, my mistake, how the wine and time have taken their toll, it's beginning to show, eh.
