Kobayashi's fan sponsorship - who would you pay for a seat?

[garycat]

So Kamui's seat at Caterham is largely paid for by his fan club and good on him for being able to do that, he is a very entertaining driver.

Who would you like to see in an F1 car, how much would you contribute?

(Mr Chilton is excused from answering this question)

[Tc24]

I can think of quite a few drivers from years gone by, but of the current crop, I think Robin Frijns should definitely have a race seat. He's been impressive in lower formula, and didn't look bad at all when I saw him drive at the Silverstone YDT last summer.

I thought Sauber dropping him would have killed his F1 hopes, but fortunately Caterham have picked him up.

How much would I stump up? Probably about a tenner at the moment!

[Vaud]

I think we have missed the boat, but V Rossi. In the new era, Marc Márquez. But I doubt either would need funding. In the latter I would dearly love to see a driver brave enough to transition between 2 and 4 wheels - and between series. A Moto-GP / F1 / Indy title holder would be something to behold.

I remember Justin Wilson had a fan based sponsorship system years back - very nice guy to meet and chat to BTW - I wonder how his sponsorship model worked out?

[P-Jay]

Heikki would get a couple of quid from me - I don't think he's WDC material, but he's a great driver and his very public decision to not go begging around for backers got my respect. Catherham really screwed him.

[Oldwolf]

Kevin Magnusson might get a tenner from me, he seems to be quick and capable

[mikecassie]

Anthony Davidson, it's a pity he never got a better car to showcase his skills in.

[CocoUK]

Today:
Hulkenberg? - A few quid to move him up the grid...



Recently:
Bruno Senna
One. last. chance...

Timo Glock
He's done some good things behind the wheel, but then he's already had five years at it!

Petrov!
Although I'd stop short of actually dipping into my pocket I would be happy to see his 'happy-face' return & mix things up with his 'driving'.

Alguersauari
He shirley has way more to offer than has been seen?



Blasts from the past:
Kubica - might cost a fair few quid mind
Montoya - up against Maldonado, wowsers!
Sato? Nakajima? - as a backup for Kobayashi - F1 needs one erratic Japanese driver on the grid

[rubystone]

Vaud said:

I think we have missed the boat, but V Rossi. In the new era, Marc Márquez. But I doubt either would need funding. In the latter I would dearly love to see a driver brave enough to transition between 2 and 4 wheels - and between series. A Moto-GP / F1 / Indy title holder would be something to behold.

I remember Justin Wilson had a fan based sponsorship system years back - very nice guy to meet and chat to BTW - I wonder how his sponsorship model worked out?

It worked and he paid the investors back handsomely. But it only worked because of his success in the US. Nice chap indeed. Jolyon Palmer is following his lead now. Wouldn't surprise me if he didn't end up in the US.

I'd love to have seen Sam Bird follow this model. I personally think he is better than any other contender.

[CharlesAL]

Some of the up-and-coming British drivers, James Calado and Sam Bird. Also Robin Frijns needs to have an F1 seat. I'd like to see Jaime Alguersuari back too.

[CocoUK]

Sam Bird is a great shout - is he still testing with Mercedes this season?

[noell35]

Martin Brundle.... with a live commentary.

[garycat]

CharlesAL said:

Some of the up-and-coming British drivers, James Calado and Sam Bird. Also Robin Frijns needs to have an F1 seat. I'd like to see Jaime Alguersuari back too.

That's a good shout with Calado & Bird. I'd give about £25 to see a decent young Brit in a seat, they could have a PH smiley on their car and a few lucky PH'ers would be guests of the team at Silverstone.

[woof]

I don't really understand why anyone would pay for a seat at Caterham and to finish last or second from last at every race. Surely they're better things a driver could be doing with their time, rather than just making up the numbers.

Rossi's paying $20 million for that 3rd seat and the drive in GP2 (GP2 seat costs $1-2million)

[rubystone]

CocoUK said:

Sam Bird is a great shout - is he still testing with Mercedes this season?

No. I think he has some sportscar drives. Di Resta is in pole for the Merc reserve position.

[belleair302]

Sam Bird isnt worth the money in my eyes. It is a tough call. There are companies who will invest in drivers, ie Gravity Motorsport, Red Bull and a Finnish Rally organisation but the risks are huge. The best bet is a young charger, who needs £50-100,000 to get up into F3, this is where the money can be made, and also from Clio's etc into WTCC or GT's.

[rubystone]

belleair302 said:

Sam Bird isnt worth the money in my eyes. It is a tough call. There are companies who will invest in drivers, ie Gravity Motorsport, Red Bull and a Finnish Rally organisation but the risks are huge. The best bet is a young charger, who needs £50-100,000 to get up into F3, this is where the money can be made, and also from Clio's etc into WTCC or GT's.

Trust me, £50k goes nowhere in Euro F3 which is the only one to be in. And only 3 teams there have the ability to provide a title-winning car.

[CharlesAL]

Sam Bird might still get a drive in the young driver test, as Paul di Resta won't be eligible for it.

[egor110]

Isn't Rob Austin doing something like this in touring cars?

I think you buy shares in his company, in the world of bike racing Gino Rea had fan sponsors last year to keep him racing and Jenny Tinmouth does the same.

[weyland yutani]

I think KOB was silly to turn down the sportscar deal with Ferrari to drive at the back of the grid in F1.

[Justaredbadge]

rubystone said:

It worked and he paid the investors back handsomely.

Are you sure about that...