Marco Andretti F1 bound?

[gahjeen]

http://www.planet-f1.com/News/Story_...905013,00.html

Indy Car starlet Marco Andretti enjoyed a succesful test with Honda at Barcelona but wants to improve his pace over a single lap.

The 19-year old completed 137 laps over two days of testing.

The American ran Honda's RA106 car in both wet and dry conditions and said, "It's been awesome to have the chance to get back in a F1 car this week and I would really like to thank the Honda team for giving me this second opportunity."

"So the weather was actually quite useful for me and I've now experienced a little bit of everything in only three days.

"I was happy with my long run pace over the test but the one lap times are something that I am sure would come with further time in the car."

The Honda team were impressed with Andretti Jnr over the course of the two days.

"It has been a pleasure to have Marco Andretti with us this week and to give him a further opportunity in the 2006 car," said engineering director Jacky Eeckelaert.

"Once again Marco has shown a high level of ability, given his relative inexperience, and his long run pace in particular was quite impressive."

 

[Juice]

Hmmm...I smell something sweet brewing. I wouldn't mind Honda dropping a certain Brazillian from the roster....

 

[schuey1010]

Marco F1 2008......with Honda

 

[92 white 0650]

Sometime yes, but now now. It was only a couple of years ago he was throwing up a hail Mary pass and scaring the bejesus outta me in the Turn 5 Cyclone at Thunderhill !! Natural talent? yes. Mature beyond his years? yes. Wise to move now? No.

I think it's too soon and this is merely a media splash.

 

[schuey1010]

According to Curt Cavin of the Indianapolis Star, Marco may return to the seat of the Honda F1 car on new turf—his own hometown of Indianapolis—as a Friday practice driver at the eighth United States Grand Prix on June 15th.

 

[|Adeel]

I don't have anything to add to this thread exept that with my Gocart experience, hundred-and-something laps over 2 days would make my arms hurt and my neck would probably snap. I can't imagine how good shape F1 drivers are in for dealing with this amount of power and g-force through corners

I admire these guys so much I can't even describe it.

 

[NSXGMS]

Hmmm...I smell something sweet brewing. I wouldn't mind Honda dropping a certain Brazillian from the roster....

Yeah, I'm with you there but the truth is Rubens is a good, servicable and most importantly, cheap option while Honda figures out how to get their car faster and keep their engines from blowing.

A superstar rookie would be nice but I think in the big picture a veteran like Rubens can give a team on the verge of greatness better feedback and that's essential right now.

 

[gahjeen]

I can't imagine how good shape F1 drivers are in for dealing with this amount of power and g-force through corners

How about this fact?

An average F1 driver looses about 4kgs of weight after just one race due to the prolonged exposure to high G forces and temperatures for little over an hour.

I have a concept of temperature/heat vs. hydration but G forces too?

 

[Juice]

All good points, but I disagree with a lot of the logic. While RB has the experience under his belt, right now there is essentially no need for it. He has his mind set on how he is going to drive. He is working for Honda F1, not with them. He does not have ANY level of commitment to Honda in the manner of a TEAM effort. From where I sit, he is not here to develop with the team. He is merely sitting in.

Now Marco is a different breed. He is a up and coming racer, and he has immense natural talent. But most importantly, he wants to work with Honda in a relationship like fashion. I would rather see Honda develop their cars and drivers together, not sequentially. It is a much rougher road to take, but it develops a bond between team, driver, and manufacturer that is now missing from F1. Not to mention the benefits of developing a car to a driver's talents instead of the other way around. What good is having the best driver in the field if he has absolutely no loyalties to your team?

And with that question you can see the difference between what we have in Marco and Rubens. RB will come back for another year, and he will fail just as he has been doing because he is losing his pride, he doesn't care for Honda, and he doesn't want to sit behind Button. I would rather see 2 years of the Kid struggling, than RB not even trying.

 

[NSXGMS]

All good points, but I disagree with a lot of the logic. While RB has the experience under his belt, right now there is essentially no need for it. He has his mind set on how he is going to drive. He is working for Honda F1, not with them. He does not have ANY level of commitment to Honda in the manner of a TEAM effort. From where I sit, he is not here to develop with the team. He is merely sitting in.

Now Marco is a different breed. He is a up and coming racer, and he has immense natural talent. But most importantly, he wants to work with Honda in a relationship like fashion. I would rather see Honda develop their cars and drivers together, not sequentially. It is a much rougher road to take, but it develops a bond between team, driver, and manufacturer that is now missing from F1. Not to mention the benefits of developing a car to a driver's talents instead of the other way around. What good is having the best driver in the field if he has absolutely no loyalties to your team?

And with that question you can see the difference between what we have in Marco and Rubens. RB will come back for another year, and he will fail just as he has been doing because he is losing his pride, he doesn't care for Honda, and he doesn't want to sit behind Button. I would rather see 2 years of the Kid struggling, than RB not even trying.

If Marco is really that good then yes, throw him in there. But experience counts for something. He did out-drive Button several times in 06.

All I'm saying is there's no reason for him to lose his pride. He's got a sweet gig. Where does he want to be? I think by now he realizes he's never going to be world champ and he can either a) be a #1 for a crappy team or b) be second banana on a top team.

Also, in terms of loyalty and relationships, Alonso certainly didn't have an problem winning as a lame duck. Kimi was also in the same boat and pushed that McLaren as fast as it could go.

Massa proved that as long as you have the best car you can step in and drive well. Ferrari didn't design that car with Massa in mind. He was a temporary option who grew beyond anyone's imagination during 06. Massa adapted himself to that car. He earned his place as Ferrari's permanent #2. But Rubens would have been pretty capable for Ferrari in 06 as well. I understand that he was tired of being a professional #2 but there's no way he thought he was going to surpass Button either.

The way I see it at this point in Honda's development it really doesn't matter. Until Honda gets their car figured out in terms of reliability and speed the second driver is somewhat immaterial. You could have Kimi and Alonso driving and Honda would not win the championship.

I would have liked to see them retain Davidson because I think he is a better driver than Rubens. I'm all for having the best drivers in at all times and there's something to be said for youthful fire but experience is important. If Rubens isn't trying then dump him but I'm not sure if that's the case. Again, I'm not sure where he'd rather be.

 

[Juice]

I agree with you. Honda is definately in need of a winning car. I seeth frustration durring F1 season any more. And you are right about Davidson too.

This year should prove interresting all around. I just find it nice being able to come on here and talk F1 with others. My friends rather watch chicken on a rotisserie than F1, or any racing for that matter.:smile: