Johnny's dilemma

[Gerard]

Rumors are that Johnny Herbert has been offered a job as test driver with McLaren.
Earlier in the year it was said he would go to Indycars.
If these rumors are true, what do you think Johnny should do?
Should he leave Formula One and compete in Indycars or should he take the job with McLaren?
It hasn't done Olivier Panis any harm.

[EERO]

For Panis, who is still relativelyyoung, a year's sabbatical from the Grid cannot have been a terrible set-back for his career. Johnny is a bit older, more settled in is ways. I cannot believe that a year testing would make him a hot property for another team in 2002.

Given that Mika and Johnny were teamates eons ago at Lotus, (and legend has it, quite good mates) I think he could be a good fit for all around. But Herbert has made clear his intention to race and his strong desire is to race on ovals in the States. I have to think that should Herbert accept McLaren's offer, that his racing career would be effectively ended.

[MichaelC]

McLaren?? I actually read that the seat was at Williams, to replace Junqueria who is going round in circles himself next season. Now most poeople would go to McLaren, but I'm not sure how many people would want to test for Williams...

[downforce]

Me2...i thot it was Williams?
Anyways, Johnny should jus go and try his talent in Indy...forget F1 Herb!

[Valve Bounce]

Even the most optimistic poster here will be hard pressed to imagine a testing job at Williams would lead Johnny anywhere in F1. Frank has his priorities, and he will persevere with Montoya until two years time when he can choose between Bunsen and Montoya. That leaves Johnny be Good the only job left in F1- a seat next to Martin if Murray hangs up his hat for good. If Johnny can get a seat in CART next year, he should go, because his ability will get him a couple of wins there and he will be able to continue on for several more years.

[gomick]

johnny's had an extended career in f1, made plenty of money etc - but deep down i dont think johnny should be able to waltz over to CART and pick up a drive. i really dont believe he deserves a drive and with the likes of jason bright and casey mears (driving at fontana for team rahal) fighting for seats in 2001. - we shall wait and see.

i would like to see johnny take over murray walkers job though - thats a good idea!

[Valve Bounce]

Well, I must admit that I always had a soft spot for Johnny, and I would love to see him in CART and see him up there with the best.
As for Jason Bright, what can I say? What can anyone say? His dad was talking to the interviewer, counting his bridges before the chickens were crossed, and poor Jason has a slight prang adn his chances went out the window. He was on course for a magnificent finish and possibily a podium finish - I was so disappointed that when the yellow came out again soon afterwards, I gave it away and took the dog for a walk at Suffolk Beach. I still havn't bothered to read the race results. I suppose I will watch the last race to see how Montoya goes.

[Liz]

Well, there are no Ford drives left in CART and I don't know how else Johnny is going to get hired ... there are few good drives left unless he takes the new Zakspeed drive or Mo Nunn gives him the second car (which I think Vasser is going to get) ... Perhaps Louise Goodman could share her microphone, since she has such a clear tendresse for Johnny, and he could trot down the pitlane and say "So, Jacques, what was it this time?"

[Airhead]

Ahh, Liz, I always thought that Johnny and Louise were pretty 'racey' themselves. The first into the shower after the game and all that. But I agree with the bouncing valves guy, Johnny is too old to do a Lazzarus and become World Drivers Champion afetr a year spent testing with anybody (unless it is sleep studies their testing). He should get a Indycar gig and hold tight. He has won GP's and could do well in CART. Mark Blundell won three tenths of nothing before going to CART and then won a race (he was heard to say "so this is what all the excitment is about"). It can't be that hard, Mansell won on his first attempt. Unfortunately the inverse does not apply (witness Zinardi)and do you think Frank Williams has learnt anything from that? Jenson follow your heart, or your wallet...

[LYM]

Latest news are Johnny will not be joining Williams as their test driver and he is going to CART or Indy racing.

And Wurz is going to be McLaren's test driver next year(Good for him!).