I think it is agreed that the Asiatech is only marginally better than the motor they currently use, so unless there is a major horsepower improvement, they could end up behind the Prosts. I don't think Webber will replace Yoong and his money, or am I wrong? Speaking of Prost, there hasn't been a lot written about their development plans for next year, if they have any, so you can't expect much from them either.
If Jensen stays at Renault, he will find Jarno as difficult to beat as Fisi was, I think. It's hard to tell what Briatore thinks about him, especially after remarking that Jensen had to start beating Fisi regularly, or he'd be gone in 2002. So what would Frank do with him, still holding his option, and not likely to excercise it?
I think that with a bit more seat time, McNish will match Salo's pace at least. It's hard to tell from a testing programme how good the car really is (this year's Prost, for example
),so we won't really know until the first race.If they are fairly quick, then our opinions of their chances could definitely change.
Judging by recent articles, it looks like next year could be a make or break year for BAR and Honda, and if our perception of the team doesn't change with the new car and engine, they will be looking for a new engine supplier in 2003.
I think there will be a much better perception of Renault next year. They appear, along with Williams, to be making the most strides forward in development, despite this years bit of espionage.
I would expect the biggest changes at Arrows with the Cosworth, but they need a new chassis with greater fuel capacity. You can't run a light car that requires at least 2 stops with a dog of a motor, or you can't build the gap you need to make your fuel strategy work.
I thought this year was good, but next year is going to be even more interesting, I am sure about that.
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