Ralf to Renault? (merged - again)

[Wrex]

I agree Gt_R, however I'm not sure he would loose both Alonso and Webber at the same time. I'm sure at least one of them will be in a Renault next season.

[Snrub]

Ralf to Renault sounds completely plausable to me.

[Ralf]

Nah I'm staying where I am boys.
Unless big bro kicks out that dud partner of his & calls the team Schuarri!

[senna12]

I was quite surprised when I read the reports. I had not figured Ralf and Renault, it doesn't make much sense. I feel that Jarno has just as much raw speed, and a better attitude.
But I guess there must be truth in it, since I can't believe Willi Weber would be stupid enough to try to squeeze Frank with this tactic. More likely, Williams have probably made it clear to them both that there will be no contract renewal, so go find another deal. I just didn't expect it to be with Renault.

We shall see.

[Mr V]

Imo, this (if it happens) means that Webber is definatly on his way to Williams. Alonso to stay at Renault alongside Rafe, but what of Trulli? I honestly can't see him anywhere else in the field? Maybe Jenson's replacement at BAR?

[Led ZeppF1]

Originally posted by Raven
I can't see why Renault would want Ralf frankly. Why not put Webber or Montagny in the car?

Ralf is F1 winner driver, Webber still need to prove he is a winner driver.

And, maybe Flavio want to selle Webber and pay Ralf cheaper.

[james_williams]

According to autosport.com, Ralf Schumacher is on his way to Renault for 2005.

http://www.autosport.com/newsitem.asp?id=26252&s=5

If this is true it will be interesting to see how he fairs alongside Alonso. I think Alonso will blow him into the weeds!!

Thoughts??

[3state]

Interesting indeed.

I suspect it will be Button/Webber to williams in 2005.
Coulthard to BAR is a strong possibility.

Given Ralf's arrogance and some would say, lack of team-player ethic I don't see him playing second fiddle to Alonso, who will no doubt, be considered Renault's no. 1 driver.

[ljakse]

Am I really going to be the first on this:

Villeneuve to Williams in '05

[3state]

If Button is locked into BAR in 2005, it could be a Webber/Coulthard combo in Williams next year. I think either of these combos would work really well...

[Adam43]

http://www.autosport.com/newsitem.asp?id=26252&s=5
Schumacher, who journeyed from Melbourne to Dubai following Sunday's grand prix, was in an elusive mood when asked about a possible switch: "We will make a decision in the next days. We can be surprised."

Is that a Royal 'we'?
Actually it would suprise me, I was of the impression that it would be Toyota.

[spider]

Well, Renault haven't come out and denied it have they!?

I can't see why he'd want Ralf above Webber, unless he feels he'll lose Alonso long-term. Expect to see Ralf in a Williams next year tho...

[mayhem]

Originally posted by Led ZeppF1
Ralf is F1 winner driver, Webber still need to prove he is a winner driver.

It's going to be fairly hard to prove to be a winning driver whilst driving a Jaguar.....

[JustinDawkins]

I think Ralf and Limi will move (Kimi prob won't want to be with Juan, and he hasn't re-signed yet. Webber is a logical choice for Williams, as would be the now free Kimi. Mclaren will bring in Hamilton next year, after all they have plowed a lot of money into him (a lot!) and afetr F3 this year he will be ripe for F1.

What about:

Williams: Kimi, Webber

Renault: Alonso, Schumacher (R)

Mclaren: Montoya, Hamilton

ps. I cant believe we are talking about driver changes so early in the season!!

[BootsOntheSide]

I'm surprised none of us really thought of this. Frank values Webber very highly, and is rightly sick of Ralf's inconsistant performances and greed. Webber going to Williams as part of this seems to make sense, but it could be Alonso who switches, with Ralf joined by either Webber, Bourdais or Trulli

If Michael retires, Alonso could go to Ferrari in his place - which it could be that Renault are calculating around.

As for Toyota, maybe DC would now be their first choice.

[PaulSands]

check this out
http://www.autosport.com/newsitem.asp?id=26253&s=5

Wili Weber seems to make a habit of talking a load of poop in Bild (or at least having it reported)

[PaulSands]

The way this looks like panning out I'd say Ralf to Champ Car in 2005

[Led ZeppF1]

Poor Wili, poor Ralf....

[climb]

Briatore has denied any interest at Ralf


and, honestly, It was hard to believe that A driver manager like Briatore, could accept in his team a bloke like Ralf, who already has a strong, powerful and often annoyying manager like Willi.
Being Flav Mark Webber's manager, should he have a vacancy (next year he won't be Trulli's manager anymore), well he has more convenient chances.

[climb]

OOOPS! I forgot to post the link, here it is:

http://www.autosport.com/newsitem.asp?id=26253&s=5

[bosch!]

Flav has now come out and flatly denied that Ralf will be driving for renault next year. From F1Racing:


============

Mild Seven Renault F1 Team Managing Director Flavio Briatore today reacted to German media speculation on Ralf Schumacher and Renault, firmly denying that any discussions had taken place concerning the German driver's future.

"I saw Willi Weber in Melbourne," commented Briatore, "and we certainly talked to each other - we are friends, so that is perfectly normal. However, at no time did we discuss, or have we discussed, a possible future for Ralf Schumacher in a Renault car

===================

Aparently FW and RS are to meet in Bahrain, Mr weber says:"Ralf won't be led around by his nose," Weber told the Bild of the approaching meeting. “If we don't reach an agreement, Ralf will leave BMW."

For the F1 historians has Frank ever actually sacked a driver in mid season ala EJ & H2F? Ralf should be careful (ooops to late!) as Gene has shown he knows how to race....


Ah yes, links http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=44680
GP2003

[PaulSands]

Could Weber be trying to get Ralf sacked?

[Super Tourer]

Ralf need's to concentrate on the job in hand IMO and prove his worth, rather than lining up the next deal.

As for Willi Weber, hawking Ralf around the paddock for deals is looking embarassing.

[ozrevhead]

flav said that Mark's future will be decided in july - mby he's waiting if ralf would sign on the dotted line to open the door for mark to willams

if it goes ahead it will make sence - frank & flav might see ralf swap for webber a good propession for renault and willams!

[EERO]

Its been denied by Flavio Flave so there are two possibilities.


1) Webber was lying and is trying to forcve his hand at Williams. Frank won't bite and Ralfie's gonna look the fool.

2) Or Flavio Flave is hedging his bets and trying to appease Trulli who doesn't need this blow. Frankly, Alonso is a serious threat for this season-perhaps the deal was struck before Alonso's great drive on Sunday. There is no way that Flav will let Alonso go as long as Renault are a credible threat for teh Title-thus it would be Trulli who would be vulnerable. Webber has another year due at Jag, but I suppose there is always a chance that Willys would try to pry him loose a year early.


In the end, we are seeing the beginning of the end for Ralfie because no one wants to pay him (and thus Willy Webber) what Ralfie thinks he worth.

TOYOTA will go for DC who is nearly as fast, easy to work with and great with the sponsors and corporate wonks.


But Ralfie in a Renault-I doubt it.