Ralf out of French & British GP and maybe the season? (merged) - Page 3

aprescott · 30 Jun 2004, 12:41 (Ref:1021386)

I have just heard through the BBC that he will be out for 3 months due to 2 fractured vertabrae (Not sure that is how you spell it!!)

So that seems like his season is over.

**Peter Mallett** · 30 Jun 2004, 12:50 (Ref:1021395)

This thread discusses it.

http://tentenths.com/forum/showthrea...5&pagenumber=4

Super Tourer · 30 Jun 2004, 12:54 (Ref:1021396)

Merged.

Kirk · 30 Jun 2004, 13:09 (Ref:1021413)

I'm sure the phones are ringing and JV's had better be ringing soon (hopefully). What a glorious opportunity for Williams to bring in a real driver alongside JPM. The assessment would be better than any so-called test drive. Of course there is always the chance that Webber could be pried away from Jaguar sooner than later. I would be surprised if Gene were to remain in Ralf's seat for the balance of 2004.

Snapple · 30 Jun 2004, 13:28 (Ref:1021434)

"Come and get me Frank"

Kicking-back · 30 Jun 2004, 13:31 (Ref:1021437)

I'd expect Gene to stay in the car until Ralf returns.

BootsOntheSide · 30 Jun 2004, 15:36 (Ref:1021587)

Quote:

Originally posted by Nina
The rules state that Williams can only use 4 drivers during the year so that leaves them with an option of one further driver to try out if they so desired

Almost. They can only make 2 voluntary driver changes - in other words, replacing Ralf with Gené won't count as such, but replacing him with (for example) JV from Hockenheim would be the first voluntary change (come to think of, I assume reinstating Ralf as and when he recovers wouldn't count as a second one?)

I suspect that Marc will do both Magny-Cours and Silverstone, and a decision about a more full-time replacement will be made then. The samll print of Webber's contract may allow him to leave Jaguar immediately if (as expected) they aren't in the top 6 after Silverstone, but would Falvio really allow him to join Williams this year? Giving JV a chance would be interesting, although he's not guaranteed a 2005 drive unless he does an awesome job.

Kicking-back · 30 Jun 2004, 15:38 (Ref:1021590)

Mark Webber said in a recent interview that that top-six clause in his contract refers to the Hungarian GP, not Silverstone.

Shoe-maker · 30 Jun 2004, 17:02 (Ref:1021658)

Ralf's injuries sound very serious. I hope he gets well soon.

**Peter Mallett** · 30 Jun 2004, 19:40 (Ref:1021790)

Shoe-maker. Well done for spotting the important bit of this thread.

ralf fan · 30 Jun 2004, 19:45 (Ref:1021793)

Spinal fractures.... sounds awful...
get well in time for Toyota nest year!

what an awfl season

i think Gene will fill in.... Williams arent fighting for a championship and dont require a high profile driver.... i think he will do a more than adequete job

BARrouette · 30 Jun 2004, 20:55 (Ref:1021843)

Poor Ralf ,for the first time i feel sory for the guy and i wish him well...

Gene would the smart choice but is it the best for Williams...Well if they don't finish in the top 4 places they could have 1 more car to run for testing so they got notthing to loose to get J-V a chance to replace Ralf but is J-V ready to race? yes, but he fails :no more J-V in F1.

Kicking-back · 30 Jun 2004, 21:11 (Ref:1021859)

With Marc Gene driving in the race team, they could ask Jacques to be a test driver for the rest of the season.

**Adam43** · 30 Jun 2004, 23:04 (Ref:1021977)

Not a bad idea.

grumpy1 · 30 Jun 2004, 23:16 (Ref:1021985)

Quote:

Originally posted by Kicking-back
With Marc Gene driving in the race team, they could ask Jacques to be a test driver for the rest of the season.

Marc Gene will fill the seat until at least Monza(as I stated last week).My advice is JV will not be asked to test for Williams.

Sir Frank has set Gene a goal.Score more points than Ralf has up till now and he takes pole for the second seat next year.

This is Marcs chance to shine and boy would it **** a couple of people off in the paddock if he beat the great one.

The Grumpy1

P.S.Rumour has it that Ralfs injury is greater than stated and we may not see him until next season.That would be a pity.Love him or hate him one doesn't want this to happen to anyone.

Kirk · 1 Jul 2004, 03:27 (Ref:1022061)

Quote:

Originally posted by Kicking-back
With Marc Gene driving in the race team, they could ask Jacques to be a test driver for the rest of the season.

I think that that is definitely an option being considered. Depending on several factors including Gene's success and JV's comfort level, they could easily interchange before season end. I for one salivate at the possibility of JPM and JV lining up as teammates, even for a short time, it could prove to be historical, if not nasty.

avsfan733 · 1 Jul 2004, 04:39 (Ref:1022078)

Frankly I don't care who replaces him lets just hope he is able to heal enough to return to racing. I think the proper thing is to put Gene in the car, I can't see Frank using this as an opportunity to interview drivers during ralfs unfortunate recuperation to me that just seems a little low class. and please lets not turn this into another JV thread

Ralf · 1 Jul 2004, 04:43 (Ref:1022081)

Get well soon Ralf.

This forum needs you!

Kicking-back · 1 Jul 2004, 09:11 (Ref:1022191)

Heh!

alesi95 · 1 Jul 2004, 21:43 (Ref:1023022)

Quote:

Originally posted by Ralf
Get well soon Ralf.

This forum needs you!

It's true. Who would we b

about.

touringcarnut · 1 Jul 2004, 21:46 (Ref:1023028)

He's had a miserable season, I fear that's the last time we'll see him in a Williams...

f1manoz · 1 Jul 2004, 22:12 (Ref:1023052)

JV being asked to return is all wishful thinking on behalf of the unrealistic JV brigade.

Gene will be brought into the racing squad and he will do a good job.

Shame for Ralf but it's just the final point in an awful season.

Ralf · 2 Jul 2004, 00:45 (Ref:1023155)

If Webber is going to Williams next year, why not jump ship after Hungary & get a head start on next year.

There's no way Gene will get a seat.

OK, I found a topic discussing that, sorry.

Hazza · 2 Jul 2004, 05:55 (Ref:1023290)

My little thoughts...

What about Heidfeld? 2 reasons: one he's German and that would please BMW, and 2ndly he has a Jordan contract, and they are only worth their weight in $100 bills...

I doubt that Webber would come over mid season, as much as Jaguar would *like* the money, who would replace him? Wilson?

So my guess is that the drivers will be a leathal cocktail known as Genzonia...

But JV would be a nice thought

Schummy · 4 Jul 2004, 07:30 (Ref:1025482)

It's curious many people doesn't perceive Ralf as a fast driver. This season he has done qualif laps very similar to JPM. Although he has been beaten 7 -2 by Monty in 2004, their qualif quickness is similar. Looking at their seasons in Williams one can see they are pretty balanced.

Moreover his pole in Monaco speaks volumes for the guy's speed. Monaco always was considered the home ground for the ultimate test in ability. If some other driver had got that pole some people had got an extasis

His racecraft is not always good, but again he has done well respect JPM. They have been team mates in 2001-2002-2003-2004.

If we discount 2001 because it was JPM's first season, we get the following number of times each of them ended above the other:

2002: JPM-RS 9 - 7
2003: JPM-RS 7 - 8
2004: JPM-RS 4 - 3

RS has 3 wins (always in 2002-2004) and JPM 2 wins.

RS and JPM had 18 podiums each one.

In conclusion, some drivers had "charisma" and get recognitition for each thing they do (even things they don't do

), and others don't have that luck and don't a fair reward for his work.

JPM and RS are two quick drivers who deserve applause, it is a pity that only one get a true general recognition.

My first thought is for Ralf's health, my second thought is he easily could get a very nasty results from it (and a sidenote, why they didn't see the spinal fractures in Indianapolis hospital), my third thought is about who is going to sit in the "second" Williams.

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