So who's going to win the championship?

Julio · 9 Feb 2006, 10:40 (Ref:1518686)

So we've had a few tests now, and I was wondering what peoples views were on who's going to win the drivers championship this year.

I personally think it will be Alonso again. The Renaults look quick again in testing. I might have gone for Raikonnen, but it sounds like the Merc engine isn't up to scratch yet. Anyone think that with a return to tyre changes that maybe Michael will win it?

Suze · 9 Feb 2006, 10:52 (Ref:1518696)

alonso, being between him and mr m schumacher. mclaren not quite being up to scratch and all that

kmsport · 9 Feb 2006, 11:17 (Ref:1518724)

Bernie...

Kidzer · 9 Feb 2006, 11:23 (Ref:1518730)

I'm gonna go for either:
Kimi Raikkonenn or
Michael Schumacher

Tyre situation could work in Ferrari's favour this year and if the Macs are up to speed (or near enough up to speed) by race 1/2 of the season then Kimi should be set for a good season.

ASCII Man · 9 Feb 2006, 11:29 (Ref:1518736)

It's a long shot, but I think that the one who has the most points at the end of the season will win the championship.

**Spudgun** · 9 Feb 2006, 11:56 (Ref:1518754)

I never like to trust winter testing.

Its all about who can develop their car the fastest during the season and a degree of luck! Then there's the other variables like will Renault give Alonso the same support since he's off at the end of the year? I notice Flav has been getting behind Fisi in the press.

But for my 2p I reckon it'll be Renault and Ferrari (as much as i hate it you can't count them out. The tyre situation will help). BAR could pull a blinder and the Williams/Cosworth combination is an unknown. Could there be a surprise?

McLaren I fear may again be too fragile.

**Peter Mallett** · 9 Feb 2006, 12:31 (Ref:1518778)

Quote:

Originally Posted by ASCII Man

It's a long shot, but I think that the one who has the most points at the end of the season will win the championship.

I was just about to say the same.

Suze · 9 Feb 2006, 12:41 (Ref:1518788)

Someone help us, not two of you please....!

**Peter Mallett** · 9 Feb 2006, 12:47 (Ref:1518794)

Bernie apparently said the same during a vist to Autosport International. From the horse's mouth so to speak. Oops sorry Bernie no you don't look like a horse, its a figure of speech, no really................

**Bononi** · 9 Feb 2006, 12:47 (Ref:1518795)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Mallett

I was just about to say the same.

Couldn't have said better !

sonic · 9 Feb 2006, 12:49 (Ref:1518797)

*polishes crystal ball, dons mystic meg headscarf*

I see Alonso and TGF battling it out. The ultimate winner will depend on the tyres. So probably alonso.

Button (and maybe Massa) to pick up the pieces and win his first race when Alonso and Schumacher clash.

heidfeld and webber to have a great 'grudge match' tussle, again, tyres will decide the battle.

Toyota to be ploddingly average.

Red Bull and Nico Rosberg to be the great dissapointments.

Torro Rosso annoying everyone with their speed at Monaco with a tourqey V10.

Kimi putting on a late season spurt after a torrid start reminding everyone how great he is before joining Ferrari to finally win the WDC in 2007.

Midland and SA bringing up the rear Albers to really impress on occassion, Sato's team mate (whoever it ends up being) banzai overdriving and destroying all the remaining old Arrows before they get a chance to get back to Europe.

*presses Post, runs away, hoping this thread somehow vanishes come October*

D.R.T. · 9 Feb 2006, 12:55 (Ref:1518802)

With 2006 being designed for Schumacher and Ferrari to win, sadly I think I'll have to go with them.

However Alonso to there or there abouts. McLarens to be awesome from mid year.

Hoping with much hope for the Williams Cosworths to be able to match it with the big boys.

safc_fan89 · 9 Feb 2006, 13:00 (Ref:1518814)

Alonso. Renault looks fast. He's better than Fisichella. Car is still very reliable.

But if Ferrari are on the pace he'll have to work a lot harder to beat MS than he had to work to beat Mclaren last season. We should see how good Alonso really is this season.

Of course, if Mclaren get on the pace and if theiur new engine proves to be reliable, Raikkonen should also challenge. Montoya won't, he lacks the consistency.

Marbot · 9 Feb 2006, 14:21 (Ref:1518869)

It's a two-horse race,Bridgestone,Michelin.Roll on 2007.

Nado · 9 Feb 2006, 15:13 (Ref:1518901)

Webber and Williams for both titles.

NO1SPECIAL · 9 Feb 2006, 15:40 (Ref:1518913)

Webber for WDC for me too.

Not sure Nico will be up to speed in his rookie year so Renault or Honda for WCC.

Actually, if Webber gets WDC I hope Honda is WCC just to see the look on Button's face - so near and yet so far....

shambles · 9 Feb 2006, 15:41 (Ref:1518914)

My Tip for Title: Fernando Alonso

Predominantly because I feel he'll want to go out from Renault with a bang, not least to keep the pressure away from him, as his move to McLaren approaches. I also feel that the Renault's are going to be fast again, and I expect McLaren to be unreliable again. Ferrari will be a lot more competitive this year, and Schumi for sure will challenge, but ultimately - I don't think he can go the whole hog. Massa - is my tip for surprise of the year. I think he'll show strongly.

I think Honda will spring a few surprises as well, and - I feel that either of the two drivers there will be able to pick up a few wins, maybe - even challenge for the championship. Couldn't pick a winner in that inter-team battle, but for my national pride - i'll tout Button.

I think Toyota won't impress too much, but what do I know - they'll probably run away with both Championships. I expect better than last year however, and I fully expect to see Trulli to win the Qually Battle, but I equally anticipate - Ralf to do better in the races.

Red Bull will be strong, but no where near as strong as some touted towards the end of 2005. I think they'll be marginally more competitive this season than last, and as for the drivers I think Klien can capitalize on a strong end to his 2005 season.

I'm expecting big things from Williams. They look good, with a new approach for 2006, and - to my eye, they have a strong driver line-up. I tout Webber and Rosberg to be close all year, with good points expected, maybe a win or two - but no Championship challenge from either. It's a close call for me between the two drivers, but in the end - in my heart of hearts, I think experience will tell all - and Mark will pip the youngster.

BMW-Sauber to have a transitional year. I expect points, but nothing major. I'm expecting Heidfeld to pip Villeneuve in the inter-team battle.

That leaves the backmarkers: For me, it's Midland to really be the laughing stock of the field, undelivered promises, professional talk - but no racers strut. Super Aguri will probably finish behind, but with a hell of a lot more dignity. Toro Rosso to be the strongest of the back three teams, maybe with them beating Red Bull from time to time as well, I think Gerhard's infulence there will be telling.

At Midland, Monteiro will beat Albers - Super Aguri, Sato will beat his team-mate whoever it may be, and at Toro Rosso - Liuzzi to take #1.

That's what I suggest, feel free to lambast - bombard and hound my tips!

bauble · 9 Feb 2006, 15:52 (Ref:1518918)

I always suspected that Ferrari were willing to write of 2005 in order to fully prepare for 2006 and come up with a real humdinger of a car. If I am right, and I rarely am, then it has to be Michael from Massa. (Alright! Laugh if you want to.)
Mclaren will stumble, BAR will flatter only to deceive and Williams will be mid field.
Renault will be the main challenge and the rest will make up the field. Red Bull will start badly but pick up as the Newey influence starts to show and the Ferrari engine proves to be up to the job.
Jap drivers are only there to relieve the boredom!!

EERO · 9 Feb 2006, 18:36 (Ref:1519018)

Schumacher seems to be the best bet on paper. It remains to be seen whether the decline in performance was entirely attributable to the Tires last year-or the front end-or the driver. I suspect all three fators contributed. Hence, TGF 3rd best. Massa will be useless.

Raikonnen and Montoya will be frustrated by the Merc's for the early part of the season. They will look strong on occaision and fail to score enough points.

Ralf will start off well and fade. Jarno will have a poor start and wallow. in defeatism.

Alonso no longer the golden boy at Renault will struggle as well

Webber and Cossies-a lot of hype with no payoff.

BMW-slow to develop. Decent, but not spectacular-may come on strongly as the season winds down.

WDC between Barrichello and Jenson in the Hondas and Fisi in the Renault with full suport of the team.

davyboy · 9 Feb 2006, 19:39 (Ref:1519066)

There are two things to watch for... well funded teams that have access to a third car over the weekend and those who adapt to the new engine regs well. That aside, I think Schuey and Ferrari may be better this year. He knows its his final year in the driving seat and will be all out to leave as champion. Tyres should be less of an issue for him with more teams on Bridgestone and less on Michelin... bringing better balance to development. Hope nobody romps away with it and that we get some good racing too.

nickyf1 · 9 Feb 2006, 20:26 (Ref:1519095)

I think Montoya has a great chance! If he had not injured himself early in the season he could have been fighting at the top with kimi and Alonso.

**Bononi** · 9 Feb 2006, 20:33 (Ref:1519101)

Quote:

Originally Posted by EERO

WDC between Barrichello and Jenson in the Hondas and Fisi in the Renault with full suport of the team.

Aaaahhh... I know you're too young and watched only a few seasons, so I'll take that as a newbie's enthusiasm...

Alex Hodgkinson · 9 Feb 2006, 21:03 (Ref:1519130)

Schumi

sonic · 9 Feb 2006, 21:05 (Ref:1519134)

Quote:

Originally Posted by EERO

Webber and Cossies-a lot of hype with no payoff.[/B]

we'll see, Honda's motor is hot and even they are fearing the cossie.

Hopefully webber chills out a bit and gets the results he deserves.

and as someone mentioned earlier, the use of a 3rd car will really help Honda , Williams and BMW

QuickSilver · 9 Feb 2006, 21:12 (Ref:1519137)

You're all way off base. More often than not, the driver who wins the first race goes on the win the WDC. Of course this year won't be one of those years.

Ralfie will win the first race. MS will show strongly, but in the end the WDC will be ...... aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh.......... (QS has a seizure at his keyboard)

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