JV to LeMans

[Hondo]

Well Mark, in 2004, BAR's first full season without Jacques and the last season under that "moron David Richards that knows nothing about Formula 1", BAR took 2nd place in the Constructors Championship. Beyond that, BAR has been on a downhill run since Richards left. Jacques continued to drive for Williams after winning the Championship so in fact Williams decline started while Jacques was still there although Jacques was not responsible for Williams being stuck with a dog of an engine. There are those that gleefully point out that Jacques goes faster in a car once the engineers listen to and obey his set-up requirements. The flip side of that is that the engineers feel the car would be faster still if Jacques would use the electronic systems and drive the car in the manner the engineers designed it to be driven. Thats what drove Patrick Head to make the statement that Jacques made winning the WDC harder than it needed to be. Jacques took a dominant car and made it almost average. Remember what a tough go Jacques had trying to come to terms with the technology of the Renault car in the last races of 2005? Exactly why do you think F1 teams don't fall all over themselves trying to hire the man? Do you really think it's because he's "outspoken"? I have yet to see or hear of any team that has said they want him back. Why is that?

I am unaware of Michael Schumacher threatening to quit on a yearly basis but few doubt his value to the team in terms of driving ability and technical feedback. The respect he got from the team was earned through results, not demanded due to past results. Don't forget how bad Ferrari was before Michael, Todt, and Brawn came together.

Although speculative, I for one believe Kubica got points and a podium that Jacques wouldn't have got if he had stayed. I think Jacques believes it too. Thats why he left.

Fousto, I believe Peugeot will have to pay him to drive and I think with his own car he would do well. With his unique set-up requirements, I'm not so sure he'll do well with a shared car. Although considered a Jacques basher, I have said many, many times that Jacques need to drive in a series that does not allow the level of technology that Formula 1 does. Thats why the guy did so well in CART. It was up to him to drive the car, not just pilot it around the track. As far as NASCAR goes, for $18 million, he could field his own Busch team. I think they want the $18 million to pay off sponsors and to hire a driver if Jacques walks out halfway through the season. Sort of a performance bond, as it were. If he really wants to continue racing he would probably do well in NASCAR although right now the major NASCAR players probably doubt his level of commitment.

[Roamy]

Fiero Most of us JV fans feel the Bar car was JV development efforts and have since gone astray. Also in 97 ferrari was using illegal TC so in fact the car JV was driving was not dominant. But Head is too stupid to get it just as he was the 4 corner setup. I feel if BmW flops this year it will again be like the Honda car. Development and setup is mainly the separation considering if all things get equal.. Speculation on BMw year end sucess is just dreamland. Now if BMW comes out this year and kicks ass then be my guest in bashing JV. And also lets just wait and see how the peugeot goes. He gets the first taste Feb1.

I would really like to see Jv and JPM go head to head. However if I were Toro Rosso I would get JV in the car somehow. Keep in mind BMW has a race winning engine so where is the problem. They have the best computer and wind tunnel. So based on everyone info they should just step up and kick ass this season. so lets see. Also if I were JV I would jump into that Canadian A1 car and see if I could win that championship also. So the long a short is that if BMW sucks this year Jv fans win a moral victory if the do well I will be the first to sign your book.

[Hondo]

JV would probably do very well in A1 but he doesn't seem to have any interest in continuing with open wheel racing. I don't think Berger would hire Jacques.

You know, if all this wind tunnel and computer design stuff continues, it's only a matter of time before all the team's cars look exactly alike. The data the engineers see will all be the same.

I agree that the BMW season results are based on speculation, but Kubica just looked like he was trying harder to make things happen.

Also, as you brought up a year or two ago, JV's vision is probably causing him problems as he ages.

[race aficionado]

mokin: I hope JV gets his ride soon, no matter where.

As long as he has the spirit and gusto and balls to strap himself up on a racing four wheeler so he can do what his great fan base says he does best, then we the racing fans should all be happy.

bring it on!

[Roamy]

JV would probably do very well in A1 but he doesn't seem to have any interest in continuing with open wheel racing. I don't think Berger would hire Jacques.

You know, if all this wind tunnel and computer design stuff continues, it's only a matter of time before all the team's cars look exactly alike. The data the engineers see will all be the same.

I agree that the BMW season results are based on speculation, but Kubica just looked like he was trying harder to make things happen.

Also, as you brought up a year or two ago, JV's vision is probably causing him problems as he ages.

yea I had lasik late in life and it took me a couple of years to adjust my depth perception back. Right after I had it I really noticed braking difficulties. I almost rammed a lot of sh!t before I got it handled.

[Roamy]

Hey Race - what are you doing up so late - Watching Hilary announcements

[race aficionado]

Hillary Who??

Well we will finally get to know how far they will let her go.

Let's see what she brings on to the table, but better yet, let's see what others have to offer.

But back to the topic,

let's see what our guys bring to the table this year.

JPM is ready to rummble, let's hope JV ges the chance too.

mokin: