The view seems to be that Ferrari have no obligation to support Italian drivers over others so if this remains the case how long will it be before we see another Italian in F1? Where will they find the support and finance?
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The view seems to be that Ferrari have no obligation to support Italian drivers over others so if this remains the case how long will it be before we see another Italian in F1? Where will they find the support and finance?
The same poll on ital forum would've given a different result ;) Still we won't see any Italian for long time unfortunately...Quote:
Originally Posted by ArrowsFA1
You never know. The thing to remember IMO is that many great F1 drivers have also come good without any particular development program. They just had the talent. The next great talent may well come from Italy.Quote:
Originally Posted by pino
It looks like we are going to have a drought of Italians for many years to come. But who knows, maybe after 10 years situation will have changed, it is a long time.
Looking at history, there was real shortage of (competitive) Italian drivers in the 1970's as well, when the best the country could offer, were the likes of Merzario, Brambilla and Giunti. But somehow this low ended in late 70's, when the influx of Italian drivers began. What was the reason for the upward-swing back then? Alfa Romeo also joined F1 in late-70's, so there was more competition among Italian teams as well.
Good point dude. Mike and Ralf didn't participate in young driver programs. Either did Felipe, Kimi, or Alonso. These guys succeeded at Karting, got into lesser formulae, and made F1 on merit, I'm sure this theme is also true with many others.Quote:
Originally Posted by studiose
Regardless of what Riccardo (here let me let you right through Nige) Patrese’ opinion is on this matter. If Ferrari opens a racing academy it should be for the best candidates regardless of nationality, which is their business!
It would be nice to see Italian drives in a Ferrari, but its not the end of the world if there isn't. Are there any who cut the mustard. Ferarri want to win as mucha s the enxt team and they pay for the driver they feel, that brings them the best chance.
I thought Michael was part of Mercedes' driver programme before F1.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Alcatraz
Ferrari has already opened a racing academy (i.e Bianchi and Pérez are part of it), but there are currently no Italians. But we may discuss, what could be the benefit for Ferrari to sign up an Italian.
Looking elsewhere in the world, it can be mentioned that for instance Force India has started a driver development programme in India, specifically aimed at grooming a top racing driver from this huge country.
Force India Formula One Team Academy - One From A Billion Hunt
Force India F1 Team has strictly hired drivers only with potential and no Indian driver has found its way there yet, and I'd say rightfully so. But obviously they see the long-term benefit in trying to find such driver for the future.
Easy to say...if you're not italian ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by MAX_THRUST
That's a key point IMHO. As long as Ferrari had Schumacher winning everything the future could wait, but there was still an opportunity for them to develop young talent. They didn't and instead spent $m's on established talent in Raikkonen then Alonso. The one driver they had brought through the ranks, Massa, has not become a consistent world beater.Quote:
Originally Posted by jens
I suppose as long as Ferrari can continue to 'buy in' world champions (what are the odds on Vettel being next?) then there's no real issue but I would have thought it's in their interests to invest in the future.
I think you (and some others) and I just disagree on the responsibilities of F1 teams. Let's blame Ferrari for their being no Italians in F1. France went years without any. Where was the outrage then?Quote:
Originally Posted by jens