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[url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8172310.stm ]would be like armstrong all over again except he'd prob nick a couple of wins[/url]
As much as I'd like to see it I don't think it will happen. Gene will probably step up from test driver.
Or Alonso could be drafted in? Would seem like an odd thing for Renault to do though, depending I suppose on who they'd get in to partner Piquet (if he's still there!)
...seeing as Piquet has just said Flavio 'doesn't know shit about F1', then you can be pretty certain he'll be watching the next race on telly!
Between Marc and Luca I'd say.
I can't imagine for a moment Renault letting Alonso drive for Ferrari in Valencia
There's absolutely no chance of anyone other than Marc Gené or Luca Badoer stepping in [at least in the short term]
This is a story as a result of Nikki Lauder saying he'd [Shumacher] be the best bet
Alonso may now be in for 2010 though if Massa is out for good
Good Lord NO!!!!!! Boring, boring, boring!
Remember the Scumacher years when everyone watched the race for 2nd or 3rd? No thanks!
...seeing as Piquet has just said Flavio 'doesn't know shit about F1', then you can be pretty certain he'll be watching the next race on telly!
Ha! Actually I do kind of feel sorry for Piquet but you can't blame Renault for getting rid of him really, he's consistently under-performed this season (even allowing for last season to settle in).
As unlikely as it is, I'd love to Schumacher return. The reason he was winning constantly for such a long time was partly because he was/is a brilliant driver but also because Ferrari were years ahead of the other teams in their car design. Be interesting to see how "Schumy" would get on with the cars of today, just for a race or two.
Whilst Piquet's results haven't been great he is up against the best driver in F1 with Alonso and the worst boss in F1 with Briatore. I hope he gets a chance with another team where he's more comfortable.
I wonder if Grosjean knows what he's letting himself in for?
Anyone that thinks Schumacher could jump in a car on a Friday morning & be up to speed with it by Saturday afternoon is living in cloud cuckoo land.
He was [is] a very good driver but part of what made him so good was the attention to detail & everyone around him embraced his [& Ross Brawn's] MO
He couldn't just take over Massa's people & gel with them that quickly - if at all.
If he were to jump in the car in 3 weeks time, I think he'd be lucky to make it into quali 2
& for that reason, I think he's out
I wonder if Grosjean knows what he's letting himself in for?
Briatore really is a cock - he didn't even bother watching Piquet last weekend, as soon as Alonso retired he got in his plane & went home
Schumacher like a bad smell that never goes away, I can't take away his achievements, but I could not stomach seeing that smug arrogant ****er racing again.
autosport...
Manager rules out Schumacher return
By Jonathan Noble and Michele Lostia Tuesday, July 28th 2009, 12:50 GMT
Michael Schumacher's manager Willi Weber has moved quickly to deny speculation that the German driver could make a shock return to Formula 1.
With Ferrari set to begin its hunt for a temporary replacement for the injured Felipe Massa, Schumacher's name has been mentioned because of his long-standing links to the Italian team.
The rumours intensified after his spokeswoman said that he would 'consider' any offer to drive the car if the team approached him.
However, following meetings between Schumacher and Weber at the seven-time world champion's Geneva home on Monday, talk of the German making a racing comeback has been dismissed.
Weber told The Daily Mail: "Whoever sits in the car at the next race in Valencia, it will not be Michael Schumacher. I am not 100 per cent sure; I am 200 per cent sure.
"The pressure on him would be huge. He would be expected to win, but he has not driven this car. When Michael was racing he would get as close to perfection as possible. In this case, it would not be perfection; it would be a gamble - and that's not Michael's style."
The news about Schumacher comes on the back of encouraging progress with Massa's recovery at the AEK Hospital in Budapest.
The Brazilian's personal doctor Dino Altman said on Tuesday that he was hopeful Massa's eye had not suffered any damage in the crash - as had been initially feared.
"Felipe has opened his left eye and he can see," Altmann told ANSA. "There's no apparent damage. The eye is morphologically healthy."
Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali visited Massa in hospital on Tuesday and was upbeat about how the driver was.
"He has recognised me and told me he can't remember anything," he said. "Felipe is making encouraging progress so we look forward to his return soon. The future? We'll try to understand how he reacts, then we'll take our decisions."
Impossible for Schu to return for many many reasons.
Remember when Mansell returned? 😆 forgetting the fat comments on Mansell- the cars have changed since Schu's last season. It'd take him a few races to adjust. I bet you a tenner hes secretly testing but I think it'll reveal that hes a couple of seconds adrift.
Wild card....... Valentino Rossi?????????
Wild card....... Valentino Rossi?????????
That would be cool... does he have a licence?
Trolling zoo fighter, master of cars
Who is going to test cars for top gear then? 😉
Rossi? That would be way cool!
That would be cool... does he have a licence?
No, but he has done a fair few testing miles, so it would not be out of the question.
I suspect it will either be Gene, Bourdais or Hülkenberg. Would love to see Alonso, but probably a 1% or less chance of that happening.
Briatore really is a cock - he didn't even bother watching Piquet last weekend, as soon as Alonso retired he got in his plane & went home
Would have done the same, he is a cocky little shit who simply isn't up to scratch, with by all accounts a very irritating and medaling father. Flav's success speaks for itself.
...could be a chance to get a Villeneuve back in a Ferrari!
Schtmacher lost his superlicense earlier this year
They should give the ex-champions a drive in the Ferrari, Schui, Mansell, Hill, Etc.. Or at least do a F1 ROC.
I don't think Schu will return, would be bloody brilliant if he did!
[i]Schtmacher lost his superlicense earlier this year
[/i]
Careless of him . . . bet its down the back of his sofa.
lol @ muffinman
They should give the ex-champions a drive in the Ferrari, Schui, Mansell, Hill, Etc.. Or at least do a F1 ROC.I don't think Schu will return, would be bloody brilliant if he did!
Yeah then he could cheat against Hill again. Any one who cheats to win loses any respect. I wonder how many of his cheats back then werent detected compared to his black flags, secret launch control on his Beneton (that wasnt active honest when it was found), swerves into other drivers inc Hill and Villneuve, etc? Someone who would win at almost any cost. Pity. He did have talent but it was shrouded by what he would do to win.
Glad to see the back of him.
Looks like Kubica could be a free agent as well!!...
[url] http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77398 [/url]
...I wonder when Toyota will pull out!?
Even if Rossi did get a super license (which given his lack of 4 wheel circuit racing experience is doubtful) there's no way he could do F1 and MotoGP.
I'm sure Schumacher could get a super license no trouble.
I bet you a tenner hes secretly testing
I'll take you up on that, hora.
To be perfectly fair to you, I should point out that this year's rules mean that he's not allowed to do any testing other than in a straight line (I doubt it would be possible for him to get away with doing it secretly - Ferrari certainly wouldn't take the risk). That indeed is one of the problems he has - unless he's spent any time in the car pre-season, the first time he'd get to corner in it would be on the Friday of race weekend.
Those rules also explain why Alguersuari had only driven an F1 car in a straight line. That and why it's very difficult to get anybody in who hasn't already either driven for another team, or done pre-season testing.
Alguersuari did very well after all IMO. How many rookies have crashes out/DNF even with testing under their belt?!! 🙂
aracer - there are ways round it (i'm guessing though)- test last seasons car and compare lap times to current drivers prev times (and Ferrari testdrivers times)?
He doesnt have to be podium material- the sponsor's/fans will go crazy for the merchandise!
Sorry for the rant. I had to endure watching him against Hill. Arguably a double British World Champion.
aracer - there are ways round it (i'm guessing though)- test last seasons car and compare lap times to current drivers prev times (and Ferrari testdrivers times)?
Is the bet on then?
I don't think you can even test last year's cars & as the cars aren't similar I'm unsure what that would achieve anyway
Why on earth would he come back to finish 10th or something?
oh, & if you have another tenner - I'll take it
It would at least make sure he is race fit.
I bet you a tenner hes secretly testing
Yep, I'll take that bet too. I'd love to know where he's testing an F1 car with no one noticing - maybe Ferrari's secret underground circuit? 🙄
Alguersuari did very well after all IMO.
Never said he didn't - was just providing the explanation for why he'd only driven an F1 car in a straight line, as was being widely reported. Of course if he had driven round some corners before Friday, he might have done rather better.
Yeah there is no way he is, it would be a blatant contravention of the rules.
You can test older cars (IIRC not last years) but testing an old car is kind of useless.
He is a cheating c***, but imo one example of his cheating was NOT Adelaide 1994, it was a dumb lunge from Hill, Shuey would have had to retire, he should have just waited.
You can test older cars (IIRC not last years) but testing an old car is kind of useless.
That must get kind of funny, since it would be an easy way to bend the rules by testing something new.
In any case, it would be pretty useless - totally impossible to determine by doing that whether Schumi would be as fast as the current test drivers at driving the current car, since it ignores the familiarity they have with the current car.
If Schuey comes back then he might take out Button;-)
Seriously, MS I understand was really fit when he was in F1, unlikely he is still in that condition after a couple of years out. Can't see him settling to be an alsoran.
2+2 doesn't = 5. All this speculation has come about because Massa can't race at the next GP (at least) so some bright spark suggests Schumacher and there you go, it's a fact. Can you imagine Kimi playing 2nd fiddle to him? "move over Kimi and let the glorious ex-champ through" "Er th adio nt rking....".
[url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8172310.stm ]so what do all you nah sayers think to this [/url]
i really really hope he gets podium, nah actually i hope he wins.
haha lovin the tag!!
tag is a classic.
I am not really a Shuey fan (smug, cheating, german, boring etc etc) but this is sensational news.
I bet Hamilton has got a big grin on his face - just got a race winning car and has now got the chance to go head-to-head with the 'arguably' best driver there has been!
...bet Jenson is kacking himself though!!
Going to be a hell of an end to the season, can't wait!!
'arguably' best driver
whats the argument he's won the most so is the best. its the only real measurable.
i do think he will happily step aside for massa on his return though. massa is a class act and fully deserving of his seat.
Should be interesting, can't wait, at least shuey is a better driver than massa in the wet
yeah the german was immense in the rain, thats when you new it wasn't just the car. still it ain't moto gp.
moe_szyslak Agree
the-muffin-man Agree
Hamilton raced against Alonso who beat Schu. I wonder what this will do to Hamilton's motivation...
...bet Jenson is kacking himself though!!
I doubt it - no one is more likely to take points away from Vettel or Weber than Schumacher (assuming Ferrari can get their act together)!
thing is he has nothing to win or lose, championship is braun or redbull he may only be in the car for couple of races, the biggest loser could well be kimi. at least it will liven the field up the big names will certainly be braking later.
double post oh the shame
the biggest loser could well be kimi
It will be interesting to see how a 40 year old who hasn't raced for three years compares to Kimi. I think he may suddenly look quite ordinary.
I suspect Braun are probably quite pleased. Someone else to take points away from Red Bull.
I think he may suddenly look quite ordinary.
kimi or the stig? 😉
kimi or the stig?
Kimi
But that's a good point. He'll have to fit the races round filming for TG.
If memory serves, Schumy was "retired" from Ferrari to make way for Kimi. Should make for an interesting partnership. I wonder if they'll send Schumi out on wets when it's not raining !!!
Yes Yes
Just seen on BBC News
Schumacher is back
Go Schumacher
I Hope he shows everyone how its done!!
Driving Legend!!
Driving bellend more like.
I dont follow F1 because its a bit dull, but I'm guessing Hamilton hasn't raced against him in an F1 car? I imagine Hamilton will be really looking forward to it because its not every day you get to race against one of the all time best F1 drivers.
Personally I hope he does ok. Its great to see a 40 year old bloke getting back in to the pinacle of a sport.
It's only car driving for god's sake. Turn the wheel, push the pedals. If only those incredibly gifted engineers and entrepeneurs could turn their skills to windmill design, or solar power transfer, instead of the sideshow that is F1, then we might delay the inevitable for a few extra centuries.
Rossi, now THERE's someone to look up to.
OP why the Lance-hater comparison? Lance was on the podium after 3 grueling weeks. You think Schu will actually win a race? 😆
You do realise that theres a young lad called Hamilton who beat Alonso in his rookie year don't you?
If you want some one to look up to in motor sport then loob at Sebastian Loeb and his recored in rallying.
Sebastian Loeb in a F1 car....I reckon with his driving style he would actually be bloody good as well.
I'm not a Schumacher fan but I'm really excited about this. I know he wont be up top full race fitness but he will probably be fitter than most of the field. It will be good to see him up against Lewis and hopefully Button will have his car working for the next race, not to mention Vettal. Kimi is an interesting one I wonder if this will make him faster or slower. I think he might have a point to prove.
I_Ache - totally agree. I think I'll skip riding to watch this race.. 😀
Bestmates a lifelong hun-fan. My mobile will be on hand to send texts of scorn his way.....
MisterCrud - MemberIt's only car driving for god's sake. Turn the wheel, push the pedals. If only those incredibly gifted engineers and entrepeneurs could turn their skills to windmill design, or solar power transfer, instead of the sideshow that is F1, then we might delay the inevitable for a few extra centuries.
Rossi, now THERE's someone to look up to.
ha ha- only car driving!!! the G forces generated when conering will reduce most people to a gibbering wreck within 10 laps as your neck muscles cannot cope and essentially collapse!
Also all the adjustments that are done lap after lap and mind bending speeds while talking to the pit, keeping car on the limits of adhesion, try not to brake too late, managing the 700 odd bhp without spinning out the rear wheels and managing the heat in the cockpit.
JUST car driving eh? ok mate...
BTW Rossi is incredible as is Loeb - I would love to see all 3 of them in a head to head race where they tried each others disciplines and then see who is best, would be a good ROC showdown!
This is brilliant news. I was really hoping this would happen but didn't think it would. I can't wait to see how Schumacher performs. Kimi showed last weekend that the car has got better so now with someone in it who can drive Ferrari might get some good results. Hamilton will be loving this, as I'm sure Vettel will be too.
Can't wait 3 weeks...
BTW Rossi is incredible as is Loeb - I would love to see all 3 of them in a head to head race where they tried each others disciplines and then see who is best, would be a good ROC showdown!
Race of champions? I think there have been a few goes at this - getting drivers and riders from each discipline to race against each other in different disciplines. IIRC rally drivers usually win
Rossi was within a second or two of Schumachers times in a Ferrari F! car and is pretty handy in a rally car, Schumacher is an also ran in bike racing.
Loeb the best, Rossi second, Schumacher third as all round drivers
just waiting on a few people to come and do a "well, we was wrong innit"
race of champions? I think there have been a few goes at this - getting drivers and riders from each discipline to race against each other in different disciplines. IIRC rally drivers usually win
Rossi was within a second or two of Schumachers times in a Ferrari F! car and is pretty handy in a rally car, Schumacher is an also ran in bike racing.
These 'races of champions' normally take place in cars. If it was a true multi discipline race then I would probably expect the bike rider to cream the rest of the field, especially with his experience in all three vehicle types.
Brundle: "So what upgrades have you brought to Valencia?
Brawn: "New aero package for the car"
McLaren: "Improved engine"
Ferrari: "Schumacher"
It's only car driving for god's sake. Turn the wheel, push the pedals. If only those incredibly gifted engineers and entrepeneurs could turn their skills to windmill design, or solar power transfer, instead of the sideshow that is F1, then we might delay the inevitable for a few extra centuries.
Rossi, now THERE's someone to look up to
Oh, I hope that's meant to be ironic.....?
Or, put it another way...."it's only bike riding for gods sake. Turn the handle bars, twist the throttle..."
Rossi described his cornering technique in a recent motorcycle magazine.
At the apex - maximum lean, knee down, throttle wide open ( traction control)
Bike starts to run wide - a bit of rear brake to transfer weight to the front wheel. Loaded front wheel develops chatter. A bit of front brake to damp the chatter.
So thats knee on the ground at 70+mph, full throttle and both brakes on on two contact patches the size of the palm of your hand.
OP why the Lance-hater comparison? Lance was on the podium after 3 grueling weeks. You think Schu will actually win a race?
sorry that was not lance hating just there are similarities between the two and i was surprised lance didn't go for/get a win. Perhaps next year.
yeah i think if schumacher sees the season out he will get a win. Thats besides the point this is the best thing in F! since hamilton stuck one on alonso in his rookie year.
Loeb the best, Rossi second, Schumacher third as all round drivers
i always find these comparisons unfair its like maradona, best, pele, zidane, cruyff all amazing.
It's actually quite heartening to see that experience is being valued in two sports that usually favour youth and skill over all else (cycling and motorsport)!
Assuming Schumacher is passed as fit to race I'm actually very intrigued to see how he compares to the current drivers. The thing is that F1 has changed a lot since he retired and a lot of the personalities have changed in Ferrari itself. The most obvious one being Brawn leaving.
I wonder who will punt who off into the gravel if Hamilton, Alonso and Schumacher all arrive at the same corner at the same time though;-)
I wonder who will punt who off into the gravel if Hamilton, Alonso and Schumacher all arrive at the same corner at the same time though;-)
Hamilton in the gravel (with a drive through penality)
Alonso also with a drive through penality just for being next to schu
and Schu track position with no penalties.
CVC Partners demand this to help them pay off their debts you see..
I'm not certain that you even have to be that fit to race F1, Kimi is a proper lush, Barracello looks tubby and is a spitting image of the guy in city kebab in Cardiff and i've kicked Mark Webbers ass in an MTB race although that was a few years ago, and he looked like he was going to puke. Also i reckon i'd easily be able to win a fight with Button, he looks a right wimp.
What is race fittness?
Errrmmm - there are many sorts of fitness. They need good muscle strength and enduramce to cope with the G forces and good aerobic fitness to deal with the fact their herat rates will be high for two hours.
This does not mean they need to be very lean with low body fat % or be good at cycling - not the same at all.
Compare the build of swimmers to that of TDF cyclists - both fit but the % body fat and body shape will be very different