Marco Andretti to Test Honda F1 Car

[MAX_THRUST]

How many more drivers are Honda going to string along with ideas of F1 for them just to never happen? I think it is sad that Honda keeps it drivers with the idea of progression into the world of F1. Good luck to the kid, but he hasn't got nearly enough experience on road coures yet, especially European tracks, a year in GP2 would be the best next move, then F1. Marco would be better off going to Nascar with all the other drivers that aint ever gonna make it to F1. Remind me if I get this wrong PLEASE!!!

[F1boat]

How many more drivers are Honda going to string along with ideas of F1 for them just to never happen?

IMO Marco for now is fully focused on the IRL championship and Indy 500.

[Jag_Warrior]

How many more drivers are Honda going to string along with ideas of F1 for them just to never happen? I think it is sad that Honda keeps it drivers with the idea of progression into the world of F1. Good luck to the kid, but he hasn't got nearly enough experience on road coures yet, especially European tracks, a year in GP2 would be the best next move, then F1. Marco would be better off going to Nascar with all the other drivers that aint ever gonna make it to F1. Remind me if I get this wrong PLEASE!!!

I also think he'd be better off going to GP2 for a season or two, and then trying to break into F1 (if he shows the necessary skill and speed). As for going to NASCAR... how would he do that? As far as I know, he's never driven ANY sort of stock car. What top or even mid-pack team would take him on? Even Paul Tracy couldn't find the speed to make the transition possible. A.J. Allmendinger was offered a contract, before he proved it was within his abilities, and now look at him (so far, anyway). Danica Patrick (and her father/manager?) talked about her going to NASCAR. But again, the closest thing to a stock car that Danica's ever been in (AFAIK) was a Ferrari 550 or 575 GTS car... and she didn't exactly shock the world with her speed in that. She talked about her ability to produce TV ratings for NASCAR... not about her ability to race, or even qualify for a race = pure PR stunt on her part. IMO, it would take Marco as many years in ARCA and/or the Busch Series to get into NASCAR Nextel Cup, as it would take for him to work up through the Formula One ladder. Tony Stewart (even though I can't stand him) made the jump with great success. I believe (hope) that Juan Montoya can do the same.

Increasingly, the best young drivers in North America are looking more at NASCAR than at either open wheel series. The competition is thick and deep. And if you're able to win, the money rivals that in F1. If you're decent, the money is still better than what either open wheel series can offer. NASCAR is now a desired destination, not a resting place for the half talented, or for those who can't find seats elsewhere.

So I hope that Marco makes this his last season in North America (for awhile anyway). I don't say that because I want to see the IRL lose its most promising rising star. I want to see an American make a mark in Formula One! I'd say most of the people on this board weren't even born when Phil Hill and Dan Gurney were making noise in Europe. If young Marco goes, I figure he and Graham Rahal can decide which one of them is going to be THE American in Forumula One.

And hey, if either or both wash out in three or four years, they can always come back to the U.S. and race against pretty much the same cast of characters who are in the two series now. I just don't see anything spectacular happening in the AOWR scene in that three or four year time span.

[beachbum]

Jag, it is nice to read a fair and well thought out message on the forums. I think you are on the mark in every area, althought I am sure there will the few diehards who won't agree.

[F1boat]

I still fail to see whu he should give up his Indy dream for GP 2. Never have either F3000, nor F2 created F1 champion. Honda has already noticed him. IMO Marco should become IRL champion and win the 500, if he can, and then, if Honda wants him, go into F1.
About NASCAR, nothing against the series, but I hope that Marco stays in open wheel racing.