Finally, it has been decided that F1 GP will take place in New Delhi in 2010, and according to Bernie Ecclestone, Karun Chandhok has good chances of making to F1 this year. ( check last para of this).
Karun Chandhok’s interview at formula1.com
BTW, no news from Alonso and his future team, is he planning a sabbatical?
After an action packed scandalous season and a grand finale in Brazil, I thought all the action is over, but it seems I was wrong.
Former Ferrari technical director, Ross Brawn is now team principle but for Honda, Jean Todt will be replaced as a sporting director of Ferrari, Renault has accepted possession of McLaren data but denied the usage (did we hear the same somewhere else this season?), Alonso is still uncertain where to go, Kathekiyan is (almost) set not to race in 2008, Schumacher is on track again and Hamilton is all set to become first $1 bn sports star.
This is too much, am finding very hard to see how 2008 season will be. Where will Alonso go or he will race or not? McLaren might start with negative points and if that happens what are the chances for Hamilton to win the championship (there are doubts already)? Where will Renault be after the scandal hearing, will they start from negative points or will be disqualified for a season? But in all this confusion, restructuring, there are few things that are clear. Kimi would start as World Champion and leading the pack with the fastest car on track.
Force India will appear first time on track 13th Nov to 15th Nov.
Testing team includes Roldan Rodriguez, Giedo van der Garde, Adrian Sutil, Christian Klien and Vitantonio Liuzzi. Rodriguez and Garde will test on Tuesday and Wednesday while Klien and Liuzzi will test on Thursday.
Karthikeyan seems to have missed the chance as Williams has already announced their line-up and Force India seems not too keen on Indian driver. Good news for Indian supporters is Karun Chandok is testing for Red Bull this winter and might get a test driver seat.
How?
The Good
Toyota will be the best deal in monetary terms for Alonso, but definitely Toyota is not a good car even with comparison to Red Bull and Williams, full season they were trying to get a place in Q3. Alonso’s inputs can be really beneficial for Toyota and they can justify there expenditure with Alonso’s skills.
Williams are trying to keep Roeberg away from McLaren, but there are good chances that McLaren will lure him. If that happens Alonso will be the only capable driver to get that seat, if Sir Williams does plan to give chance to Narain or some driver from GP2. Williams is doing well, and will do better with Alonso.
The Bad
For Alonso any deal will be a step down, it would be gain for team but lose for Alonso. Two time world champion moving to any car which is not competitive is bad.
Obstacle
Alonso has already denied Toyota’s deal and Williams have not offered any. But as we say everything in F1 is unpredictable, so still fingers crossed for the decision.
Alonso’s move to Renault, BMW, Red Bull
How?
The Good
Reports suggest that, Alonso might move to Red Bull along with Brawn. Brawn is not happy with the way Stepney was handled by Ferrari, and is bored too after his sabbatical. He might want to come back and can join in with Alonso to take him to same heights as he did with Schumacher. Red Bull is ready to increase budgets in this case and certainly will have some chance (or at least) in next 2 years they can start challenging Ferrari/McLaren.
The Bad
Here also it would be a big step down for Alonso, moving from a dream team to C grade team.
The Ugly
This might be end to Alonso’s carrier is things don’t go well as predicted.
Obstacle
Is Alonso ready to take this risk? Will Brawn step against Ferrari? Red Bull is ready to spend that much on salaries and car development? Many questions at this point of time, but still a possibility.
Alonso’s move to Renault, BMW
How?
The Good
BMW is a good car, great straight line speed, with good results this season. Team is focused and promising car for 2008. Alonso and Nick are good friends and definitely will be no problems as this year.
Alonso can bring first title for BMW.
The Bad/Ugly
Nothing bad about it, everyone will gain something out of this deal.
Obstacle
Nick and Kubica are both confirmed for ’08.
Alonso’s move to Renault.
How?
The Good
Alonso reuniting with Flavio can be best thing for Renault. Alonso knows the team well; His technical inputs and flawless driving with Flavio’s encouragement can definitely win him the title.
The Bad
For Alonso, going back to Renault will be a step down, he would (might) be paid lesser and it’s not certain that Renault’s performance will improve. That situation would be worse for his career.
The Ugly
Since US GP 2006, Fisi and Alonso were having some problems in Renault, same as with Alonso-Hamilton. In case Alonso returns he might have to struggle again with Fisi/Heikki.
If Heikki remain with Renault, most probably it will be end of career for Fisichella.
Obstacle
Flavio does not want one year contract from Alonso.
PS: This is first part of series, where we will discuss all possibilities for Alonso.
Force India name change from Spyker has been accepted by World Motor Sport Council.