Kovalainen Linked To Bmw

[Senna 0]

KOVALAINEN LINKED TO BMW

ITV

Finnish rising star Heikki Kovalainen is the latest driver to be linked to a race seat at BMW.

The GP2 runner-up (and former ITV-F1.com columnist) is a product of the Renault driver development programme and was expected to replace Franck Montagny as the Anglo-French team

[ButtonGod 0]

Maybe that Villeneuve rumour may just have some truth in it.

[TripFontaine 0]

I'm a JV fan so this is sad

I see every driver linked to the second BMW seat except for the one that actually has the contract to be in it

[kenneth 0]

yeah everyone is linked to BMW but the only one with a tight contract not,,

cheers , but if they want that next year be exited we need to have JV , not those craps ...... cos at least JV wins races and even a world champion so ......

Don't the **** i know... F1 is rubbish those days...

[nojvnof1 0]

This was the news I'd been talking about over the past few days. Some sites are pretty slow in gaining the up to date news. It now seems certain that BMW does not want JV with them, they wouldn't be speaking to other drivers if they did, but the real question is how they will get out of their contract with JV.

Rumour has it the buyout clause is 15 mill, but I strongly doubt JV will take the money. He needs this drive to prove alot of people wrong, and it's not as if he needs the money, he made enough of that at BAR. Testing will start for them at the end of this month, I think we'll know if JV is in or out by then...I hope!

[Wez 0]

Ill be perfectly honest I have never actually watched a GP2 race (since we dont have television coverage of it), but ive followed it on the net and through Autosport ect, and Kovalainen looks just as as quick as Rosberg(who everyone is raving about), so I recon on that fact he deserves a drive.

Rosberg seems like the consistant type like Button, Whereas Kovalainen appears to be aggressive like Montoya.

I think Formula 1 will be the real judge as to which of the two is a better driver.

I edited your post Wez as you had the same thing posted twice - nojvnof1

[Jem of the Shire 0]

BMW are a stupid load of idiots, and they're not very creative with their road cars, they all look pretty much the same. I hope jv goes in their HQ armed with super-soakers and lets them all have it, then slaps Mario in the face with a big wet cod

[Wez 0]

I see you in quite an aggressive mood there jem...

[Jem of the Shire 0]

I've never been much of a jv fan but to replace him would be nothing short of idiotic, and a risk. Kovalainen may be a good prospect but will he deliver better than jv in 06? i dont think so. Same with the other 2nd-rate drivers bmw are talking to. And we already know they're a bunch of idiots cos they reckon they can build a car better than williams can

[ecapdeville 0]

I see you in quite an aggressive mood there jem...

Hey...thats normal with him

[YHR 0]

Who isn't linked to the next BMW seat???? Whether it is Sauber or BMW JV's seat has been up for Grabs from the moment he signed a contract. It is almost unbelievable how the media plays on this from week to week. JV and NH will be driving together in 2006. It is a done deal.

[Jem of the Shire 0]

No-one seems to think it is a done deal though, even though it should really be. I don't think he'll be there next year

[abf1 0]

It's seem that (again and again) is pure speculation Kova to BMW.

Kovalainen looks set for Renault test role

11/11/2005

Pitpass

Despite recent claims in some sections of the media that Heikki Kovalainen is being courted by BMW, everything we hear at Pitpass seems to confirm our earlier reports, that the Finn will be Renault's official test and reserve driver in 2006.

Although the World Champions have yet to announce anything regarding its choice of third driver in 2006, everything we hear from our sources within the team seems to point to the Finn replacing Franck Montagny.

Last month, Montagny revealed on his own website that he is leaving Renault, but this has never been officially confirmed or denied by the team.

Today however, it was confirmed that the Frenchman - who has yet to reveal his plans for next season - will take part in nine days of testing for the team, at Barcelona and Jerez, before Christmas.

A source within the team said that it was only logical that with his experience of the team, and the Renault V10 engine, Montagny should take part in the tests.

Kovalainen is scheduled to take part in four days of testing.

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abf1

[bajo39 0]

No-one seems to think it is a done deal though, even though it should really be. I don't think he'll be there next year

I can't see BMW buying out JV's contract... it would seem to be an unproductive move. The last thing a new team need are two inexperienced drivers and particularly when the costly replacement would offer little, if any, performance advantage.

[Chris Strange 0]

I'm certainly not a big JV fan but Christ, to pay 15 millions to sign a rookie........................

[Senna 0]

Who isn't linked to the next BMW seat???? Whether it is Sauber or BMW JV's seat has been up for Grabs from the moment he signed a contract. It is almost unbelievable how the media plays on this from week to week. JV and NH will be driving together in 2006. It is a done deal.

ITV is reporting that Jackie Stewart is coming out of retirement to replace JV at Sauber

[bajo39 0]

ITV is reporting that Jackie Stewart is coming out of retirement to replace JV at Sauber

[abf1 0]

It's in french but its Renault's official test program with Kovaleinen.

It's new from today.

http://www.renaultf1.com/fr/binaries/418154_tcm4-41817.pdf

abf1

[pumpdoc 2]

ITV is reporting that Jackie Stewart is coming out of retirement to replace JV at Sauber

[nojvnof1 0]

I'm surprised it has taken them this long to bring his name up as a candidate.

[Senna 0]

I'm surprised it has taken them this long to bring his name up as a candidate.

He has strong backing from the British press who are calling for JV

[nojvnof1 0]

He has strong backing from the British press who are calling for JV

[monza gorilla 1]

I watched Sir Stirling at work a couple of years ago at Silverstone, racing in historic sports cars. The man is blindingly quick, and ultra aggressive! A lot of the younger guys were just hung out to dry. This is what I miss in F1 these days - massive committment.

[Jem of the Shire 0]

Its cos the cars are too easy to drive. No need to mess around with funny rear wings - just take away all driver aids!