Formula 1 2007

[deltahf_2]

Although an earlier start than last season's thread, which opened with the official introduction of the Ferrari 248 F1, it seems appropriate to start a new thread now so that discussion of the coming season is in the appropriate forum as we look forward to Kimi and Ferrari bringing home both titles (well, at least I hope so). So here is to 2007 - with promising new talent: Kubica, Nico, and Davidson; a WDC switching teams; Kimi leading Ferrari into the non-MS era; a single tire supplier; and hopefully great racing like we saw at the end of 2006.

[BigFoot]

Amen to that

[DOF_PorscheBMW]

Had Alonso stayed at Renault, I would have said that Ferrari and/or McLaren would have lost again.

IMO, 2007 will be the season of the weak.

1. Renault lost Alonso, so probably Good Bye to both World titles (well maybe thet can get the WCC).
2. Ferrari lost the Terific Trio Todt - Brawn - Scumi, but they are still favorites, simply because others will be even weaker.
3. McLaren, only way to go is up, but they'll need time.
4. Honda, they might play with the big boys in 2007.
5. BMW the only way to go is up, IMO.
6. Toyota, money don't bring happiness.
...The rest irrelevant.

[002]

Title will most likely be fought by Ferrari with both drivers, McLaren with Alonso, and Honda with Jenson. The reason that Ferrari will do better, however, will be mainly because McLaren will continue to be unreliable and Honda will have only its first real chance at winning a few Grands Prix during the season. I suspect that the upper midfield will be very strong as well with Renault (possibly doing okay in the constructors, but definitely not in the drivers championship) and BMW being the best of the rest. Red Bull and Toro Rosso, I suspect will also be in with those upper midfield teams, but I don't expect them to consistently be able to battle with them until 2008.

[deltahf_2]

Here are my 2007 predictions:

1. Kimi will win the WDC title for Ferrari
2. Kovalainen will win race(s) and establish himself as the #1 Renault driver (sorry Fisi)
3. Kubica will win BMW's first race as BMW-Sauber
4. Alonso will rue the day he went to McLaren and sign with NASCAR
5. Jenson will go another 115 races before winning again
6. Toyota will still disappoint
7. Cover-boy Nico will be eclipsed by Kovalainen and Kubica

I think in the end it will be Ferrari's reliability that will win the day, although the race craft of Brawn and MS will certainly be missed. MS won many of his victories with strategy, and that will be lacking. Renault will do well, but McLaren will be again caught out by its unreliability. BMW will continue its rise. Honda will be the second-tier leader, close but not quite there and it will take another miracle for a Honda victory. Williams will suffer from its budget woes, Toyota from thinking money solves everything, and the other teams will be where they were last year.

My 2007 race winners: Kimi, Massa, Kovalainen, Kubica, Heidfeld, and Alonso.

[Hit an Apex]

So will there be any passing on the track in F1 2007?

There sure wasn't any this year.

[81gtv6]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hit an Apex So will there be any passing on the track in F1 2007? There sure wasn't any this year.

[TASOS CHATZ]

Martin Brandle (ex F1 driver and now an employee by ITV, tv channel) recently interviewed Ferrari's no1 Kimi R. When KR was asked why he didn't attend MS's awarding by Pele he answered: "I was having a sh*t" and then he repeated the answer in German language. Brandle responded with humour "now your car will be lighter". Well, I 'll wait and see if he is going to put his mouth where his word is (or is it the opposite) but since Ferrari's basic trio is not in at the current time and KR is not known for organising teams the way MS did, maybe he will have a real light car by spending his time in a positive and constructive way.

[deltahf_2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hit an Apex So will there be any passing on the track in F1 2007? There sure wasn't any this year.

[alfaguy]

I believe Ferrari has to be favoured for the 2007 season because of reliability and their experience with Bridgestone tires. I think we will see the youngsters, Kovalainen and Kubica winning races.

I also think that Red Bull Racing could be the dark horse for 2007. The last time Adrian Newey designed a car with a Renault engine in the back it was a world beater!

[rloewy]

I think McLaren will be much better this upcoming year - since they basically stopped development on the 2006 car after mid-season and started working on the 2007 car (the same way that Ferrari did in 2005). Given that they have the best driver in the field - and possibly the 2nd best one if Hamilton is going to be given the 2nd seat - I have a feeling they will regain their 2005 form - but Alonso will be more calculating than Kimi was and will be easier on the machine.

I would not discount Alonso so quickly from the WDC picture - I think he has a good chance to go for a hat trick.

[Azzurri GTV]

Quote:

Originally Posted by deltahf_2 Hey, stop trolling!

[Mr. C.]

Do you guys think Kimi will run away with season or will Massa give him a fight? Will Ferrari allow a battle?
I think Massa will be very strong.
Alonzo is stiil a very very good driver. As has been said here, his year will depend on the car.
As of now, I don't see any team running away with season but that is based on last year which really means nothing.

[Sprintn]

To answer Hit An Apex's question... I don't think we will ever see an increase in passing in F1 until the cars go back to slicks, and start relying heavily on Mechanical grip and much less on Aero grip. IMHO

Sprintn

[Palmer]

I think Massa will give Kimi a close run for race wins, just like Giles and Jody in 79. Given the very good spread of young talent throughout the field that should lead to a close drivers championship. As for the constructors, I think Ferrari must be favorites given all the development work with Bridgestone over the past seasons, all of the ex Michelin will be playing catchup for the first few races. Can't wait for it to start.