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[cap-dude]

Ah, my bad, seems I skimmed over this topic. No probelms all the same.

I can sorta see why STR would choose Buemi. Money being the main one. But also, I guess he's only 20 years old. But personally, I'm not a fan. He was directly comparing himself to Sato and Bourdais during testing, saying he'd got the measure of them, and that he would be testing alongside Vettel, insinuating he could compare himself to good yardstick. A bit arrogant in my opinion. Also, his best results in GP2 came couresty of his consistency in finishing 6th or 8th, and starting on the front row during the sprint races. And F1 don't do reverse grids, so im opinion, there are more talent drivers out there who've done better, and deserve a drive a much more.

[EwanM]

Murray Walker tips Kubica for 2009 title http://www.autosport.com/news/grapevine.php/id/72703

By Steven English Friday, January 9th 2009, 17:08 GMT


Murray Walker has tipped Robert Kubica to win the 2009 Formula One World Championship.

Speaking at the Autosport International Show today, the legendary commentator said the changes to the regulations next season could change the order at the front and expects Kubica and BMW to shine through.

"Nobody has got the faintest idea what's going to be happening in 2009," Walker said on the Autosport Central Stage. "They've thrown all the balls up in the air, we've got KERS, we've got slick tyres - thank God - all sorts of different things happening next year. It's going to be very different.

"Ask me who will win the championship this year," he added. "Robert Kubica in the BMW.

"They're a mighty switched on organisation, BMW, they make cracking road cars and I am full of admiration and respect for what they've done. And they will get better."

He also expects Renault to be able to challenge for victories on a regular basis this year following their renaissance with Fernando Alonso in 2008.

"They got it wrong by not stretching the rules as much as some of the other teams may have done in the engine department last year, but now that's being put right," Walker said.

"I think Renault are going to be a big threat, particularly with Fernando Alonso at the wheel because he has still got something to prove."

Walker criticised outgoing world champion Kimi Raikkonen for not finding a way to get the best out of the F2008.

"He was on a roll after 2007 when he was world champion in his first year with a new team," said Walker. "The conventional wisdom is that Raikkonen lost the championship because he couldn't handle the understeering characteristic of the Ferrari, but that's his job.

"It's his job to master it and he's paid £20 million a year or something like that. Well, I'm very sorry for him, but it is his job and he didn't come up to snuff. (Felipe) Massa grasped the opportunity and blew him away, all credit to him."

[Hanwombat]

Murray Walker tips Kubica for 2009 title http://www.autosport.com/news/grapevine.php/id/72703

By Steven English Friday, January 9th 2009, 17:08 GMT


Murray Walker has tipped Robert Kubica to win the 2009 Formula One World Championship.

Speaking at the Autosport International Show today, the legendary commentator said the changes to the regulations next season could change the order at the front and expects Kubica and BMW to shine through.

"Nobody has got the faintest idea what's going to be happening in 2009," Walker said on the Autosport Central Stage. "They've thrown all the balls up in the air, we've got KERS, we've got slick tyres - thank God - all sorts of different things happening next year. It's going to be very different.

"Ask me who will win the championship this year," he added. "Robert Kubica in the BMW.

"They're a mighty switched on organisation, BMW, they make cracking road cars and I am full of admiration and respect for what they've done. And they will get better."

He also expects Renault to be able to challenge for victories on a regular basis this year following their renaissance with Fernando Alonso in 2008.

"They got it wrong by not stretching the rules as much as some of the other teams may have done in the engine department last year, but now that's being put right," Walker said.

"I think Renault are going to be a big threat, particularly with Fernando Alonso at the wheel because he has still got something to prove."

Walker criticised outgoing world champion Kimi Raikkonen for not finding a way to get the best out of the F2008.

"He was on a roll after 2007 when he was world champion in his first year with a new team," said Walker. "The conventional wisdom is that Raikkonen lost the championship because he couldn't handle the understeering characteristic of the Ferrari, but that's his job.

"It's his job to master it and he's paid £20 million a year or something like that. Well, I'm very sorry for him, but it is his job and he didn't come up to snuff. (Felipe) Massa grasped the opportunity and blew him away, all credit to him."

Hmm Murray Im not sure

[cap-dude]

Its a bold prediction, but all the signs are there. Kubica could've taken the championship in 2008, except he and the car slipped away near the end. This year, BMW have taken a head start and are proving they are ahead in development. They seem about the only team who are confident in KERS, and even looking at their car, it looks the closest to what we'll see in 2009.

But who knows, BMW are making all the right noises, but march last year, we thought Ferrari were prepared to walk away with the championship. But in the end, engine faliures and amatuer pit stops got the better of them, and it was McLaren who in my opinion had the best package.

Also, if fears about more crashes next year come true, then who knows who'll win. I mean, we had enough crashes in 2008, nevermind more.

[Denthúl]

Its a bold prediction, but all the signs are there. Kubica could've taken the championship in 2008, except he and the car slipped away near the end. This year, BMW have taken a head start and are proving they are ahead in development. They seem about the only team who are confident in KERS, and even looking at their car, it looks the closest to what we'll see in 2009.

But who knows, BMW are making all the right noises, but march last year, we thought Ferrari were prepared to walk away with the championship. But in the end, engine faliures and amatuer pit stops got the better of them, and it was McLaren who in my opinion had the best package.

Also, if fears about more crashes next year come true, then who knows who'll win. I mean, we had enough crashes in 2008, nevermind more.

I think the advantages BMW Sauber have there are the fact that their engine, in 2008, was bullet-proof, as was their car. Their pit-stop precision was also stuff of legend. They just need to build a good enough car and then develop it at the right rate so that Heidfeld and Kubica can fight for the championship.

[cap-dude]

It wasn't just BMW's engine. Their entire car was rock solid in terms of reliability. It recorded 100% reliabilty, somthing Renault, Ferrari or even McLaren can't cliam to. BMW overall are a very solid team. Pit stops, set-up, strategies. Its the whole package that makes them competitive. Really, once BMW get a car with the pace to win races, they'll been an extremely strong force in F1.

Still, I'm hoping Massa can make up in 2009, for 2008's heartbreak. But of course, that means ferrari need to get their act together. They don't seem to have a 2009 car even nearly ready. But still, they're unveiling the f2009 on monday, so lets see what they've put together.

[7UpJordan]

Murray Walker tips Kubica for 2009 title http://www.autosport.com/news/grapevine.php/id/72703

By Steven English Friday, January 9th 2009, 17:08 GMT


Murray Walker has tipped Robert Kubica to win the 2009 Formula One World Championship.

Speaking at the Autosport International Show today, the legendary commentator said the changes to the regulations next season could change the order at the front and expects Kubica and BMW to shine through.

"Nobody has got the faintest idea what's going to be happening in 2009," Walker said on the Autosport Central Stage. "They've thrown all the balls up in the air, we've got KERS, we've got slick tyres - thank God - all sorts of different things happening next year. It's going to be very different.

"Ask me who will win the championship this year," he added. "Robert Kubica in the BMW.

"They're a mighty switched on organisation, BMW, they make cracking road cars and I am full of admiration and respect for what they've done. And they will get better."

He also expects Renault to be able to challenge for victories on a regular basis this year following their renaissance with Fernando Alonso in 2008.

"They got it wrong by not stretching the rules as much as some of the other teams may have done in the engine department last year, but now that's being put right," Walker said.

"I think Renault are going to be a big threat, particularly with Fernando Alonso at the wheel because he has still got something to prove."

Walker criticised outgoing world champion Kimi Raikkonen for not finding a way to get the best out of the F2008.

"He was on a roll after 2007 when he was world champion in his first year with a new team," said Walker. "The conventional wisdom is that Raikkonen lost the championship because he couldn't handle the understeering characteristic of the Ferrari, but that's his job.

"It's his job to master it and he's paid £20 million a year or something like that. Well, I'm very sorry for him, but it is his job and he didn't come up to snuff. (Felipe) Massa grasped the opportunity and blew him away, all credit to him."

Hmm Murray Im not sure

That sounded like something James Hunt would have said to Murray, Han.

[f1maniac95]

I'm sure we will see BMW fighting up there at the front and hopefully with both drivers at the front they are sure to win a world championship one day.

[8-ball]

Murray Walker tips Kubica for 2009 title http://www.autosport.com/news/grapevine.php/id/72703

By Steven English Friday, January 9th 2009, 17:08 GMT


Murray Walker has tipped Robert Kubica to win the 2009 Formula One World Championship.

Speaking at the Autosport International Show today, the legendary commentator said the changes to the regulations next season could change the order at the front and expects Kubica and BMW to shine through.

"Nobody has got the faintest idea what's going to be happening in 2009," Walker said on the Autosport Central Stage. "They've thrown all the balls up in the air, we've got KERS, we've got slick tyres - thank God - all sorts of different things happening next year. It's going to be very different.

"Ask me who will win the championship this year," he added. "Robert Kubica in the BMW.

"They're a mighty switched on organisation, BMW, they make cracking road cars and I am full of admiration and respect for what they've done. And they will get better."

He also expects Renault to be able to challenge for victories on a regular basis this year following their renaissance with Fernando Alonso in 2008.

"They got it wrong by not stretching the rules as much as some of the other teams may have done in the engine department last year, but now that's being put right," Walker said.

"I think Renault are going to be a big threat, particularly with Fernando Alonso at the wheel because he has still got something to prove."

Walker criticised outgoing world champion Kimi Raikkonen for not finding a way to get the best out of the F2008.

"He was on a roll after 2007 when he was world champion in his first year with a new team," said Walker. "The conventional wisdom is that Raikkonen lost the championship because he couldn't handle the understeering characteristic of the Ferrari, but that's his job.

"It's his job to master it and he's paid £20 million a year or something like that. Well, I'm very sorry for him, but it is his job and he didn't come up to snuff. (Felipe) Massa grasped the opportunity and blew him away, all credit to him."

Hmm Murray Im not sure

I kinda agree with Murray on this. BMW have been working on this car since mid 2008 and I think this head start is going to be very advantageous in the early part of the season while all the other teams get to grip with the new regs. Kubica is quick and on the right day can out qualify anyone but I think he needs to work on his overtaking. Heidfeld brings solid consistency and can backup Kuibca nicely so BMW have a great team for 09.

I am so confident they will do well I am very close to betting my hard earned cash (in these dark economic times) that BMW take the WCC & WDC next year...

[7UpJordan]

I saw Murray today at the Autosport show at the NEC, not lost any of his touch at all!

[racechick]

I saw Murray today at the Autosport show at the NEC, not lost any of his touch at all!

Cool! be nice to see him do the odd commentary this year

[cap-dude]

Well, Hungary ever year, Brundle seems to take a break. And Brundle is back with the BBC. So perhaps a star come back for one race, from Murray. Now that would be legendary.

[racechick]

Well, Hungary ever year, Brundle seems to take a break. And Brundle is back with the BBC. So perhaps a star come back for one race, from Murray. Now that would be legendary.

[McLaren Fan]

Apparently McLaren and BMW are the only two teams on schedule with their KERS programme. The reliability of that claim is tough to say - some teams like to throw other teams off the scent, as it were - but it is certainly boding well for BMW next season.

[bud]

Well, Hungary ever year, Brundle seems to take a break. And Brundle is back with the BBC. So perhaps a star come back for one race, from Murray. Now that would be legendary.

Hes already made his star comeback at the Aussie GP in the last couple of years for Network Ten Australia