Stoddart taking the pressure off in '08.

Apart from being born a woman, what has this driver ever done to warrant her role in DTM?

Susie has been quick in F3 and the McLaren BRDC Autosport driver competition. She deserves this chance to show her talent. Judging by her previous two years in DTM she should no doubt improve. Experience will help. It will take time for even Schumacher to get on the pace and even he admits that.

I think she will be very competitive this year and will pick up a few points and even the odd podium in the year old C-Klasse in comparison to what she drove last season. Okay the car will be new to learn and to setup as it will be 2007 car she will be in, but she will know the circuits. It will be an enjoyable season this year.

Enda,

Quick in F3? She did two races and they were disasterous. Look at her profile on driverdb.com - she's NEVER won a race. And three podiums in 72 (!) races. It's totally unjustifiable. Sorry. As for the McLaren Autosport, a) she was nowhere, b) there was a lot of lobbying done on her behalf, and c) 'her nemesis', Paul di Resta won, and has never looked back. Look at di Resta on drvierdb - 93 races, 11 wins, 14 poles, and 27 podiums....am I talking about them in the same sentence?? Argghhh - shame on me

Iain,

I hear you, but tell me another job where you have three years to 'learn and prove yourself'. If you can do that successfully, I will shut up.

Maybe she pays for the drive/bring sponsorship. There are plenty of drivers that pay their way into F1 that really shouldn't have been there in the first place.

But she has never had a competitive car has she? (maybe I'm wrong though) thought all have been 3 years old. How has she comapred to team mates in the same car?

Paul,

Sorry my mistake I meant Formula Renault. She didnt really get the chance in F3 after she broke her leg or foot (cant remember the full details).

Yes her results are not as good as di Resta's but he is a mega quick driver that should be in GP2 or in a testing role in F1. But motorsport series around the world dont have a grid full of drivers all on the same pace.
Give her this season then you can say what you want. I think she has potential.

An example of a job where you have 3 years to learn would be a rally driver in the Stobart Team. Thats what Latvala did and now he is a winner and fighting for a championship. Matthew Wilson is currently in a four year learning seat.

Footari

You are right mate. Stoddart last year in the DTM had a 2005 C Klasse Mercedes so it was obvious that she would not have the chance to show what she can do. But she will be more competitive in having last years C Klasse. Year old cars whether or not they are Audi or Mercedes were competitive last season as Gary Paffett showed by winning in his 2006 Laureus C Klasse Mercedes. But I am not if is was Oschersblen or the Lautschitzring. As for Paul P. Graduate schemes are examples. Where graduates join a company, learn about the company, the role that they have within the company and meeting and working with their clients. Usually they last 2 or 3 years.

Dear all, thanks for your views/comments.

A few facts:

Adam Carroll arrived in a 3 year old car and outshone her immediately - 8th quickest time first time out etc. di Resta and Paffett WON in the same age of car. "All you can do is hope to beat your team mate" - she hasn't done that, ever - in any formula!

Look at the times from the first three test days of the season (www.dtm.de).

Plenty of laps (safe to assume no major car problems) - slowest on all bar one day, when she was second slowest, and DTM debutant Katherine Legge immediately quicker in first full DTM test. Ms. Stoddart's position isn't quite as untenable as one Mr. M. Mosely, but you'd have to say it's bad

Paul,

You seem to have something against Susie Stoddart. Testing doesnt show the true picture. Is there anything to win if you top the times in testing? No. Stop comparing her to other drivers. Nobody is the same. Its motorsport.

We do not know the full story of testing. We do not know her set up etc. You are not her engineer, are you?

I think you should wait until the end of the season or until a few rounds in to comment.

Enda,

I have a problem with anyone that is paid to do a job that they clearly don't deliver on. We live in a 'comparative culture', so when you suggest that even Schumacher will struggle at first, you're making such a reference point statement. I'm simply stating facts.

Susie and other women get trashed for being female drivers. So the comparison to KL is natural and very relevant. My points were each supported by facts, and with so many good drivers without funding, it does grind on me a bit to see SS employed purely because of her gender; there, I've said it.

PS I am no mysogonist - and am in fact a fan of other women drivers, particularly Danica (The Fast, Sexy, Brand)

Paul,

How is she not delivering in her job? What is her contract? I doubt it says you must win races and be in the points each race.

There are many drivers out there that are very talented but do not get the chance. But that is life.

BTW how many races has Danica won? But I suppose you can overlook the stats because she is "Sexy".

Dont get me wrong, I think Danica Patrick is a good racing driver but I'm surprised since you seem to value the statistics of a driver.

Enda,

Every racing driving (supposedly) wants to win. No driver contract says that they must win, so no need to go there. Danica's stats are way more impressive...more importantly, she has her race competitors somewhat scared...even Wheldon who is a class-act. Who's afraid of Susie beating them on track? That's the real point.

Paul

Paul,

Yes Danica's stats are better but would it be the same story if she raced in Formula Renault UK (which has seen some of the best drivers of today), British Formula 3 (same again) and DTM?

Also she has been with a good team in Rahal Letterman Racing and now she is with a top team in AGR. If Danica was a male racing driver would your view be the same?


I think Wheldon is scared because she came close to attacking him after they clashed last year. If I remember correctly she grabbed him by the arm. Oh and wasnt she meant to have slapped another driver in the back of an ambulance after they clashed?

Anyway thats something for another day!