Kubica back in an F1 car
Discussion
HustleRussell said:
LankySwatton said:
The problem I have with Kubica coming back is just the fact that it seems unsustainable. I do understand it will be a great story from a marketing/PR perspective, but he’s in his mid-30s.
So even if he does get back on his feet relatively quickly, it’s not like he’s going to still be an option in a couple of years time.
Williams need a driver of 25yrs+ to fulfill Martini sponsorship criteria, which is fine - but think of how many reasonably available 25+yr olds are out there, with far more upside; a wealth of F2 prospects, WEC drivers, as well as some forgotten talents like Red Bull outcast Ant Felix Da Costa.
I guess Kubica would be a more satisfying choice than Di Resta, though...
He's not quite as old as he looks. Turns 33 next month.So even if he does get back on his feet relatively quickly, it’s not like he’s going to still be an option in a couple of years time.
Williams need a driver of 25yrs+ to fulfill Martini sponsorship criteria, which is fine - but think of how many reasonably available 25+yr olds are out there, with far more upside; a wealth of F2 prospects, WEC drivers, as well as some forgotten talents like Red Bull outcast Ant Felix Da Costa.
I guess Kubica would be a more satisfying choice than Di Resta, though...
I like the Kubica comeback because of the remaining options Williams have shortlisted, Robert is probably the best for the wider sport. I will have fingers crossed for him. Everybody loves a triumph against adversity story. Also his appears a distinguished character who adds welcome colour to the paddock amidst seemingly ever younger competition who aren't always the most engaging characters.
Kvyat and Di Resta have had their shot. Still there are mutterings about Wehrlein's attitude. We know that Massa has given his best.
I do feel for the young drivers who fell by the wayside without ever really getting their shot in a competitive car. The Toro Rosso drivers situation shone a light on the mercenary nature of the Red Bull young drivers' program, for example. I'd have liked to have seen Felipe Nasr on the short list. I always thought Vergne and Buemi were probably pretty good.
It would be heartbreaking to see someone behind the wheel who, though looks like him, just is not the same Robert Kubica.
Chances are he will do more or less the same kind of job as Massa, which I guess is alright. I actually think there’s far more equity in Stroll than people are giving him credit for, so perhaps he can start building towards a team leader role sooner rather than later anyway.
Not quite sure what you saw in Nasr, seeing as a very mediocre Ericsson proved he was consistently on the same level.
Buemi, though, has demonstrated his adequate talent in WEC and Formula E as of late, so it would have been nice to see him get the nod.
HustleRussell said:
I do feel for the young drivers who fell by the wayside without ever really getting their shot in a competitive car. The Toro Rosso drivers situation shone a light on the mercenary nature of the Red Bull young drivers' program, for example. I'd have liked to have seen Felipe Nasr on the short list. I always thought Vergne and Buemi were probably pretty good.
I also thought Verne was very good but...Norfolkit said:
MissChief said:
skinny said:
Speed Badger said:
Seems like a 2 year Williams deal for Kubica may be announced imminently. 
A 2 year deal would be pretty brave!! Must have a raft of exit clauses in there. I will also say, if he gets a drive the first time he has an off or doesn't live up to peoples expectations the knives will be out within seconds. I still have my severe doubts about his physical capability, especially with the complexity of physicality of the new cars and when you look at the sheer number of buttons, dials and levels on a modern F1 car 'wheel, I think it next to impossible all the available options could be integrated into fewer dials and buttons. I remain extremely sceptical.
Edited by MissChief on Wednesday 22 November 01:05
MissChief said:
Norfolkit said:
MissChief said:
skinny said:
Speed Badger said:
Seems like a 2 year Williams deal for Kubica may be announced imminently.
A 2 year deal would be pretty brave!! Must have a raft of exit clauses in there. I will also say, if he gets a drive the first time he has an off or doesn't live up to peoples expectations the knives will be out within seconds. I still have my severe doubts about his physical capability, especially with the complexity of physicality of the new cars and when you look at the sheer number of buttons, dials and levels on a modern F1 car 'wheel, I think it next to impossible all the available options could be integrated into fewer dials and buttons. I remain extremely sceptical.
Edited by MissChief on Wednesday 22 November 01:05
I don't think it is restricted. Stroll will also be driving for half of one day. It's just a Pirelli tyre test, similar to the one that McLaren cancelled after the Brazilian GP.
Motorsport magazine are reporting that the deal is all but finalised, with just the details surrounding his pay and the repayment of his previous insurance payout to be resolved.
Motorsport magazine are reporting that the deal is all but finalised, with just the details surrounding his pay and the repayment of his previous insurance payout to be resolved.
To be fair to Kubica he was one of the best drivers on the grid before his accident and was tipped to fight for a World Championship.
Yes he clearly has an issue with his damaged arm/hand but he will not have lost any of the speed or skill set that made him so great the first time.
When "I am hoping" he is announced by William's as a teammate to Stroll in 2018 I would not be surprised to see him get a podium in 2018.
Yes he clearly has an issue with his damaged arm/hand but he will not have lost any of the speed or skill set that made him so great the first time.
When "I am hoping" he is announced by William's as a teammate to Stroll in 2018 I would not be surprised to see him get a podium in 2018.
MissChief said:
I still have my severe doubts about his physical capability, especially with the complexity of physicality of the new cars and when you look at the sheer number of buttons, dials and levels on a modern F1 car 'wheel, I think it next to impossible all the available options could be integrated into fewer dials and buttons. I remain extremely sceptical.
It's almost like Renault or Williams haven't even thought about this ...or assessed him 
angrymoby said:
It's almost like Renault or Williams haven't even thought about this ...or assessed him
Oh I'm sure they have, and debated it endlessly within the team as well. I just have my doubts, as do many others. When Lance has ten different diff settings, fifteen different brake balance settings, twelve different engine maps and can change the map with his left hand then also change the diff setting with his right a second later, will Robert have the same options, and be able to do it in the same time? Or will there only be a restricted number of options because Robert only has three dials and two switches, the switches being for DRS and Pit limiter and one for radio? I have no idea of his level of mobility or strength in his arm, but I still remain sceptical that he will have every options and functions the car and steering wheel are capable of without limitation if they have to adapt the wheel in a major way just for him.MissChief said:
Oh I'm sure they have, and debated it endlessly within the team as well. I just have my doubts, as do many others. When Lance has ten different diff settings, fifteen different brake balance settings, twelve different engine maps and can change the map with his left hand then also change the diff setting with his right a second later, will Robert have the same options, and be able to do it in the same time? Or will there only be a restricted number of options because Robert only has three dials and two switches, the switches being for DRS and Pit limiter and one for radio? I have no idea of his level of mobility or strength in his arm, but I still remain sceptical that he will have every options and functions the car and steering wheel are capable of without limitation if they have to adapt the wheel in a major way just for him.
they adapt to every new driver's steering wheel set up anyways ...it will be no big deal to them& if you watch onboards, setting changes hardly looks frantic
i also remember the f-duct
& iirc Roberts injury limits wrist movement, not finger dexterity
Edited by angrymoby on Wednesday 22 November 17:08
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