Mark Webber

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

Sorry to say it Rohan but you just disagreed with at least myself and nichosnz, we love Minardi! Their chassis is actually excellent, right up there with the top but they are hindered by the Asiatech engine and an older gearbox that isn't up to scratch. Gustav Brunner, the man behind the PS02 and who helped with the Toyota TF102 is a great designer. The name Minardi doesn't mean anything, if they start performing with the Ferrari or Cosworth no doubt will up and coming new drivers be willing to sign, but also some veterans. I could see DC going to a team like an improved Minardi after Mclaren.

To comment a bit further on the DC issue, he has had a winning car his whole career almost but never capitalised. Schumacher got a winning car early in his career and capitalised right away. Hakkinen didn't have a real winning car until the 1998 season and immediately capitalised, and I don't doubt that he could have done just as well as Schumi with the same car. So there you have a clear comparison of why I fear DC will become one of the better drivers to never win a WDC.

[rodders47 2]

hey Jens , just a thought ...

As BAR are PLANNING to be the "best of the also rans "maybe there IS a place for D.C., with BAR !!! He sure has not made the best use of the car underhim over the many years he has been driving, even though I do like the guy..

As for Minardi, I think Rohan is way off the point there. Consider Arrows !! or Jaguar !! what have they really achieved with all the backing that they have had!!

I am not familiar with the chassis setup of the Minardi, and I doubt it is anywhere near as good as the top 3 or 4 chassis in design or wind tunnel finesse or that they have all the latest telemetry that the top teams have but they ALWAYS turn up and "HAVE A GO " so if I was an inspiring young driver with a limited budget I would go for Minardi !!! Mark Weber has proved his ability in a somewhat lack lustre car !!

[Sato 0]

jens i love minardi too

[nichosnz 0]

Lots of agreeing here. Rod, you are right DC has found a home, and Minardi's positive attitude toward racing. Jens with him comments about Minardi's popularity.

I think if all F1 fans were asked their favourite teams, Minardi would score quite low (not the bottom though, I know Minardi have very large fan clubs), but if all F1 fans were asked to Rank all teams by favoutism, Minardi would be fight up at of near the top. Most fans I've talked to here, in person, journalists I've read etc, rate Minardi quite high, Yet a lot of people (maybe even most) that rate Ferrari high rate McLaren and Williams quite low on a 'favourite scale', and vice versa.

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

Minardi also have that thing about them, that complete want to compete and stay away from the politics. That will probably change a bit if they get nearer the top. But take it this way, as a young driver you will receive more credit for doing great in a Minardi than scoring the occasional point at say Sauber or Jordan.

[nichosnz 0]

Or like Giancarlo Fisichella, doing well in a Minardi, gave him a career that has lasted 6 years so far.