new drivers for 2003

V8moz · 31 Oct 2002, 20:55 (Ref:418826)

After Volvo pulled out of the European Touring car Series what will happen to their top driver Rickard Rydell?
What do you guys think? Is he an option for Ford Australia and the V8's?? I personally would love to see Rickard in a Falcon!
What other drivers (international or Australian) do you expect to give their Supercar debut (!) in 03?

RaceTime · 31 Oct 2002, 21:40 (Ref:418864)

Probabl;y anyone that can't get a drive elsewhwre - that's what the Australian series looks like becoming...

Crash Test · 1 Nov 2002, 02:59 (Ref:419045)

Isn't he in the ETCC or something? The problem now with all of the franchise dramas, with 32 or 36 cars, there isn't room to have every overseas drop out come and race.

Max Wilson has shown some promise, would be interesting to see what he could do in another season with a decent car under him... Remember when Tander and Besnard hit everything in their path?

Dazz · 1 Nov 2002, 03:47 (Ref:419053)

Tnader even managed to hit things that were not in his path

silvervsix · 1 Nov 2002, 06:51 (Ref:419096)

No overseas driver would come here it would mean that thier racing career is just about over.

Max has done a good job in a car that is not the best he does has have some good speed if only he could keep it together for a race weekend and he would be a strong force.

Miss OzEmail · 1 Nov 2002, 07:40 (Ref:419117)

Max has signed back with Betta, but I'd like to see Dale Brede get a full time drive with a team, hes got some great talent, so hopefully someone will take him on board!

Ebony

racer69 · 1 Nov 2002, 09:47 (Ref:419180)

Rydell was really screwed by Volvo pulling out of the ETC, he took 2001 off in preparation for 2002. He may end up in one of the private Volvo's entering the ETC.

I'd say he would only come here if it was his last option, i mean none of the other top touring car drivers come down here for the full series, maybe only Bathurst, there is more money and better contacts in Europe. Wilson only came because he lost his CART ride, Radisich only returned because Peugeot pulled out in the middle of his contract and he tested for but missed out on the Volvo BTCC ride. It wouldn't suprise me if a few more came in the next few years, but i fear they'll be using it as a retirement home, rather than to further their careers.

V8moz · 1 Nov 2002, 09:57 (Ref:419186)

But Rydell has a contract with Prodrive I reckon. He drove for them a Mondeo in the BTCC, a Ferrari in 2001 and the Volvo. Now that Prodrive wants to be more present in Australia, why not take Rickard with them??

racer69 · 1 Nov 2002, 10:05 (Ref:419192)

As far as i know his contract was with Volvo, but i can see what you mean, and it does make sense.

He has though said that he will be driving the Prodrive Ferrari 550 in some of the Sportscar races next year, which could make a V8 program difficult, would be a candidate for Bathurst though. I haven't seen him make any noises about coming out here, and i can't see it happening, but he was considering an offer from Mercedes for the 2000 DTM, and if someone had told me this time last year that Max Wilson would be driving here i wouldn't have believed, and from the outside Rydell has the better connections than Wilson seemed to, so we'll see what happens

Armco Bender · 1 Nov 2002, 10:19 (Ref:419201)

Quote:

No overseas driver would come here it would mean that thier racing career is just about over

Some one phone Jaguar,Eddie Irvine seems to be at a loose end for next season,he'd certainally liven things up in a V8 a bit.

Jack racer · 1 Nov 2002, 10:23 (Ref:419204)

Slight is planning on moving into the aussie classes next year or sooner as roumors have it.

Crash Test · 2 Nov 2002, 10:09 (Ref:420045)

Hey Eddie, we've got some quality grid girls over here!

RaceTime · 2 Nov 2002, 10:33 (Ref:420052)

Nah - No on e would have Eddie over here - after all - when the boss of Ford was told one of his drivers was earning more than he was he said 'Eddie who?'

I guess there is always a Minardi drive for Irvine though....

Crash Test · 2 Nov 2002, 10:45 (Ref:420056)

I wasn't offering him a drive, just stating we have quality grid girls

RaceTime · 2 Nov 2002, 10:50 (Ref:420058)

yeah but knowing Eddie he would want to come over and sample them <nudge nudge>

Crash Test · 2 Nov 2002, 10:55 (Ref:420061)

Oh of course.

Apparently FoMoCo employ these two lovely ladies, if Eddie took them out the back for a while, perhaps the Ford drivers could actually concentrate enough to win a race

RaceTime · 2 Nov 2002, 10:58 (Ref:420064)

From the look of those two I don't think they would have any time for Eddie - Edwina maybe, but not Eddie

Crash Test · 2 Nov 2002, 10:59 (Ref:420065)

Ever wondered where the FFord TV money went?....

Crash Test · 2 Nov 2002, 11:03 (Ref:420067)

BTW- If anyone in the world could turn then, it might possibly be Eddie

RaceTime · 2 Nov 2002, 11:03 (Ref:420068)

Well it certainly wasn't to Formula Ford

Ummmm Formula Vee maybe?

Crash Test · 2 Nov 2002, 11:08 (Ref:420072)

Nope, haven't seen them at any Vee events recently...

Here they are helping out Seto's race crew- that might explain something!

mtpanorama · 2 Nov 2002, 11:10 (Ref:420076)

Crash,
You being a moderator and all would know thw forum rules about pictures like that, this is a family forum after all.

Just kidding, got anymore???????????

RaceTime · 2 Nov 2002, 11:11 (Ref:420078)

I wont ask what type of meter that is on her back!

Does it give change? And her name isn't Rita is it?

Amaroo Park · 2 Nov 2002, 11:12 (Ref:420079)

Quote:

Originally posted by Crash Test

Here they are helping out Seto's race crew- that might explain something!

I wonder if Seton is hiring any extra crew at the moment. I might have to call on monday

Crash Test · 2 Nov 2002, 11:15 (Ref:420081)

Yeah, I think those ones would be about the only ones that are postable within reason- pay per view is still on the way.

What were we talking about?

Ok, this isn't a new driver rumour, but if you wanted to start some incredibly wild rumours, you might be able to deduce something from this pic of Mr Green and Mr Perkins.... hrrmmm....

Captions anyone?

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