Comments on: Theissen Defends Heidfeld As Kubica Negotiates Extension

By: Has Alonso Signed For Ferrari Already? » BlogF1

Has Alonso Signed For Ferrari Already? » BlogF1 — Sat, 24 May 2008 11:33:30 +0000

[...] spoke about the possibility of Alonso switching to BMW earlier in the month, and I believe it would be a wise move for him. BMW are on the up and show [...]

By: milos

milos — Thu, 15 May 2008 13:52:43 +0000

Well and nobody has mentioned Mr. Vettel here yet When BMW allowed both Vettel and Glock to leave for Toro Rosso and Toyota to race Theissen also made it clear he does not rule out one or both these drivers may one day end up back in BMW … What would be bigger gamble for Theissen ? Bringing in Alonso who is an excellent driver but who does not exactly enjoy not being number one ? Or bring back Vettel, not yet proven, but not yet spoiled and also German ?

By: nik

nik — Thu, 15 May 2008 04:30:50 +0000

this is just far too speculative, nothing solid here outside of what Theissen actually said

By: Samuel

Samuel — Wed, 14 May 2008 20:52:24 +0000

Last year there were some rumours which said that Alonso had a deal with BMW but Mercedes vetoed it. They didn’t want him to go to their main commercial rival.

I don’t know if Alonso is the fastest driver on the grid, but he is competitive as hell. In 2005 McLaren’s were faster as in 2006 were Ferrari’s, but he almost always managed to get the 100% or more of the car.

By: Oliver White

Oliver White — Wed, 14 May 2008 19:55:22 +0000

Tricky it most certainly is. I should clarify, Alonso is the probably quickest package driver (I actually think Kimi has more raw speed, the same way I say Hakkinen has more raw speed than Michael Schumacher), but Alonso tends to be quicker overall due to other factors. Also, Alonso is the quickest driver available. Well, sort of available.

I personally think Theissen is throwing a PR bone at the moment. It’s in the team’s best interest to work with Heidfeld to fix his qualifying issue. It doesn’t mean he’ll retain his drive. Or lose it, for that matter.

By: Clive

Clive — Wed, 14 May 2008 18:54:42 +0000

Personally, I think Alonso is the fastest driver at the moment. The problem for Hamilton-haters is that this would mean that Hamilton is just as quick (perhaps on Alonso’s settings but that would just show that Hamilton has a bit to learn about setting the car up – the speed is still there). And the only reason for employing Alonso is that he is probably the quickest at the moment.

So Dr Theissen might want him in the BMW but then the problem becomes which existing driver does he let go? Obviously, it would be wise to avoid another Hamilton/Alonso situation so the good doctor might well retain Heidfeld, rather than risk a scenario in which Kubica proves as quick as their new star. Tricky, isn’t it?

But the thing may become even more difficult – if the doctor is going to be assisting Heidfeld to get his qualifying right, Nick could begin to beat Kubica again. And, if that happens, BMW would have to drop him to get Alonso! We could have a situation where the best interest of each BMW driver this year is best served by going slower than his team mate…

Hmmm, that Quick Nick’s a wily old bird, isn’t he?