Robert Doornbos Out At NHL

DanicaFan · 4 Aug 2009, 05:20 (Ref:2515150)

Well, Robert Doornbos is leaving Newman Haas Lanigan Racing. He has fulfilled the 12 race deal with them. Most likely Robert will end up at HVM Racing. Robert was very close to signing with HVM at the beginning of this year.

This leaves a spot open at NHL. Likely drivers to fill this seat for the remainder of the season... Oriol Servia, Paul Tracy, Bruno Junqueira.

**gomick** · 4 Aug 2009, 06:35 (Ref:2515164)

Robert has been ordinary - hasnt quite reached the heights of his Champcar season in 2007....

Be good if Indy Lights drivers got a crack - not drivers who are pretty well past there used by date!

DanicaFan · 4 Aug 2009, 08:14 (Ref:2515194)

If Penske doesnt sign Will Power next year, Im sure NHL will be one of the teams trying to sign him.

**gomick** · 4 Aug 2009, 08:18 (Ref:2515196)

Unless they need a pay driver

- Will has no $$$

JagtechOhio · 4 Aug 2009, 08:56 (Ref:2515219)

So HVM is a step up??

Or Bobby D. was told to find a job, and this was the result?

drewdawg727 · 4 Aug 2009, 16:46 (Ref:2515511)

I'm pretty sure it's more along the lines of the money ran out.
Maybe him and Milka Duno will do a swap.

AX lover · 4 Aug 2009, 17:00 (Ref:2515522)

Quote:

Robert Doornbos says:"We had the option to leave the team after 12 races which I made use of. I want to stay in IndyCar Series and I will announce my future plans very soon. I like to thank the team and especially Mike Lanigan and Carl Haas. I wish them a bright future."

http://www.robertdoornbos.com/news.asp?id=581

drdisque · 5 Aug 2009, 01:33 (Ref:2515824)

He's going to HVM because he gets along with them better and/or they have lower funding requirements.

Marshall Pruett is reporting that it'll be Servia in the 06. Note that they worked with him previously in Champ Car and had good results together.

JagtechOhio · 5 Aug 2009, 02:22 (Ref:2515840)

Thanks guys, that all brings it into perspective. "Follow the money" is often the answer to all mysteries. Let's hope HVM can screw together a good second car for him, they haven't been stellar just running one.

Jonerz · 5 Aug 2009, 02:59 (Ref:2515850)

Perhaps the magic of teammates and testing and trying opposite things, getting double the data will be the fix there.

Fingers crossed.

Chris

DanicaFan · 6 Aug 2009, 05:10 (Ref:2516584)

Robert Doornbos will be driving for HVM Racing for the remainder of the season. He left NHL after Kentucky. He will be driving the #33 car and be EJ Viso's teammate. He will be in the car starting this weekend at Mid-Ohio.

DanicaFan · 6 Aug 2009, 12:34 (Ref:2516723)

Doornbos has also signed with HVM Racing for the 2010 season.

nycuk · 6 Aug 2009, 17:16 (Ref:2516837)

Quote:

Originally Posted by drewdawg727

I'm pretty sure it's more along the lines of the money ran out.
Maybe him and Milka Duno will do a swap.

There's a certain recently unemployed French driver with time on his hands... He might be a good fit

boom boom · 6 Aug 2009, 18:19 (Ref:2516866)

Quote:

Originally Posted by nycuk

There's a certain recently unemployed French driver with time on his hands... He might be a good fit

I think thats why NHL just signed Oriol Servia on a one race basis

Oriol Servia will replace Robert Doornbos in the No. 06 car for Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing at this weekend's IndyCar Series race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. The deal is for one race.
http://www.indystar.com/article/20090806/SPORTS0107/908060397/1004/SPORTS/Servia+to+replace+Doornbos+at+N/H/L[/url]

I'm sure someone from NHL is one the phone to France doing a little fishing

icemachine · 6 Aug 2009, 18:19 (Ref:2516867)

I doubt Seb will be back, although he might surprise us. I think its far more likely he will end up at one of the new F1 entrants or else stick to sports cars