The Rumour Was True - Page 3

**Stephen Green** · 23 Jul 2002, 07:52 (Ref:340346)

The fact is, and explained by Patrick Faure, that both Trulli and Alonso are Renault 'Scholarship' drivers and Jenson wasn't, hence the move to replace Jenson with Alonso.

BAR have snapped Jenson up on a two year deal with an option on a further two years, and Dave Richards is quoted as saying he sees Jenson's deal as a four year contract.

Like many I feel sad that Jenson has been dropped by Renault, especially after his F3 showing with them and out performing Trulli consistently this season. For no otherreason than sour grapes, I would like to see Renault fall flat on their face next year but I doubt that will happen. For Jenson I feel sad because he has been forced out of a team which is on the ascend. However, under Dave Richards capable hands, one could say the same for BAR in the longer term.

**touringlegend** · 23 Jul 2002, 08:23 (Ref:340365)

I've heard stories that Honda may completely buy out BAR in the next year or two, so perhaps Jenson's got his foot in the right door at the right time.

**Stephen Green** · 23 Jul 2002, 08:28 (Ref:340366)

Let's hope so!

f1manoz · 23 Jul 2002, 10:17 (Ref:340468)

That's what I'm banking on. Jenson may have made a smart move because Honda will no doubt go with BAR solely within the next year or two, so Jenson will be perfectly placed.

Plus a JV/Button line-up is rather formidable. Now if BAR can get the car sorted and Honda get the engine reliable and powerful, they will progress up the grid.

RussianFriend · 23 Jul 2002, 16:46 (Ref:340835)

Quote:

Originally posted by I Ate Yoko Ono
You are only as good as your last result. Button blew Trulli away again today as he has been during races all year.

Trulli is a good qualifier but in all honesty a no hoper who we all know in ourhearts will never be a world champion. If he was any good at all he would be 11-0 ahead of Button because he has three seasons more experience.

Button is a loss to the team and they can look to scoring fewer points next year without him.

Completely agree! Trully is just mediocre driver who hasn't even chance to improve. Jenson made great improvement last year, he overquilified Trully, he earned scores. But he hasn't links with Flavio. Sad news becuase BAR can't offer his competitive car. 1-2 years behind that lumber and will be forgotten by all team managers. Alas!

Liz · 23 Jul 2002, 17:13 (Ref:340868)

Briatore doesn't personally like Bunsen (he has said so on numerous occasions; doesn't think he is concentrating on his work, etc.) And if the boss does not like you, it doesn't matter what else may or may not be true.

Personally I'd have kept Panis and kicked Jacques off the team at BAR; Panis could teach Bunsen how to set up a car and Jacques can only teach him ... on second thought, Bunsen already knows everything Jacques could teach him.

**touringlegend** · 23 Jul 2002, 18:58 (Ref:340987)

Have BAR confirmed Villeneuve yet though ??

Liz · 23 Jul 2002, 22:39 (Ref:341195)

Not exactly. What they have said, very cautiously, is that perhaps for the one year Jacques' contract has yet to run, ,they may carry three drivers on their books! This could mean that Panis will be standing in the garage with his helmet, glaring at Jacques meaningly, for 2003 ... anticipating the day he can sing to him in French, "So Long, It's Been Good To Know Ya."

Kretzman JB fan · 23 Jul 2002, 23:24 (Ref:341222)

Dropping Button may turn out to be a bad move for Briatore and Renault because with Renault dropping Button, Button replaces the only French driver on the grid in Panis,Renault is already hearing about it from French fans saying that Panis was sunk by the Frenhc connection. Don't get me wrong Alonso is a great talent and a good driver, but Trulli has been a joke this year. He is a good qualifier, but can't run with the big boys. If qualifying ment everything than Montoya would have won the championship this year. I think that BAR will keep Villenueve for at least another year, but he may move on in 2004 or 2005. The team is trying to sign him to a long term contract, but I have a feeling that he might reject it, just a gut instinct.

I think that JV and Button know something that we don't know. Hopefully its for the better and they start winning races. Tired of seeing Michael win every grand prix.

**Stephen Green** · 24 Jul 2002, 06:54 (Ref:341354)

Kretaman, I tend to agree with your view that JV and JB know something we don't. I don't think Jenson would have made the move to BAR over say Sauber or Jaguar unless Dave Richards had something pretty special up his sleeve!

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