2009 Formula 1 Drivers Rumours - First Edition
I know, it is too early to think about 2009 when are yet to go to Monaco in 2008. But some teams and drivers can’t wait to get things going, so here is the first overview.
First to Red Bull - Mark Webber is eager to stay with Red Bull. The talks between Webber and Red Bull have begun already according to Webber himself:
“We are talking now. I am free next year but I am massively keen to stay here, obviously.”
He is massively keen … Given his performances this year I would be surprised if Red Bull were not to retain him. No news on talks between Coulthard and Red Bull yet, but rumours of Sebastian Vettel replacing Coulthard from next year have appeared already. At the moment that is all they are, rumours …
There are speculations that Robert Kubica’s contract may be extended early on in the summer for at least another year. According to Autosport.com there is an option in Kubica’s contract that gives his team the automatic right to sign him up for one more season. The option is said to expire in September so we can expect some announcement from BMW Sauber during summer. Or anybody expects that BMW Sauber would let Kubica go ?
Not that clear future lies ahead of Rubens Barrichello. He would love to make it to the 300 races mark but that would require at least 2 more years in Formula 1. At this moment Honda is not yet ready to suggest that Rubens will be offered new contract. Nick Fry:
“If he is fast, he’ll be here next year. And if he’s not fast, he won’t. It’s as simple as that.”
It looks better for Jenson Button. This is what Nick Fry had to say back in March:
“Our relationship with Jenson and his management is absolutely first class. He’s really been an important part of pulling the team of people that we’ve now got together. Obviously he’s looking towards the future as well, and our objective is obviously to make him world champion. Jenson and the Honda team really are locked solid together. He has really improved year after year, and even though last year was a difficult year for us, I think as a driver and an individual he continued to develop. He’s certainly someone we want on our side.”
It looks like it is more about whether Button wants to stay on Honda’s side now. But where else would he go ?
The rumour mill is likely to gather speed as the season progresses. With several drivers nearing the end of thier current contracts we may be in for interesting times…
You can join and follow the debate on 2009 Formula 1 drivers also in the discussion @ F1Wolf Club !
Photos: Red Bull / GEPA, BMW Motorsport, Honda Racing F1
tags: Tags: 2009 Formula 1 Drivers
Related Posts
- 2009 Formula 1 Drivers Rumours - Second Edition
- Will Super Aguri auction kickstart a new F1 team project ?
- 2009 Formula 1 Drivers Rumours - Third Edition - Return of Sato ?
- 2009 Formula 1 Drivers Rumours - Fourth Edition
- 2009 Formula 1 Drivers Rumours - Fifth Edition
May 16th, 2008 at 12:21 am
i hope alonso moves to either ferrari or bmw