Dan Wheldon to Williams? possible

Marbot · 26 Sep 2005, 12:55 (Ref:1416866)

IRL and Indy 500 champ Wheldon could get a look in. http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=99437

BSchneiderFan · 26 Sep 2005, 15:38 (Ref:1417004)

Supposedly he's also talking to BMW. He's big news in the States (which could attract the bean-counters in Munich), and he's clearly talented. But he has spent most of the past few years only turning one way. How much of a problem will this be? Only time will tell, I suppose.

Raven · 26 Sep 2005, 15:55 (Ref:1417021)

I would've thought Frank would be more inclined to have a look at Sebastien Bourdais.

Silk Cut Jaguar · 26 Sep 2005, 16:05 (Ref:1417034)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raven

I would've thought Frank would be more inclined to have a look at Sebastien Bourdais.

I think both Bourdais and Wheldon have contracts with their current teams for next year. After the dealings with Button I doubt Williams would be thrilled in having to buy out a contract as neither driver would come cheap now.

BSchneiderFan · 26 Sep 2005, 16:20 (Ref:1417059)

According to the current issue of Autosport, Wheldon is insisting that he hasn't signed anything with Andretti-Green. That's why his manager is talking to Williams and BMW.

BootsOntheSide · 26 Sep 2005, 22:18 (Ref:1417409)

It's hard to get a decent guage of how good a road-street racer Dan really is, as his junior racing was done in the less-prestigious (but, crucially for him, cheaper) US championships. I was under the impression that he does have a contract with Andretti-Green for next year, but if he doesn't, he's another name who could be worth considering. Both he and Karthikeyan are theoretically better from a commercial perspective than a racing one, but if they get a few tests they might show Frank something - he's amazing at spotting under-appreciated drivers. If there's a need for a British driver to placate sponsors, Dan fits the bill, but is he well-known enough in the UK?

mac · 27 Sep 2005, 01:35 (Ref:1417507)

Totally ridiculous suggestion!

Wheldon's best performances have been on ovals this year.

Everytime the IRL goes to a street or road course, guys like Kanaan, Castroneves, Dixon and Briscoe fly past him. Hell, Carpentier has been more impressive on road courses.

If you ask me Wheldon has proven this year that he is average on the IRL's road courses, in view of the blinding natural speed shown by Tony, Helio and Ryan.

PS. Before anyone mentions St Petersburg, he lucked into that win after two guys clashed - who were those two guys? That's right ...... Kanaan and Briscoe.

He was then shielded by his three team mates to the chequered flag.

Mystery · 27 Sep 2005, 08:02 (Ref:1417638)

I'd love to support Danny but unfortunately like Mac I'm yet to be convinced by his road course form. He's possibly the best oval racer the US has seen in 15 years or so, but road courses....? I don't know yet. Maybe a test might show us and FW the truth.

ensign14 · 27 Sep 2005, 08:05 (Ref:1417642)

Given that a Williams team member described Scott Dixon's testing performance as "embarrassing", I should be most surprised if Williams give Wheldon a contract. Having him at a one-off test is definitely possible though.

grandprixdiary · 27 Sep 2005, 08:32 (Ref:1417658)

Wheldon says he has had loads of approaches from F1 teams (well, he would wouldn't he !) but that only one of them has asked for his weight and height. My money is on a Williams test soon, or...how secure is the lacklustre Fisi at Renault ? Bit of a risk taking him in F1 full stop though !

BSchneiderFan · 27 Sep 2005, 10:41 (Ref:1417759)

The rumour mill seems to be tending towards BMW rather than Williams at the moment.

Mystery · 27 Sep 2005, 13:41 (Ref:1417910)

I think the likes of Davidson is far more likely at BMW. I would be very suprised if they try and bring someone in who doesnt know the formula and the cars very well. AD would fit the bill nicely, but to be fair so would the likes of PdlR and Wurz

BSchneiderFan · 27 Sep 2005, 13:43 (Ref:1417915)

But, as I said further above, Wheldon is well known in the States after winning the Indy 500, and north America is a big market for BMW.

Racer_kyle · 27 Sep 2005, 15:21 (Ref:1418001)

If I were Wheldon, I wouldnt leave the IRL unless I was guaranteed success in F1. Theres no point of him going from the top of IRL to the midfield of F1.

2112 · 27 Sep 2005, 15:35 (Ref:1418011)

DaMatta will be the last import from an American series for a long time, IMO. Given that the top American teams are turning left, and Champ Car is still rebuilding.

Super Tourer · 27 Sep 2005, 15:48 (Ref:1418022)

It's likely than Wheldon will get a test and probably with Williams who are more open to running drivers from the US series and probably feel it wise to evaluate any available talent.

However ,I think it's unlikely that it will lead to a race seat. Despite Dan's pedigree I can't see a team running a driver that is totally new to F1, not driven a comparative car, not raced extensively on 'circuits' for several years and doesn't know any of the tracks on the F1 calendar.

The packed schedule of races and likely limited testing, simply doesn't give a driver time to get up to speed and adapt to the cars - as Da Matta found.

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