F1 closed season 2012-13 - drivers, testing, rumours, etc

[Grenoble]

What a great season. Epic and down to the wire. Pleasure to watch every race.

I thought I'd start this to focus on the remaining driver moves, team changes, rumours and then testing

From a quick check:

Force India 2nd seat
Lotus 2nd seat
Caterham 2nd seat
Marussia 2nd seat

HRT dissolution being made official

Most test drivers still TBC.

I would guess at at least one senior manager change at Ferrari (as the scapegoat).

Anything I have missed / overlooked?

[cuprabob]

I think Bruno Senna will get the 2nd Caterham seat

[Grenoble]

Senna to Lotus? He's been a very consistent points scorer, though arguably not made the most of what seems to be a fast car.

Otherwise Alguersuari or Kobayashi to Lotus?

[KaraK]

cuprabob said:

I think Bruno Senna will get the 2nd Caterham seat

Hopefully not.. not that I have anything against him per se but I just don't think he's done enough to justify a continued seat in F1.

[HustleRussell]

Is it looking like we are going to have only 22 cars on the grid in 2013 then?

[Grenoble]

HustleRussell said:

Is it looking like we are going to have only 22 cars on the grid in 2013 then?

Looks that way. HRT offices are closed, design team gone, nothing but debt and a few uncompetitive cars and apparently a lawsuit on it's way to them from Toyota. All the (rented) facilities in the wrong country, etc, etc.

No doubt Bernie will be positioning something for 2014, but he's probably happier that HRT don't get replaced with something equally slow (or slower).

[HustleRussell]

Wouldn't it be interesting if the FIA permitted a team to enter a couple of 2014-spec cars? I know, it's a silly idea and it'd never happen, but it strikes me that 2014 brings with it a ot of doubts and uncertainties and it might be a way to get some testing on the new powertrains and tyres. It'd be a huge financial cost to the team introducing the car but could represent a huge advantage to that team and it's engine provider in 2014.

[delays]

Post in the BBC Rumours column that Barrichello fancies grabbing a Caterham seat.

What do we think - likely?

[cuprabob]

delays said:

Post in the BBC Rumours column that Barrichello fancies grabbing a Caterham seat.

What do we think - likely?

Don't think there is much chance of that.

[DiscoColin]

delays said:

Post in the BBC Rumours column that Barrichello fancies grabbing a Caterham seat.

What do we think - likely?

Only if he has backers wanting to put a big bucket of cash behind it. Much as I'd like to see it, I suspect not. I'd expect Kobayashi or Senna to be more likely for that one. I really don't know who is going to end up in the Lotus seat, just that Lewis Hamilton will wish that it was him as I fully expect it to be better than the Merc again.

Isn't the Marussia one as good as nailed on to Max Chilton or something?

[bravonovember]

DiscoColin said:

Isn't the Marussia one as good as nailed on to Max Chilton or something?

I hope not. He can't drive a greasy stick up a dog's arse.

[HustleRussell]

delays said:

Post in the BBC Rumours column that Barrichello fancies grabbing a Caterham seat.

What do we think - likely?

That'd be amazing!

[Crafty_]

Rubens?
I think he's forever the optimist. Mind you he did have some backing when he was trying to keep the Williams seat didn't he ? I wonder if he could get those deals going again ?

They might be interested in his experience too ?

I was wondering today about engineer / team changes.. if the rumours are to be believed Merc have been/are expanding the team, be interesting to know how many people have been moving around..

[delays]

DiscoColin said:

Only if he has backers wanting to put a big bucket of cash behind it. Much as I'd like to see it, I suspect not. I'd expect Kobayashi or Senna to be more likely for that one. I really don't know who is going to end up in the Lotus seat, just that Lewis Hamilton will wish that it was him as I fully expect it to be better than the Merc again.

Isn't the Marussia one as good as nailed on to Max Chilton or something?

Believe so, although I'm about as informed as someone who regularly reads the usual blogs. As in - I wouldn't be at all surprised if he gets the race seat.

I'd like to see Alguersuari make a return, however Kovalainen hasn't officially gone yet either.

[Grenoble]

I'll throw one into the mix - Vettel hasn't got a manager. Michael is now retired with no conflict of interest. He doesn't need the money.

So.. Schumacher to start managing/representing Seb.

[Crafty_]

Maybe, but at the moment he's aiming for work with mercedes: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/104614

I'd like to see Jaime back, but I don't think he has money behind him ? His selling point is tyre knowledge.

What about the Lotus seat ? Will Grosjean stay or will they take on someone else ? I don't think Bruno would go back, would he ?

What about test drivers, who is signed up already?

[FourWheelDrift]

Grenoble said:

So.. Schumacher to start managing/representing Seb.

Yoda said:

"Always two there are, no more, no less: a master and an apprentice."

[drakart]

Watch out for di resta leaving Force India. Sutil in and possibly Kobayashi taking second seat...

[Grenoble]

FourWheelDrift said:

Grenoble said:

So.. Schumacher to start managing/representing Seb.

Yoda said:

"Always two there are, no more, no less: a master and an apprentice."

Indeed. I'd love to see Schumacher going out to find the future WDCs and sponsoring a few up the ranks. Aside, of course, from his son. I wonder...

[TheHighlander]

There's rumours of Rubens Barrachelo (spelling) having a Catheram seat....