Dixon's Replacement?

[GP Racer]

It may be to early to start looking for a Scott Dixon's replacement, but I like to be ready!

The Speed web-site has confirmed that Dixon will test for Williams in F1, sometime next week to familiarize himself with the car, and then get a full-blown test in April. So it sounds like Williams is very interested, and obviously, so is Dixon! I personally think that, at least one of the Williams drivers will not finish out this year, so there is a small chance that Dixon could leave the IRL this season.

So what drivers could step-up to take Dixon's spot?

My pick is Phil Giebler, America's F1 hopeful, who had his first win, on his first oval, in his first IPS race at Homestead. If he can continue doing well in IPS, and be ready to move up, and do well in the IRL, maybe he can get noticed by F1.

A long shot, I know, but you never know!

[Raven]

Williams won't be making any quick decisions. They have Pizzonia and Gene on hand as reserve drivers and there will be lots of other candidates for the two race seats in 2005.

Barring injury, Dixon should complete the season with Ganassi, although I think it's likely that he will leave sooner or later as he's clearly not keen on spending another year in the IRL.

[Snrub]

I have a hard time believing that Dixon will show better than Pizzonia and Gene. Those guys have a LOT of F1 experience and are held in high regard by the team. Gene showed in an actual race that he's definately got the right stuff. Lots of drivers get tests with F1 teams so I wouldn't get to ahead of ourselves.

[Just Do It!]

GP Racer: I posted the possiblity of Scott leaving IRL before this season was out due to a potential premature departure at Williams.

Raven: Also posted elsewhere, after the Renna accident, it is fair to say the sooner Scott can leave, the better. IRL is so damn fast, and the crashes are just terrible!

[climb]

The choice of the dirver to replace Scott will depend also on OWRS destiny: should they fail, a lot of potential Ganassi drivers are available.

[Hazza]

I'm sure Chip won't mind picking Bruno up again.

[Raven]

I don't think Bruno is planning on going back to Chip though, or driving in the IRL for that matter! Hopefully Bruno and Seb will get a go in the Williams too. Lets not forget how split Williams were over Bruno/Jenson for 2000.

[BootsOntheSide]

Giebler really deserves a chance at the highest level, quite possibly F1. Despite his comparative lack of fundig, and frequently having to take partial season drives in unfamiliar championships, he always seems to ge tthe job done, and he's clearly adept on ovals.

[Hazza]

What about AJ? Could He move from Cart? Or maybe RHR?

[Russfeld]

They'd have a better chance if they proved themselves in Europe first.

I dont think Dixon will race in F1

[3state]

Nor do I Russfeld, and it seems the claims that the will by some individuals on these forums is more a case of patriotic wishful thinking on the behalf of his compatriots.

There are a huge number of potential drivers for the seat at Williams and I'd say that more likely to promote a test driver such as Gene, or look to individuals in other teams.

[racer69]

If he doesn't do anything in F1 (and really, would he accept anything other than a race seat?), where else would it be worthwhile for him to go.

I'd say he will be staying where he is.

[chunterer]

If Williams are testing a young driver who has won an Internationally recognised title be sure that he is well in contention foir a seat next year.

I suspect the criteria falls on three things:

1/ How quick he is and his level of feedback.
2/ If they sign Mark Webber, (i doubt Williams will have two Antipodean drivers in '05!)
3/ Toyota's interest in proceedings?

I doubt he'll dissappoint on the first of those issues so number two is the hinger i reckon?

Perhaps Pizzonia or Gene will replace Scott at Ganassi, or maybe Rosberg or Piquet. There's every reason to think the Williams-Ganassi driver pooling will continue

[tanalised]

uh....Memo Gidley?

[GP Racer]

Originally posted by chunterer
If Williams are testing a young driver who has won an Internationally recognised title be sure that he is well in contention foir a seat next year.

Perhaps Pizzonia or Gene will replace Scott at Ganassi, or maybe Rosberg or Piquet. There's every reason to think the Williams-Ganassi driver pooling will continue

I agree with that first paragraph. The IRL is a major title, even if its only on ovals, and I'm sure that, plus Ganassi's word, went along way with Williams decision to give Dixon a serious test.

Now Pizzonia or Gene would be interesting. I'm sure Pizzonia really wants to avenge his firing by Jaguar and would be eager to show the world that he is indeed a racer. The IRL could put him back in the spotlight.