Grand Prix Rejects

pasta_maldonado wrote:With Normal32's permission, I'll be running the series for a little while, whilst he engages in a Rocky-style montage to re-find his motivation for motorsport.

I will be picking up where he left off, and the races will be simulated (to start, with anyway, although circumstances may force QuickSims - but we will deal with that when the time comes)

I haven't quite got the carset up and running, but until then, I'd like all current team owners to report back to the series to say they'd like to continue. Due to this series' important canon nature, teams whose owners do not decide to continue with the series will be reallocated as I see fit. Additionally, as it has been so long since the series was last running, to reflect changes in the greater canon I will allow users to make a mutual swap with other team owners/waiting list. Please indicate your preferences if this is the case and I will do my best to accommodate your wishes.

Roll Call (thank you Simtek for this format!):

Existing teams must confirm their commitment to Alt89 by 23:59 GMT, February 13th.

Williams Press Release wrote:Williams Terminate Contract of Jérémy-Étienne Voeckler for 1990

Canon Williams Renault Team hereby announce that the three-year contract of Jérémy-Étienne Voeckler will be terminated at the end of the 1989 season.

We have come to that decision after Mr. Voeckler took part in a WTCM race without our permission. We feel that this decision shows a lack of commitment to the success of Williams and Mr. Voeckler in F1.

A replacement for Mr. Voeckler will be announced near the start of the 1990 Formula One season. For the time being, he will continue his duty as F1 driver for Williams.

Autosport wrote:Mansell: "Williams are capable of winning"

Shortly after the Soviet Grand Prix, Nigel Mansell has insisted that Williams are "capable" of winning a race in 1989.

"We've been quick all season, we've just had plenty of bad luck. Myself and Jeremy [-Etienne Voeckler] have 4 second places together, the car feels good, so I'd definitely say we're capable of winning a race."
Mansell currently sits 4th in the World Driver's Championship, with 23 points.

Autosport wrote:Voeckler to return to McLaren?
With relations breaking down between Jeremy-Etienne Voeckler and Williams, it is rumoured that the world champion will return to McLaren for the 1990 campaign. When asked about his future following the Soviet Grand Prix, Voeckler declined to state who he would be driving for in 1990.

Autosport wrote:Harvey Jones to retire from Formula One
Following the Soviet Grand Prix Harvey Jones announced that the 1989 season will be his last as a Formula One driver, after many years in the sport. Jones, 37, said

"I'm thankful to everybody who's helped me throughout my career, from my parents who helped me buy my first Formula Three car, all the way to Gerard [Larrousse], who I'm happy to say is the reason why I've enjoyed this season so much. As much as I'd love to stay on, I feel it is my time to go"

Autosport wrote:Larrousse rumoured to be interested in Grouillard, Comas
With Harvey Jones retiring at the end of the year and Isabella Noriko's inconsistent performance, it is rumoured that Larrousse will turn to a new driver line-up for 1990, partnering F3000 championship leader Erik Comas with Olivier Grouillard, who has been released from AGS. Larrousse declined to comment.

Autosport wrote:"Fantastic" to be racing again, says Brundle
Despite retiring from a wet Soviet Grand Prix Martin Brundle remained positive about his first race with AGS. Brundle, who joined Williams as a test driver after failing to secure a seat for 1988, said:

"It's fantastic to be back in the car racing again, even in the torrid conditions. I've enjoyed my time testing for Williams very much, and I'm grateful to Frank [Williams] for the opportunity and support, but I'm fully committed to AGS for the rest of the season. The car feels good, Jack [Christopherson] [has] proven the car is capable of scoring good results, and I'm just looking forward to the next weekend."

Autosport wrote:Benetton to leave Formula One?
With the Benetton team yet to score a point after 10 races and racking up three failures to qualify, it is rumoured that the Benetton family is considering selling their eponymous team. This news comes despite Roberto Moreno allegedly being hired on a multi-year deal earlier in the season.

It is not known who, if anyone, is interested in purchasing the ailing squad

Autosport wrote: Onyx Racing announce intention to enter Formula One
Following a moderately successful season in Formula 3000 British team Onyx Racing have announced their intention to enter Formula One for the 1990 season. At a press conference at the team's West Sussex base, team founder Mike Earle said:

"We have submitted our entry proposal to the FIA this morning. We have agreements in place with sponsors and suppliers and we are feeling confident we can provide a real challenge"

La Provence wrote:Julien: "The seat is there for Voeckler"

Following the shock news that 1988 champion Jérémy-Étienne Voeckler is out of a drive in 1990 - AGS has ambitiously come forward as a possible destination for the French icon.

"Voeckler is an incredible talent, and every team would love to have a driver of his calibre racing for them" said Henri Julien, AGS team principal after the Soviet Grand Prix. "If he's willing to talk, we would be incredibly honoured to welcome him into our small family."

However, cynics are seeing this as no more than a publicity stunt - with the French team (remainder of article cut out for a soup coupon)

Automobil-Revue wrote:Noriko to McLaren?

Following Fabi's underperfomance and some rumoured budget shortages in the McLaren, some rumours are going about that Isabella Noriko could replace Teo Fabi for the 1990 season at McLaren, with her incredible backing and state money behind her, it is no wonder that rumours like these are about.