Report: Ross Brawn to Go On Sabbatical in '07

[mp356a]

http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/formulaone/30144/

I'd figure that's it for MS then. Without the brilliance that Ross brings, he's just another good driver.

[Dutton]

If this turns out to be true, well, indeed, it will be fascinating to see how things go.

I don't think we can read into it that it means Michael is gone, as Jean signed on for another year (means inconsistency if we are going to try use such things as an indicator).

Perhaps the idea is that Ross will return if it all goes nuts up, but will slip off into the distance if things go OK.

[Rockmunky]

Perhaps the idea is that Ross will return if it all goes nuts up, but will slip off into the distance if things go OK.

That's what i was thinking, but i also think this will have an effect of whether MS chooses to stay on or leave.

[shambles]

The BBC reporting a Ferrari denial.

[Hazard]

Originally Posted by martin-1

The BBC reporting a Ferrari denial.

Quoting a Ferrari spokeman saying only:
"It's just speculation. We will know the structure of the team (for 2007) only after the end of the season."

That's not exactly a denial

[shambles]

My apologies, I was going on what I had heard from a poster at another forum, I hadn't read the article

[Hazard]

Nah, I was just being picky. The content of the Ferrari statement is meant to make it look like he's not leaving...when in fact there is no official wording there that says he isn't.

[Bononi]

All that is tipping for major changes in Ferrari next season...

[koper]

Originally Posted by mp356a

Without the brilliance that Ross brings, he's just another good driver.

I agree in 100%

[jab]

With Brawn going, and Todt holding out until the end of the year, possibly meaning he's going as well, this could mean that Schuey's going as well. Plus, this could mean big problems for Kimi next year. Personally, all those who thought Kimi -> Ferrari would be a good thing for him could end up being completely wrong. It's one thing building a good car, but it's another having the staff to help...this could swing into Renault, and presuming he goes there, Webber's hands...you never know

But if there is going to be a mass exit of Ferrari staff, do you think Kimi may change his mind and go to Renault after all, leaving Ferrari without the 2 of the 3 best drivers in the world it had lined up?

[Korr]

There's no doubting the importance of his contribution to the team, the reality is the only shoes that can't be filled belong to God.

They'll find someone that can do his job, who won't do it as well, but will do it well enough.

Next year Ferrari will have Kimi, a great car and homefield advantage.

I'm not worried.

[Marbot]

Originally Posted by Korr

Next year Ferrari will have Kimi, a great car and homefield advantage.

There's optimism for you.

[mac]

My mail is that neither RB or MS will be at Ferrari next year.

[Bononi]

Mail ?

[mac]

Originally Posted by Bononi

Mail ?

Mail, you know - information, understanding, what I'm hearing .... mail.

[Bononi]

Sorry, thought it was mail.

[GTRMagic]

Late "mail" is a horse racing parlance... usually the tip for a race or some change in circumstance for a horse or jockey...

Ol' Clarence the Clocker would be proud

[deeks6]

Originally Posted by jab

But if there is going to be a mass exit of Ferrari staff, do you think Kimi may change his mind and go to Renault after all, leaving Ferrari without the 2 of the 3 best drivers in the world it had lined up?

The Renault team is decided - so Kimi has a choice - go to Ferrari (where he has already signed) or beg Ron to keep him.

[Notso Swift]

Originally Posted by deeks6

The Renault team is decided - so Kimi has a choice - go to Ferrari (where he has already signed) or beg Ron to keep him.

It it really

[Alan Jones]

Sheesh, is the new car that bad that like rats there all jumping off the sinking ship ?That's a major setback for the prancing horse and F1 if it turns out to be true.

[Inigo Montoya]

We heard this type of talk about Ferrari being done, etc., before when Byrne decided to step back and let Costa design the car. After a year and a half of transition, Ferrari is back at the top. If Brawn takes a year off, then it'll be the same sort of deal. In the end Ferrari will still be on top.

[Bononi]

I believe so, but like I said, major changes are in sight, so it might take more time than before.

[Adam43]

Originally Posted by Alan Jones

Sheesh, is the new car that bad that like rats there all jumping off the sinking ship ?

If Ross does step down the main reasoning is likely to be personal rather than any issues for the new car.

[Bononi]

I think he said that, and it's just about time.

[Dutton]

Well, were all of Ferrari's talents to depart at once then there would be a MASSIVE hit I am sure. However, the major players have consistently said that they have transition plans in place to minimise this.

Rory dropped off first, now Brawn will. Jean has signed a one year extension, which suggests he may step back after next year? I suppose Michael's role could be to do a year, or two, with Kimi as a team-mate so that when he goes Kimi is already well and truly settled within the organisation.

All in all, I expect, as, I think, any sane person should, there to be a bit of a cost in the transitions in the next couple of years. Whether it means the difference between winning and not winning or winning by a lot or a little, well, that depends on the opposition. The critical thing is whether one expects it to be putting the team into a decade of underachieving, or whether it will be a very temporary thing.

If you had asked me around 1999/00/01, then I would probably have leaned towards the decade underperformance. However, given how the team has evolved in recent years, I now believe that there is just too much strength in depth, in all areas, for such a thing to occur.