Schummie changed his mind

[marina 0]

Apparently Schummie, after watching all the teams during the tests, has now changed his mind. Beforehe believed Kimi was the one to worry about.

Now he believes Renault and Williams are better then McLaren.

Although he thinks that this might be in McLaren's plans, to deceive the other teams, maybe they are just showing what they want.

[nojvnof1 0]

The only people who know the truth about the MP4-19's capabilities are McLaren themselves, we and the other teams will only know in Melbourne. However in an article on planet-f1.com, they state that they could be testing the engine that will be used in the B version to be used halfway through the season. This could explain why they were so quick in January but so slow and unreliable this month. Maybe the first version has been given enough testing to warrant their praise, so they thought they'd take the time to test the B version seeing as they've been going with the A version since November I think.

shaun

[Senna 0]

Notice how he doesn’t mentioned BAR…at least not yet anyway

[nojvnof1 0]

good one Alistair!! Why mention them when they have nothing to do with the issue at hand.

shaun

[nichosnz 0]

A lot of people on this forum are giving the impression that they think BAR will challenge for wins at least. IMO Button will break his podium duck, but only once and luck will be a big player.

[Taku 0]

A lot of people on this forum are giving the impression that they think BAR will challenge for wins at least.  IMO Button will break his podium duck, but only once and luck will be a big player.

personally, i'm a big bar fan but i don't think they'll be challenging for wins this year that's just way too optimistic, even for me. a podium or 2 yes, and possibly a win next year for button, but no top step this year.

i think just demonstrating their pace this year by a) occasionally nipping at the heels of mclaren; and beating renualt; will be impressive enough. or switch those 2 teams around for whichever you think will be better out of the 2.

[Senna 0]

People keep going on about BAR getting podiums in 2004. Don’t you guys remember Jacques Villeneuve getting two podiums for BAR in 2001 (If I remember correctly they were at Barcelona and Germany)? It’s a real shame JV is out of F1 2004 – he’ll be missed.

[juany 0]

there is always the chance (no matter how slight) that he may be back in the sport one day.

[nojvnof1 0]

there is always the chance (no matter how slight) that he may be back in the sport one day.

and if rumours on many f1 forums are anything to go by, he will be back, and in one of the Williams seats, maybe sometime this year if all the cards fall for him. The rumour is that there's a link between Bernie coming out and pleading that JV is needed in F1, and he would want to see him at Williams as he thinks he can win and win well again. What Bernie wants, Bernie gets, after all it was Bernie who persuaded FW to give JV a test in 1995, God bless him!!

Rumour has it FW may release JPM sometime during this season to McLaren, with JV getting a test or two to see if he can go well. If he meets expectations, JV will get the drive at Williams, on a performance based contract, so $$$ won't be an issue. It's all coming together. It will help answer many questions too. Why did FW suddenly opt out of renewing RS' contract, which was ready to be signed, coincidentally or not, at the same time JV was released before Japanese GP. Why did FW come out and support JV when NO-ONE else would? Why has JV been so bloody quiet?? Why did Gerald Donaldson say JV has a peach ride in '04 or '05? Why did JV tell Jock Clear that he hopes BARf release him as he "has his reasons" Why has Williams come out and knocked both their drivers so close to the new season? Many Many questions. All the pieces of the puzzle seem to be moving into place.

JV may only have 2 podiums for BARf, but no-one seems to mention his outstanding 2000 season, one of the most consistent and brilliant by any driver ever, and in an underpowered car. Great qualifying, great starts, great racing, great passion. JV was reborn and put to bed the doubts that he needed a Williams to perform well.

The establishment seems to be realising how much JV will be missed due to his undoubted talent, raw speed, bright personality and straight talking attitude. They are realising how much of a disgrace it is that there is only one World Champion competing in the sport. Watch this space.

shaun

[Taku 0]

AWESOME!!

love the insight shaun!

i'll be praying before bed tonight!!!

[juany 0]

The establishment seems to be realising how much JV will be missed due to his undoubted talent' date=' raw speed, bright personality and straight talking attitude.[/quote']

and dont forget his baggy 'grunge' look!

I thinks it is a shame that there is only one current driver with a drivers crown currently racing and would like to see JV back.

[Taku 0]

i should say would be AWESOME!!

cos it is just all rumours and conspiracy theories. but nevertheless!

[Taku 0]

and dont forget his baggy 'grunge' look!

[Kepners 0]

Its all bollox. never going to happen!

I will say that if he tests for william during the year then he will get a drive there. my guess on driver line up at williams wil be.

Button and Gene

i cant see Ralf staying there....

and williams always put down there drivers at the being of the year. AS for montoya moving. I FEEL I'M TAKING CRAZY PILLS HERE.... WILLIAMS DID THE SAME TO HILL! THEY SIGN HHF A FULL YEAR AND A HALF BEFORE HE DROVE FOR THEM. its just this time ron's done it to them and its out in the open. Forget about it Montoya will not move until end of the seaon.

[Senna 0]

and if rumours on many f1 forums are anything to go by, he will be back, and in one of the Williams seats, maybe sometime this year if all the cards fall for him. The rumour is that there's a link between Bernie coming out and pleading that JV is needed in F1, and he would want to see him at Williams as he thinks he can win and win well again.  What Bernie wants, Bernie gets, after all it was Bernie who persuaded FW to give JV a test in 1995, God bless him!! 

Rumour has it FW may release JPM sometime during this season to McLaren, with JV getting a test or two to see if he can go well. If he meets expectations, JV will get the drive at Williams, on a performance based contract, so $$$ won't be an issue. It's all coming together. It will help answer many questions too. Why did FW suddenly opt out of renewing RS' contract, which was ready to be signed, coincidentally or not, at the same time JV was released before Japanese GP. Why did FW come out and support JV when NO-ONE else would? Why has JV been so bloody quiet?? Why did Gerald Donaldson say JV has a peach ride in '04 or '05? Why did JV tell Jock Clear that he hopes BARf release him as he "has his reasons" Why has Williams come out and knocked both their drivers so close to the new season? Many Many questions. All the pieces of the puzzle seem to be moving into place. 

The establishment seems to be realising how much JV will be missed due to his undoubted talent, raw speed, bright personality and straight talking attitude. They are realising how much of a disgrace it is that there is only one World Champion competing in the sport. Watch this space.

shaun

Some very interesting points raised and I admit the chances of JV returning in a Williams are fairly good. However I cant see Frank dropping Montoya a second before he has to so I think , realistically, 2005 is when we are most likely to see JV return to F1.

[nojvnof1 0]

Alistair,

Regarding JPM, it would make perfect sense if he were to be dropped mid season. It would severely hamper the championship chances of both Juan and McLaren as Mac would have to get used to a new driver getting accustomed to a new environment, whilst Juan would have very very little time to get used to a new car, team, environment etc and challenge for the title. I can't really see Sir Frank letting Juan leave his team as World Champ and giving the number 1 to McLaren.

About his grunge look, yeah it was pretty cool, seeing this small dude in clothes twice his size, but comfort is essential.

shaun

[nichosnz 0]

If Williams dropped Montoya, mid season it would only hamper JPM's chances, I don't think Ron would take the risk of changing the team mid season whilst they could still take the CWC, Ron is not that stupid.

[Senna 0]

I can't really see Sir Frank letting Juan leave his team as World Champ and giving the number 1 to McLaren.

Do you think that’s better than Williams not winning the championship?

[nojvnof1 0]

I can't really see Sir Frank letting Juan leave his team as World Champ and giving the number 1 to McLaren.

Do you think that

[Senna 0]

I really can’t see Williams dropping Montoya before the end of the season unless he performs REALLY badly. I realise that if JPM won the title at Williams he would simply take the no: 1 to McLaren but I think Frank would prefer than that not winning the title. At least this way his team earns universal recognition of being, on paper at least, the best car/driver combination and it would boost the team, giving them confidence for the coming season. It would probably give some financial reward as well but most rewards would indeed go to McLaren.

[TotalF1 Jens 0]

JPM will stay on until the end of 2004, there is really no doubt in my mind about that. Don't expect it to happen at least, though ideas about it could quickly spark if another row comes up between Juan and the Williams team...