Post by Bundy on May 25, 2012 10:04:54 GMT 10
Ok to start it off - some more silly season rumours of Perez being linked to a mid-season move to Ferrari. But he was quick to throw cold water on it saying that he will see out the year for Sauber.
I like his loyalty but it is a tad misguided given how well Ferrari are going atm. But in saying that, Sauber are no slouches either...
You would have to say with the way McLaren is going atm, putting aside its pit lane errors , he would be a fool not to sign
I like his loyalty but it is a tad misguided given how well Ferrari are going atm. But in saying that, Sauber are no slouches either...
Perez would 'reject' midseason move
Sergio Perez has dismissed talk linking him with a midseason move to Ferrari and committed himself to Sauber for at least the rest of the Formula One season.
Felipe Massa's struggles with Ferrari have increased speculation that Perez could replace him, but the Mexican driver says he would not move now, even if there was an offer.
"Should that situation really come about I would reject it, as I would not want to make a switch in the middle of a season," Perez said. "I think all this hype about a possible switch is massively blown up.
"I believe that Felipe will bounce back and do a good job.
"He is a strong driver and he has a great team behind him. Once he's bounced back all these stories will die at once."
Massa was in poor form last year, but this was partly down to Ferrari underperforming.
This season, there are fewer excuses considering his teammate Fernando Alonso is the Championship co-leader with defending champ Sebastian Vettel.
Massa, however, continues to lag behind Alonso.
The Brazilian has chalked up only two points from five races and is 17th overall - 59 points adrift of Alonso and 20 behind Perez, who is 10th.
Perez enjoyed a strong rookie season last year - despite suffering concussion from a crash in Monaco.
"Of course I have a connection to Ferrari, to their driver academy of Ferrari," Perez said. "But my position is clear: I am driving for Sauber and I will remain here."
www.planet-f1.com/driver/18227/7776671/Perez-would-reject-midseason-move
'McLaren set to offer Hamilton £60m'
McLaren are reportedly ready to offer Lewis Hamilton a three-year deal worth £60million in an attempt to persuade the Brit to stay on.
Hamilton's initial contract with the Woking-based outfit, which he joined back in 2007, was worth an estimated £15million per season.
But, this time round, McLaren are ready to up that offer while also shortening the duration of the day.
The team, who has not won a Drivers' Championship title since Hamilton's success in 2008, has put a £20million per season deal on the table, which will run for three years.
According to the Daily Telegraph newspaper, 'the real sticking point, and one reason negotiations may drag on over the summer, concerns the leeway in the contract with regard to Hamilton's commercial rights.
'XIX Entertainment, Hamilton's management company, is keen for greater freedom to be inserted into any new contract which would allow him to promote his own brands or pursue his own projects.
'It may be that a lower basic salary is accepted which would allow Hamilton more control of this area.'
The newspaper added that negotiations are expected to heat up around July and August as Simon Fuller, XIX's chief executive, will be in London for the Olympics.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mail quotes Sky commentator Martin Brundle as saying that sponsor commitments will be key to Hamilton's future.
"Will McLaren allow him some space and some time of his own to sell? I think that will be more of a key factor than a couple of dodgy pit stops, frankly," Brundle said.
McLaren, who have made several blunders that have cost Hamilton dearly this season, may face stiff competition for the 27-year-old as top teams - and main rivals - Red Bull and Ferrari both have drivers out of contract at the end of this season as do Mercedes.
www.planet-f1.com/news/3213/7777310/-McLaren-Set-To-Offer-Lewis-60m-Deal-
You would have to say with the way McLaren is going atm, putting aside its pit lane errors , he would be a fool not to sign