Quote Originally Posted by Mark
DAMON HILL, WILLIAMS 1996
Leading the championship by a large margin and on his way to victory. He was sacked 3/4 of the way through the season which left him with little option but to drive for Arrows the following year. Rather unusual in the least to fire the driver who is leading the WDC and went on to win it. Of course his replacement Heinz Harald Frentzen proved to be quite average.
I kind of agree, but Williams felt that Frentzen had more natural talent. I think that was likely true, but HHF never managed to access much of it as he struggled at harsh Williams, and with his team-mate's mind games. I hear Damon turned own a Jordan drive for '97 though as Arrows offered more money...? I think that was a tough decision, as with the confidence of being champ, he my well have taken te '97 crown too.

WRC Nomiations
FREDDY LOIX, PEUGEOT 2004
Maybe this was fair, but I always felt it was a bit tough on Freddy to get sacked after just 2 rounds.

GILLES PANIZZI, MITSUBISHI 2005
A podium followed by a good 8th in Mexico (first gravel rally since Finland 2004 and only 3rd of any kind since) boded for a good season or Panizzi, but he was quietly and unofficially dropped in effect. The real villian of the piece was Max Mosley who seemed to make it his prsnl mission to rid the WRC of as many star drivers as pssible.

COLIN MCRAE, CITROEN 2003
A poor season by Colin's own admission, but new FIA rules forced Citroen's hand and a decision that then team boss Guy Frequelin called the touhest of his career.

P.S. my keyboard is extremely bad and missn letters out al thtime, though I am pressing hem hard enough! Please excuse te gaps - I'm so tired of keepingoing bac and correcting. To think 'm typing letters/CVs to emplyers at the mo!