Turner set to leave SEAT & replacement

[SEATFreak]

This is very sad news to me if rumours are true as I feel he was never really given his chance but if we find someone as good if not better than him then that will soften the blow a bit. It won't make me forget Darren but it ought to soothe the sadness of seeing him leave.

So, what do you all think of this rumour and who do you rekon could come in?

http://www.touringcartimes.com/news.php?id=1592

[Henry Cutts]

It's a shame if it's true Darren is a very fast driver! perhaps he wants to go back to sportscars or fancys a go at Nascar he was very good in Stock cars at Rockingham.

[VkmSpouge]

Hope it isn't true, Turner is a very good driver.

[SEATFreak]

Having viewed a post on another messaboard (seatcupra.net) I understand now that you cannot ignore the question mark over the headline. A hint perhaps that nothing is confirmed yet. It isn't confirmed he's staying and it isn't confirmed he's leaving.

But it is a fact, as the post later suggested, to succeed SEAT need a) two strong competitive cars and b) two strong competitive drivers.

But, and again as the poster hoped, Darren really needs to grow some balls or SEAT finds someone different.

DT didn't strike me as a very confident drivers this year. Not prepared to take a whole lot of risks. Jase seemed to, then again he always does, and look where it got him.

[PDS]

If it's true, then somone has landed a good drive for 2008. But until it is officially anounced, lets assume Darren is still in with a chance!

[VXR-4-Eva]

Its a shame he's leaving SEAT. because thats where he got his 1st win.
Maybe he thought plato was gettin better treatment

[SEATFreak]

Its a shame he's leaving SEAT. because thats where he got his 1st win.

Well, nobody has said he is leaving - but nobody has said he is staying either.

IMHO I rekon SEAT would be mad, a closet Mat Neal fan, or both to get rid of Darren so early before properly preparing for next year.

But if he does end up leaving then someone as good if not better than Darren is vital.

[bt52b]

What ever happens, they need a stronger second car to back up JP. It cost them the championship.

Maybe DT doesn't like diesels

[BDunnell]

They don't necessarily need someone to back up Plato. That didn't work when Thompson and Turner played the role in 2006. A second driver who's also capable of winning the title, as Vauxhall have chosen, is probably a better bet.

[Allyc85]

IMO Turners not done a bad job at all. Hes been very unlucky with all the unreliability going his way and at times has just been in the wrong place at the wrong time.

[Ed]

Turner has got potential but always seems to find trouble. If seat want to win next year they need a drive like Thommo or Rydel who you know will finish the races

[WSRfan82]

it will be sad if turner does go. i honestly think if he did stay he would be a championship contender next season he did a good job this season best of luck to him what ever happens

[SEATFreak]

Turner has got potential but always seems to find trouble. If seat want to win next year they need a drive like Thommo or Rydel who you know will finish the races

I know it is extremely early for teams to actually do any serious searching for talent till they get their plans for 2008 firmly in place, but I must admit they are two excellent ideas if it does happen that Turner does decide to leave.

I reckon though Thommo will be at either BMW or Chevrolet next season, or if a new factory comes in, eyeing up a seat there, but although I must admit to not knowing an awful lot about where he could be next year, Rydell would be a good choice if he has options that are very much open. I am sure he won't be at SEAT. He obviously won't be at BMW. Chevy? I am sure Nicola Larini is big enough to have put Anderstorp behind him. But I don't see Chevy changing their lineup and I think Larini and Huff will sign eventualy.

I don't know what SEATSport UK would have to do but did I hear right when I heard someone say SEAT are bigger than Vauxhall financially? Surely Rikard would be daft to not even atleast look at SEATSport UK.

[murrayfan]

YAHOO.... there is a god. he cost jason the champ by begging for a win
at croft

[Captain VXR]

YAHOO.... there is a god. he cost jason the champ by begging for a win
at croft

nope, he was ordered to let Plato past and then Plato let him take the win he deserved :)

[ATF]

True - Darren deserved that win. And JP would have still lost the championship if he HAD won that race! :s

Darren has definitely underperformed but I reckon he deserves another shot in 2008, he is definitely a top driver. He has also had some bad luck this year - eg his great pole at Rockingham then couldn't start race 1!

If SEAT do get rid of him, they would have to get someone equal or better to regain the manufacturers title!

[tdb]

So, maybe this is the works drive Matt Jackson is rumoured to have?

[harry1]

Its rumoured to be Huff!

[murrayfan]

turner could not win on his own merit so they had to "give " him a race .seat need a decent driver how about collard or thommo ?

[VkmSpouge]

turner could not win on his own merit so they had to "give " him a race .seat need a decent driver how about collard or thommo ?

No, Turner had been leading the race and had then let Plato through in order for his team mate to gain a point for leading a lap. Plato then did the right thing in letting Turner back through into his rightful lead. As ATF stated this did not cost Plato the title because those three points would have meant he drew with Giovanardi on 300 points and the Vauxhall driver win the championship by virtue of having more wins.

I'll just quote from Jason Plato:


Darren had very smartly let me past to get an extra point for leading the race, so it was only right that I backed off and let him have back the win which he deserved.

[SEATFreak]

Its rumoured to be Huff!

I know it is all talk based on a baseless rumour when you consider for all we know Darren could resign in a few days but it shows how lively a BTCC debate can get from one rumour.

As I mentioned Huffy has yet to resign for RML. Only Menu has.

And Huffy is a much better racer now he has had time in the WTCC with a top factory and a top outfit like RML running it (who as we all know Huffy was ironically with when we was with SEAT in 2004).

But would he view a return to the BTCC as a feasible option when he is with a top manufacturer in the WTCC who will only be stronger in my view next year?

[tdb]

turner could not win on his own merit so they had to "give " him a race

So everybody let him win TWICE at Knockhill too then did they??

[Ed]

yea only menu has resign for chevy with Huff and Larini still waiting, although going on Larini's recent resutls I would say hes got a good chance of retianing his seat

[tin-top fan]

But would he view a return to the BTCC as a feasible option when he is with a top manufacturer in the WTCC who will only be stronger in my view next year?

If Chevy are not going to renew his contract, and neither BMW or Seat (in the wtcc) want him......then I guess getting paid to race in the BTCC would seem like a pretty feasible option...

[tisme]

yea only menu has resign for chevy with Huff and Larini still waiting, although going on Larini's recent resutls I would say hes got a good chance of retianing his seat


If Chevy are not going to renew his contract, and neither BMW or Seat (in the wtcc) want him......then I guess getting paid to race in the BTCC would seem like a pretty feasible option...

But don't forget guys.. in the words of FIA!

Trust me contracts don't mean nothing in motorsport.

[DazzlaF1]

I wouldnt be suprised if Jonathan Adam got the drive alongside Plato or even Coronel for that matter (maybe that "guest" drive at Thruxton was a taster for things to come)

[ATF]

yea only menu has resign for chevy with Huff and Larini still waiting, although going on Larini's recent resutls I would say hes got a good chance of retianing his seat

I don't know why, I've just never really rated Larini?! He hardly sets the world alight does he? I remember when Alfa were the dominant force in ETCC, Giovanardi always used to beat him race in race out.

Huff getting the SEAT drive would be a good move - still has unfinished business in the BTCC!

[SEATFreak]

I know we are deviating from the point but I think to a degree Thommo's future as a possible replacement for Turner in the shock event the rumour does prove right, does in some way depend on what Chevy have planned for Huff and Larini.

If Chevy do resign Huff and Larini then theirs surely one likely team for Thommo - SEATSportUK. I am looking for a strong paid seat and the only one I can think of is at SEAT. VXR have their lineup for next year with Neal and Giovanardi and no other seat to my knowledge pays out in the BTCC. And as for BMW, Thommo at RBM especially would be a nice thought, but I just don't see a move to any of their teams happening.

But it is the idea of Plato & Thommo in a TDi Leon against Giovanardi & Neal in strong Vectras next season. It is just so exciting not to entertain.

[VkmSpouge]

I don't know why, I've just never really rated Larini?! He hardly sets the world alight does he? I remember when Alfa were the dominant force in ETCC, Giovanardi always used to beat him race in race out.

Huff getting the SEAT drive would be a good move - still has unfinished business in the BTCC!

Larini doesn't set the world alight but he certainly gets on with the job, he's currently the lead the Chevy driver on points this season.

[tdb]

So, maybe this is the works drive Matt Jackson is rumoured to have?

Remember where you read it first!

[tisme]

Why would they pick Jackson when they have all those WTCC drivers to choose from?

Someone told me that Jackson was in line to replace matt Neal in the Civic. He is almost the same height as Neal.

I rekon Thompson will join the SEAT WTCC squad allowing either Muller or Tarquini to return to the BTCC.

[tisme]

Anyway.. i think the answer to your question as to who could replace Turner is here!
http://btccpages.motorsportforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=122713

[BeeJ_UK]

Why would they pick Jackson when they have all those WTCC drivers to choose from?

Someone told me that Jackson was in line to replace matt Neal in the Civic. He is almost the same height as Neal.

I rekon Thompson will join the SEAT WTCC squad allowing either Muller or Tarquini to return to the BTCC.

Muller will not drive against Vauxhall and definently would not team up with Plato

[tdb]

Someone told me that Jackson was in line to replace matt Neal in the Civic.

HAHAHA! good one!

After steve neal calling him various names and stating he would do all he can to undo him?

[SEATFreak]

Back to the point of the thread and attempting to excavate what is left from underneath all this off-topic posts about Nicola Larini, VXR, Mat Jackson et al (And I am sure you would all agree if the boot was on the other foot), fact is the rumour about Darren leaving really in truth should not have started at all. As nice as all this rumour talk is for encouraging positive opinions.

OK, he wasn't the fastest or the most consistent in my view, and he seemed to me to be a little lacking in the courage stakes, but to decide to let him go so early does not make sense. What possible life changing important decision could be made so early?

SEAT have considerable backing. But I am of the view, like any team with strong backing, they need to exercise thought and consideration over each decision.

Does anyone else agree with that? Or does anyone feel it is possible to make a hasty decision and have it work out?

[m0rk]

SEAT have considerable backing. But I am of the view, like any team with strong backing, they need to exercise thought and consideration over each decision.

I wouldn't say considerable... but they don't enter on a half hearted budget to see how it goes....

I think I saw a number ~£3m

But it's a much more integral part of their media/advertising campaign - and much more part of the brand.

[PDS]

Muller will not drive against Vauxhall and definently would not team up with Plato

Why would Muller not race against Vauxhall? SEAT pay his wages, not Vauxhall!

[peewhee]

Remember where you read it first!

Can't see them picking Mat Jackson. He is a better driver than Plato! I would image Plato would have had something to say about it!

[BeeJ_UK]

Why would Muller not race against Vauxhall? SEAT pay his wages, not Vauxhall!

The commentators on ITV mentioned it was part of his terms of racing for SEAT, and I had heard it mentioned before somewhere else that I can not remember.

<BITCH> And I thought that Dynamics paid Matt Neals wages not Vauxhall until next season </BITCH>

[martinbalmer]

Why would Muller not race against Vauxhall? SEAT pay his wages, not Vauxhall!

I was under the impression that Muller simply wouldn't partner (or help) Plato. Nothing to do with driving against Vauxhall.

Likewise, I believe Tarquini would not take up the offer of a one-off drive to help Plato win since he is friends with Giovanardi. I'm sure that for a full season, with equal status in the team, this wouldn't really be a factor.



I wouldnt be suprised if Jonathan Adam got the drive alongside Plato or even Coronel for that matter (maybe that "guest" drive at Thruxton was a taster for things to come)

It doesn't seem like Coronel's appearance was as planned as that. SEAT WTCC drivers didn't appear to be falling over themselves to do it...


So, maybe this is the works drive Matt Jackson is rumoured to have?

Seems very likely doesn't it..?

[tdb]

[quote="BeeJ_UK"]

Apparently not, Matt is already signed to vaxhaul and is Not allowed to do any testing for dynamics! hence the need for a driver who is good at testing.

[tisme]

Matt Jackson is good at setting up a race car!
Perhaps they could settle their differences and let him race the Civic?

[BeeJ_UK]

Apparently not, Matt is already signed to vaxhaul and is Not allowed to do any testing for dynamics! hence the need for a driver who is good at testing.

I do get what you are saying but he was a Dynamics employee at Thruxton but lets not get OT

[SEATFreak]

In an attempt to restore this thread's point to it's original state by somehow linking tdb's post to it, do you rekon as average as he has been, in the unlikely event Scott Dennis does announce to the motorsport press and media sources that Darren is to leave, Team Dynamics could eye up Darren as a test driver at the least?

I personally doubt. I am sure Darren ain't exactly flushed for cash but, and playing Devils Advocate, if he is in a position where he can secure a works drive in say the WTCC (in the wake of Japan being put on the 2008 calendar their are rumours of a Japaneese factory entering), would he choose a paying seat at Team Dynamics?

He is a driver that is good enough for a works seat in my view. He has raced with some high profile drivers like Rikard Rydell, Anthony Davidson and Stephane Ortelli.