NSX 1 = Senna; NSX 2 =Alonso!?

[goldtop]

Wondering if Honda will want to repeat the F1 driver relationship for marketing of the new NSX? As they are about to re-enter F1 with McLaren, the obvious candidate would be Alonso (if the paddock rumours at the time of writing are true). Got to admit that I feel no warmth for him. It would surely have a current driver and a WDC winner, too.

Or... assuming that the new McLaren (P13, Black Swan or whatever it's called this week) will be an NSX competitor, there's zilch chance of a McLaren F1 driver doing PR for Honda's road cars.

Wild card: it's built in the USA and so perhaps there's an Indy Car driver lined up?

[NSX 2000]

Well I would be more than happy if they turned to Dario Franchitti. Indy Car Champ 4 times, all with Honda engines.

[L696ULO]

If McLaren kept Button then Honda would have a driver that had a first gen NSX to promote the new one

[Pride]

And JB is someone who is totally respected and trusted in Japan, Britain and USA, it's a no brainer to me.

[goldtop]

I guess that Franchitti's post-accident condition means that he can't do any purposeful driving for development input? But it makes sense for him to play some role in the USA.

Button would seem a natural, but all the signs are that his star is waning somewhat.

Hmmm...

[TheSebringOne]

I really hope Mclaren retain JB but I think they will keep youth for long term planning & to off set the cost of Alonso.

[Pride]

Button would seem a natural, but all the signs are that his star is waning somewhat.

Hmmm...[/QUOTE]

Waning??? No way!
Check out last Sunday, most people realise that if JB was given the right car he could well be King again, he has an affinity with the origanol NSX, he speaks Japanese, and on top of all that he's well liked and respected where ever he goes.
I still reckon Honda will have a major say as to whether maclaren get rid of him for next year or not and if he does eventually go I wouldn't be at all surprised if he went to the states and did a Mansell, as he's still got it in him.
Only time will tell.

[goldtop]

I still reckon Honda will have a major say as to whether maclaren get rid of him for next year

Yes, but the fact that JB's so downbeat at the moment is telling. Seems Honda has not pressured McLaren on JB at all.

[Pride]

I think you will be surprised what might be said behind closed doors with Honda and Maclaren.
After all why has nothing been announced officially yet and as regards "downbeat" after last weekends result I can't remember seeing him so relaxed and smiling, got a feeling he really does know something we don't and it could well be in Japanese

[goldtop]

Well, it's a case of 'musical chairs'. If Alonso isn't going to McLaren (seems to be some brinkmanship on this), then just maybe JB's seat will be safe when the music stops. Side issue: if the smaller teams fold, and 3-car teams are on for next year, JB'll probably be OK, but his options are wider than just staying at McLaren.