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

[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

[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!

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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

[Rennen]

I remember her well in British junior karting in the early 90's...she was no front runner but the level of competition was very high back then so to just be in those races hanging on in there was a good work, had it not been so she would have been a front runner. Her dad as most dads were was very supportive and turned up at all the meetings. Give you an idea of what she was up against in her events...Button, Davidson, Paffett, Kerr, Howell, Howard, Sisley, Barber, Breeze, Hollings, and at least a dozen more drivers just as good who didn't carry on chasing a career in racing...So good luck to her for her faith in herself...but I don't think shes got the 'X factor' myself. But a lot of the lads above never even got the chance to even test an F1 car, so good on her. But I hope shes working on the ole neck excercises...cos shes in for a bit of a shock... 5 laps is the best most non F1 fit drivers manage! Mind you thats at tougher tracks like Barcelona, It's the long high 'G' corners and the braking that hurts!

[skyblue]

She really really should not do this test, it's really no more than a PR stunt and I can't see what she will gain from it but there's potentially a lot to lose. If it was Frank Williams offering a 2 or 3 day test with engineering backup (as against a run around) then it would be very valuable.

Unfortunately the linking with Minardi will not help her with sponsorship efforts either.

Don't do it Katherine............you're being used!!

[Kicking-back]

I'm not quite sure how she's being used - given that she's getting the chance to drive an F1 car, with a team who're not going to be racing any more.

Kevin Kalkhoven has been supporting her career and as such has assisted her to get this opportunity to fulfill a dream.

It's not going to kill her career.

[garcon]

I can't see how it'll do her any harm. I met Katherine a year or so ago when she was one of the hosts at a corporate event at Silverstone. I ended up in her "team" for the day, and as I was one of the few real racing fans in the group we chatted quite a bit about racing stuff including her flying lesson at Rockingham, what she was hoping for the following season and Le Mans (she was setting off the following day to meet up with the Rollcentre team).

Get past the looks (she *is* gorgeous!) and she's a lovely girl, seemed very genuine, and I'm not at all surprised by her level headed comments about proving herself.

This Minardi test may lead to nothing immediately, but it's a true feather in her cap and certainly won't harm her chances of progressing to a more competitive series next season - one where she'll have the chance to show where she really stands.

Good luck Katherine!

[skyblue]

To bring publicity to a support campaign run by Kevin, that's nonetheless seeking cash just about everywhere, and Katherine will not manage the car very well just yet.

It will kill her media interest and long term marketability if she gets lots of coverage for a test that won't quickly be followed up with a drive, that, in mainstream media terms is failure.

If stoddy says; 'she's brilliant'. Do you think Frank will offer her a drive immediately thereafter??

[skyblue]

I'm FULLY behind Katherine, I just don't think she's being properly advised on this one.

[garcon]

Fair enough. I can see your argument, but I'm not sure the negative of a test with no quick follow up is as bad as you suggest. And saying "no" to an offer of an F1 test might give some very bad signals about her ambition?!