STR, Todt, and Bourdais - Page 3

Bluewolf · 30 Jul 2007, 17:03 (Ref:1976516)

Well I believe starting next year they are going to allow customer cars right? If that's accurate it will certainly tighten up the field -- Then there's money - I can't believe that Honda and Toyoya won't become more competitive in the next few years as they have probably more money than any other teams. Coulthard is gone after next year -- Probably Barrichello and Fisi too -- there will be spots that will open up. I think Bourdais may still have a chance to get to F1 and move forward -- Personally I hope Speed keeps his seat and that if anyone leaves STR it's Tost. As wierd as it may sound if Scott finishes the year with a better record than Liuzzi, it may be Bourdais and Speed next year.

All this being said it's very very strange that here we with only one day left before the end of the month which is when STR's option on Bourdais will run out -- At this point I'm beginning to think it's a moot point and that STR is not going to sign Bourdais.

senna12 · 30 Jul 2007, 22:44 (Ref:1976762)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluewolf

I can't believe that Honda and Toyoya won't become more competitive in the next few years as they have probably more money than any other teams.

This is an opinion expressed by just about every poster on this forum for the last several years!!

I don't think it will happen now. I am sure Seb has noticed the dissension in the team, this only multiplies the risk. I am sure he would want certain guarantees from STR, which would never happen.
As the following story relates, his McDonalds connections,combined with the merger with Robert Yates Racing just announced, makes a NASCAR move more likely.
http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns19464.html

Now watch them prove me wrong!

JeremySmith · 30 Jul 2007, 23:54 (Ref:1976792)

I think you are right SB will go to NASCAR at the end of the day, and give F1 a miss..

Dutton · 31 Jul 2007, 04:21 (Ref:1976850)

Fair enough choice, of course, either way.

mp356a · 31 Jul 2007, 16:28 (Ref:1977417)

The STR option runs out today, yes? Any news?

TWRv12 · 31 Jul 2007, 17:15 (Ref:1977448)

If STR have Renault next year, wouldn't that make SeaBass a cert? Doesn't the Red Bull / Ferrari deal run out at the end of this year?

kipper · 31 Jul 2007, 17:23 (Ref:1977453)

Quote:

Originally Posted by TWRv12

If STR have Renault next year, wouldn't that make SeaBass a cert? Doesn't the Red Bull / Ferrari deal run out at the end of this year?

I do seem to remember something about the Ferrari contract being for two years. That said, I would imagine that Red Bull would wish to keep the Renault engines unless something better was on offer. Given that the team has tried Ferrari engines, Mercedes don't seem to inclined to supply a second team and Toyota are commited to Willliams an improvement on Renault units is unlikely. Therefore I would imagine that Toro Rosso would be left to do a new deal with Ferrari.

If Toro Rosso do end up with Renault units, I doubt that would signficantly help Bourdais's course given that the Renault works team hasn't been overly concerned with promoting French drivers of late.

Red Bulldog · 1 Aug 2007, 14:39 (Ref:1978289)

The deadline has passed, and now Bourdais says he can talk to other teams (as well as STR).
I always thought he was a shoe-in for 2008, but now I think he is having second thoughts (for all the reasons given in the previous posts).
I'd love to see him in F1, but now I agree that Nascar is probably his best option.

foreversideways · 1 Aug 2007, 14:51 (Ref:1978295)

He will make more money and be able to extend his career longer in Nascar than he would if he got a chance in F1.
Frankly there is to much emphasis on F1 here in Europe. There is a big world out there and it extends further than the in and out doors of F1. With only 20+ seats in F1, drivers need other sustainable career options as F1 seats are as rare as the proverbial Rocking Horse ****.

Silk Cut Jaguar · 5 Aug 2007, 15:32 (Ref:1981661)

Wouldn't NASCAR put the dampers on a (probably lucrative) annual outing with Peugeot at Le Mans? He does have a love for the place, after all.

**Born Racer** · 6 Aug 2007, 22:19 (Ref:1982946)

F1 would more than likely stop him doing that too. The Le Mans 24 Hours occurred during a Grand Prix weekend this year for instance.

Adri_tifosi · 10 Aug 2007, 09:32 (Ref:1985373)

Bourdais confirmed at Toro Rosso

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/61468

Gerben24 · 10 Aug 2007, 10:26 (Ref:1985411)

So, he is now sort of red bull teammate to Robert Doornbos?

Marbot · 10 Aug 2007, 11:40 (Ref:1985447)

You could hear the collective sigh of relief from the other Champcar drivers even from here.

Marbot · 10 Aug 2007, 11:54 (Ref:1985453)

Oh no,I've just realised! Another glasses wearing,French speaking bloke.AAARRRGGGHHH!

French GP should do well at any rate.

WebberForWDC · 10 Aug 2007, 14:38 (Ref:1985542)

Quote:

Originally Posted by foreversideways

It shows you what a mess F1 is in now. There is a total lock out on the podium places by two / three teams.

But 2 years ago Renault was in those two/three and Ferrari was a shambles, and 3 years ago BAR/Honda Racing Team was in those two/three and McLaren was a shambles. So it is not that simple!!!

[And 5 years ago Williams was in there, but of course they have been a shambles ever since!]

Dutton · 10 Aug 2007, 17:38 (Ref:1985656)

Ah, great to get the confirmation.

I am totally made up for the guy. For so long it seemed like he had missed his chance, but here he is, albeit with a less-than-stellar team, confirmed for the 2008 season.

I'll be willing him on in 2008.

Bluewolf · 10 Aug 2007, 17:49 (Ref:1985666)

Quote:

Originally Posted by martyn bott

You could hear the collective sigh of relief from the other Champcar drivers even from here.

JeremySmith · 11 Aug 2007, 02:36 (Ref:1985886)

I can't say I am delighted to hear this news..I was wrong I thought he would decide not to go there..I think he is a very talented driver, lets hope this is a positive career move for him..

davyboy · 11 Aug 2007, 05:30 (Ref:1985914)

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeremySmith

I can't say I am delighted to hear this news..I was wrong I thought he would decide not to go there..I think he is a very talented driver, lets hope this is a positive career move for him..

Agree Jeremy. This marraige has all the ingredients for a divorce.

JohnSSC · 11 Aug 2007, 11:09 (Ref:1985996)

The previous suitors did not do so well, did they? Fairly slow and unreliable car, with a lot of drama originating from the Berger/Tost combination.

I agree with davyboy and JeremySmith - this has the makings of a divorce built in. I know this may be his only chance to get into F1, but perhaps it will show, ultimately why it is better to go to a better team initially.

At first I thought this might not be a bad deal for him (when he started testing way back when) but watching the team implode during the season and seeing how Tonio and Speed were/are treated raised huge red flags for me.

davyboy · 11 Aug 2007, 12:11 (Ref:1986019)

Some comments from Liuzzi on loosing his drive.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/61489

Knowlesy · 11 Aug 2007, 16:03 (Ref:1986103)

Strange that he chose not to mention the fact he underperformed totally as well.

ralf fan · 11 Aug 2007, 16:09 (Ref:1986111)

Or that he is averagely talented at best.

JeremySmith · 11 Aug 2007, 16:54 (Ref:1986129)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knowlesy

Strange that he chose not to mention the fact he underperformed totally as well.

So is the car...

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