F1 silly season is GO!

Knowlesy · 1 Jul 2003, 20:43 (Ref:648866)

Get this for the opening shot in the 2003/04 silly season campaign - Rubens Barrichello is off to Sauber and Nick Heidfeld to Jordan. With Massa to replace Rubinho.

It's interesting really. Rubens would be No.1 at Sauber
and it would pull in revenue for the Swiss team.

It is thought Heidfeld would have to make way rather than Heinzy baby. The spotty German is contracted to mercedes and would go to the team that uses the second batch of the Tristars engines next year - probably Jordan.

All of which leaves Ralph Firman high and dry - Fisichella is thought to be staying at jordan next year.

Another possible is Wurz to Jordan or Jaguar. the Jordan move would only occur if Fisi's manager, Enrico Zanarini, buys out the Minardi team with backing from an Italian consortium and he follows him. This is mighty unlikely.

It's all interesting stuff and some of it seems feasible - what do my fellow ten-tenths members make of all this? Discuss!

Damon · 1 Jul 2003, 20:53 (Ref:648881)

Is this based on your thoughts of some sort of fact? Massa to Ferrari is likely enough but not really until 2004 as Di Montizemelo is a big one for sticking to contracts. The rest of it seems a little far fethched, particularly Wurz racing anywhere other than Mclaren when you look at the fight they put up over the Jaguar debarcal.

Knowlesy · 1 Jul 2003, 20:57 (Ref:648889)

Maybe they feel Schuey won't see out his contract and want to hone Massa to replace him eventually? It's possible you know!

Inigo Montoya · 1 Jul 2003, 20:58 (Ref:648892)

I doubt Fisi will endure another year at Jordan. He's already stated he will leave, and even EJ is actively trying to get him a better drive. I think Ferrari will (quite rightly) turf Barichello and put Massa in that seat, leaving Fisi no choice but to take DC's position at McLaren next year, where he will become WDC.

**Adam43** · 1 Jul 2003, 21:39 (Ref:648942)

Crickey, where did you get that from?

Rubens (who?

) out of Ferrari during contract (I think) is the thing that starts all that. Where has that come from?

The only thing I have heard particularly is what IM said about Fisi.

gttouring · 1 Jul 2003, 21:47 (Ref:648953)

why not massa to ferrari testing? he has lots to learn in F1- and get Badoer to the Red team
if not fisichella over massa
imho

EERO · 1 Jul 2003, 21:59 (Ref:648971)

Massa is ALREADY testing for Ferrari. Badoer will never see a race seat again. Allegedly, Ferrari want Massa in the Sauber but Peter Sauber isn't keen on the idea. He might be convinced by a better deal on the Ferrari engines, though if rumours are to be believed, is still in talks with Merc.

Fisi may want out of Jordan, but the options are slim: McLaren, only if DC continues his fall from grace-but Wurz is probably ahead of Fisi for the seat alongside Kimi and Heidfeld just behind.

Another scenario sees Nick and Alex at Jordan as a full fledged Mercedes junior team. (a tasty rumour, with GF at McCaroon)

The only serious seat up for grabs is the second at Jag-my money's on Wilson for that slot.

If Rubens is given the boot, (a slim chance before his contract is up), Massa gets the Ferrari #2.

Drivers in danger of not finding drives: Jacques, Fisi, Trulli, though Jarno could save his seat at Renault with a little luck. Despite a bad record, he and St. Fernando work well together.

**Adam43** · 1 Jul 2003, 22:09 (Ref:648987)

Quote:

Originally posted by EERO
he [Trulli] and St. Fernando work well together.

Apparently if one is having a bad session the other in genuinely upset for them and tries to help loads!

Also I fear for Fisi too.

Glen · 1 Jul 2003, 23:24 (Ref:649059)

Wurz deserves something, I'm sure he'd do well vs Heidfeld.

flor · 1 Jul 2003, 23:55 (Ref:649082)

I'm sure he wouldn't

Stuart Malaske · 2 Jul 2003, 02:52 (Ref:649158)

I agree with EERO. The only seat that will most likely be up for grabs is the second Jag. And Jag needs someone with race experience. That was a really odd choice on Jag's part to go with pizza and webber. An inexperienced team with inexperienced drivers. Not sure what went wrong with pizonia. Williams had nothing but good things to say about him. He's just overcooking the Jag's car I guess. Maybe he hasnt realized yet that he's not in the Williams car.
I have concerns about JV. But it's still too early to speculate.

Rick · 2 Jul 2003, 04:11 (Ref:649181)

Oz "Motorsport News" has an article by Joe Saward reporting the RB to Sauber, Heidfeld or Wurz to Jordan-Mercedes rumour.

Lee Janotta · 2 Jul 2003, 06:55 (Ref:649216)

The #2 seats at Jordan and Jaguar are probably up for grabs. The #2 seat at McLaren _may_ open up if DC doesn't improve his form. Both seats at Minardi will be open to the highest bidders, as always. The #1 seat at BAR may be open as well. Ralf's recent string of success has probably saved his job at Williams for another year. But Sir Frank shouldn't have to kick his butt in the press to get the best effort out of his driver.

GTV27 · 2 Jul 2003, 06:59 (Ref:649220)

Hot rumour straight from my imagination: JV to Jag on a pay per view basis

PaulSands · 2 Jul 2003, 08:11 (Ref:649283)

if the Jag seat becomes vacant I think the likes of DC & JV might not be so sure about going there as Mark Webber has most definitely secured golden boy de facto number 1 status there..again wishing no ill on Pizzonia I feel a Webber /Wilson line up would be perfect. I wouldn't, however, be at all suprised to see an American face enter the equation...though I can't think of any driver that currently fits the bill. It all depends on which market Jag/Ford are targetting next season I suppose

Webslinger · 2 Jul 2003, 08:15 (Ref:649288)

All good speculation, although JV to Jaguar I feel would be the longest shot on offer. He will not stay at BAR, because do not forget that Sato is still in the wings and Honda really do want him back in the race frame.

Coulthard has been given a "rocket" this week for being to analytical, as opposed to just getting on with the job he is paid for. I reckon his McLaren seat will be up for grabs next year, although as to where the Scot will go..?

Fisichella deserves something better, but has he now been around too long for a 'top team' to take him on?

And Lee Janotta is right about Minardi - money will always speak unfortunately, so expect pay drivers to come along, and not necessarily with the scale to recoup a worthwhile return. At least whoever pays will always be able to claim they were once a Formula 1 driver...

MrSal · 2 Jul 2003, 08:19 (Ref:649291)

If Massa drives for Ferrari I will run round the Silverstone grand prix circuit naked.

ASCII Man · 2 Jul 2003, 08:21 (Ref:649294)

Well, you can already start running then cause he already drives for Ferrari.

Webslinger · 2 Jul 2003, 08:27 (Ref:649299)

I think MrSal means in a Grand Prix - or at least I hope that he does!

Dani Filth · 2 Jul 2003, 08:39 (Ref:649312)

Quote:

Originally posted by MrSal
If Massa drives for Ferrari I will run round the Silverstone grand prix circuit naked.

must it be next year ..

..

jetsetter · 2 Jul 2003, 09:20 (Ref:649336)

A story in the Australian edition of Motorsport News stated that Jaguar are planning to build the team around Mark Webber making him the definate number one so anyone that signs for the team will have too be happy being number two.

BootsOntheSide · 2 Jul 2003, 10:23 (Ref:649382)

If Jordan do get Mercedes engines, the idea of Heidfeld and / or Wurz joining them is feasible. However, I think it would be Heidfeld, because Wurz is so highly valued for his testing work.

This could easily be DC's last eyar at McLaren - I think he's had his day adn is no longer the right man for the team. Kimi can contribute towards development now, and
Wurz is a cricual continuity aspect.

Rubens will come under pressure even though he's got a contract, especially if he'd be happy to race for Sauber enxt year, and Massa is impressing in testing. Again, I think he represents a waste of a top seat.

Firman and Pizzonia will certainly be doing well to get another drive, even though Ralph's improved recently. Someone experienced, like Wurz or Heidfeld but maybe Fisichella, would be ideal for the second Jaguar to give Webber more of a test.

JV? I think he'll be out on his ear, and i no longer think his heart's in it.

DavidStHubbins · 2 Jul 2003, 10:35 (Ref:649397)

Does anyone actually believe that McLaren will dump Coulthard?! I would be very surprised if they actually do. I think he must have an embarrassing photo of Ron and a sheep or something.

ASCII Man · 2 Jul 2003, 10:39 (Ref:649402)

You might have a point there with that sheep thing.
I can't see any other explanation for keeping him...

BSchneiderFan · 2 Jul 2003, 10:40 (Ref:649406)

I think Firman will stay on at Jordan. After all, his form is improving, and what's the point in taking on a rookie, teaching him the trade, enduring the inevitable mistakes, only to drop him before you see the benefits? (Oh, EJ did that with Sato - erm...)

As for DC, I still think he might leave McLaren at the end of the year, and if he does I think Heidfeld will - justly - get the ride. Rubens is safe at the Scuderia till the end of 2004.

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