THE RUMOUR FACTORY 2009

mlittle · Post by **mlittle** » Sat Sep 20, 2008 5:01 am

Alonso to stay at Renault for 2009................

According to the SpeedTV.com article here, Alonso has decided to remain with Renault in 2009, declining offers from both BMW and Honda. FWIW, it makes sense for him to stay at Renault, but I'm still wondering why he left Renault for McLaren in 2007......

JayVee · Post by **JayVee** » Sat Sep 20, 2008 1:24 pm

Interesting this news about Renault. I would have thought that they don't have the budget that Honda have so the development on the new car would not be as advanced as Honda. Renault have also been improving this years car where Honda don't appear to have touched it.
I cannot imagine that Renault will be fighting for the championship next year. Honda are also unlikely to do so however as we have seen from Toro Rosso this season, a struggling team could make a leap.

BMW have shown that they still need to improve on their development during the season but given that they have acheived all their targets and next year they target fighting for the championship, I think they are the ideal choice for Alonso. Maybe they are not paying much but I doubt money is his main motivator as I am sure Honda will pay him a record amount.

What about Toyota ?

Julian Mayo · Post by **Julian Mayo** » Wed Feb 04, 2009 12:13 pm

There is a wee buzzing sound, possibly a fresh rumour being polished in the factory. It would seem to consist of the startling possibility that if Kimi is not on the ball this season, for whatever reason, then one F. Alonso will be arriving at the Ferrari headquarters earlier than planned............yup...........mid season.

I assume that would not happen if Alonso was leading the Championship at the time.........

, however if Massa was, and Kimi was still off the boil........

Remember, don't shoot the messenger........

Snowy · Post by **Snowy** » Thu Feb 05, 2009 9:50 pm

The problem with this rumour is, it's dependency upon Kimi's supposed lack of motivation or even more inconceivable, his lack of ability. Niether of which should really be entertained as he has rarely shown anything other than fierce determination on track.

Ron Dennis says this about Kimi in a very recent interview with F1 Racing:

“Despite what his detractors say about him, Kimi is always motivated. He’s very quiet, yes – in that uniquely Finnish way – but he’s a great driver. He’ll be quick in 2009 and he’ll therefore be a fierce competitor.”

Ferrari pay Kimi more money than any other racing driver, if reports are correct. They would not have renewed his contract to 2010 if they doubted his motivation or ability, or felt that they wanted, needed or could possibly secure the services of Fernando Alonso.

These rumours are entirely ridiculous. Having said that F1 is ridiculous and most of its key figures, governers and decision makers are capable of the most ludicrously incompetent decisions so anything is possible, I guess.

Julian Mayo · Post by **Julian Mayo** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 5:27 am

Snowy wrote:The problem with this rumour is, it's dependency upon Kimi's supposed lack of motivation or even more inconceivable, his lack of ability. Niether of which should really be entertained as he has rarely shown anything other than fierce determination on track.

Ron Dennis says this about Kimi in a very recent interview with F1 Racing:

“Despite what his detractors say about him, Kimi is always motivated. He’s very quiet, yes – in that uniquely Finnish way – but he’s a great driver. He’ll be quick in 2009 and he’ll therefore be a fierce competitor.”

Ferrari pay Kimi more money than any other racing driver, if reports are correct. They would not have renewed his contract to 2010 if they doubted his motivation or ability, or felt that they wanted, needed or could possibly secure the services of Fernando Alonso.

These rumours are entirely ridiculous. Having said that F1 is ridiculous and most of its key figures, governers and decision makers are capable of the most ludicrously incompetent decisions so anything is possible, I guess.

Yup, hence the rumour that Ferrari pay Alonso a retainer.

Julian Mayo · Post by **Julian Mayo** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 6:22 am

US
F1.
That is the logo for the American team, based just down the road from M Little, which will enter F1 next year

mlittle · Post by **mlittle** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 1:10 pm

Julian Mayo wrote:US
F1.
That is the logo for the American team, based just down the road from M Little, which will enter F1 next year

Here's the SpeedTV.com story on UnitedStatesF1...........
F1--United States Ready Set For New F1 Team?

According to the above article, the lead drivers behind the effort are F1 and Indycar engineer Ken Anderson, along with current SpeedChannel grid/pit reporter Peter Windsor[who, IIRC, worked at one for Ferrari and Williams....winning a championship w/Sir Frank's outfit back in 1992].

They plan on making their debut in F1 in 2010(with Bernie E's blessing, rumor has it...........

).........and Julian's right; it will be down the road from me.....right in the heart of........stock-car country in Charlotte. They're looking to use the team as a showcase for both American technology and American drivers.........

Julian Mayo · Post by **Julian Mayo** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 6:00 am

Fresh from the steaming mills of the Rumour Factory, still so hot you can fry an egg on it!
Senna has signed with Honda, and he and Button will race this year..........

Julian Mayo · Post by **Julian Mayo** » Sat Feb 14, 2009 7:34 am

Julian Mayo wrote:Fresh from the steaming mills of the Rumour Factory, still so hot you can fry an egg on it!
Senna has signed with Honda, and he and Button will race this year..........

With Ferrari engines, no less

Expect a lot of Brazilian signage on the cars IF they make it, untested, to Melbourne.............................

Julian Mayo · Post by **Julian Mayo** » Tue Feb 17, 2009 6:51 am

BUT WAIT !!!!!!
Branson to buy Honda, and install his good friend, one Mr Reynard in the management drivers seat.
Mr Reynard does own the land, and at least one of the buildings currently leased by Honda.
Seems F1 could be seen as the ideal medium for Branson to promote an alternative fuel he is involved with. He did dabble in F1 before, with Eddy Jordan...............................