Rahal junior set for GP2 switch
Graham Rahal is set for a trans-Atlantic switch to GP2 in readiness for a tilt
at Formula One.

The 17-year-old, son of former Indianapolis 500 winner and Jaguar Formula One
boss Bobby, will move from America to Europe next year.

He is even willing to turn down the $1m prize that winning the Champ Car
Atlantic series would bring.

"I have to in order to get to F1 because Champ Car is not really much of a step
forward to it," he said.

"Right now I don't think you can get to Formula One from the States. You have
to go to GP2 - that's the way forward.

"It is the only way, the main way to get to Formula One. It seems to be the
right path to take."

The GP2 series, which runs alongside European F1 Grands Prix, helped Scott
Speed become the first American in Formula One since Michael Andretti in 1993.

And Rahal will use his father's help to get a head start in Formula One.

Bobby Rahal is a household name in the United States due to his success in Indy
car racing but he also had a brief driving stint and a spell in charge of
Jaguar.

"We are probably going to do a trip later in the summer to see a few people,
Bernie Ecclestone, Flavio Briatore, Norbert Haug, that crowd. It's not what you
know but who you know," said 53-year-old Rahal senior.
Story from BBC SPORT:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/spo...ne/5131930.stm

Published: 2006/06/30 04:47:53 GMT

© BBC MMVI










--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

On 2006-06-30, The Big Kahuna <big.kahuna (AT) excite (DOT) com> wrote:
I wonder what Marco Andretti's plan is? Will Michael try to shoe horn
him in with Mario's name?

--
"I have to decide between two equally frightening options.
If I wanted to do that, I'd vote." --Duckman

"js1" <js290 (AT) bellsouth (DOT) net> wrote

---------------------------------------------

Michael doesn't haven't any pull or influence in F1, with or without his
daddy's name.

On 2006-06-30, Hal S. <h.sanders (AT) comcast (DOT) net> wrote:
At least it's good to see the Rahal's approach F1 more humbly.

--
"I have to decide between two equally frightening options.
If I wanted to do that, I'd vote." --Duckman

"js1" <js290 (AT) bellsouth (DOT) net> wrote

I just watched an interview with Rahal senior. It was indeed refreshing (and
realistic).

js1 wrote:

This is actually a not a good thing for CCWS.

It does not take anyone with a brain to realize that Little Rahal is one of
those pivotal type people that can change the fortunes of a racing series.

GP2 is much a European response to champ car, and in a way was built to
"cover f1 soft behind" of F1 in preventing racing series like Champ car
gaining ground in Europe.

In other words, it is quite plan to see that a spec type series like Champ
car has a viable market, and thus Europe needed something with a similar
type concept for their turf.

Rhalal does indeed seem to be the real deal and F1 is in need of a American
driver who can bring fans (the Scott Speed is not the answer, since no one
knows of him, and he does NOT come from the American based racing series).

We REALLY REALLY need rahal to race a year or two in CCWS.

By GP2 and F1 offering Rahal money, they prevent the growth of CCWS.

I can only hope that Rahal spends one or two years in CCWS before making the
move to F1.

CCWS would substantially benefit from Rahal racing.

It does not take much brain power to realize that loosing Rahal to GP2 is
our loss.....

--
Albert D. Kallal
Edmonton, Alberta Canada
pleaseNOOSpamKallal (AT) msn (DOT) com

I have to agree much. However, Rahal always said it was his sponsors that
pushed his move. I can't blame him, and he has to pay the bills like
everyone else.

I think that any bad blood is water down the river, and fans would welcome
back Bobby with open arms.

In fact, Bobby has spent a good deal of time at the Atlantics races, and
everyone has given him a very warm, and decent welcome.

I think the door is wide open for Bobby Rahal, and the bitter point you
bring is a fair point, but one we all moved beyond.

I "think" my above view is widely held. There is perhaps some bad blood left
in terms of how Rahal left CCWS, but he does seem to support his son in
racing in a CCWS support series, and Rahal DID NOT push Graham into the IRL
support series.

So, I have some good solid respect for how Bobby has dealt with this issue,
and he did not push his son out of Atlantics, which clearly is a support of
CCWS....

--
Albert D. Kallal
Edmonton, Alberta Canada
pleaseNOOSpamKallal (AT) msn (DOT) com

Albert D.Kallal wrote:

Sorry, mate, you're wrong. GP2 has nothing at all to do with keeping any
form or US racing out of Europe.

--
Paul-B "Mansell was Mansell. We, we are only
simple mortals" - Eddie Irvine

Well, actually, it would be more A1 then GP2. So, fair point....

My theory might hold if we were talking about A1....and,...we are not!!! So,
fair point on your part...

Regardless, loosing Rahal to GP2 is our loss, that is for sure.....

It is not yet clear if Rahal will move to GP2 yet anyway....

--
Albert D. Kallal
Edmonton, Alberta Canada
pleaseNOOSpamKallal (AT) msn (DOT) com