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So, tomorrow Sutil and on friday Bianchi?

Yes! It not only depends on their testing times but also depends which engine supplier is giving Force India a better deal in 2014 & beyond

The whole picture is not as simple as it seems!

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Always S(mile)!
Unlike Uday!

PF1 Pick 10 Competition
Best Results: 1st with highest ever score of 225 (India 2012) & 2nd (Silverstone 2012)
Recipient of : Rosberg's Chinese Getaway Trophy

Sutil is experienced and proved flashes of speed in the past, but he has not raced in any category last year.
Bianchi is already more involved in car developing process (he drove in many FP1 sessions last year, plus official testing) and could be easier for him to find the performance in a shorter time (considering that time is late and Melbourne is near).

Assuming that, i would choose Bianchi.

Unless he is a million miles off the pace - which I really doubt he would be - I'd be surprised if it isn't Sutil who gets the second seat. FI have publicly admitted Bianchi would've been the 3rd driver again, had it not been for Hulk's departure. They ran Bianchi quite a bit last year, and he drove in the Jerez test. I think they must know where he's at as a driver, and roughly the kind of job he would do. Surely it stands to reason that, if they wanted him alongside di Resta, he'd already have that seat, rather than giving Sutil a day in the car...

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Currently cheering for: Felipe Massa; Nico Hulkenberg; Romain Grosjean; Felipe Nasr. Oh, and of course, the Toronto Maple Leafs

They obviously know how Sutil is too and it's surprising he is getting a test day to me. Bianchi has shown good pace and after testing so much last year it's quite sad that he might get sat down again. Hopefully a decision comes before Monday.

The deputy team principal has said after these 2 days of testing (Thursday & Friday), all the data that will be received, will be analysed by the board to make the final call, which may not be this weekend atleast:-

http://www.f1reader.com/#/news/force-india-in-no-rush-to-name-second-driver-67556

He has claimed that even though Sutil has not raced last year, he drove the simulator last week & is getting a day of testing to put some laps under his belt.

Basically, the team still has a god amount of faith in Sutil. Hence, the testing on Thursday.

If he gives good feedback during the test & is quite competitive in the times, he may seal the drive because he apparently gets more sponsorship money as well than Bianchi.

_________________
Always S(mile)!
Unlike Uday!

PF1 Pick 10 Competition
Best Results: 1st with highest ever score of 225 (India 2012) & 2nd (Silverstone 2012)
Recipient of : Rosberg's Chinese Getaway Trophy

Epic picture


"I'm back" he seems to say

Great picture!

Have you noticed his helmet? It's got the same shade of Orange which is on the livery of Force India. Typically, drivers change their helmet colours once in a while but Sutil had kept the same design for many years.

The helmet is currently matching the livery! Wonder if it means anything more than just a coincidence of the orange colour!

Maybe, the colour speaks of confidence! The confidence of getting the rive this year.

If this is a recent picture (21 Feb to be precise), did you also notice his helmet. He still has those sponsors - Medion, Capri-Sun etc. He definitely has sponsorship backing.

_________________
Always S(mile)!
Unlike Uday!

PF1 Pick 10 Competition
Best Results: 1st with highest ever score of 225 (India 2012) & 2nd (Silverstone 2012)
Recipient of : Rosberg's Chinese Getaway Trophy

he's already on 1.23.6, not bad for the first laps

I'd much rather see someone more deserving than a decidedly average and violent dolphin-fancier get the seat, but money talks, and if he still has sponsors to bring to the table (how?! who knows) then there's little that can be done.

At least it will give Paul Di Resta his best opportunity to impress.

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He is now at 1:22.877 just before lunch time. 1.004 seconds off the 1st place time.

He is competitive, considering he didn't drive for a year at all!

_________________
Always S(mile)!
Unlike Uday!

PF1 Pick 10 Competition
Best Results: 1st with highest ever score of 225 (India 2012) & 2nd (Silverstone 2012)
Recipient of : Rosberg's Chinese Getaway Trophy

No idea what program they're running, but it's a good start. Any idea what tyres he did that on?
I do hope he gets the drive

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I AM THE THREAD KILLER.

I don't think he went on softs otherwise it would've been mentioned some where.

Good he got a chance today because tomorrow rain is expected. Am sure he will be giving good feedback to the engineers.

_________________
Always S(mile)!
Unlike Uday!

PF1 Pick 10 Competition
Best Results: 1st with highest ever score of 225 (India 2012) & 2nd (Silverstone 2012)
Recipient of : Rosberg's Chinese Getaway Trophy

If he did it on mediums or higher then that really is impressive. But then speed was never an issue for Sutil imo.

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I AM THE THREAD KILLER.

Sutil managed to complete 78 laps with a best time of 1:22:877, 1.002 seconds from Alonso! Di Resta managed 1:23.971 yesterday. They could be on different programmes but Sutil did post a good time.

Great job by some one who drove a F1 car last in 2011 November in Brazil. He was upto speed. His feedback will have great impetus in deciding if he is still worth being in the car, which I think he is!

_________________
Always S(mile)!
Unlike Uday!

PF1 Pick 10 Competition
Best Results: 1st with highest ever score of 225 (India 2012) & 2nd (Silverstone 2012)
Recipient of : Rosberg's Chinese Getaway Trophy

Gonna be interesting if the weather forecast holds up. How do you decide when one runs in clear and the other during the wet?

The decision depends on many factors. Other than providing valuable feedback after the test, it also depends on sponsorship & what the board decides, depending on the engine supplier front.

I feel they will give Sutil the seat & help Bianchi get more test mileage & give him a seat in 2014. Sutil's rapport with the team can't be overlooked. After today's testing, he drove a car after 15 months & was still posting good lap times. He will definitely get stronger as he sheds the rust.

When Sutil was in Force India, it was not as competitive as it is now. Am sure he can shine brighter.

_________________
Always S(mile)!
Unlike Uday!

PF1 Pick 10 Competition
Best Results: 1st with highest ever score of 225 (India 2012) & 2nd (Silverstone 2012)
Recipient of : Rosberg's Chinese Getaway Trophy

See, Bianchi has report too with people that have been there recently.

Sure the car is better but is Sutil?

My 100 bucks, that if Sutil doesn't get the seat, Uday kicks a few board members butts at FI.

On a serious note, Sutil, on the basis of performance, should never have been replaced at all. I've seen posts around here, that designate him as a journey man and what not. It's all rubbish, he's at least promised to be an able and competitive driver and fully deserves this drive.

A KF pint, to Sutil, hoping he gets the drive.

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Nico Hulkenberg

my wish for 2013 is to see sutil on podium kicking some asses

And if he kicks Grosjean's ass? Will you still love that?

I hope FI decides quickly and I hope it will be Bianchi. The chapter Sutil should be closed IMO.

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F1 fan since 1989

Thanks! Appreciate your words. Some great pics from yesterday.

_________________
Always S(mile)!
Unlike Uday!

PF1 Pick 10 Competition
Best Results: 1st with highest ever score of 225 (India 2012) & 2nd (Silverstone 2012)
Recipient of : Rosberg's Chinese Getaway Trophy

Well, given his past behaviour, he will literally do that.
Oh no, wait, he more likes to work with broken glass ...

If Sutil ever gets on the podium will he be given a sippy cup for his Champers instead of the glass bottle?

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1994 1995 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

Depends if Kimi or Gorsjean win the race.

would be funny to see Lux up there picking up the constructors.

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Disclaimer: The above post maybe tongue in cheek.

"I thought I'd get your theories, mock them, then embrace my own. The usual."

I reckon a Sutil/RoGro/Hamilton and Lux podium could be the biggest awkward turtle F1 has seen in a long time. Well since EJ called Paul McCartney George...

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1994 1995 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

May be as soon as Sutil takes the trophy Lux may go .......
Lux: WHY YOU LITTLE!!!...
Sutil: (choking).... Arrrrrghhrrrhghg

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PF1 Pick 10
Aus13: 2nd
Chi13: 3rd

Sometimes I really wonder if you have some kind of crush on this guy...

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F1 fan since 1989

Did anyone else just stop to look at his body proportions? It looks like he has really long arms (or short legs) which I've never noticed before until now.

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"OHO!-magazine number 46/2006: - I read somewhere that I drive with the luck of a drunk."

He is not different than any other fans to be honest. He is FI fan, so anything regarding them excites him.

It is same with fans of other teams / drivers.
There are not too many FI fans here. So he stands out a bit, that's all.
I am another one even though I am Ferrari fan. Anything FI related interests me mainly because the team has Indian ties. Its only natural for people from this part of the world. Until FI and before that Narain, Indian fans had no connection from the homeland to the sport. Now there is

Thanks for your support.

I believe in being loyal towards something/someone that I like or respect.

It's a big coincidence that before Force India came into existence, I was a big fan of Jordan F1. That because Damon Hill spent his final 2 years of F1 in that team. In the 90's, Williams was my favourite.

It was great to realise that Jordan F1 has a deep connection with the car & team that is Force India now.

Even though I'm a great fan of Raikonnen, Hamilton & Alonso, I equally support Sutil. He doesn't come in their league but because he gave so many years to Force India, I appreciate him as a driver. Which is why I'm excited for his return.

Hopefully, FI makes a decision before the final test this week. Shareholders WAKE UP!

_________________
Always S(mile)!
Unlike Uday!

PF1 Pick 10 Competition
Best Results: 1st with highest ever score of 225 (India 2012) & 2nd (Silverstone 2012)
Recipient of : Rosberg's Chinese Getaway Trophy

So, you root for a violent criminal just because he has spent some years at FI before?

I thought the same thing.

How can people relistically expect him to challenge for the one odd chance at a win and a few podiums? The guy is 30 and do we need another German that is subpar?

Bianchi is 23 and just getting started. Sutil is very much on the downswing and I cant even believe he is being thought about for the seat still.

Jules' helmet looks awesome BTW.
http://www.forceindiaf1.com/photos/formula-one-testing-barcelona-spain-19-22-february-2013/formula-one-testing-402

Yes, despite the fact that I neither am violent nor do I booze heavily!

I'm only concerned with his driving!

_________________
Always S(mile)!
Unlike Uday!

PF1 Pick 10 Competition
Best Results: 1st with highest ever score of 225 (India 2012) & 2nd (Silverstone 2012)
Recipient of : Rosberg's Chinese Getaway Trophy

@Unlikeuday: Have you taken permanent residence in this thread? I hardly see you commenting else where except here.

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PF1 Pick 10
Aus13: 2nd
Chi13: 3rd

Not exactly. Don't get time to read many posts. I mainly respond to notifications in my mail or visit the forum on weekends or when there is a hot topi for discussion.

I do post on other threads as well.

This week they have to make a decision. Technically, they can make before Melbourne but the shareholders are expected to make a decision this week.

Sutil surely has a good chance of a return, otherwise he wouldn't get an outing even. It could be either that he can travel to all the race venues without any hindrance or FI have an emotional reason for hiring him once again for the sole fact that inspite of finishing 9th in the WDC, he was axed due to the impeding court cases.

FI were in the frame of mind of keeping Bianchi in the test role for another year, so if FI find Sutil competitive enough, it wouldn't hurt any one if Bianchi spent 1 more year on the sidelines.

Sutil surely must be confident of a return because he still has the same sponsors that he had in 2011 & his overalls had his name(name could be mandatory n the overalls?)

_________________
Always S(mile)!
Unlike Uday!

PF1 Pick 10 Competition
Best Results: 1st with highest ever score of 225 (India 2012) & 2nd (Silverstone 2012)
Recipient of : Rosberg's Chinese Getaway Trophy

Oh grow up, 'violent criminal'? If he had a history of going around like some possessed loan shark giving Chelsea smiles then fair enough. He's a fast driver and that's all that matters in a sport based around driving fast.


Also, I'm well aware that I'm justifying his single case of violent conduct while my avatar is Patrick Bateman

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I AM THE THREAD KILLER.

_________________
Always S(mile)!
Unlike Uday!

PF1 Pick 10 Competition
Best Results: 1st with highest ever score of 225 (India 2012) & 2nd (Silverstone 2012)
Recipient of : Rosberg's Chinese Getaway Trophy

Force India has nothing to do any more with the old Jordan team. To be honest if it was Eddie Jordan still at the helm he would not have given another chance to Sutil with that conviction. I actually think he would have fired Sutil the moment he got that penalty. If you don't believe it, than read what happened to Bertrand Gachot in 1991 after a fight with a London taxi driver. Sutil is just lucky Mallya rates him. And if Hulkenberg stayed there was no way Sutil would be considered. Kudos to you that you still support him but he had 5 years in F1 now but I really don't see where or when he showed he had potential to be anything more than a journeyman. Why should he deserve another shot while younger drivers showing more promise are seatless?

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F1 fan since 1989

If driving fast means scoring one 4th place in a race with a shaken up grid and being best of the rest in a good midfield car once, well I think that's pretty flawed definition of fast. It's also about getting results and actually doing something that makes people think like wow he is a good prospect. I would have at least expected him to score a podium to be wowed.
Heidfeld has been considered a journeyman, the most anonymous driver of F1. He was best of the rest several times, he scored podiums, even a pole. Yet Sutil fans like UnlikeUday believe Sutil is better. I was Heidfeld supporter but when he started to decline during his last 2 years with BMW Sauber I think it was right that should have been the end of his F1 career. He came back with Sauber and Renault, and even though he didn't do badly I think it was too little too late by than. Yeah his sacking at Renault was not like it should have been but he was not really taking the team forward. F1 can do without Heidfeld.
Nice that you support your driver no matter what. I don't think Sutil is a violent criminal, but I wouldn't think that a glassing incident is something to just shrug of. I'm not asking that he would be permanently banned from racing but did he really get a justified penalty, not in my opinion. Gachot initially got like 2 years of jail for defending against a violent taxi driver by using pepper spray just as comparison. He got free after a few months. Amusing that some people found Lux and Hamilton the real bad guys in the glassing incident.
Even more amusing was that some Sutil fans even saw Sutil already as a possible replacement for Massa at Ferrari.
Sutil had his fair share of chances and just like the other guys on that long list of seatless drivers should move on and give someone more promising a chance.

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F1 fan since 1989