As a huge sports fan, we all know that Formula One reigns the sports kingdom as one of the largest spectacles in the world. This 2008 season looks at another domination by Scuderia Ferrari and McLaren Mercedes, with a shot for BMW Sauber to win the Championship as well. Big names Kimi Raikkonen, Felipe Massa, Lewis Hamilton, Heikki Kovalainen, Nick Heidfeld, and Robert Kubica locked in place with these teams for the 2009 season, it will be interesting to see what moves some other squads may make for next season.
With much movement from Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Toro Rosso's teams, including the sale of the latter, there has been much speculation as to who will be testing and who will be locked in place for either in 2009. Good efforts by both David Coulthard, who appears to be heading for the broadcast booth, and Mark Webber, there has been talk of possibly moving up rookie driver Sebastian Vettel to Coulthard's Red Bull Racing seat from the much younger STR program. This leaves an opening at STR for a second driver, with Sebastien Bourdais filling the primary seat.
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Many of you have heard some talk and the press releasing possible drivers names that may be testing for Toro Rosso's growing efforts. One big name that has caused much media frenzy has been IndyCar driver Danica Patrick. Whether or not Patrick will be testing in August for the team has not been released, however I have heard that there will be a total of 10 drivers competing for the seat.
Talk of IndyCar rookie Graham Rahal possibly testing for the team has also gotten out, and Nissan Championship winner Franck Montagny is another possible candidate. American Formula BMW International driver Brook Johnston has also been mentioned as has Alex Lloyd of the Indy Pro Series. It will be interesting to see who will be named in Toro Rosso's driver search to fill their second seat for the 2009 season.
Renault's program may also be looking for a new driver to replace the struggling Nelsinho Piquet, Jr. be a teammate to former world champion Fernando Alonso (that's if Alonso doesn't make the rumored move into Raikkonen's seat at Ferrari, and that pending Kimi retiring to create an opening). Renault has struggled so far in this season, but they keep assuring their success through Alonso's talent and great history with the team.
Much progress is expected from Honda and Toyota's programs and drivers have yet to be announced as to whether they will continue with the teams or not. JarnoTrulli and Timo Glock will most likely remain with the Toyota team next season due to their increasing success and position in the points standings. I would suspect Toyota's high budgeted program to make many improvements for next season and be a large contender in the championship in 09'. Reubens Barrichello is winding down his career at Honda, while Jenson Button is still a viable driver.
We will have to see what moves the teams make for the 2009 season and which drivers will be in contention. New aerodynamic rules for the cars may help level the playing field for some of the second-tier teams as well.
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5 months ago
"Sato" as in Takumo was with the now defunct Super Aguri in 2008 not with Toyota Racing, I am not sure if he will be on board Toyota. I heard somewhere that Toyota is going to spring a surprise in their lineup and might be a title contender in the next season, given their improved car performance this season.
Rober Kubica is for one rumored to be already on board Ferrari, dunno if this is for 2009 or 2010 or if Kimi is retiring or taking a sabbatical in 2009 or 2010. Seems like Vettel might either move up to Red BUll or might represent BMW as a replacement for Heidfeld.
Alonso will certainly be a contender for Heidfeld's BMW seat or move to an improved Toyota Racing
4 months ago
i wouldn't put danica patrick in a team yet. she has won one race. let her win a title first, then consider it. we saw sebastien bourdais win four titles in champ car, then come to f1 and flop royally. people will blame the car, but look at the performance that vettel has got out of the car.
4 months ago
Too early to be making my decisions just yet ... I have a few ideas but I am saying nothing just yet ... I will say one thing ... All Brit line up next year for Honda ... Button / Davison ... How do you like those apples ? Ha ha ha ...
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