The future of Fernando Alonso is expected to become clear in the next two weeks. And if, as is widely expected, he does leave for McLaren, the shockwaves will be felt up and down the pit lane. Indeed several drivers may already have started the last races of their careers. Here are the big names … Continue reading When will we see them again?
Driver market articles archive
Driver market
F1’s new team for 2008: Force India
Posted onSpyker is set to be renamed Force India next year pending approval from the World Motor Sports Council. Bernie Ecclestone has already approved the move. The team’s new owner Vijay Mallya wants to re-brand the team, giving it its fourth name in as many years. It will continue to be based near Silverstone circuit in … Continue reading F1’s new team for 2008: Force India
F1 in the news 54: Glock set for Toyota
Posted onIn the F1 news this week Timo Glock is rumoured to be about to sign for Toyota for 2008, while expectations grow that Fernando Alonso will be back in Renault colours next year. Meanwhile F1 fans can give their feedback on the sport in the Pitpass survey and Switzerland elects to uphold its 52-year ban … Continue reading F1 in the news 54: Glock set for Toyota
Alonso and Prodrive central to 2008 driver market
Formula 1
Posted onThe news that Prodrive will not be using McLaren’s chassis next year raises more questions about who will be racing in F1 in 2008. Ralf Schumacher is leaving Toyota but his F1 career may not yet be over. Alexander Wurz’s departure opens up a space at Williams. And of course there is the unresolved question … Continue reading Alonso and Prodrive central to 2008 driver market
Alonso and Hamilton want split
Posted onFernando Alonso: I’d be delighted if I didn’t carry on with Hamilton. Lewis Hamilton: I’d much rather it were Fernando at Ferrari and me at McLaren. But it looks ever more likely that Alonso will return to Renault rather than switch to Ferrari.
Toyota drop Ralf Schumacher
Posted onRalf Schumacher’s prospects of racing in F1 in 2008 look slim as Toyota have announced he will not race for them next year. The announcement comes one day after Timo Glock, who has been linked his fellow German’s Toyota drive, won the GP2 championship. The past two GP2 champions, Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton, both … Continue reading Toyota drop Ralf Schumacher
Debate: End of the line for Fisichella?
Posted onWhat next for Giancarlo Fisichella? The man who was once considered the most promising talent not to have a front-line seat has conspicuously failed to deliver since arriving at Renault in 2005. He’s lagging behind his junior team mate in the world championship standings and the team has not yet confirmed his position for next … Continue reading Debate: End of the line for Fisichella?
2008 driver line-up almost set
Posted onThe driver market for 2008 is settling down – although everyone is still watching to see if Fernando Alonso will storm out of McLaren (and away from Lewis Hamilton), to join his old team Renault. Several teams have now confirmed their 2008 line ups and are sticking with their current drivers – with the notable … Continue reading 2008 driver line-up almost set
F1 in the blogs 41: Backlash
Posted onThe backlash against the Hamilton-Alonso feud got very bitter in the three-week break following the Hungarian Grand Prix – and it’s the subject of today’s Post of the Week. Also in the F1 blogs: the cost of F1, the cost of missing your braking point at Spa, and a Michael Schumacher you can lick. Yes, … Continue reading F1 in the blogs 41: Backlash
Prodrive set to use McLarens in 2008 – report
Posted onDavid Richards is expected to announce a deal next month for his new Prodrive F1 team to use this year’s McLaren chassis as the basis for their 2008 campaign. The report in this morning’s Times claims it will spare Prodrive the £150m cost of developing their own cars. Richards said: “McLaren is one of three … Continue reading Prodrive set to use McLarens in 2008 – report
Bourdais replaces Liuzzi for 2008
Posted onToro Rosso have confirmed that Vitantonio Liuzzi will follow Scott Speed out of the door at the end of 2008. As has been widely expected, Liuzzi will make way for Frenchman Sebastien Bourdais. Bourdais has won the Champ Car World Series for the last three years and currently leads the championship. Bourdais has already tested … Continue reading Bourdais replaces Liuzzi for 2008
Unhappy Alonso could blow open 2008 driver market
Posted onMcLaren has reportedly told Alonso he is free to leave the team at the end of the year if he wishes. Speculation has linked him with a return to Renault for 2008, and it remains to be seen who will drive for new 2008 entrants Prodrive.
Sebastian Vettel replaces Scott Speed at Toro Rosso
Posted onSebastian Vettel has replaced Scott Speed at Toro Rosso team with immediate effect, following his release by the BMW team. BMW said: “The current testing rules mean that he barely gets a chance to drive for us. Now he has been offered the opportunity to get inside a Toro Rosso cockpit. Scott Speed’s future at … Continue reading Sebastian Vettel replaces Scott Speed at Toro Rosso
Toro Rosso denies plan to replace Speed (updated)
Posted onScuderia Toro Rosso have denied they plan to replace Scott Speed with Sebastian Vettel, following a report on an American website. Speed criticised the team after the European Grand Prix, claiming Gerhard Berger and Franz Tost were trying to get rid of him. He was only confirmed to be racing for the team in 2007 … Continue reading Toro Rosso denies plan to replace Speed (updated)
New F1 support race for 2008
Posted onEuropean F1 rounds will benefit from an expanded support race package next year. Formula BMW, the championship BMW rookie Sebastian Vettel won in 2004, will join the bill. Vettel won the German category, which is set to merge with its British equivalent, to create Formula BMW Europe. The sub-GP2 single seater category will have a … Continue reading New F1 support race for 2008
F1’s famous names return
Posted onThe classic names of F1 are all returning to the sport: Senna, Mansell, Prost, Piquet, Lauda and more could all be a feature on the grid one day. A quick search threw up 20 such drivers in the lower echelons of motor sport that could break into F1. Can you think of any others? Two … Continue reading F1’s famous names return
F1 driver line-up changes for 2008
Posted onWho will be driving for the top teams in 2008? Last year saw enormous changes in the driver market. Next year we’re likely to see most of the top drivers remaining where they are. But with BMW and Red Bull getting ever more competitive we could be in for a few surprises. And what about … Continue reading F1 driver line-up changes for 2008
F1 in the news 37: Safety car racers
Posted onIn the F1 news this week the safety car drivers that race each other every F1 weekend. Plus the fallout from 2005 United States Grand Prix is still in the air, Lewis Hamilton’s little brother gets an F1 trophy, and the Goodwood Festival of Speed is coming up.
Debate: Scott Speed heading out of Toro Rosso?
Posted onScott Speed is under pressure. The season started poorly for him when team boss Gerhard Berger waited until the 11th hour before confirming him alongside Vitantonio Liuzzi. This week his Toro Rosso team are testing three times Champ Car champion Sebastien Bourdais for the second time. Rumours link BMW protege Sebastian Vettel with Speed’s seat … Continue reading Debate: Scott Speed heading out of Toro Rosso?
2007: Who goes where part 4
Posted onWith most of the drivers in place for next year, let’s take a look at how the 2007 F1 grid is shaping up.