F1 » Heidfeld coy on McLaren rumours

I agree that NH's underrated, and I actually think he's been extremely unlucky with his teammates. Several times he's been put up against rookies that have been very quick from the word go and thus have made him look bad. KR is probably the most obvious example but also RK, who impressed everyone when he first came to BMW by being so close to NH straight away. However, through this season he's remained close to NH but hasn't been able to catch up 100%. And from what we know about KR today it's really to NH's credit that they were almost completely equal at Sauber, because KR's been on top from day 1 both at McL & Ferrari - no need for learning time there... IMHO NH is definitely WC material!

I dont actually know about that, but as an old romantic (yeh old, im in my teens!) i think that F1 without Ferrari wouldnt be right. Much like F1 without Silverstone wouldnt be right..

There are probably as many Ferrari Haters as Ferrari Lovers, McLaren Haters, McLaren Lovers, Alonso Haters, Alonso Lovers etc. You get the picture.

Otherwise, this forum would be dead boring, wouldn't it?

I am not sure of the dates, but didn't Ferrari used to get a special subsidy from the FIA (paid for by the other F1 teams), for being " a team special to F1". For all I know, they may still be getting it now.

Or perhaps Quick Nick could be going to Mclaren and Fernando to BMW.

I love the way that there are so many Ferrari haters in this forum, and they are so bitter at their success. Can anybody tell me how the FIA helped Ferrari between 1980 and 1997 please?

I'm quite certain BMW will win a world championship in the not too distant future, but not with Heidfeld as the driver. My belief is that a driver, after a while, assumes a certain role. That is, many be come too accustomed to not winning. I fear Heidfeld is one. Most drivers who reach the top do so rather quickly. Mansell being a notable exception. Heidfeld has been in F1 since 2000 with 135 starts and nary a win. Cream rises to the top quicker than that.

I'd love to see Heidfeld stay with BMW and have them become real championship contenders with him in the team. I think he has been under rated throughout his career and I'd love to see him ride BMW to the top. It is a good mix right now and could continue to get better. They ought to stick with Heidfeld and Kubica for the next few years. Stability is a very important element in the sucess of any F1 team these days.

Theissen: Door not closed on Vettel/Glock return. Coincedence? or....
It would make sense:
Alonso goes to Red Bull / Torro Rosso,
(they need a leading driver there)

Vettel goes back to BMW Sauber,
(already well known at BMW Sauber, and definitely a potential star)

and Nick Heidfeld replaces Alonso at Mclaren.
(Very consistent and experienced driver, who is good in developing a car, and
he is even German, which will please Mercedes)

The circle is round.

I think we will know in a couple of weeks.

I read Ralf had been told quite explicitly to sod off by McLaren, so I'd be very surprised to see him in that seat next year. Heidfeld is also very unlikely, because BMW won't let him go - all their young drivers have seats elsewhere next year, so they need Nick to stay. Rosberg will be very expensive, so no go unless they have no other options I guess.

De la Rosa is the most likely and safe option they have, but they could go the DTM route: unlike the WTTC, DTM cars are more like formula cars with bodywork, and drivers have switched to F1 before. Merc have some very good guys there (Paffett, Spengler), which might be a long shot, but they're more likely than either Heidfeld or Ralf!

If he comes, are discs included

I think if we are gonna start reeling off tourning car drivers Priaulx deserves a mention.

Why do I think Pedro stayed at the team after his involvement after the spy saga?

I think they like him a lot. He knows the car inside out, he's older and experienced.

Klien sounds like a likely lad too for me.

Ralph had a harsh time at Toyota but don't forget he won 6 gp for Williams. We all saw how Heidfeld turned around his fortunes at BMW, this time last year a lot of people thought he was lucky to have a drive this season.

I can see team FIA walking it next season, the fight for 2nd to 5th in the constructors should be great though.