History of the 2000 Silly Season

Rumours to 10th January 2000

Jorg Muller tipped to replace Zanardi
Rumours of Zanardi's demise at Williams have been running around since he was not included on any testing schedule from the start of December. Replacements suggested have included Jaun-Pablo Montoya from CART, Jos Verstappen, any number of F3000 contenders, and Jorg Muller, who spent 1999 testing for BMW as they developed their engine. Hot favourite at this point is the BMW man.

Jos pursuing Arrows
Tora Takagi's announcement of his return to Formula Nippon has made Jos Verstappen hot favourite for a seat with Arrows in 2000. Next favourite is Tom Coronnel, who would (ironically) be coming from Formula Nippon.

Max Wilson to Minardi
Telefonica's desire for a South American driver in the car is thought to be giving Max Wilson an edge in getting a seat with the team this season. The Brazilian throwing in his lot with Minardi will make their international exposure sufficient to warrent sponsoring the Ford engines the team want to use in 2000.

Test seats filling up
Top tops for test roles are: Mark Webber with Arrows, Jenson Button with Williams.


Rumours to 1st December 1999

Zanardi in doubt
Zanardi, at the end of last season, admitted he might not be back in 2000. Accordingly, few are surprised to see rumours abounding concerning a possible successor. Names in the hat include, but are not limited to: Montoya, Villeneuve, Panis, Kristensen.


Rumours to 10th August 1999

Irvine unconfirmed... what about Herbert   McRae?
Even though neither Jaguar nor Eddie Irvine would confirm their partnership for 2000 and beyond, it is widely believed that the news is true. Who will partner Irvine at Jaguar Sport remains unclear, but with Ford announcing Colin McRae is a serious option for 2001, Johnny Herbert could remain at Stewart-Ford/Jaguar for one more year.

Prost looking to Honda and Verstappen
With Merceded looking to place Heidfeld, but not their engine, at Prost next year, the team appear to be having some very serious talks to Honda about running customer (Mugen-Honda) units in 2000 and beyond. An expected condition is to take on Jos Verstappen, who is under contract to Honda for a drive in 2000, if one is available. He was due to drive the new Honda when the team took the twelfth slot on the grid, and damaged chances at Jordan with an unimpressive test when Damon Hill considered pulling out early; however, a deal between Prost and Honda would assure him a drive in the 2000 season.

Minardi go to Supertec
Minardi have confirmed they expect to run with Supertec engines in 2000. The contract has been announced unofficially, with Telefonica expected to pay £23 million for the privilege. They are expected to badge the engine in return, making the team name "Fondmetal Minardi-Telefonica" - though this is still being discussed.


Rumours to 5th August 1999

Irvine steps to Jaguar Challange
Eddie Irvine is confirmed to have signed a contract with Jaguar Sport (the new name for Stewart) to drive for them, valued at six million pounds per season. He is part of their plans to bring the championship to Ford by 2001.

At this time, he is expected to line up alongside Rubens Barrichello, with Mika Salo taking his seat at Ferrari - though these details are to be confirmed. Barrichello is thought to be considering the Ferrari seat, but to be unhappy about playing a number two role, when he has clearly demonstrated his abilities this year. Mika Salo's role in Germany caused Jean Todt to state that he is guarenteed a seat in Formula One next season - though he was cagey about whether it would be with Ferrari. It's thought that Stewart and Jordan are both interested in the Finn's services, but Ferrari have the first call.


Rumours to 4th August 1999

Heidfeld in a Prost-Chrysler?
With Prost in trouble over both their engine supply, and their driver lineup, McLaren are believed to be attempting to place Nick Heidfeld in the team to 'learn the F1 ropes,' with an engine deal as a sweetener. This is of course a major opportunity for DaimlerChrysler, Mercedes' parent company, to expand it's Formula One presence: DaimlerChrysler brands include Plymouth, Jeep, Dodge and Smart, though none would really benefit from the global stage as much as the name 'Chrysler' itself. Also, it's a big break for Heidfeld to gain experience in a less demanding team than McLaren, to whom he is aligned.


Rumours to 3rd August 1999

Webber has a chance at F3000
In light of McLaren's attempts to place Nick Heidfeld in Formula One next year, Australian Marc Webber has a chance at being placed in their F3000 junior team. It would be a two year proposition - a year learning the ropes, followed by another a second of consolidation - potentially leading to a Formula One drive in 2002.


Rumours to 1st August 1999

McLaren out of the Picture
McLaren's Silly Season came to a close at the German Grand Prix, where the team announced they have resigned Coulthard and Hakkinen for the 2000 season. Both drivers naturally expressed the pleasure at continuing with the team...

Irvine / Barrichello swap resurfaces
News that Irvine could be swapping places with Stewart's Barrichello in 2000 was the talk of the paddock again in Germany - though his improved standing in the World Championship might affect Ferrari's desire to resign him, so they can carry "number one" on their car next year.

Stewart name will change...
With Jac Nasser, CEO & President of the Ford Motor Company in Germany, it was slipped that the team will officially announce it's change of name to Jaguar Sport later in the year.

Salo's stock rises
In only his second race in a truly competitive car, Mika Salo finally rid himself of the old "Monaco Master" image, and made his name. The German Grand Prix was his for the taking - bar team orders - which puts him in demand. Suddenly, there's talk of options at Stewart, Ferrari and Jordan. Indeed, there are some now predicting Irvine and Barrichello will both be in Stewart next year, whilst Salo plays second fiddle to Schumacher at Ferrari. Johnny Herbert would then be bought out the second year of his contract with Stewart.

Arrows only half sure
Tom Walkinshaw is reported to be happy with Pedro de la Rosa's performance to date, and is expected to exersise his option on the Spaniard for 2000. Torannosuke Takagi has not impressed, however, and could be looking for a drive with a Japanese engined team next year - as a test driver.

Minardi in two minds too
Marc Gene's rookie year in Formula One has impressed a few in the paddock. The Spaniard has often outperformed his more experienced team-mate - notwithstanding Badoer's time with Ferrari - and qualifying fifteenth in "normal" conditions at Hockenheim has put the rubber stamp on his future with the team. Luca Badoer on the other hand needs to find some improved performances (or sponsorship) over the coming races to be sure of remaining with the team...

Happy BAR none
British American Racing are reporting themselves happy with both their drivers, and wanting to resign them for 2000. The issues for the team surround their car, which is far from reliable, not the drivers, who have both performed exceptionally considering the circumstances they are expected to work under.

Prost looking to Heidfeld
With McLaren looking to place their talented F3000 driver in a Formula One seat for 2000, it seems that Prost's friendship with Ron Denis could net him a rising star for a couple of years. It remains to be seen whether the Frenchman would wish to take on the training of the youngster, only for McLaren to reap the rewards when he matures, but it could be their best bet...


Rumours to 22nd July 1999

Prost and Alesi re-united?
Italian Frenchman Jean Alesi's contract at Sauber runs out at the end of this season. He is thought likely to sign for Prost Peugeot for what perhaps is the final stage of his F1 career. Although Alesi would love to drive for Ferrari one more time, he probably won't be seen back in Maranello again. Other options for the one-time race winner could be Stewart and BAR, but those are unlikely.

Jaguar to sign Irvine and Burti?
Team Jaguar F1 is largely believed to be the new name for Stewart Grand Prix, starting next season. In the wake of Eddie Irvine's comments on his number one position at Ferrari he is expected to leave the Italian team for Stewart a.k.a. Jaguar. Some say he's already signed a $ 10 million contract with the Ford-owned team. In the meantime, Brazilian Luciano Burti has tested for Stewart Ford quite successfully. He could very well be partnering Eddie Irvine at Jaguar next year.

Coulthard's seat really that certain?
Although Mercedes' sporting director Norbert Haug expressed his satisfaction with both McLaren drivers, rumours still have it that David Coulthard's seat at McLaren is far from certain. People like Eddie Irvine and Nick Heidfeld are still hunting the top spot that McLaren offers. If Coulthard is replaced at the Woking team, he could be leaving for Stewart/Jaguar.

Sauber without drivers for 2000
Sauber could be left with no recognised drivers for next season. Jean Alesi is set to leave, and Pedro Diniz' name has been mentioned at Benetton. The Benetton team have not been performing well lately, and their financial position has fallen back quite a lot too. That would mean that Diniz' multi-million-dollar sponsors are more than welcome. Diniz would be expected to replace Alexander Wurz, if hired.


Rumours to 15th July 1999

Ferrari's 2000 line-up again
Now that they have decided to sign Mika Salo as stand-in for Michael Schumacher during his three to five race absence, Ferrari have a new line-up: Eddie Irvine as the number one driver and Mika Salo as the number two. Who'd have thought that at the start of the season? At least, it gives Salo a chance to showcase his talents again, possibly earning a drive somewhere next year.

Trulli turning Yellow
Recent speculation has Jordan looking to bring Trulli on board to replace Damon Hill for the 2000 season. The Prost driver has a clause allowing him to leave the team if their performance to 15th August is below par, and with Jordan looking stronger all the time, it's likely he could make that jump.


Rumours to 12th July 1999

Who backs up Schumacher?

Michael Schumacher's extremely hard crash at the British Grand Prix has put him out of action for six to eight weeks. That means he will miss at least the Austrian, German and Hungarian Grand Prix' and perhaps even the Belgian Grand Prix, too. Ofcourse one of the first questions that were asked, was who would replace Schumacher for those races.

The first driver that comes to mind is Ferrari test driver Luca Badoer, currently driving for Minardi. If that would be the case, Gonzalo Rodriguez, currently in Formula 3000, would probably replace him at Minardi.

An other option that was heard was that Sauber's Jean Alesi would return to Ferrari. Badoer would then replace him at Sauber.

The final names that come to mind here are, again, Mika Salo and Jos Verstappen, both available because the weren't able to land a drive for this season. Salo is believed to currently be under contract with BAR and Verstappen is test driver for Jordan.


Rumours to 6th July 1999

Goodbye Stewart, hello Jaguar
German carmaker BMW announced at the end of 1997 that they would supply Williams with engines for at least a five-year period, starting 2000. Jaguar introduced a new 'small' car, the S-type to compete against BMW's 5-series. Seeing both companies compete with their road cars, a showdown in a major formula couldn't have stayed away.

BMW of course competed at Le Mans in '98 and '99 with a first win at the latest event. Jaguar couldn't be able to defeat them there in a short period of time. With parent company Ford having built a very competitive F1-engine for the Stewart team it would soon prove to be a logical choice to enter Formula One. Ford's buy-out of Stewart was a next indicator of what were the plans of the British make.

Names of drivers for Jaguar F1 have been mentioned already, too. Ofcourse there is the not so far fetched trade-in of Rubens Barrichello for Ferrari's Eddie Irvine. Another name is David Coulthard and even current World Champion Mika Hakkinen could be driving for the legendary name next year.

"Jaguar enter F1", "Hakkinen signs for Jaguar", "Irvine and Barrichello switch places". I can see the newspapers before me already.


Rumours to 1st July 1999

Hill's replacement
Damon Hill quits Formula One after the 1999 French Grand Prix. Doing so he disappoints many British fans, because he won't be driving after the British Grand Prix. Of course quite a large number of drivers line up to replace Damon.

The most likely candidate is Dutchman Jos Verstappen, who has been appointed test driver with immediate effect - Honda would favour his entry.

The other driver being seriously considered is Finn Mika Salo, also without a drive for this season; but he requires BAR's permission before he can race for another team this year. Both Jos and Mika have driver for a number of teams and have quite a lot of experience.

A third, far-fetched option, is 'good old' Nigel Mansell. Nigel isn't driving for any team at the moment and could step in for Damon at any time...

Other drivers who could be in contention for next year's seat, are Mark Webber, Dario Franchitti, Greg Moore and Juan-Pablo Montoya: if he wins the CART championship this year, he has an option to return to Formula One - assuming Williams permit him to drive for another team.

Two Dutchmen in 2000?
If Jos Verstappen replaces Damon Hill for the remaining part of this season, and 2000, another Dutchman, current Formula Nippon driver Tom Coronel, could very well join him. Coronel won his first race recently and his manager Willi Weber (Yes, the Willi Weber who manages the Schumachers) said "It's going to be fun next year". This has started a rumour that Coronel will be joining Arrows for 2000.

Ferrari's Stewart Swap
The big rumour from the French Grand Prix is that Eddie Irvine and Rubens Barrichello could be swapping seats for 2000. The Brazilian would accept second billing to Schumacher for the first year as he "learns the ropes," with the double World Champion grooming Barrichello to be his successor when he retires after 2002. Irvine would get a number one role at Stewart, whose Ford owners can afford his 5 million USD asking price...

Coulthard out at McLaren?
With Barrichello admitting he recieved firm offers from Ferrari, Stewart and McLaren, it is apparent that the statements the team made about Coulthard's safety are flawed! If they land another driver, then either Mika Hakkinen is retiring at the end of the season, or Coulthard is on his way...


Rumours to 26th June 1999

Greg Moore could make the transition
In an article in the Toronto Star today under the headline 'Idling Moore Hints He Wants A Change', it's reported that Greg Moore refused to put on a Players' Racing baseball cap for a TV interview after last week's race in Portland. The writer - Rick Matsumoto - says this is because Moore if increasingly fed-up with Forsythe (because of their uncompetitive Mercedes engine, which he feels leave him with no chance of winning the CART title), and as his contract allows him to start looking for a new ride on July 1 he's letting it be known he's not committed to Forsythe and Players. He's quoted as saying "The beauty of the position I'm in right now is that I don't have to go to F1 or NASCAR or I don't have to stay in CART."

Austrian Radio announce Wurz signing
Benetton have re signed Wurz for 2000, according to Austrian radio station Oe 3. This is not the same as the team or driver announcing the signing, particularly as they could have picked it up from an old column... but then again, they could know something we don't! Confirmation is expected from the team ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix.


Rumours to 23th June 1999

McLaren choose Hill to replace Coulthard?
Here is an idea that came to me that may not be all that far fetched. I think that McLaren will get rid of Coulthard but I don't think that they will sign Irvine, and Heidfeld is still a risk due to his lack of F1 experience. This means that McLaren's championship hopes will be in even more jeopardy than this year. In my mind the simple solution would be to offer Coulthard's ride to Damon Hill. This would be a mutually beneficial deal since it would offer McLaren an experienced driver who is a proven winner and it would give Hill what he really wants - one last chance at a championship with a winning car. Yeah, I know it is a bit of a stretch, but if Coulthard leaves McLaren then it should be seriously considered. (Thanks to Steve Trosok.)

Biaggi second man at Ferrari
About two months ago Massimilliano Biaggi, Italy's triple 250cc Motorcycling World Champion, tested the Ferrari F399 at Fiorano. He was only 2.5 to 3 seconds slower than Michael Schumacher's record time on his first outing in an F1 car. A few weeks later Biaggi said in an interview, when the reporter asked whether he thought his future lay in Formula One or not, we should be ready for a surprise by the end of the year. The only thing I can think of in this matter is that Mad Max Biaggi is to replace Eddie Irvine at Ferrari for next season.

Panis and Bigois to Arrows
Prost Grand Prix announced that they had pointed Alan Jenkins to be their new Technical Director. That means Loïc Bigois is without a job. And that could mean the rumour of two weeks ago is true: Olivier Panis and Bigois leave for Arrows.

Jordan stays popular in Silly Season
Eddie Jordan's announcement that he is getting into gear to establish a hitlist of four or five drivers that could make the grade with the team has speculation going through the roof at present - particularly as he himself started speculation that Damon won't see the end of the season with the team.

The names currently floating around the paddock include popular Australian Mark Webber, who has strong backing from his home country, and has demonstrated his potential in the GT series. Jan Magnussen is rumoured a potential candidate - he was very quick before failing to perform at Stewart, and could make the grade at Jordan as Heinz-Harald Frentzen has. Mika Salo is expected to be available to fill the breach if Damon departs, and is known to have been closing in on a full time drive for 2000 (though not necessarilly with Jordan), whilst Nick Heidfeld among others could make the transition from CART.

There's lots going on, over this seat alone, diverting attention from the smaller players. These teams are also starting to get into the swing of Silly Season...


Rumours to 17th June 1999

Honda line Nakano up with Jordan?
It appears that Damon's departure from the Jordan camp is likely to enable Honda to push Shinji Nakano for the number two position for 2000. He is expected to get lots of time with the new chassis to facilitate the transition from test driver...


Rumours to 16th June 1999

Changes for the better?
Damon Hill's retiring after this season. That could very well mean the start of the Silly Season of Formula One. A big name switching teams or retiring is usually the start of a huge carrousel starting to turn. Possible changes following Hill's decision could be Eddie Irvine leaving Ferrari for Jordan and current Prost driver Jarno Trulli filling up Irvine's place.

That would mean Prost would have to start looking for someone to partner Stephane Sarrazin, since Panis is leaving too. Perhaps Mika Salo is an option for the French?

An other driver who could make a switch is David Coulthard. He admitted that his title hopes for this year are gone and he could hop to fellow Scots Stewart. He would have a reasonably good chance to take the title in 2001, a date that is also mentioned by Ford, for a real challenge. Who would take up Coulthard's position at McLaren? Ricardo Zonta, because BAR where very happy with Mika Salo's achievements during the three Grand Prix' he drove for them. Above that, Salo is a good friend of the Honda crew and was rumored to become test driver for them. Now he has a chance to prove himself in a BAR Honda.

Oh well, you understand. To be continued…


Rumours to 13th June 1999

Panis about to be dropped
Rumours about Olivier Panis leaving Prost have increased. He is supposed to be replaced by current Prost test driver Stephane Sarrazin. Sarrazin proved to be faster than both Prost drivers during recent testing. Panis has never driven for any team other than Prost (a.k.a. Ligier) and has won only one Grand Prix, Monaco 1997, for Ligier Mugen. It could be difficult for Olivier to find an other team, because of a major handicap: he doesn't speak English very well. Nonetheless he has been linked to Arrows.


Rumours to 6th June 1999

No Team Honda for 2000
Probably the most aired rumour since Dr. Harvey Poslethwaite's death, concerned whether Honda would enter their own team for 2000 or not. That rumour, ofcourse, has been confirmed in the negative by Honda's signing a three-year engine deal with British American Racing. Mugen also extended their contract with Jordan, and will provide rebadged Honda units. Jordan claims they will be supplied with engines of the same specifications as BAR, but Honda has neither confirmed nor denied that.

Toyota takes up 12th slot?
The world's third largest car manufacturer, Toyota, announced a few months ago that they would be entering Formula One, but did not say whether that would be as a complete team or just as an engine supplier. Everybody thought that, if they were to enter as a team, they would buy an existing team, since Honda, Toyota's sworn rival, took up the 12th and final spot on the grid. And of course the teams usually mentioned in this context, Minardi, Arrows and to a lesser extent Sauber, were pointed at. But, now Honda has agreed merely to supply BAR with engines, the slot for a 12th team is suddenly open again and it is quite widely believed that Toyota will take it up. Still, an other option for Toyota is, like Honda, to supply an existing team with engines… and again we see Minardi, Arrows and Sauber as possible lucky teams.

Chrysler badge for Mercedes
A tiny rumor could be heard, saying the current Ilmor-built Mercedes-Benz engines of McLaren are to be rebadged Chrysler from next season. A variation on this is that McLaren will use Ilmor-built Chrysler engines starting 2003, after the Mercedes contract expires. In fact, McLaren would continue to run the same engines they use now, only the names of the power plants would differ. What we should not forget, considering these things, is that it has never been denied by DaimlerChrysler, Mercedes' parent company, that Mercedes is interested in buying McLaren and thus running in Formula One as a factory team.

Benetton Renault again?
Rumours spread the word last week that Benetton will anounce a deal with Renault for 2000 and on. Renault, since leaving F1 at the end of 1997, has been expected to return in a couple of years time, but many believed that they would not until perhaps 2002. Nevertheless, Renault's return is a good thing for Benetton and for Formula One in general, because they would be the 6th major car manufacturer to supply engines to an F1 outfit. And, in doing so, a part the competitive future of Formula One is assured.

Ferrari's second man
One of the most wanted seats in Formula One, must be the second seat at Ferrari. Since Eddie Irvine's contract expires at the end of the year, his extremely competitive car comes available. Irvine is said to have signed a preliminary deal with Eddie Jordan, his former employer, on which Ferrari have to make a counter-offer before the end of June. Understandably, from Eddie's point of view, he wants to return to the Irish team as number one driver, but the question raises, whether Eddie Jordan wants to give in to that… and perhaps more, does Heinz-Harald Frentzen respond well? Ofcourse Irvine could leave for McLaren, if Ferrari doesn't want him for 2000, but that's an unlikely option, because he would definitly be second man to Mika Hakkinen. Other options for Eddie are Benetton or, ofcourse, to stay at Ferrari.

David Coulthard off to another team?
David Coulthard hasn't been doing too well at McLaren lately. Rumours have it, that he is going to be replaced. Future Silver Arrow drivers could be, Nick Heidfeld, currently McLaren's test driver, or Jarno Trulli, eventhough he is still under contract with Prost. Olivier Panis, the other current Prost driver, will probably be interested too, since his contract with his countrymen expires after this season, but if McLaren is interested in Panis, that remains a question. Someone who has also been mentioned as future McLaren Mercedes man is current Champ Car driver Greg Moore. But if that is likely to happen… Placed David Coulthard could leave for are Sauber, Prost, Stewart and perhaps even Ferrari. Only the latter two could be attractive to David, considering performance.