Ralf signs for Toyota Shocker
Discussion
Didn't see that one coming. Err, oh hang on....
Full story here
I'm not convinced this is that great a move for Toyota. Yep they've got a big budget but signing Ralf just equates to the same thing as BAR and Villeneuve a few years ago for me.
>>> Edited by venom on Wednesday 7th July 13:21
BBC Website said:
Toyota have confirmed that Ralf Schumacher will drive for them in 2005.
Schumacher, who had been widely expected to leave Williams for Toyota, has signed a three-year deal with the Japanese team.
The German might not get to race again for Williams after fracturing vertebrae at the United States Grand Prix.
Toyota boss Tsutomu Tomita said: "He's proven himself to be extremely quick. I'm sure his vast experience will be extremely beneficial to our team."
Full story here
I'm not convinced this is that great a move for Toyota. Yep they've got a big budget but signing Ralf just equates to the same thing as BAR and Villeneuve a few years ago for me.
>>> Edited by venom on Wednesday 7th July 13:21
Except that Villeneuve was at least a World Champion.
I don't think that anyone who follows Motorsport can really understand this one. Ralph has proven that in order to go quick he needs a perfectly sorted car. Signing to a team that needs a development driver and one that can drive around problems does not Schumacher Junior suit.
I can only conclude that the board of Toyota thought that they were getting his brother.
I don't think that anyone who follows Motorsport can really understand this one. Ralph has proven that in order to go quick he needs a perfectly sorted car. Signing to a team that needs a development driver and one that can drive around problems does not Schumacher Junior suit.
I can only conclude that the board of Toyota thought that they were getting his brother.
Ralph has said he wants to do at Toyota what Michael did at Ferrari, but I don't think he has the talent as a driver or a team motivator. He also won't be bringing the likes of Brawn & Byrne with him. I don't see Toyota making a significant breakthrough unless they up-sticks and move the team to England, where the expertise is. It'll be interesting to see if Ralph drives for Williams again this year, and who they use if he doesn't, Gene didn't do himself any favours in France but I see he's been confirmed for Silverstone.
I wonder what Gazza thinks of all this, word was that he didnt think much of Ralfy when he was with him at Jordan, hopefully they will get a competent second driver, Webber is linked? Although havng said that I would now rather see Mark in the Williams.
And whats this Jenson is reported as saying he isnt sure he will be with BAR after nextyear?
Let the silly season begin!
>> Edited by LancsDriver on Wednesday 7th July 21:30
And whats this Jenson is reported as saying he isnt sure he will be with BAR after nextyear?
Let the silly season begin!
>> Edited by LancsDriver on Wednesday 7th July 21:30
Gazboy said:
mg511 said:
Ralph has said he wants to do at Toyota what Michael did at Ferrari, but I don't think he has the talent as a driver or a team motivator. He also won't be bringing the likes of Brawn & Byrne with him. I don't see Toyota making a significant breakthrough unless they up-sticks and move the team to England, where the expertise is. It'll be interesting to see if Ralph drives for Williams again this year, and who they use if he doesn't, Gene didn't do himself any favours in France but I see he's been confirmed for Silverstone.
Germany ain't that far away, and besides, the Germans and the Japanese are pretty quick developers. Makes no sense for Toyota, perfect sense for Ralph- Toyota will be a big player by the end on next season.
The big problem Toyota have in Germany is not only recruiting top people but the very strict employment laws, which make it very difficult to sack people. Mike Gascoyne is trying to make sweeping changes but all the people he tries to get rid of end up on 'gardening leave' and remain on the payroll, which gets very expensive with F1 salaries
mg511 said:
The big problem Toyota have in Germany is not only recruiting top people but the very strict employment laws, which make it very difficult to sack people. Mike Gascoyne is trying to make sweeping changes but all the people he tries to get rid of end up on 'gardening leave' and remain on the payroll, which gets very expensive with F1 salaries
I think Toyota can afford it - it has the biggest budget in F1, after all.
Ahonen said:
mg511 said:
The big problem Toyota have in Germany is not only recruiting top people but the very strict employment laws, which make it very difficult to sack people. Mike Gascoyne is trying to make sweeping changes but all the people he tries to get rid of end up on 'gardening leave' and remain on the payroll, which gets very expensive with F1 salaries
I think Toyota can afford it - it has the biggest budget in F1, after all.
Ferrari still top dog for budget I think, and Toyota top brass are cutting back their F1 spending if you believe the article I read (can't remember where)
Big mistake I think.
Ralph will get into the project with enthusiasm to start.
Inevitably however, there will lots of problems, and I reckon Ralph will just lose his fizz and go to sleep mid race ( as he so often does )...
There might be the odd flash of promise, but I don't think that this is going to work....
Ralph will get into the project with enthusiasm to start.
Inevitably however, there will lots of problems, and I reckon Ralph will just lose his fizz and go to sleep mid race ( as he so often does )...
There might be the odd flash of promise, but I don't think that this is going to work....
Is it me or is there something not quite right with that boy?
1) behaves like a big girls blouse when things don't go right.
2) allegedly did not penetrate Jordan when they slept together
3) "wife" does not appear to be around very much and wedding attended by only Mr & Mrs M Schumacher. Was marriage arranged by manager Willi Wobbler to maintain appearance that his client is hairy chested hetero man of action to keep sponsors, team, fans etc happy?.
4) Son produced in double quick time. See 3) above
5) rumour a little while ago on Popbitch that a married F1 driver got a little bit too excited when having a massage and asked if masseur would like to play with stiffie
1) behaves like a big girls blouse when things don't go right.
2) allegedly did not penetrate Jordan when they slept together
3) "wife" does not appear to be around very much and wedding attended by only Mr & Mrs M Schumacher. Was marriage arranged by manager Willi Wobbler to maintain appearance that his client is hairy chested hetero man of action to keep sponsors, team, fans etc happy?.
4) Son produced in double quick time. See 3) above
5) rumour a little while ago on Popbitch that a married F1 driver got a little bit too excited when having a massage and asked if masseur would like to play with stiffie
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