EJ Viso has said that he expects that Robert Doornbos will be his teammate. That would mean that Robert is reunited with the team he drove for in 2007.
Doornbos proved in 2007 that he could quickly adapt to the American style of racing and the street circuits. I think he can do the same on ovals. And for me Viso was the most impressing rookie last year, combining talent and a good team. So I think Bobby D and EJ can really impress people in 2009.
By Edd Straw Thursday, December 18th 2008, 11:42 GMT
Sebastien Bourdais revealed exclusively to Autosport magazine this week that he is considering a return to racing in North America if he is left without a drive in Formula One next season.
The four-time Champ Car champion is still in contention for a seat at Scuderia Toro Rosso next season along with Sebastien Buemi and Takuma Sato, but says he will look to return to the states if he is not retained by the team.
"I'm pretty open," he told Autosport. "Right now I need a good programme and America would be an interesting option.
"I have been looking at alternatives (to F1) because that's my job. I need to find a way to make a living, but that's not easy right now - everybody is not willing to commit to any programmes."
A return to Bourdais' former Newman/Haas team is unlikely with the team struggling to raise sponsorship for a second car. Graham Rahal is expected to stay on with the team and Justin Wilson has already been told he is free to look for other drives.
That'd be sad, he's done quite well in F1 at times. Another year would've done him good, but having little Schumi II as his teammate probably hasn't helped his prospects.
A real shame, we had two fabulous ALMS races there. Roger did a lot for the place and turned it back into a great facility. It was awesome to see the circuit back after its absence for a decade. Lets hope its indeed a postponement.
A Belgian site is reporting that Bobby D signed with Newman/Haas/Lanigan as their second driver and that it will be announced on Wednesday. If its true it will of course be wonderful news for the Dutch. It would also mean that we finally have a driver that can win the 500 again.
HC wrote:A Belgian site is reporting that Bobby D signed with Newman/Haas/Lanigan as their second driver and that it will be announced on Wednesday. If its true it will of course be wonderful news for the Dutch. It would also mean that we finally have a driver that can win the 500 again.
Well, as good as Doornbos is, I'd still prefer Justin Wilson to remain in the series which now looks very unlikely...
07.04.1968 - Flower of Scotland when will we see your like again? 01.05.1994 - We'll never forget...
HC wrote:A Belgian site is reporting that Bobby D signed with Newman/Haas/Lanigan as their second driver and that it will be announced on Wednesday. If its true it will of course be wonderful news for the Dutch. It would also mean that we finally have a driver that can win the 500 again.
Well, as good as Doornbos is, I'd still prefer Justin Wilson to remain in the series which now looks very unlikely...
Autosport.com wrote:Power set to fill Castroneves' seat
By Matt Beer Tuesday, January 13th 2009, 09:05 GMT
Will Power is expected to be named as Helio Castroneves' replacement at Penske while the Brazilian prepares for his impending court case.
Team Penske have scheduled an official announcement for 2.30pm local time in Indianapolis today, and team president Tim Cindric confirmed to the Indianapolis Star that Power has been recruited in Castroneves' place.
"While Helio prepares for his court case, we're excited to welcome (Power) to the team. Will has already proved that he's a terrific racer," Cindric was quoted as saying by the newspaper.
Power was set to lose his KV Racing drive this season after main backer Craig Gore withdrew following the IndyCar Series' split with the Surfers Paradise race - which was Gore and Power's home event. The 27-year-old Australian has three Champ Car victories to his name, including the championship's farewell event at Long Beach last year, and made his IndyCar debut in 2008 when the two series merged.
Castroneves was indicted on tax evasion charges last autumn, and his trial is due to begin in Florida on 2 March, just over a month before the 2009 IndyCar Series commences at St Petersburg.
When Penske's efforts to change the trial date for after the season failed, this raised the possibility that Castroneves could be sidelined for part or all of the 2009 championship. It is not yet clear whether Power's deal is for the full season, or just as a stop-gap while Castroneves is unavailable.
The Brazilian, who was Scott Dixon's closest title rival last year, is one of IndyCar's most high profile drivers. He won the Indianapolis 500 in 2001 and 2002, and became a huge star in America when he triumphed in the popular Dancing with the Stars television contest in 2007.
Ryan Briscoe is already confirmed in Penske's second car, so Power's arrival would give the team an all-Australian line-up. Justin Wilson and Ryan Hunter-Reay - who are also on the market as their 2008 teams struggle for sponsorship in the present economic climate - were the other main candidates to replace Castroneves.
I like Power and do rate him, but Wilson and Hunter-Reay just seem much better options.
Penske has always been about american drivers why on gods green earth will he not sign Ryan Hunter Reay? Hes good on all the tracks and given the right car he would be a front runner for sure.