Davidson: I can do a better job than Badoer

[Wanta996Gotta]

Anthony Davidson is planning to get into contact with the Ferrari bosses over the next few days to discuss the possibility of replacing the unimpressive Luca Badoer.

Italian Badoer made a disastrous return to Formula One this weekend in Valencia, starting last on the grid and finishing 17th in the race. He also received several fines for speeding in the pit lane and was also handed a drive-through penalty for touching the white line while exiting the pits.

Ferrari have already hinted that they may replace the 38-year-old if he doesn't perform better at the Belgium Grand Prix.

Davidson, whose F1 career was cut short after Super Aguri decided to withdraw from F1 at the end of the 2008 season, believes he could do a better job than Badoer.

"I will be speaking to Ferrari personally this week to put my name forward," the Englishman, who currently operates as Brawn GP's reserve driver, is quoted in The Telegraph. "Luca was not anywhere near scoring points and that car is capable of doing that.

"I'm ready and I think I'm better. That's not being arrogant. It's just what I believe. I've got the necessary experience that I'll get my chance in Formula One - so why not at Ferrari?"

This could turn out badly if given the chance but i admire his audacity

[petergb]

If you don't ask, you don't get.

[patmahe]

To be honest, I think Davidson is a slightly above average driver, I think Badoer is an average driver, yes Davidson would probably be quicker but probably not as quick as he (or many on here) seem to think.

For me personally I'd either stick Gene in the car or someone with extensive experience of an 09 race car, probably Bourdais.

[CooperD]

Sebastian Bourdais would be my choice. Has raced this season and has experience of the Ferrari engines. He would certainly score more points for them than Badoer in the constructor's championship.

[stephen300o]

My mother has also said she would like to give it a go replacing Badoer.

[Scuffers]

Much as I like Davidson and think he probably is a better driver these days, I don't think he would do any better at Spa than Luca...

the whole world is slagging him off, but I think considering the situation, he did OK, I personally feel he will do much better at Spa.

[Wanta996Gotta]

stephen300o said:

My mother has also said she would like to give it a go replacing Badoer.

[JonRB]

Just goes to show how stupid the ban on in-season testing is. How on earth are test drivers supposed to keep to stay current?

Edited by JonRB on Monday 24th August 16:52

[Rude-boy]

Wanta996Gotta said:

stephen300o said:

My mother has also said she would like to give it a go replacing Badoer.

My favourite of the weekend was "...an asthmatic snail with a serious injury after a particularly heavy Sunday lunch."

[FourWheelDrift]

Wanta996Gotta said:

stephen300o said:

My mother has also said she would like to give it a go replacing Badoer.

I thought it was her on Sunday.

[freedman]

Badoers showing at the weekend was pitiful

I'd take Davidson or anyone else half decent to be a second and a half quicker than him without breaking sweat

The testing ban is a red herring and is just being used to excuse him

Doesnt seem to have affected Grosjean and Algusuari too badly does it?

Edited by freedman on Monday 24th August 17:38

[kevin ritson]

Exactly, Badoer was dreadful. And if anyone thinks that's unfair and it was nice of Ferrari to reward his loyalty, well there are millions of people that Ferrari could give a Formula 1 drive to as a nice gesture. This is top-level sport, not a Red Letter Day.

[acf8181]

kevin ritson said:

Exactly, Badoer was dreadful. And if anyone thinks that's unfair and it was nice of Ferrari to reward his loyalty, well there are millions of people that Ferrari could give a Formula 1 drive to as a nice gesture. This is top-level sport, not a Red Letter Day.

Agreed


The number of drivers that would most likely have shown better is very very very long.....i.e. half the gp2 field, and anyone with f1 experience in last couple of years

[Dunit]

As Kimis getting some good results now you would would think that they would try to get a guy who could get a few points to help out in the manufacturers championship.
Maybe they stuck Luca in the race last weekend hoping that he could cause a few safety car incidents and help Kimi get to the front on the restarts!!

[stephen300o]

FourWheelDrift said:

Wanta996Gotta said:

stephen300o said:

My mother has also said she would like to give it a go replacing Badoer.

I thought it was her on Sunday.

No way. Ever seen an F1 car corner on two wheels?

[Ian Davidson]

Ant's biggest downfall as a racing driver package, has always been his modesty. Good on him for sticking his neck out.

I think it's doubtful though. Shame.

[Mini1275]

My dogs free from next week?

[rubystone]

I agree that they need someone with experience of both the 2009 spec cars and the circuits too. Spa is familiar to most drivers, so it's not such an issue. Piquet could be a good bet...or Liuzzi as an outside chance

[Jungles]

Frankly, Bourdais would be a better bet than Piquet. He has much more formula racing experience, and is probably no slower than Piquet in terms of raw speed.

[Miss Pitstop]

My opinion is that whilst Badoer is a good driver, he isn't a racer. That's why he has been on the test team for much of his career.

He may have an excellent feel for the car and can give good feedback to the team, but when 19 other blokes get out on track with him he's just out of his comfort zone.

I'll be at Spa this weekend, and I've done a track day there last year. Can I have a go, please Mr Domenicali!?