[DTM] JV negotiating with Opel

[FIRE]

No not that Canadian, but Jos Verstappen is negotiating for a one race deal with Opel. A sponsor is willing to pay the debut of Verstappen in touring cars in the race at Zandvoort in August. According Dutch newspaper AD Opel has confirmed the negotiations, but the deal is still not done. Opel is the only manufacturer who has a spare car available. Source: Algemeen Dagblad (see here for the scanned article)

[Hazard]

Like Bleekemolen getting his Vectra for one race.

Nothing more than a fan grabber in the absence of any Dutch drivers this year. Still, an Opel can be quick, especially since by then it'll be half the weight of the Mercedes (just kidding) - he might be able to out-do Reuter & Frentzen.

[kmchow]

Jos Verstappen has some personal sponsors which follow him? Wasn't it some financial or investment company? Last I recall, the company colour scheme was black? I'm happy to see another car on the grid, but too bad it could be another black car?

[FIRE]

Originally Posted by kmchow

Jos Verstappen has some personal sponsors which follow him? Wasn't it some financial or investment company? Last I recall, the company colour scheme was black? I'm happy to see another car on the grid, but too bad it could be another black car?

You mean Muermans (one of the main sponsors of Minardi)? Don't know if this sponsor is involved in this deal. Personal I think there's a little chance this deal gets real.

[SALEEN S7R]

Would be great to have Verstappen in the DTM IMO, a bit of a worry though the DTM is turning into something of a ex F1 drivers grave yard. Schneider, Alesi, Hakkinan, Frentzen, Mcnish, and now possibly Verstappen, not that im against having ex F1 drivers in the DTM but IMO the series should be wary of getting a reputation for attracting them.

[BertMk2]

Originally Posted by SALEEN S7R

Would be great to have Verstappen in the DTM IMO, a bit of a worry though the DTM is turning into something of a ex F1 drivers grave yard. Schneider, Alesi, Hakkinan, Frentzen, Mcnish, and now possibly Verstappen, not that im against having ex F1 drivers in the DTM but IMO the series should be wary of getting a reputation for attracting them.

I'm not so sure there's anything to worry about, having ex F1 drivers has certainly raised the profile of the series (and therefore more sponsorship cash can be brought in).

Getting Alesi and Hakkinen was a great move by Mercedes and worked well for the series as a whole - at the moment there is a good mix of drivers in the DTM from the ex F1 drivers to seasoned touring car veterans to the up and coming drivers (from both single seater and tin top backgrounds).

All it needs now is a uk round

[Hazard]

Not any worse certainly than the BTCC being the F1 test drivers 'graveyard' in the late 90's?

(Burt, Tarquini, Boullion, Morbidelli, Kristensen...)

[kmchow]

Originally Posted by BertMk2

I'm not so sure there's anything to worry about, having ex F1 drivers has certainly raised the profile of the series (and therefore more sponsorship cash can be brought in).

Getting Alesi and Hakkinen was a great move by Mercedes and worked well for the series as a whole - at the moment there is a good mix of drivers in the DTM from the ex F1 drivers to seasoned touring car veterans to the up and coming drivers (from both single seater and tin top backgrounds).

I guess Saleen is worried if all the ex-F1 drivers gets rides, that leaves less room for traditional(??)/veteran drivers that stayed with touring cars over the years. These touring car drivers is what made touring cars? I agree it can be a challenging balance.

[John Winter]

According to the webmaster of the Jeroen Bleekemolen Fansite he spoke to Jeroen at the Masters and JB said he was asked to drive the 5th Opel at Zandvoort and it was almost certain he would do so

[FIRE]

Originally Posted by John Winter

According to the webmaster of the Jeroen Bleekemolen Fansite he spoke to Jeroen at the Masters and JB said he was asked to drive the 5th Opel at Zandvoort and it was almost certain he would do so

He would be the logical choice because he has already experience with the Opel.

[John Winter]

Indeed, and Jos Verstappen would disgrace to the DTM and Dutch motorsport

[SALEEN S7R]

Originally Posted by kmchow

I guess Saleen is worried if all the ex-F1 drivers gets rides, that leaves less room for traditional(??)/veteran drivers that stayed with touring cars over the years. These touring car drivers is what made touring cars? I agree it can be a challenging balance.

You got it right, what I dont like the thought of is the DTM turning into a playground for ex F1 drivers looking for a series to have a bit of fun in until they retire. The series IMO needs to strike a balance between youth and experinced touring car/sportscar drivers, and a few "stars" - if any other ex F1 drivers join the series I fear the series may get a reputation for being a ex F1 drivers playground. As things are now however I would say is just about right, but as you say it is a hard balance to get things just right. IMO.

[FIRE]

Originally Posted by John Winter

Indeed, and Jos Verstappen would disgrace to the DTM and Dutch motorsport

Why?

[gwyllion]

I don't think Verstappen will perform well in Zandvoort. All the other DTM drivers need multiple races to get used to DTM and get the last tenths of seconds out of the car.

[John Winter]

Because he has absolutely no experience in touringcars, hasn't driven a race in 2 years and thinks he still is the best racer in the Neths. He is like a musician who had one hit in the past but still think the world worships him. Although there are still plenty of fans of Verstappen, there are so many dutch motorsport-fans who can't stand him. it would never be good publicity if Opel would have picked him over Jeroen Bleekemolen. Even if Bleekemolen wouldn't be available, there should be loads of drivers that should be prevered over JV (like e.g. Tom Coronel, Patrick Huisman, Duncan Huisman, Phil Bastiaans, Sebastiaan Bleekemolen, Peter Kox).

[Hazard]

Originally Posted by John Winter

Because he has absolutely no experience in touringcars, hasn't driven a race in 2 years and thinks he still is the best racer in the Neths. He is like a musician who had one hit in the past but still think the world worships him. Although there are still plenty of fans of Verstappen, there are so many dutch motorsport-fans who can't stand him. it would never be good publicity if Opel would have picked him over Jeroen Bleekemolen. Even if Bleekemolen wouldn't be available, there should be loads of drivers that should be prevered over JV (like e.g. Tom Coronel, Patrick Huisman, Duncan Huisman, Phil Bastiaans, Sebastiaan Bleekemolen, Peter Kox).

Tsssk. Get off the fence will ya!

[John Winter]

Well, shoot me for being right