Topic: Who will be F1 Champion in 07?

[Otto Puzzell]

Alright then. The '06 title is still too close to call. But next year could be very interesting, indeed. 

Some things to consider: Kimi and Fred are moving to new teams next year. Prost in '93 (Williams) and Senna in '88 (McLaren) are the only drivers to have won the championship in their first year with a new team. That being the case, Giancarlo Fisichella and Felipe Massa may rise to new levels.

Or Maybe Honda finds that little extra something, and Button adds to his sorrowfully low wins total.

Ferrari and McClaren seem to be the cars to beat in the last few races, with McLaren's speed finally lasting to the end of the race (for Kimi, anyway). Fred's going to have a swift steed, indeed.

On the other hand, maybe it was Kimi's blistering pace that resulted in his DNF's at McLaren. Will the Ferrari's legendary lasting power vanish with this new driver?

Or will we see a previously low-ranked team's driver build up a big lead early while the big boys come to grips with new drivers, new tires, etc.?

Please share your thoughts when voting. 

[Jagman]

Kimi.

He's due a good season, and if Schui stays on as test driver, the cars will be set up right. Plus, they have the most experience and best relationship with Bridgestone. I think they'll have a good year.

I also think it's going to be one of the closest competitions in  years, with several teams winning races, and no one team clearly dominating all season, but I think Kimi will have it come years end.......

I think Honda, BMW, Rebnault and McLaren could have really good seasons as well.........

I'd pick Kovalainen as the dark horse...........

[Otto Puzzell]

Wow - only three votes 

[Ultra]

Wow - only three votes 

Which poses a question for us to ponder.......

How do we spread our traffic across the site?

 

I'll get right on it.

[Tifosi]

Four votes...gotta go with Raikkonnen; he's finally got the car to go with his foot.


Dan

[Jagman]

Do you think Kimi might even crack a smile when he finally gets to drive a car that will actually finish a race?

[Otto Puzzell]

<bump>

Perhaps some of our newer members have something to add?

[lynxd67]

Formula 1 next year is going to be a race it seems between the Ferraris and the Maclarens. Renault held back all developement for three months at the end of the season so that  Alonso couldn't take the information with him. Schumacher has bought a chateau here at 30 mins from the circuit which begs the question as to whether Ferrari is going to return to endurance racing with him as driver/director. To be seen. For me it is still going to be Ferrari especially when you look at the budgets. Renault won't be far behind  and Mclaren also. Raikkonen for me.

[MG]

I voted for The Jense. Let me tell you why.

Ferrari, as great as they are (and they are!) has GOT to see some of the pressure inside the balloon escape with the exit of MS and Ross Brawn. Jean Todt has been kicked upstairs, from what I understand, so his focus is at least divided at this time. Ergo, I think that the red cars will be just a smidge off their best, especially at the beginning of the season.

Renault and Fisi?  Don't make me laugh. I LIKE Fisichella, but he is not a top tier driver.

McLaren will be quick but inconsistent as usual. Alonso will better appreciate why The Kimster was so hot to  head for the door after a season of McLaren failures.  Poor Fred thinks ALL race cars are as reliable as the Renault he is used to. He is wrong.

Honda will make the big move in the field, imho.  I know it has been said many times before and always the promise has proved illusory. But Honda is involved in racing all around the globe and second tier is just not why they are in the game.

So, I predict many new faces on the podium, a tight race for the WDC, lots of great racing, multiple surprises and quirks of fate, and Jenson Button standing above the fray when the last wheel turns at the end of the season.

Unless I'm wrong, of course......