Katherine Legge to test for Minardi (merged)

[fantasytoca]

See http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns15806.html

Given Katherines launch into orbit during an F3 race at Rockingham and Red Bulls takeover of Minardi could this put a whole new meaning into "Red Bull gives you wings"

[Kicking-back]

Indeed.

Good bit of publicity, but she needs to beat something more credible than a very poor Atlantics field before getting an F1 drive

[f1atic]

Originally Posted by Kicking-back

Indeed.

Good bit of publicity, but she needs to beat something more credible than a very poor Atlantics field before getting an F1 drive

Give her a chance mate.
She can't beat something more credible without leaving that that series.

Personally, I hope she does well.
I would very much like to see her or Danica in a serious F1 ride, even if they were a Friday tester for a season.

[luke]

Originally Posted by kicking-back

Good bit of publicity, but she needs to beat something more credible than a very poor Atlantics field before getting an F1 drive.

This years Toyota Atlantic field this year was not very poor and has hardly changed in overall talent when Danica was racing.

Needs to do something more credible before getting an F1 drive or test drive? Well a I guess the same should have applied to Danica am I right when she went into the IRL with a winless season and didn't prove herself in Toyota Atlantics where as Legge is a proven multiple winner.

[Kicking-back]

Originally Posted by luke

This years Toyota Atlantic field this year was not very poor and has hardly changed in overall talent when Danica was racing.

Needs to do something more credible before getting an F1 drive or test drive? Well a I guess the same should have applied to Danica am I right when she went into the IRL with a winless season and didn't prove herself in Toyota Atlantics where as Legge is a proven multiple winner.

Luke, I know you generally believe everything about ChampCar is marvellous and better than everything about the IRL isn't - but bringing Danica into a debate on Legge's ability isn't really necessary.

Most observers of racing would feel this year's Atlantic field is poor - Zwolsman was mediocre in F3 and dominated. Legge's never done anything of note, aside from one pole in FRenault, and she won races in Atlantic.

It was one of the poorest fields in the series for years - but you can only beat the drivers who're there and credit to her for that.

[luke]

Kicking-back I'm not going to turn this thread into a knock out between but your a fine one to talk when you think the IRL is a marvellous series and better than everything that Champ Car isn't, when have you ever given a positive CCWS post? But that's off-topic.

Back on topic, I'll agree with you that this years TA field isn't great but not that much different than the past year or two, the field has never been strong but you can't take away what Kathrine has achived this year and deserves every opportunity she gets and should use them to her advantage like Danica.

Originally Posted by Kicking-back

Luke, I know you generally believe everything about ChampCar is marvellous and better than everything about the IRL isn't - but bringing Danica into a debate on Legge's ability isn't really necessary.

Most observers of racing would feel this year's Atlantic field is poor - Zwolsman was mediocre in F3 and dominated. Legge's never done anything of note, aside from one pole in FRenault, and she won races in Atlantic.

It was one of the poorest fields in the series for years - but you can only beat the drivers who're there and credit to her for that.

[RonVerstegen]

I don't know if she is ready for the F1 !!

[okeefe]

I don't believe she is - I do not believe she thinks she is.

[Knowlesy]

My excitement over this is literally unnacountable.

[BootsOntheSide]

It's a shame her last name isn't pronounced 'leggy' as she'd be even more marketable if it was. She's clearly quite good, but Atlantics is in a poor phase this year and she needs to learn a lot mroe vefore she'd be a worthy addition to the F1 grid.

[gttouring]

she is the best gal out therei reckon
and better than a lot- so willit be a test at Squadra TuaroRosso? (the 2nd 'redbull team)

[luke]

I'am suprised I couldn't see this comming.....

[macdaddy]

I foresee her proving herself in ChampCar first.

[rdjones]

Katherine Legge is going to test for Minardi later this week. She will be the first female to test an F1 car in over 10 years. More at http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/moto...ne/4355742.stm

[SpawnyWhippet]

Originally Posted by rdjones

Katherine Legge is going to test for Minardi later this week. She will be the first female to test an F1 car in over 10 years. More at http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/moto...ne/4355742.stm

Didn't American Sarah Fisher drive a McLaren at Indy in 2002?

[Raglanparade]

I think that might have been the McLaren 2 seater that Sarah Fisher drove ???

[SpawnyWhippet]

Maybe, can't remember. Has Katherine Legge beaten anyone of note, my main memories of her were from the dreadful Formula Woman soap opera and a flying visit to Rockingham for British F3. (pun intended)

[Kicking-back]

Katherine Legge has only beaten one of the poorest Atlantic fields in years.

But I wouldn't knock her for getting the chance to test an F1 car - anyone would grab it

[Rob29]

[QUOTE=Kicking-back]Katherine Legge has only beaten one of the poorest Atlantic fields in years.

/QUOTE]Hardly her fault? Seem to remember she was well placed in the few North American F.Renault races she did at the end of 2004.

[nickyf1]

Originally Posted by fantasytoca

See http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns15806.html

Given Katherines launch into orbit during an F3 race at Rockingham and Red Bulls takeover of Minardi could this put a whole new meaning into "Red Bull gives you wings"

red bull gave coulthard a beard!

[Kicking-back]

No, it's not her fault the field was poor - but if she was really top drawer she would have dominated it.

But the standard of the field rather puts her wins in perspective.

I'd like to see her have a proper, full season, against quality opposition and then we'll know where she stands, but the evidence so far is inconclusive.

[Mystery]

Originally Posted by Kicking-back

No, it's not her fault the field was poor - but if she was really top drawer she would have dominated it.

But the standard of the field rather puts her wins in perspective.

I'd like to see her have a proper, full season, against quality opposition and then we'll know where she stands, but the evidence so far is inconclusive.

Much as you'd say the evidence about Danica is probably inconclusive really. I think it's nice that the UK media is banging on about one of their own for a change - it's been a while since they've shown an interest in someone not called Button

[jondownunder]

I'm sure she once took a pole position in Formula Renault UK at Oulton Park.

Without a doubt it was a weak field in Formula Atlantic, but she still deserves credit for her performances. Whether she could repeat the season next year, with renewed interest in the new Atlantics and probably a far stronger field, I have my doubts.

Latest story is that her realistic goal is to race in Champ Cars:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/moto...ne/4361130.stm

[jondownunder]

Originally Posted by Katherine Legge

Until I prove myself some more I know that both Champ Car and Formula One are out of my reach.

...At least she remains level-headed; this is the impression I got when she was a guest on Champ Car commentaries this year. That's a good attribute.

[Webslinger]

Katherine is very level headed and she has plenty of experience to call upon. I'm not going anywhere, but if Minardi offered me a F1 test, I'd be there within the hour. I'd even go and drive the AGS in France given half a chance...

So this F1 test will not do Katherine any harm at all. She got the Atlantic test by having a confident attitude, simply by gate-crashing a private test of a dozen or so (male) drivers, laid her cards on the table, and said "give me a chance". The team did... and she has not looked back since.

It is only a couple of years ago that I last spoke with her at Silverstone, when I found her washing the race school cars for other punters to dirty again. No airs and graces, just commitment.

Good luck to her.