Discussion
768 said:
Palmer out then a stint for Kubica until they get someone else in for next season perhaps?
Kubica said in February that he could drive at 80% of F1 circuits, i.e. not those that require a lot of steering angle like Monaco. Luckily, Monaco is already done. Would be good PR for Renault (they could spin it as finally completing the 2011 season or something), results unlikely to be worse than Palmer, and if it doesn't work out no harm done (cf Fisi at Ferrari, Alesi at Jordan, Villeneuve at Renault)Renault says it was a private test. As I understand it they've kept a relationship going whilst he's recovered. He recently tested a GP3 car too - I assume as a "warm up" for this test. 115 laps is a full day testing. It would seem he (or backers?) paid for the tests.
I'm pleasantly surprised he's got this far to be honest, but there must be a lot of questions -how quick was he ? will he be ok in the current cars, which are a lot more physical ? what about street circuits ? will the FIA grant him a super licence ?
I can't help but think he still only stands a small chance of getting a drive.
I'm pleasantly surprised he's got this far to be honest, but there must be a lot of questions -how quick was he ? will he be ok in the current cars, which are a lot more physical ? what about street circuits ? will the FIA grant him a super licence ?
I can't help but think he still only stands a small chance of getting a drive.
I'm surprised Kubica hasn't tried World Rallycross, as it would seem to offer the best outlet for his skill set, as its racing, but combined with some of the rallying loose surface skills he's picked up, plus shouldn't be a problem with driving those cars, and with short duration races would fit with physical issue. Could give him a real shot at a FiA world title as well, which he isn't likely to get with rallying? Mind you with the likes of Solberg, Loeb and Ericsson in it, that's no easy task.
Vocal Minority said:
aeropilot said:
I'm surprised Kubica hasn't tried World Rallycross,
I honestly think he is too hung up on F1 to be wholly serious about anything elsehttp://www.motorsportmagazine.com/opinion/f1/kubic...
Apparently he has been on the simulator testing the current F1 car and been as quick as the current drivers, according to Mark Hughes.
The 2012 cars are a million miles away from the current cars, but I suspect this is to get him acclimatised with the Pirellis a little bit...if more tests follow it can only mean one thing!
My take, and reading between the lines, is that his dream has ended.
Whilst he may have been confident going into the test, or at least hopeful, the reality of the test made it clear to him that he won't be able to race in F1. Sad, but he won't want to toil round at the back, nor will a team employ someone to toll round at the back (Palmer aside).
Whilst he may have been confident going into the test, or at least hopeful, the reality of the test made it clear to him that he won't be able to race in F1. Sad, but he won't want to toil round at the back, nor will a team employ someone to toll round at the back (Palmer aside).
aeropilot said:
I'm surprised Kubica hasn't tried World Rallycross, as it would seem to offer the best outlet for his skill set, as its racing, but combined with some of the rallying loose surface skills he's picked up, plus shouldn't be a problem with driving those cars, and with short duration races would fit with physical issue. Could give him a real shot at a FiA world title as well, which he isn't likely to get with rallying? Mind you with the likes of Solberg, Loeb and Ericsson in it, that's no easy task.
He was going to compete in WEC this year, driving the Kolles LMP1 but pulled out at the last moment.Not sure he'd have the mobility to drive rallycross.
Crafty_ said:
aeropilot said:
I'm surprised Kubica hasn't tried World Rallycross, as it would seem to offer the best outlet for his skill set, as its racing, but combined with some of the rallying loose surface skills he's picked up, plus shouldn't be a problem with driving those cars, and with short duration races would fit with physical issue. Could give him a real shot at a FiA world title as well, which he isn't likely to get with rallying? Mind you with the likes of Solberg, Loeb and Ericsson in it, that's no easy task.
Not sure he'd have the mobility to drive rallycross.Crafty_ said:
I didn't suggest he wasn't driving the WEC car for any physical reason, it was more of a reply to a post or two above that suggest he isn't interested in anything but F1.
Oh he will drive it - its a job of work. I have done work I am not especially interested in as y'know, got to work! But he has been very open in interviews previously about how rallying and other series would be dropped and he wouldn't look back if he could get back to F1.
Crafty_ said:
Palmer "ignoring replacement rumours" http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/354218/palmer-i...
Daine Abbot has more chance of finishing a race than Palmer. 
Andy S15 said:
Absolutely invisible during Montreal, while Hulk was doing a pretty decent job appearing to put the car where it shouldn't be.
Renault should just dump him. Crappy attitude and crappy driving. I'd love to see Kubica back in the car.
Canada was actually one of Palmer's best races of the season if you can believe it! Renault should just dump him. Crappy attitude and crappy driving. I'd love to see Kubica back in the car.
I agree somebody else should get the seat for 2018, I don't think Kubica is up to it though unfortunately.
HustleRussell said:
I agree somebody else should get the seat for 2018, I don't think Kubica is up to it though unfortunately.
I wonder what it would take. Full lock steering seems to be an issue? Would it need a different, wider tub? Or different level of power assistance? Or a rule change?Gassing Station | Formula 1 | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff