Who will be Alonso's replacement at McLaren ? Kovalainen

Ed · Post by Ed » Sun Nov 04, 2007 11:55 pm

So with Alonso leaving McLaren, who do you think will be driving for McLaren Mercedes in 2008 alongside Lewis Hamilton ?

Get this right and pick where Alonso will go and you'll win a prize.

Note: If you want another driver added to the poll, just let me know

Southernman · Post by **Southernman** » Mon Nov 05, 2007 3:04 am

I've gone for Kovalainen. His name seems to be talked about alot lately to make the move to McLaren.

RE30B#16 · Post by **RE30B#16** » Mon Nov 05, 2007 8:42 am

The only driver on this list outside of McLaren's team structure that I can see Ron Dennis going for is Mark Webber. Hiring him would be like when Dennis hired Gerhard Berger to partner Ayrton Senna. He is fast, under-appreciated, and likely to produce wins if Lewis Hamilton falters. Better yet, he is not a newcomer to the sport.

Renault will more than likely get Fernando Alonso back (I believe they have the best engine in F1), and they will keep Heikki Kovalainen in the other seat.

Sebastien Vettel has a contract with Toro Rosso, and is very new to F1. Another good contender might be Sebastian Bourdais, but he has signed with Toro Rosso as well.

Robert Kubica has a solid deal with BMW-Sauber which is a team on the rise. He is learning a lot from the more experienced Nick Heidfeld.

Gary Paffitt made an a#%& out of himself one year ago over the other McLaren race seat (the one Hamilton now holds). I doubt seriously if he would ever be considered a candidate for a McLaren race seat again.

I read a rumor that Giancarlo Fisichella is being considered, but I do not take that all that seriously although it would be a win-win for the team. Fisico is a solid teammate and a consistent points scorer.

Ron Dennis may opt for Pedro delaRosa, but I believe he will go outside of the team for his second driver.

Julian Mayo · Post by **Julian Mayo** » Mon Nov 05, 2007 9:03 am

A straight swap, Alonso for Webber.

gkaytaz · Post by **gkaytaz** » Mon Nov 05, 2007 9:43 pm

Paffett could be an option.

DeLaRosa is not very likely, especially with him being a Spaniard. Though he is the support type racer another Spanish stint would only hurt McLaren.

Kovalainen might be possible but that'd partner him with Hamilton in a British team. He'll be condemned to play the support guy role. He wants to prove himself and such a move will harm his career.

Webber could be tempted but I'd rather see him go to Renault and partner Alonso whilst Kovalainen (or someone else) filling the empty McL spot.

BMW drivers are both out of question. They are in a solid team.

Rosberg: possible!

It'd be kinda cool. But then the pressure will be on him as well.

Michael Schumacher won't drive a McLaren. If he returns, that'll be for a Ferrari only.

Hakkinen?

Julian Mayo · Post by **Julian Mayo** » Tue Nov 06, 2007 7:47 am

It appears that the rumour about MS joining McLaren emanated from Patrick Head BEFORE the Brazilian GP.

Meantime Ralf's manager approached McLaren about Ralf's chances of a drive. The answer was polite and short but emphatic.

Lloyd · Post by **Lloyd** » Tue Nov 06, 2007 3:49 pm

i have had a change of thought

i now think MW will be a straight swap with FA

GhoGho · Post by **GhoGho** » Wed Nov 07, 2007 3:23 am

Julian Mayo wrote:A straight swap, Alonso for Webber.

Just when i thought you were getting better, there you go daydreaming agian

Julian Mayo · Post by **Julian Mayo** » Wed Nov 07, 2007 10:13 am

GhoGho wrote:
Julian Mayo wrote:A straight swap, Alonso for Webber.
Just when i thought you were getting better, there you go daydreaming agian

Ahhh, Perchance to dream.
What I do know is that there are some drivers, willing to take the chance, who are scrambling to "unsign" contracts

And the driver market/placement is frozen til McLaren make a decision, then all hell will break loose as contract "Re"-negotiations begin

three-m · Post by **three-m** » Thu Nov 08, 2007 12:12 am

being that Nakajima just confirmed for 2008 and Sir Frank and Nico appearing to be on the same page there is no way Flavio is going to let "Mok Webb-ah" head over to Ron's camp. Being that Heikkei and Ficsi will both be gone since Flavio will have Piquet teamed up w/ Alonzo next year that would put Vettle in the lead for the Mclaren drive in my opinion.

That leaves Fisci out i am thinking he and Jarno will be the Italian duo...think about it it make's sense...
3m

jido · Post by **jido** » Thu Nov 08, 2007 7:31 pm

Fisichella.
Do you want to add him to the list?

Though De la Rosa has his chance. We see.

Ed · Post by Ed » Thu Nov 08, 2007 10:42 pm

Fisichella added

three-m · Post by **three-m** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 2:17 am

jido wrote:Fisichella.
Do you want to add him to the list?

Though De la Rosa has his chance. We see.

Pedro is going to be set out to pasture soon....the glue factory

he is a kept man and way to old to be given the race seat not to mention he was all over the Ferrari doc's last year so he will be kept at bay not to mention he does not have the "cuh-honies" for a race drive

He will test again all winter as that suits him

3m

Julian Mayo · Post by **Julian Mayo** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 7:55 am

Fisi's kit was collected from Renault two weeks ago. He will be replaced by the young Brazilian

jido · Post by **jido** » Sat Nov 10, 2007 2:02 am

Julian Mayo wrote:Fisi's kit was collected from Renault two weeks ago. He will be replaced by the young Brazilian

Piquet Jr?

Oh well...

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