F1 Silly Season Gets Crazy With BMW Withdrawal

As with most forms of motorsport, F1 has its sillycan expect to see either of Heidfeld or Kubica at
season where rumors fly about drivers movingRenault, probably Kubica.
from one team to another. The odd thing aboutMcLaren fans are undoubtedly thinking Kubica
the silly season in 2009 is many of the rumorsmight be a good fit for their team. It is doubtful
may come true now that BMW has given up thehe will end up at McLaren. Lewis Hamilton has
ghost in Formula One.proved he is a great driver, but also proved that
BMW will stop participating in Formula One afterlike Michael Schumacher, he needs to be the
the end of the 2009 season. That means the twofocus of the team. Kubica is not going to put up
drivers for the team, Robert Kubica and Nickwith being a number two driver, so it seems
Heidfeld, will be free agents and available to anymore likely Nico Rosberg or Hiedfeld could end up
team. While the BMW Sauber Team may be soldat McLaren.
to an independent investor, you can be sure bothToyota represents a wild card in all of this. Timo
drivers have clauses in their contracts voiding theirGlock appears to be a driver with a future. Jarno
deals if that happens. Regardless, their availabilityTrulli does not. Toyota has always missed out on
shakes things up in Formula One.its driver selections. Now is a chance to get it
Robert Kubica is clearly the prize in this case. Theright. Bringing in Robert Kubica to team with Timo
Pole has had a horrible 2009 season, but it is clearGlock would be a brilliant move. It could happen,
the problem is the car. While Kubica has whinedbut one has to wonder how enthused Kubica
more than a bit, his talent is unmistakable.would be about going to a team that has never
Heidfeld, in turn, is more of a steady driver thanwon in Formula One.
anything. He isn't going to charge to a win, butWhat about Felipe Massa? His incredibly unlucky
isn't going to kill you either. He is the Germanaccident at the Hungarian Grand Prix has left him
equivalent of Rubens Barrichello, a solid numberout for the season. A fractured skull is no laughing
two driver.matter and one has to wonder if he will be back
Who will benefit from the driver madness? Allin 2010. He is the leader of Ferrari, however, so
bets point to Renault cleaning up. It is expectedhe will be given every chance to make a
that Fernando Alonso will leave Renault for Ferraricomeback given his exemplar conduct the last
at the end of the season. The second seat attwo years compared to his erstwhile teammate.
Renault will also be open as the Piquet experienceIn short, expect a Massa-Alonso Ferrari lineup in
is put to rest. That means two open seats. One2010 unless Massa cannot go.