More 2009 Driver Talk

We’re coming up to the end of August which is usually the time in which drivers with options have those taken up by the team or not.  With respect to BMW Sauber, it appears likely and soon that it will be announced that the team will take the option for 2009 on Robert Kubica so we won’t lose him just yet.  2010 is another thing altogether and the contract jigsaw puzzle the top drivers are constructing as their personal strategy to get to a winning team is starting to take shape.  Robert Kubica failing to sign a new contract this year with the team and only fuels speculation he’s one of the ones looking for a Ferrari seat.  I’ll wait and see on that.

The Nick Heidfeld future story is a confusing one to me.  He hasn’t performed well lately and continues to lay blame on his inability to heat the tires for an optimum lap in qualifying.  Then you look at the driver standings and see him right up there with Raikkonen and Kubica.  Do you ignore his three second place finishes and throw him to the wolves (many who would love to have him I’m sure) or do you keep him and hope for better with the 2009 car.  If his trouble with the F1.08 is indeed the tire issue, an entirely new car for 2009 may solve this problem.  On the other hand, early in the year he had no tire temperature problems so what is different with the car now that wasn’t back then?  I believe in Nick, I think he’s a great driver, but in F1 great is only what you are doing NOW.

The team has accomplished so much this year and continue to thrive with Mario Theissen as leader.  At a time when two good drivers are needed to show the team where they are, they have them so why shake things up when they don’t have to.  Is there anyone better on the market for 2009?  No and so in 2009 my money goes on Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld for BMW Sauber.