Renault has today confirmed driver for the 2009 season. After months of speculation about Alonso, the French could hold the double world champion. According to the press statement, he has even extended by two years, the second year is probably only an option that is linked to a specific service. I guess that is at least third place in both of his World Cup championships. Somewhat surprising is because even the contract extension of Nelson Piquet Jr. His performance was so, apart from his fortune in Hockenheim, not really berrauschend. Alonso was ironing his team-mates in every single workout, from the race too, of course. But the alternative would not have been much better.
It already so that Piquet Jr. has quite a good speed. He has, at least for now, not what it takes to compromise Alonso but the Spaniard also belongs to the three best riders in the world. As a good number two are good but should picket all. The Briatore left him in the team, may also have something to do with the massive changes have come with the 2009 season at all. Similar to BMW you probably thought you could start trying out with a team in the new season starts, that knows and whose operations do not have to be readjusted.
Piquet's contract runs but only one year and one can imagine that Renault expects the Brazilian finally reasonable results. After all, who wants to compete in the Constructors' Championship, which takes two strong riders. This can be seen in 2008 with McLaren and BMW, where Kovalainen, Heidfeld and had quite a weak phases. In the background, Renault with di Grassi and Grosjean own two young drivers who will step up pressure on Piquet.
Now that Alonso is the market will not happen much anymore. Senna should dock at Honda, Barrichello could lose its place, but the chance at Torro Rosso is yes definitely still there. Force India will do nothing, because I do not think it will replace Paul di Resta for Sutil, even if McLaren should enter. The Scot will have to put in a learning year in GP2.
In other news:
The FIA has confirmed that the engines have to hold three races in 2009. That will probably provide for all the producers that they will first go down a little in performance.
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The extension of motor control in 3 races I like that because there is a consistent challenge of engineering, which also costs, especially for (engine) customer team can help you save.
Steward-making processes should be revised and made more transparent:
http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/11/8653.html . There will be a new video-review system and the curricula vitae of the commissioners, explanations of decisions, etc. be published on the FIA website. Because I'm curious if they learn for next year even if the decisions themselves what, because that's really what matters. ^ ^
Unfortunately I could never read out whether the "engines - Joker" will continue to rule.
Does any of you what?
I'm actually a little surprised that Nelsinho remains. How did you already mentioned, there are currently on the market no good boys of the potential-well obtain directly. Technically he is not at speed so badly.
I'd rather have a di Grassi next year saw the Renault. Nelsinho has convinced me over the last few years in either GP2 or in Formula 1. Without his famous name, he would certainly not come further than in the Formula 3. (As Bruno Senna also IMHO)
@ TamSee:
Remains, as far as I know. Is in three races ok too.
@ & @ Xenic NoteMe:
Piquet has the speed phases. It fell to just over and over that he had problems on unfamiliar routes for him to be fast. Second place at Hockenheim at the end, however, was also moved out well.
di Grassi I'd also rather interested in the Renault, but maybe that happened in 2009 so yet. If Piquet messes up again so he will be gone by the summer.