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Old hands need to move over

By Matthew Marsh (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-10-26 08:02

Over dinner in Mokpo after the Korean Grand Prix, we played the F1 equivalent of the Big Brother TV show - voting "out" of the house one driver from each team.

This was precipitated by rumors that Nico Hulkenberg will lose his seat at Williams in 2011 to Pastor Maldonado - the 25-year-old Venezuelan who this year won the GP2 series (the final step on the ladder below F1). Maldonado is obviously quite good, but 2010 was his fourth year in GP2 and two seasons should be the maximum in categories en route to F1. However, Pastor's resume is bolstered by significant sponsorship funding from Venezuela's state-owned petroleum company.

This is a luxury Hulkenberg does not enjoy. The 23-year old won the entry-level Formula BMW in 2005, the A1 GP series in 2007, the Formula 3 Euroseries the following season and GP2 last year. Since mid-season, the German has been able to match the lap times of his uber-experienced teammate, Rubens Barrichello. The Brazilian undoubtedly still holds the upper hand in technical feedback, but he should in his 18th year in F1.

Herein lies the problem: too many drivers hanging around like goldfish poop. Some, like Rubens, are proven winners but will not again challenge for the world championship and, by occupying seats, deny youngsters their opportunity.

Into this category falls also Michael Schumacher. In his comeback year, the 41-year-old has been comprehensively outpaced by teammate Nico Rosberg. Schumacher won't be troubling the scorers to add to the seven titles collected in his 20s and 30s. Indeed, the only area where he remains outstanding is dubious on-track conduct.

Graceful retirement would be preferable also for Nick Heidfeld. In the mid-1990s - in junior formulae - the German showed significant promise but has failed to win a single race in more than a decade of F1. Another mystery is why Force India would find itself contracted to use Vitantonio Liuzzi again next season. The Italian's performances in 61 Grands Prix to date have generally lacked luster. Sunday's sixth place was definitely an exception to the rule.

It is not only from the lower orders that spaces could be found for emerging talent. Felipe Massa finished third on Sunday but fully half a minute behind his teammate and race winner Fernando Alonso, and his recent performances have drawn public criticism from team boss Luca Montezemolo. McLaren wouldn't ever wash its laundry in public but, while Lewis Hamilton took a strong runner-up position, Jenson Button's finest moment (on the way to 12th of 15 finishers) was avoiding the fence when spinning late in the race. No prizes then for guessing which McLaren driver was selected by our Mokpo council.

After a successful career on the track, Matthew Marsh now works at JMI - the world's leading motor sport marketing company. He can be reached at: mmarsh@justmarketing.com

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