Alonso in a Jaguar?

[Wrex]

From Formula1.com

The Jaguar team have revealed that Renault test driver Fernando Alonso will drive for them at Silverstone this week. The talented Spaniard will act as a benchmark for Jaguar's two young test drivers James Courtney and Andre Lotterer.
All three will take the wheel of the Jaguar R3 during the three-day test after Renault approved Alonso's participation. The former Minardi star will appear at the Northamptonshire circuit on Thursday 30th May.

"Our objective here is to conduct a true assessment of James and Andre by comparing them to what I regard as one of the best new talents in Formula One™," said Jaguar Team Principal and CEO Niki Lauda in a press release.

"I am very interested to see how my two young drivers compare to Fernando who, for the first time, will drive a Jaguar Formula One car."


Meanwhile, Renault boss Flavio Briatore said both his driver and Jaguar would benefit from this week's session.

"When Niki asked for Fernando's services for this one-off test, I was happy to help," he said. "Fernando's proven skills will no doubt help Niki set a benchmark for his two drivers.

"It will also provide Fernando an opportunity to widen his experience. This somewhat unusual test will create a lot of interest, which is no bad thing for young drivers in Formula One."

Alonso impressed during his debut season with Minardi in 2002 before becoming Renault's official tester and his Formula One future has been the subject of much speculation.

[f1manoz]

First time I've ever heard of this happening.

If he ends up setting faster times than all four Jaguar drivers, it's not just the car that is the problem.

[cos]

Alonso to test at Silverstone this week alongside Lotterer and Courtney in Jaguars, apparently to get a "true assesement" of the latter two.

http://www.autosport.com/newsitem.cfm?id=19183&series=5

[Adam43]

"true assesement"? Why don't they compare him to Eddie or Pedro?

[Markules]

Originally posted by AdamAshmore
"true assesement"? Why don't they compare him to Eddie or Pedro?

Perhaps because he's already decided that he wants to get shot of both at the end of the season?

[BennyBoy1978]

Cos Eddie and Pedro have had years of experience and been in and out of that car all season. It will be Alonso's 1st Time in the Car as will it be Courtney and Lotterer.

That way they can see if Courtney and Lotterer are equal to someone with a years worth of F1 and someone who's just as new to the car

[bella]

what's andre doing now anyway?

[BennyBoy1978]

His tester/ reserve for jaguar at the moment though his only done straight line testing and been on stand by at the grandprix

[Mantis13]

Interesting move by Flabio. Alonso may not get a Renault race seat for 2003 and I seriously doubt that he will be testing again next year. Get him an "audition" (sort of) and let him show what he could do in the Jag. Maybe create some interest from Niki and if Alonso is on the outs at Renault well then...

[Jordi]

well, he can't get any info from Jaguar to Renault, as the Jag just sucks...

[Speedworx]

It will be interesting to see how the Jaguar goes in the hands of a good driver.

[mjolnir]

the autosport article is rather... interesting, if not quite contradictry:

From Autosport.com
Alonso impressed in his debut season with Minardi last year, but opted for a testing contract with Renault rather than a second year with the back-of-the-grid team

But then...

From Autosport.com
Despite the line taken by both parties, the test is certain to lead to speculation that Renault is looking to 'farm out' Alonso to Jaguar next season as part of a plan intended to keep Button alongside Trulli.

Now, I'm no fortune teller, but wouldn't Jaguar classify as a "back-of-the-grid team" next year??

[Wrex]

It would be tough for Alonso to qualify behind his old car would'nt it?

[BootsOntheSide]

I think Alonso probably is better than any of Jaguar's four current drivers, but I doubt that he'll be setting quick times with the car straight off. Alonso in a Jag 2003 (or even later on this year, remember that PDLR was never the first choice for the car even though he's outpaced Swerve (how can he be the highest paid employee of the whole of FoMoCo?) more often than not) could happen, but I bet Flav will keep Fernando under contract.

[Dickie Thrust]

I smell a Rat. A Niki Lauda type Rat. There is no way Jag are going to compare someone who has done a full season of F1, Alonso, someone who has done about a dozen test days, Lotterer and someone who has had 2 hours in an F1 car, Courtney.

I feel the usual mid-season Jaguar driver change coming on, hopefully followed by the anual management re-shuffle that will get rid of the Rat.

[KA]

Originally posted by Markules


Perhaps because he's already decided that he wants to get shot of both at the end of the season?

I think PDLR is under contract to at least the ned of next year (for what a contract's worth these days...)

[Nicholas]

so how did he manage???? Anyone?

[f1manoz]

Alonso was the quickest Jaguar, and 4th fastest overall.

[Rambo]

He's a great driver - I'd love to see him driving a real car. WTF is wrong with those Jags, anyway? The Cosworth is OK, as proved by Arrows this year.


Of course, Trulli has ably proved that Fisichella should be in a top car, too. I always rated Fizzy and Jarno about equal - until we see how button compares with the two of them.

There are never enough top drives for the top drivers but to see real speed deomns like Alonso and Fizzy in **** cars (or worse, no car at all) is heart-rending. Come on, you old buggers! hang up your helemts!

[steve_r]

He was less than 1/10th second quicker than De La Rosa, not bad for his first time in the car.

[av8rirl]

Comparing Button and Fisi last year and Button with Trulli this year is not really valid...

[Kex]

True. Last year's Benetton was a ****box.

[Rick]

Thats true, but they both had to drive it. Does anyone have stats of Fisi against all his teammates - from memory I think they are pretty good.

[Mr V]

Originally posted by Kex
True. Last year's Benetton was a ****box.

Originally posted by Rick
Thats true, but they both had to drive it.

but fisi's experience came into play here, if it hadn't and button had out scored him, his (fisi's) career would have been over!

Originally posted by Rick
Does anyone have stats of Fisi against all his teammates - from memory I think they are pretty good.

fisi's only been out-scored once in his F1 career

1997 fisi 20 points rafe 13
1998 wurz 17 points fisi 16
1999 fisi 13 points wurz 3
2000 fisi 18 points wurz 2
2001 fisi 8 points button 2

[Spudgun]

Originally posted by Rambo
He's a great driver - I'd love to see him driving a real car. WTF is wrong with those Jags, anyway? The Cosworth is OK, as proved by Arrows this year.

They stuffed the Aero package by using the wrong setting on the wind tunnel. Hopefully they won't make the same mistake during the upcoming winter and at least build a half decent car.