Mario Illien to Renault

[daz 0]

Just read a article today that says that the Swiss daily Blick reported that Mario Illien tops the list of potential replacements for departing Renault engine man Jean-Jacques His. It would be a real coup for Renault if they pulled that off but I've got my doubts that Mercedes would ever let him go. What do you guys think about the strory?

[nichosnz 0]

With the death of Paul Morgan a few years ago, it was possible this would happen, but almost certainly be rumored about. I'm not sure (other than bettering the offer) Mercedes could force him to remain, they own a portion of Ilmor, not the whole company.

Great news for Renault in their power hunt if true. Now they just need an ex Ferrari guy for the reliability. Now no longer a problem over a Sat qualifinq and race distance, but I believe there are still a few questions over a weekend. Then they can be sure of the 106

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

Don't think it will happen. Mercedes owns majority of Ilmor and Renault, I don't think, could put together a deal good enough. Renault is also returning to a 90-degree Vee engine next year so they'll probably be able to find someone else with the money...

Illien also seems to be very hyped up about the future with Mercedes, and the new V10 is supposed to be a real powerhouse...

[pumpdoc 2]

Merc V-10 a powerhouse??? maybee but isn't its reliability whats holding back the new MP-18??????? just wondering???????????

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

Yep, well, reliability is the bit that is making Mclaren want to do as much work behind the drawing board as possible. We'll see how it goes on Wednesday when it hits the track.. but the Mercedes is supposed to be reliable/powerful, the chassis is the main development now I would imagine.

[nichosnz 0]

They will have to be hoping for fewer races like Spain, from now till Canada/Britain, if the MP4/18 is really a match for Ferrari.

[pumpdoc 2]

Ok Wednesday it is if it isn't a rocket out of the box I would think some blokes head shall roll

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

With all the simulation testing they've done in the wind tunnel and on the dyno I'd be surprised if it had too many speed problems, but reliability may be another case for the first test.

[pumpdoc 2]

They have had enough time to shake that car apart on the rolling road shaker rig that I'd be embaressed if it isn't spot on first time out!!!! not talking Stewart GP here with a ill fated gearbox if you catch my drift???? I"ll even go as far to say that it won't be all that difff. than the MP-4-17D as I thinkn that most of the hard parts have been used on the car why else would it make such a jump in performance this yr.?????????? you think the F-2002 all of a sudden turned into a dog????

[nichosnz 0]

Good point pumpdoc. I am not sure how great the electronic system will be either, may work out for the MP4/18 but after that... oh well..

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

The electronics situation is funny, because the reason Dennis pushed to keep them is that the new Mclaren is supposed to have good software... Imagine, if TC indeed had gone at Silverstone...

[nichosnz 0]

It is quite funny, especially as Silverstone is one of the possible debut dates for the car.

[pumpdoc 2]

he just needs a download with the right type of car he's driving---they put in a IRL program; he keeps getting confused by the right hand corners

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

Hahhahaha Only a couple of days now until we see the new car, I honestly cannot wait!

[nichosnz 0]

I know the chances are very (very, very) slim but do still exist, but imagine McLarens dismay if the MP4/18 is a real dog, akin to the R3.

[pumpdoc 2]

Ron: dammit NEWY I told you that swipeing the FERRARI moulds wouldn't work!!!!!----Adrian: how was I to know that everything would come out ----RED!!!!!!! ohohohohoh this is not good this is a real c##K up---- hey maybe we can still find a way to blame DC ??? look at the money we pay him, we'll tell him it's for the TEAM!!! wee'll get the Kimster to suck up to him after, and just as that Scottish bloke starts feeling good KIMI can show him his new contract (#1 drvr. 2x the green-and a new 56' motor to park in MONICO harbour right in front of DC's boarding house--------this fantasy brought to you by ???????????

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

Pumpdoc I could imagine the guillotine being sharpened in Woking if indeed it was a stone on wheels, but I hardly think it will be. The suspension components for the new car, front and rear, have been in testing since last autumn, and it's been on the test tube for months on end now! Jaguar rushed with the R3, remember how it was launched quite early...

We'll see in under 48 hours...