Will Takuma replace Rubens?

[mjstallard]

AutoHebdo is saying that Renault are considering bringing Sato in for a shootout test to find a replacement for Piquet this summer:

http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headline...16095630.shtml

I'd be surprised if they actually dropped him before the season's end though.

[Satorian]

Originally Posted by mjstallard

I'd be surprised if they actually dropped him before the season's end though.

I wouldn't be. If Grosjean manages to amass some money and swing the vote, he might be in before Valencia or Spa. I could see Grosjean, Di Grassi or Buemi in there, and they'd probably be more successful right off the bat than Piquet Jr.


Putting Sato in there would just be stupid. Same for Honda. And I really can't see that happening at Honda with Brawn having any kind of say. And I don't think he would have went there without having the contractual right to the final word on driver matters. He doesn't seem the kind to put up with such nepotism at this particular point in his career.

[rocketracer]

Drivers do evolve, and i think Sato is in the same boat as massa - gained a reputation early in their respective careers for being quick but mistake prone. This usually comes from over enthusiasm, so having a few years under their belts can evolve the speed into a more intelligent and mature driver.

i personally think he would be a fine prospect to put back in a half decent drive as a no.2 - he has plenty of hunger and now a dash of experience. I've no doubt that he would be doing a better job in the renault than piquet, who, ironically is much like sato used to be - he needs a few more years under his belt before he's worthy of a decent seat.

Rubens on the other hand i think is a more competent driver than sato, and i actually think Honda has a good balanced mix with himself, jenson and brawn around. I wouldnt change that formula until they're much closer the pointy end of the field.

[theugsquirrel]

Originally Posted by rocketracer

Drivers do evolve, and i think Sato is in the same boat as massa.

Definitely not in terms of talent. Both Honda drivers are better than both the Super Aguri drivers.

[Marbot]

Originally Posted by rocketracer

Drivers do evolve, and i think Sato is in the same boat as massa -

Actually no.

Massa is aboard the 'Maranello' super cruise liner bound for the Island of plenty.Whereas Sato is currently clinging to a life buoy having watched the good ship 'Aguri' go down with all hands onboard.Two very different 'boats' indeed.