2008 Driver Line Up

[Metar]

It means Fisi is hopeless. He crashed the Force India car he drove.

 

[prisonermonkeys]

But his imminent departure from Renault doesn't mean Alonso will be going there. It's unlikely, but I see no reason why Renault simply couldn't take on two rookies (other than the inexperience factor).

 

[MagpieRacer]

Ralph in October - http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2007/10/16/ralf-i-will-race-in-f1-next-season/

November - http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2007/11/26/ralf-would-like-mclaren-seat/

December - http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2007/12/07/ralf-schumacher-this-might-have-been-my-last-time-in-f1/

 

[kikie]

Just heard on the news that Alonso will be going back to Renault.

 

[prisonermonkeys]

Just heard on the news that Alonso will be going back to Renault.

You got a link?

 

[Dougboy]

"Maybe I will quit racing, or maybe I will just join another racing series. I just want to do what's best for me. This week might have been the final outing for me in a Formula 1 car."

He finally comes to his senses

 

[Eagle]

I swear one of the F1 sites (GPUpdate, F1-Live or GrandPrix.com) had a story this morning on RSS with Renault confirming they have 'made contact' with Alonso, but I'll be damned if I can find the story on the actual sites.

As an aside, I always find it hilarious the way teams use the phrase 'made contact' these days, we're talking about driver contract negotiations, not a spaceship returning from the darkside of the moon.

 

[kikie]

You got a link?

No, like I said, I heard it on the news (television). Impossible to get a link from a television broadcast

 

[prisonermonkeys]

No, like I said, I heard it on the news (television). Impossible to get a link from a television broadcast

Unless you go to the station's website ...

 

[kikie]

Unless you go to the station's website ...

http://www.vrtnieuws.net/cm/sporza.be/auto-motor/Formule+1/Fietserke+F1/1.216405

There is no English translation.

The text says: there is still no deal with Fernando. According the Spanish newspaper "AS", Fernando will sign a contract with Renault next monday.

Renault was cleared of all charges last thursday. This was the last obstacle for fernando's return to Renault. They're still negociating with Fernando.

Clause: Fernando can leave the first year if the car is no good.

 

[MagpieRacer]

http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2007/12/10/spanish-media-alonso-to-join-renault/

Fernando expected to be announced as Renault driver in next 48 hours.

 

[prisonermonkeys]

http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2007/12/10/spanish-media-alonso-to-join-renault/

Fernando expected to be announced as Renault driver in next 48 hours.

That (if it's true) combined with Nico confirming his Williams contract should shut everybody up.

 

[MagpieRacer]

And Sutil being confirmed at Force India.

 

[livemusic]

I hope the Piquet Jr. part to be true too.

 

[MagpieRacer]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7136498.stm

BBC has it now.

 

[Appie]

It was bound to happen...

 

[MagpieRacer]

http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2007/12/10/an-interview-with-fernando-alonso/

 

[GilesGuthrie]

I can't believe that it's looking like Kovalainen isn't going to get a drive this year. It makes me sad.

 

[TheCracker]

I can't believe that it's looking like Kovalainen isn't going to get a drive this year. It makes me sad.

Do you not think he might be in with a shot at McLaren?

- I think Renault have been holding onto him, waiting for Alonso to sign.

 

[GilesGuthrie]

I read an interview with him in Autosport a month or so ago that said he'd been told to look for another drive. And this week's Autosport is suggesting that McLaren will put Patsy de la Rosa in the other car to stop Hamilton getting distracted.

 

[TheCracker]

I read an interview with him in Autosport a month or so ago that said he'd been told to look for another drive. And this week's Autosport is suggesting that McLaren will put Patsy de la Rosa in the other car to stop Hamilton getting distracted.

After all the texting shenanigans between de la Rosa and Alonso in the Spy Scandal, i'm surprised Pedro hasn't been shown the door already - not given the second race seat.

 

[Alex.]

Alonso and Piquet next season then. Sounds good to me!
It'l be good to see renault do well next season

 

[Touring Mars]

He he, wouldn't it be hilarious if Piquet Jnr. turns out to be another rookie from hell (in Alonso's opinion)... I hope for F1's sake that he is, since last year was the best season in many years! Still, good decision from Alonso, and hopefully Renault will be back at the sharp end, mixing things up for the big two of 2007... 👍

 

[MagpieRacer]

I hope to god that De La Rosa does not get the 2nd drive, so not worth it and a bad move in Mclarens eyes, cant see it happening. Can see Kovalainen going there though.

 

[Only_in_f1]

Can see Kovalainen going there though.

Good call.👍

I like Kovalainen, i hope he does get a drive next year.

 

[Cap'n Jack]

I'm another one hoping Kovalainen gets the second seat at Mclaren. He's a good driver and deserves to have a seat next year. 👍

 

[Dougboy]

I thought some Spanish sponsors were threatening to pull out if some Spaniard doesn't get a race seat. Maybe thats why Mclaren is considering de la Rosa as a filler even though he doesnt look very promising

 

[peterjford]

I know many teams would want to get drivers under contract and not wait too long, but I can't believe that Kovalainen didn't get snatched up as soon as Renault told him to find a new ride. I can't think of any team besides Ferrari and BMW that couldn't use him... and maybe in those cars he could prove better than their existing drivers. I figured that if McLaren couldn't get Nico, Kovalainen was next on their list.

 

[MagpieRacer]

Gotta wait till January I think to hear about Mclarens choice.

 

[Lee]

That's pretty much paved the way for Kovalainen to go off to McLaren me thinks.

I mean, what else is there, Force India?