GP2 2011 silly season. - Page 4

**chunterer** · 15 Nov 2010, 14:53 (Ref:2791067)

Completely agree with that logic Bella, best to ensure an affordable season in something you know well than a risky dear season in a team/category you don't.

But Brendon's probably got his tongue hanging out and wide eyes for a full season in the quicker category now. Coloni have proved useful in the last few rounds so he could do worse and that way he'd avoid being a 'stooge' for the Grubmullers?

But as we know we don't always get what we want (and he knows that from his Red Bull involvement I suspect)

Now the Bianchi thing:

Did you or anyone else see Luca Di Montezemelo talking to him in the Ferrari pit pre-race yesterday?? There was a furrowed brow and midly irritated look on Luca's face and Jules appeared to be doing a lot of open palm gestures and sheepish looks.

Oh and then Nic Todt burst into view probably to stop Bianchi digging a bigger hole for himself.

Thought that was hilarious!!!

**bella** · 15 Nov 2010, 17:03 (Ref:2791145)

i was reading an interview with an ex-gp2 driver who was saying that essentially, fr3.5 has absolutely nothing to be jealous of with regards to gp2. he seems to think that from the point of view of a driver with sponsors to entertain, a career to look after and value for money fr3.5 is just as good. the grids are closer, they're a better at equality between cars and a good driver makes a difference. the value for money bit was interesting because personally, much as i love the world series, the media coverage is pants, and in terms of trying to sell space on cars it's useless. buuut... you can invite as many guests as you can fit in your awning, and show them around and let them feel a part of it. especially important i'd say when you're getting your money from people who aren't too fussed about using it as a genuine marketing tool but would rather get a bit closer and feel more a part of something.

i'm not sure from a technical viewpoint how much is going to change with the new evolution of the gp2 car (anyone got any input on that?) but the gp2insider blog suggests some fairly hefty budgets for 2011. i just wonder how many exiles from there fr3.5 could see over the winter as they realise their money just won't stretch that far.

Jamesy-18 · 18 Nov 2010, 20:13 (Ref:2792809)

Seems as though the GP2 boys have been testing today, new cars look quite....odd.

Interesting to see that Karun was testing for Ocean. Is he stepping back into GP2 for next year? Would love to see him get a seat in F1, buy seeing as there doesn't appear to be many seats left for '11, GP2 may be his next best option.

Hawkwood · 18 Nov 2010, 20:59 (Ref:2792826)

According to todays Autosport mag Chandhok has no intention of moving back to GP2. He and Adam Carroll are just testing the new car for whichever teams.

Rf1 Fan · 20 Nov 2010, 17:04 (Ref:2793493)

Turvey lost RSF support as they cannot pay a 2.2 millions € budget for season next year in gp2 as every team requires at least...

**chunterer** · 20 Nov 2010, 19:20 (Ref:2793537)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rf1 Fan

Turvey lost RSF support as they cannot pay a 2.2 millions € budget for season next year in gp2 as every team requires at least...

Where did you hear that? If true, that's a big problem for him at such a crucial stage of his career. I mean, jesus he will be a title challenger next season if he continues in the category!!!

ivanalesi · 20 Nov 2010, 20:14 (Ref:2793563)

Next season WSbR will be quite strong

**chunterer** · 20 Nov 2010, 20:33 (Ref:2793571)

Quote:

Originally Posted by ivanalesi

Next season WSbR will be quite strong

Surely a case of 'been there, done that' for Oliver, and besides if he's lost the foundation support, he would need to find money to do FR 3.5 as well.

Maybe McLaren or Mercedes will step in and help out to get him another GP2 drive.

Rf1 Fan · 20 Nov 2010, 20:43 (Ref:2793574)

Quote:

Originally Posted by chunterer

Where did you hear that? If true, that's a big problem for him at such a crucial stage of his career. I mean, jesus he will be a title challenger next season if he continues in the category!!!

http://www.madeinmotorsport.com/en/h...mme-15244.html

Speed-freak · 22 Nov 2010, 08:14 (Ref:2794132)

Quote:

Originally Posted by chunterer

Where did you hear that? If true, that's a big problem for him at such a crucial stage of his career. I mean, jesus he will be a title challenger next season if he continues in the category!!!

I'm sure I heard Sam Bird's manager talking about the importance of raising funds on a pod-cast a few months back. Very interesting interview he gave.
I don't think Bird has a silver spoon tucked away either. It's a very difficult time to raise sponsorship I should imagine, no matter how fast, talented, skilled and exciting a driver is. The Brits have it tough as they don't have a countries government behind them.

Mak · 22 Nov 2010, 10:35 (Ref:2794186)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speed-freak

I'm sure I heard Sam Bird's manager talking about the importance of raising funds on a pod-cast a few months back. Very interesting interview he gave.
I don't think Bird has a silver spoon tucked away either. It's a very difficult time to raise sponsorship I should imagine, no matter how fast, talented, skilled and exciting a driver is. The Brits have it tough as they don't have a countries government behind them.

Anyone racing at this level has a silver spoon, but the longer and further you go means you need a gold spoon. (No single seater series below F1 is commercially viable) Don't know of to many countries government that sponsor drivers. Some may assist in a small way.

**bella** · 22 Nov 2010, 12:03 (Ref:2794204)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mak

Don't know of to many countries government that sponsor drivers. Some may assist in a small way.

certainly no european ones. i can imagine outside of europe the support of a government even in basic sponsor negotiations would be a huge advantage - a gentle nudge in the right direction for companies for example. you can bet sponsorship money for petrov is going to be a little easier to come by now he's got vladimir putin standing behind him...

Valker · 22 Nov 2010, 12:24 (Ref:2794208)

Quote:

Originally Posted by bella

certainly no european ones.

I'm quite sure Bulgaria is in Europe.

**bella** · 22 Nov 2010, 12:34 (Ref:2794213)

that would depend on your definition of europe

good point though, i'd forgotten it's actually part of the eu.

runshaw · 22 Nov 2010, 14:32 (Ref:2794260)

Is there testing in Abu Dhabi this week? The only thing i've read is that Jolyon Palmer will be running with iSport, Addax and ART, there's nothing else on Autosport.

META4 · 22 Nov 2010, 14:46 (Ref:2794266)

Quote:

Originally Posted by runshaw

Is there testing in Abu Dhabi this week? The only thing i've read is that Jolyon Palmer will be running with iSport, Addax and ART, there's nothing else on Autosport.

List of drivers for Tuesday from Italiaracing

Esteban Gutierrez – ART
Jan Charouz – ART
Josef Kral – Addax
Charles Pic – Addax
Jake Rosenzweig – Super Nova
Marcus Ericsson – Super Nova
Andrea Caldarelli – Racing Engineering.
Rodolfo Gonzales – Racing Engineering
Robert Wickens – iSport
Jolyon Palmer – iSport
Nathanael Berthon – DAMS
Ivan Samarin – DAMS
Fabio Leimer – Rapax
Armaan Ebraim – Rapax
Roberto Merhi – Arden.
Simon Trummer – Arden
Nicolas Marroc – Ocean
Sam Bird – Ocean
James Jakes – Coloni
Kevin Ceccon – Coloni
Stefano Coletti – Trident.
Julian Leal – Trident
Michael Herck – DPR
Camilo Zorcher - DPR

runshaw · 22 Nov 2010, 14:56 (Ref:2794270)

Ah thank you

Is this the last time DPR cars will hit the track then? Also, who is Camilo Zorcher? All of the others are recognised names but Zorcher doesn't even show up on driverdb.com

META4 · 22 Nov 2010, 15:07 (Ref:2794274)

Quote:

Originally Posted by runshaw

Ah thank you

Is this the last time DPR cars will hit the track then? Also, who is Camilo Zorcher? All of the others are recognised names but Zorcher doesn't even show up on driverdb.com

http://camilozurcher.com/profile.html

Apparently he is more a mechanic than a driver...

**chunterer** · 22 Nov 2010, 16:23 (Ref:2794318)

Not a particularly overwhelming line up of drivers for this first big test is it?

Hawkwood · 22 Nov 2010, 16:35 (Ref:2794321)

Are they using new tyres for this test same as F1 did, or using the same tyres as the last race there?
Just want to know how accurate they time comparisons will be.
They may yet turn out to be a good bunch but on first glances it doesn't look a great lineup.

**bella** · 22 Nov 2010, 17:04 (Ref:2794328)

i count 8 that are drivers you'd get excited about seeing race in gp2...

ivanalesi · 22 Nov 2010, 17:05 (Ref:2794329)

These are the last tests, that's why DPR are still running and it will be Bridgestone rubber.
Then in February for GP2 Asia...

**chunterer** · 22 Nov 2010, 20:25 (Ref:2794422)

Quote:

Originally Posted by bella

i count 8 that are drivers you'd get excited about seeing race in gp2...

8 out of how many though, and I bet you're including those who already have GP2 experience!

Guess we'll have to wait and see who appears at later tests, assuming some decent wannabees think they can afford a season once they've tested the things!

Mr Pink · 22 Nov 2010, 20:35 (Ref:2794428)

Marcus Ericsson has tests planed with iSport and Addax as well.

**chunterer** · 22 Nov 2010, 20:38 (Ref:2794431)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Pink

Marcus Ericsson has tests planed with iSport and Addax as well.

Did he test with Paul Jackson's lot last off season?

And did Marcus race for Barwa or was it ART last Asia series, can't quite remember.

He's surely someone who could challenge in the right team next year?

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
The Moto GP 2011 Thread	jhansen	Bike Racing	213	11 Nov 2011 17:02
2011 Silly Season (Merged x5)	GTRMagic	Australasian Touring Cars.	1536	18 Oct 2011 04:29
2011 Silly Season	MarcosAmbroseFan	NASCAR & Stock Car Racing	258	18 May 2011 06:44
2011 MotoGP Silly Season	bestfit	Bike Racing	15	25 May 2010 00:48
2009/10 GP2 Asia Off Season & 2010 GP2 Series off season discussions	sauber11	National & International Single Seaters	535	6 May 2010 14:18