Defeated already?
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From: West Henrietta UPSTATE NY
I hope it is Kimi!
Renault vow to fork out for 'top' driver
May 16, 2006, 08:14
Part of Renault's rush to sign a new 'Concorde Agreement' was to attract a top-class replacement for departing driver Fernando Alonso. F1 president Alain Dassas, in Barcelona last weekend to sign off the deal with Bernie Ecclestone, also admitted that uncertainty about the future was - with 'Mild Seven' also leaving - similarly marring Renault's quest for new sponsors. ''Some people were not sure,'' he told reporters, ''so we thought it is important that now we have this certainty. We will be there.''Frenchman Dassas conceded that - with more certainty about Renault's future beyond 2007 - Alonso might have decided to stick around at the Enstone camp.
He explained: ''I am sure he made his decision for a number of reasons. But we are ready to do what is necessary to have a top driver.''
Asked if he meant that the more favourable deal with Bernie means that Renault can now afford to pay more for a driver, Dassas said 'yes'. ''It will help. ''I am sure Flavio (Briatore) has had serious talks with many people.''
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May 16, 2006, 08:14
Part of Renault's rush to sign a new 'Concorde Agreement' was to attract a top-class replacement for departing driver Fernando Alonso. F1 president Alain Dassas, in Barcelona last weekend to sign off the deal with Bernie Ecclestone, also admitted that uncertainty about the future was - with 'Mild Seven' also leaving - similarly marring Renault's quest for new sponsors. ''Some people were not sure,'' he told reporters, ''so we thought it is important that now we have this certainty. We will be there.''Frenchman Dassas conceded that - with more certainty about Renault's future beyond 2007 - Alonso might have decided to stick around at the Enstone camp.
He explained: ''I am sure he made his decision for a number of reasons. But we are ready to do what is necessary to have a top driver.''
Asked if he meant that the more favourable deal with Bernie means that Renault can now afford to pay more for a driver, Dassas said 'yes'. ''It will help. ''I am sure Flavio (Briatore) has had serious talks with many people.''
www.motorsport-network.com
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From: Monterey, CA
Originally Posted by s2ksimon,May 16 2006, 07:33 AM
that's just it, until they don't solidify Flav's contract, I don't think any driver signing will take precedence.
nail down flavio then a #1 driver. i agree with 3h about fisi, he's good but is he a #1 driver? also look for renault to bring in nissan branding for the team possiably to share race budget.
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From: West Henrietta UPSTATE NY
Originally Posted by ytdlite,May 16 2006, 11:24 AM
also look for renault to bring in nissan branding for the team possiably to share race budget.
Nissan and Infiniti have done a great job in the past few years to create a performance image for themselves, it is a shame they don't capitalize on it.
I remember all too well when this was
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From: Socal, CA
Those come-from-behind tactics by Kimi and Mclaren just won't cut it anymore. There's at least 4 or 5 faster cars than them at every race so far. I suspect the Mercedes engine is down on power as a sacrifice for reliabilty. The MP4-21 will not respond to the Michelins, either.
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From: Toronto
Originally Posted by ITRbroham,May 16 2006, 10:43 PM
Those come-from-behind tactics by Kimi and Mclaren just won't cut it anymore.
I also agree with you on the engine - it does seem to be down on power to improve reliability as they have not had any engine problems thus far....
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From: Toronto
Originally Posted by Triple-H,May 17 2006, 07:18 AM
And there is lots of talk about the Michelins not being such a superior product anymore.
I think Bridgestone has closed the gap. Not completely caught up yet, but the gap has definitely closed...
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From: West Henrietta UPSTATE NY
Originally Posted by ytdlite,May 16 2006, 11:24 AM
also look for renault to bring in nissan branding for the team possiably to share race budget.
[QUOTE]Renault do not rule out name change
Alternate brands could be promoted
Renault has refused to rule out renaming its Formula One team in order to promote another of the French carmaker's brands. Ever since Carlos Ghosn, a former President of the Renault-owned Nissan brand, took over as Renault's CEO, speculation has suggested that he might be keen to unite the Nissan name with Grand Prix.
In Japan, Ghosn is credited with having revitalised not only the waning Nissan brand, but also that of the related 'Infiniti' label. Renault's F1 President Alain Dassas said: "For the moment we will stay with Renault.
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From: West Henrietta UPSTATE NY
Originally Posted by matrix,May 17 2006, 07:30 AM
I think Bridgestone has closed the gap. Not completely caught up yet, but the gap has definitely closed...
Without Michelin, Renault Boss Worried About Fairness
Flavio Briatore has asked the FIA to change the rules governing tyres for 2007. The Renault boss fears that Ferrari, Bridgestone's long-standing partner, will enjoy an advantage when Michelin leaves the sport as scheduled at the end of the current season.
To help nullify the period of adaptation for teams who must switch to the Japanese brand, including Renault, Briatore thinks the ruling body should impose a fundamental regulation change -- such as the re-introduction of slicks. ''I believe what the federation should be doing to be fair is change the compound ... change the construction ... change completely,'' the Italian was quoted as saying by PA Sport. Briatore also said the change would have to be done 'quickly' so that the design of next year's cars is not affected. He continued: ''I don't ask for anything special but the competition needs to be fair.''
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Flavio Briatore has asked the FIA to change the rules governing tyres for 2007. The Renault boss fears that Ferrari, Bridgestone's long-standing partner, will enjoy an advantage when Michelin leaves the sport as scheduled at the end of the current season.
To help nullify the period of adaptation for teams who must switch to the Japanese brand, including Renault, Briatore thinks the ruling body should impose a fundamental regulation change -- such as the re-introduction of slicks. ''I believe what the federation should be doing to be fair is change the compound ... change the construction ... change completely,'' the Italian was quoted as saying by PA Sport. Briatore also said the change would have to be done 'quickly' so that the design of next year's cars is not affected. He continued: ''I don't ask for anything special but the competition needs to be fair.''
www.paddocktalk.com