2012 Predictions / Driver Line-up / News etc...

Charles Pic in the Virgin seat is confirmed, see here. He's replacing d'Ambrosio as expected.

I'm really disappointed by this decision - Virgin have now robbed us of two innuendo's for next season!

 

He's not really got much to shout about from the junior formula's but he doesn't look too horrific.

 

To make up for it I expect Virgin to replace Glock with a driver called Mike Hunt. (say it quickly)

 

And now Mercedes announce they've tied Rosberg up on a multi-year deal, it looks like he has a contract to the end of 2013, and then an option for 2014, see here. Well that puts to bed any rumours of him replacing Massa, or Webber if he retires at the end of next season.

 

If the world ends in 2012 like everyone thinks, a lot of these contracts will be rendered moot.

 

I guess that puts an end to the Ferrari rumours. Since Ferrari weren't willing to break Massa's contract, Rosberg should've stayed put and waited until next year before deciding a new contract. That way, he'd have a chance at going to Ferrari in 2013 - certainly he'd be the preferred choice over Massa, but maybe he thinks the seat already belongs to Perez.

Anyway, I can put up with another year of Massa, as long as they don't renew his contract. This reliable guy says that Ferrari are serious about Perez for 2013. He said this before Ferrari's most recent confirmation of Massa for next year, which is a possible explanation as to why they didn't break Massa's contract one year early and also why signing Rosberg was unlikely.

 

This is out of the blue. I was expecting the canadian Rob Wickins

 

Rosberg says the reason behind signing for Mercedes is because of the new technical team, which has potential but I don't them becoming a dominant force in F1. Next year I think they might get a couple of podiums but that's about it.

Rosberg forgot to mention that Mercedes was the only viable choice, since Ferrari weren't prepared to sign him. If Rosberg in the future gets frustrated by suspected favouritism to Schumacher, it's his own fault for committing to Mercedes for the long term.

 

Well it is, if he decides to devote his career into Mercedes long term - massive trust is required between driver and team...

 

but there are so many drivers historically who clearly felt disadvantaged in their pairing.
Funny how when they sign the generous contract everything is rosy, but once the 'no 1 ' driver becomes clear they are not happy.

 

Raikkonen...to Torro Rosso?

http://www.mtv3.fi/urheilu/f1/uutis...os-huhu-neuvotteluja-red-bullin-kakkostalliin

 

Just a rumour, but Barrichello to HRT?

http://twitter.com/#!/Clausell_F1/status/135797801387966464

 

No way I'd rather retire than drive that pile of ****e.

 

I wouldn't be surprised. I was wondering about this myself. He really wants his 20 years in F1. What a way for it to end though: not with a bang but a whimper.

 

I think the HRT is the car most likely to bang.

 

Btw I havnt forgotten the HRT vs Virgin argument and will bringing that thread back up after the next race

 

When Glock finishes 7th and Virgin snatch 9th in the championship.

 

What would happen if d'ambrosio wins at Brazil? Would they get rid of Glock?

 

BBC gossip page: