Poll Who will get the Williams 2nd seat?

[Greenlantern101]

I think they will take the quickest driver or they would only be testing one of them and having Massa as the backup if they aren't quick enough.

If they are both within a tenth or 2 of each other though that is where it comes down to a gut feeling.

 

[RasputinLives]

I think it's a tenth or two or even half a second shy it's Kubica. Di Resta has had access to the Williams simulator for two years and driven the cars on countless occasions. I'd say he should be clear of Kubica and if he's not it shows what a good job Bobby did.

 

[Il_leone]

It is all pointing towards Kubica and it is worth the risk for Williams... I just wish someone tell Massa to go and spend more time on the beach

 

[cider_and_toast]

The problem for the driver who does eventually get the role is that they are joining a middle ranking team with absolutely no chance of winning the title and in truth, only likely to make the podium in the event of high attrition races.

Williams are never going to be the force they were in the 80's and 90's as they simply don't have the money, quality of design team or their own major engine deal. It's a sad state of affairs but one that's not going to change whoever gets the seat.

 

[Greenlantern101]

The money should all change in 2020 leading to a fairer closer F1.

Oh look a flying pig.

 

[cider_and_toast]

An historical example of how that conversation goes:

2003 (Williams 2nd in the Championship) - "Everything is fine in F1. No need to change anything"
2004 (Williams 4th in the Championship) - "Everything is ok. No need to change anything"
2005 (Williams 5th in the Championship) - "Hmmm not sure things are ok with F1. Perhaps we could look at cost cutting?"
2006 (Williams 8th in the Championship) - "Now seriously guys we need to work together to review this system. We urgently need cost cutting measures"

Meanwhile at Red Bull

2005 (Red Bull 7th in the Championship) - "Cost Cutting would be a very good idea"
2006 (Red Bull 7th in the Championship) - "How about that cost cutting then guys. We agree with Williams. We need to work together"
2007 (Red Bull 5th in the Championship) - "We'll never get anywhere without some sort of financial fair play"
2008 (Red Bull 7th in the Championship) - "Come on now, this is serious. We need a money saving plan"
2009 (Red Bull 2nd in the Championship) - "Well let's not be too hasty now. Maybe it's not so bad after all"
2010 (Red Bull 1st in the Championship) - "Cost cutting? I'm sorry, and you are?"

 

[Il_leone]

cider_and_toast Can I cheekily add the man in charge seeing Williams zoom down the wrong end of the pitlane was Sam Michaels

Williams tend to dominate when they have a great engine partner except for 1979-1981 when they cracked the ground effect much better than Lotus did

1985-1987 it was clearly the Honda engine that gave them such a performance advantange

1992-1997 with the exception of Schumacher -the Renault engine with the Newey chassis meant it was the class of the field

2002-2003 The BMW power with Michelin tyres ought to have bought more victories but Williams did not capitalise and they got complacent that the Michelin tyres was masking the performance of the chassis

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Whilst I agree that Williams are mired in the midfield at best especially since they seem to be subservient to Mercedes, it is still good team to start off with to apply your craft from any upcoming driver.

It depends in future what engine Williams will get and partner with ..could even Audi VW consider teaming up with them ?

 

[RasputinLives]

Nope. Audi have made it very clear they have no F1 plans.

 

[Dartman]

But Porsche haven't which is basically the same group, and when it comes to F1 engines it will be Audi and Porsche engineers with perhaps a few other specialists or consulting engineering groups to design and test it.

 

[RasputinLives]

Porsche and Audi are the same thing? How come they've been competing against each other in WEC and are about to in Formula E?

 

[Dartman]

Porsche and Audi are the same thing? How come they've been competing against each other in WEC and are about to in Formula E?[/QUOTE]
I said the same group, not the same thing, it has been well known over the years for the same group to enter various events competing against each other, think of Bentley and Audi at Le Mans. Marketing and money are not for the likes of us, they operate on various planets apparently.

 

[FB]

And Volkswagen in the WEC, Seat in the WTCC. They use their brands to compete in various categories.

 

[Il_leone]

Peugeot and Citroen are the same group yet they were competing against each other in Rallying. It is a matter of preference in terms of branding

I mean Marchionne wants Alfa back in F1 who will also part of the same group as Ferrari,

Renault and Nissan alliance means they prefer not to compete against each other

As for Audi/ Porsche interestingly there is suggestion that Porsche are considering teaming up with Red Bull when you consider talks with VW brokedown after the diesel emissions scandal
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Back to Williams - Massa is now saying contract talks are on hold after Kubica's tests and we're finally going to get an announcement soon and lets hope its not

 

[Il_leone]

Announcement not due until end of season apparently and Paddy will not rule out signing Wehrlein - the incentive apparently is a cut price on the engine and they are trying to play down Martini's requirements by dismissing driver age as a factor

 

[Il_leone]

Now Massa is saying Kubica is not fit enough nor is Di Resta good enough

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/massa-kubica-di-resta-williams-drive-970197/[BG=][/BG]

Someone just needs to tell Felipe to go

 

[teabagyokel]

Possibly true, but not an argument to keep Massa, I’m afraid.

 

[Olivier]

Maybe Williams will keep Massa and will hire Kubica as test driver and when they feel the pole is ready, they switch.

 

[teabagyokel]

I’m assuming you meant Pole rather than pole. I’m imagining Williams pushing purple pole syndrome too far.

 

[Olivier]

Yeah. Pole as in polish

 

[Greenlantern101]

Can we all just agree if Williams take Pascal they will no longer be ANYONE'S favorite team.