Anthony Davidson to call Ferrari this week to personally offer his F1 services

[Giuseppe F1]

http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/090824115626.shtml

Davidson keen to put himself in the Ferrari frame
24/08/09 11:56

Davidson taking the direct approach with Ferrari

Anthony Davidson has vowed to offer his services to the Ferrari team as a potential replacement for the struggling Luca Badoer.

"I will be speaking to Ferrari personally this week to put my name forward," said the 30-year-old Briton, who was BAR/Honda's long time test driver and raced for Super Aguri as recently as last year.

Davidson travels to all the races as a commentator for British radio, and due to his reserve duties for Brawn GP earlier this year he already has a current Super Licence.

He said Badoer, who at Valencia began substituting for the injured Felipe Massa, did not perform to the F60's full potential in Spain.


"Luca was not anywhere near scoring points and that car is capable of doing that," Davidson is quoted as saying by the Daily Telegraph newspaper.

"I'm ready and I think I'm better. That's not being arrogant. It's just what I believe. I've got the necessary experience that I'll get my chance in Formula One - so why not at Ferrari?"

Source: GMM
© CAPSIS International

[Mark]

But he won't have driven during the season this year either?

Plus I thought the problem that they were having is that they didn't want to contract a driver from another team who will then go back to them and tell them all Ferrari's secrets.

As recently as the 1990's it used to be common for test drivers from one team to fill in as a race driver for another team. Or even have a back of the grid race deal but also test for a top team.

[ioan]

I hope Ferrari won't chose another perfect test driver. :\

[Knock-on]

What a great idea. Can't wait to see Garry's response :laugh:

[CNR]

But he won't have driven during the season this year either?

Plus I thought the problem that they were having is that they didn't want to contract a driver from another team who will then go back to them and tell them all Ferrari's secrets.

As recently as the 1990's it used to be common for test drivers from one team to fill in as a race driver for another team. Or even have a back of the grid race deal but also test for a top team.

in this case what could he find out that would be of use ?
"the Englishman, who currently operates as Brawn GP's reserve driver"

[ShiftingGears]

Well, nothing to lose by trying.

[F1boat]

What a great idea. Can't wait to see Garry's response :laugh:

LFMAO!

[Garry Walker]

"I'm ready and I think I'm better. That's not being arrogant. It's just what I believe. I've got the necessary experience that I'll get my chance in Formula One - so why not at Ferrari?"


How does one comment on such level of self-delusion? But sure "ant", call Ferrari, the guys at the factory do need a good laugh after such a difficult season and I couldnt possibly think of anything funnier than someone like "ant" offering to drive for Ferrari.


What a great idea. Can't wait to see Garry's response :laugh:

:rotflmao: That really did make me laugh.

[Sonic]

Well there are worse choices......but there are better ones too.

I did try the same thing at Williams in '99.......gave the mechanics a very good laugh.

Although they did tell me to come back in ten years. Anyone got Franks number?

[5001]

He has not raced a F1 car for 15-18 months. Badoer before Sunday had not raced one for ten years. If I was the Ferrari boss I would take him up on his offer

[leopard]

F1 is as much as possible minimizing room for trial and error problem solving. I can't remember vividly how good was Anthony driving, I reckon he wasn't significantly better than Sato :D

[ioan]

He has not raced a F1 car for 15-18 months. Badoer before Sunday had not raced one for ten years. If I was the Ferrari boss I would take him up on his offer


What for? They already have Badoer for the laughs. Why change one clown for another?

[DexDexter]

I'm going to call Ferrari as well, I used to race RC cars a while back :) .

[jens]

Davidson would do better than Badoer, no doubt. But I like that Fisichella-option more, which has been rumoured.

[acescribe]

There is a list of drivers as long as your arm who could do better than Badoer. I'm surprised that Bourdais' name hasnt been mentioned more given who he is managed by and that he has raced this year.

[truefan72]

good for Davidson,

but he better be careful yto not overestimate his abilities. Because if he steps in, anything less than a top 10 would be considered an embarrasment to him based on his comments. If hj does get the job and can't deliver points, then he can pretty much kiss his F1 career goodbye. The pressure to deliver on that seat has just gotten hotter. So whoever takes over is expected to do more than significantly improve over Badoer. Anything less than a points finish would look disappointing, with car now a regular prospect to podium.

[Saint Devote]

I say that David Coulthard would trounce ALL of the above names, has beaten Schumacher and has only been out of racing for a few months, does not have any nagging ailments, is a proven race winner with Mclaren and has an incredibly smooth driving style.

Lets hear it for David!!!

[ShiftingGears]

I say that David Coulthard would trounce ALL of the above names, has beaten Schumacher and has only been out of racing for a few months, does not have any nagging ailments, is a proven race winner with Mclaren and has an incredibly smooth driving style.

Lets hear it for David!!!

Coulthard was terrible in his last year. I don't see why he'd be any better than that if he returned.

[ioan]

I say that David Coulthard would trounce ALL of the above names, has beaten Schumacher and has only been out of racing for a few months, does not have any nagging ailments, is a proven race winner with Mclaren and has an incredibly smooth driving style.

Lets hear it for David!!!

:down:

Probably better than Badoer, but no thanks, let's have someone really better.

[Roamy]

Well, nothing to lose by trying.

Oh great old bullsh!t saying. I guess I will sit down tonight and write a love letter to Jennifer Lopez - I am sure she will dump old marc for my old ass. Well nothing to lose!! Wrong idea

Although Ferrari is screwing up Ant's chance are about as good as mine!
He may get arrested for Stalking :p :p

[F1boat]

So I guess that you believe that the drivers should just not try to do anything at all. They should willingly let some "young hotshoe" to take their place?
Well, IMO it is worth a try, although I prefer Luca to the Ant.

[SGWilko]

What Ferrari need is a driver who;

Has CURRENT F1 experience, and

relevant experiance with KERS.

Now, who has those credentials........

.......and IS available..........?

[BeansBeansBeans]

Although it is only for a short period it's still a Ferrari F1 drive. One would think they'd look for a high-quality driver to take Massa's place rather than scouring a never-ending list of has-beens and never-weres (Badoer, Coulthard, Sato, Davidson, Bourdais, Piquet....blah, blah, blah.)

[woody2goody]

Coulthard was terrible in his last year. I don't see why he'd be any better than that if he returned.

I wouldn't say 'terrible'. Worse than he had been, but not terrible.

He got on the podium if I remember.

Either DC or Ant would do well for Ferrari.

[BeansBeansBeans]

If Anthony Davidson was as highly-rated in the paddock as he is on the internet he'd already be in the Ferrari.

[Tazio]

I think Ferrari would prefer to keep as much technical data,
and other propreitary information in house.
That is why the seat will stay within the "Family" IMHO

[F1boat]

I think Ferrari would prefer to keep as much technical data,
and other propreitary information in house.
That is why the seat will stay within the "Family" IMHO

Very interesting theory!

[nigelred5]

I agree with Tazio, they already pay another driver-Gene. I doubt we'll see anyone currently outside of the Ferrari payroll for the remainder of the year. Ferrari isn't in the position of auditioning drivers for next year. They aren't in the hunt for either championship and they already have too many drivers for next year as it is. I think Badoer was keeping it off of the wall at Valencia. He's still going to be slow at Spa, but I don't expect him to be 2.5 seconds off since the track has a little more room to breathe. I suspect any further decisions on the driver are pending awaiting the evaluations Massa is undergoing in Miami. If there's still a possibility of Philipe returning before the end of the season, they will probably just hang on and gather data. If he's officially scrubbed for the season, then we may see Gene at or after Monza and possibly even MS before the end of the year.
I think there may be some sentimentality at work to allow a long time Ferrari test driver his swan song in a Ferrari at Monza.

[52Paddy]

I think Ferrari would prefer to keep as much technical data,
and other propreitary information in house.
That is why the seat will stay within the "Family" IMHO

Good one. Its so easy to look beyond the seemingly obvious at times. Kudos to you sir. :up:

[Mark]

Good one. Its so easy to look beyond the seemingly obvious at times. Kudos to you sir. :up:

So obvious I mentioned it in post #2 :p

Now if you want someone with 2009 experience, then Piquet and Bourdais are available! Neither of which have driven a KERS car, however.

[ioan]

What Ferrari need is a driver who;

Has CURRENT F1 experience, and

relevant experiance with KERS.

Now, who has those credentials........

.......and IS available..........?

Piquet and Bourdais.

[ioan]

Either DC or Ant would do well for Ferrari.

Good joke! :up: :)

[ioan]

So obvious I mentioned it in post #2 :p

Now if you want someone with 2009 experience, then Piquet and Bourdais are available! Neither of which have driven a KERS car, however.

AFAIK Piquet did drive a KERS car this season.

[ioan]

I agree with Tazio, they already pay another driver-Gene. I doubt we'll see anyone currently outside of the Ferrari payroll for the remainder of the year. Ferrari isn't in the position of auditioning drivers for next year.

Ferrari are rumored to be searching for a real 3rd driver for next year. It seem that Fisi is the preferred one but I don't see why they wouldn't sign Piquet Jr. either given that he is out of a drive.

Also Domenicali already stated that they stopped teh developement of the F60 after felipe's accident as it is obvious that keeping 3rd in the constructors championship won't be possible with McLaren coming strongly and Badoer propping up the time sheets.
He also said that next year's Ferrari will be a new concept that's why they will not develop any further this season's car.

Given all these I don't know what a driver could learn about Ferrari and bring to another team, especially that Ferrari is a KERS equipped car with a very different philosophy from most of teh other cars on the grid.


I think there may be some sentimentality at work to allow a long time Ferrari test driver his swan song in a Ferrari at Monza.

Going by the comments from Domenicali choosing Badoer was a mix of sentimental and political decision done by LdM, and even though they will most probably let him drive at Spa, I doubt they and even he would like to live with the embarrassment of a Ferrari coming last in Monza. :\

[Tazio]

So obvious I mentioned it in post #2 :p

:arrows:

[Somebody]

What's the Italian for "You are on hold. Please wait"? :)

[woody2goody]

I reckon Fisi, Liuzzi and Ant are too good to be Ferrari's reserve for 2010.

A better bet would be Piquet or even Kimi if he leaves to go to the WRC.

Surely M. Schumacher could do it. He's at nearly every race, plus his neck will have healed by then.

[ioan]

Surely M. Schumacher could do it. He's at nearly every race, plus his neck will have healed by then.

It's been 6-7 months since his crash and it didn't heal yet, so I wouldn't bet it will good to go again any time soon, sadly.

[jens]

I reckon Fisi, Liuzzi and Ant are too good to be Ferrari's reserve for 2010.


Too good or not, but if they fail to get any race drives for 2010 (which is their main aim), then being a Ferrari reserve driver is probably better than being nowhere...

[jens]

I say that David Coulthard would trounce ALL of the above names, has beaten Schumacher and has only been out of racing for a few months, does not have any nagging ailments, is a proven race winner with Mclaren and has an incredibly smooth driving style.

Lets hear it for David!!!

Says the guy, in whose opinion all experienced drivers should be thrown out of Formula One.

[gloomyDAY]

I wouldn't say 'terrible'. Worse than he had been, but not terrible.You're right. DC wasn't terrible, he was awful.

I've never seen a man punt so many cars off the track.
The commentator box is exactly where he needs to preside.

[Saint Devote]

Coulthard was terrible in his last year. I don't see why he'd be any better than that if he returned.

I wouldnt use the word terrible - but the point is compared to all the drivers mentioned he would do far better.

[Saint Devote]

You're right. DC wasn't terrible, he was awful.

I've never seen a man punt so many cars off the track.
The commentator box is exactly where he needs to preside.

The point is compared to people such as Davidson et al he is not bad. In the Ferrari I doubt he would have been on the Badoer planet in any way.

Do not sell Coulthard short - the "experienced" drivers being mentioned not only as replacement for Ferrari but the new teams are utter clunkers compared to Coulthard.

[52Paddy]

So obvious I mentioned it in post #2 :p

Sorry Mark. I usually consider posts from the admin invalid in terms of a discussion.











:p :

[gloomyDAY]

don't forget your cape!

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c123/killincommies/superman.jpg

[Garry Walker]

I reckon Fisi, Liuzzi and Ant are too good to be Ferrari's reserve for 2010.

Too good?
Liuzzi, Ant? Too good???

Thats too indeed, too funny that is :D

[Valve Bounce]

It's been 6-7 months since his crash and it didn't heal yet, so I wouldn't bet it will good to go again any time soon, sadly.

I reckon SchM will be well and Trully ready in 3 or 4 months time with specialist treatment and exercises to strengthen his neck once again. The thing here is, if he is a three car team with Massa and Fernando, who will be the team leader and lead driver?

In this case, Ferrari are also in the wonderful position to trial several drivers over the winter and decide who will best be a support third driver.

[ClarkFan]

What Ferrari need is a driver who;

Has CURRENT F1 experience, and

relevant experiance with KERS.

Now, who has those credentials........

.......and IS available..........?
No one - that is their problem.

But I agree with Tazio - why farm out the seat and the chance to learn Ferrari methods in exchange for a driver with a shot at collecting a (very) few points? Ferrari is still be racing, but they aren't playing for 2009 any more. And none of the pickups mentioned in this thread have more than a 0% chance of being in the red cars in 2010.

The only feasible upgrade is if Schumacher recovers enough to fill in until Massa is fit.

ClarkFan

[ClarkFan]

I reckon SchM will be well and Trully ready in 3 or 4 months time with specialist treatment and exercises to strengthen his neck once again. The thing here is, if he is a three car team with Massa and Fernando, who will be the team leader and lead driver?

In this case, Ferrari are also in the wonderful position to trial several drivers over the winter and decide who will best be a support third driver.
Under the current rules, I don't see the point in that exercise - 3rd drivers are fully as useful as the tits on a boar. If Badoer hasn't gotten in the car, these guys have no real mission - Ferrari tests as much as any team, but their 3rd driver hasn't spent any time in the current car. Any driver voluntarily opting for being a 3rd driver is just looking for a pension - they have to show up Grand Prix weekends, but can't race GP2 to stay sharp and can't drive the F1 car to stay current.

ClarkFan

[truefan72]

You're right. DC wasn't terrible, he was awful.

I've never seen a man punt so many cars off the track.
The commentator box is exactly where he needs to preside.

:up:

[macksrallye]

I find it interesting that nobody has mentioned what an "outsider" could bring to Ferrari. Everyone is talking about what Davo etc. can take away (which i believe is currently not a lot) but not what they can bring to the team.

If i was a senior member of the Ferrari team & we'd just decided to develop next years car & leave this one as is you get a driver in from elsewhere (ie: Ant Davison as he has tested what is currently the best car out there) don't let them see anything about the new car & pump as much information & feedback on the old car as is possible out of him & put it in the new car. In the mean time you have Badoer & Gene furiousally testing the new car in preparation for next season.

I'll admit i'm not a whiz on F1 but i just thought that this was an interesting way of looking at it.

[Mark]

It's certainly true that amazing things can happen if some effort is put into a recovery, just look at Mark Webber. When Schumacher hurt his neck the expectancy was that he wasn't going to be racing so wouldn't have put a massive effort into getting himself fit again (relatively speaking, I expect Schumachers retirement fitness regime would still finish most of us off!)

[Knock-on]

It's certainly true that amazing things can happen if some effort is put into a recovery, just look at Mark Webber. When Schumacher hurt his neck the expectancy was that he wasn't going to be racing so wouldn't have put a massive effort into getting himself fit again (relatively speaking, I expect Schumachers retirement fitness regime would still finish most of us off!)

Sod Schumacher. This fitness regime nearly finished me off :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEYe-XVbL6g&feature=related