rpm.espn.com: Users: Verstappen deserves better

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Saturday, February 9
Users: Verstappen deserves better
ESPN.com

Here's what users had to say about Jos Verstappen and his future prospects:

I know it costs big money to race Formula One. Arrows should dump Bernoldi and his sponsorship money to hang onto Jos. Would be a top match to have HHF and Jos driving for you. Jos will end up testing for a season. Does Toyota have an offical test driver? Hmm ...

Toby
Seattle

It's a shame one of F1's most daring drivers will not be on the grid in 2002, it's also a new low on the human side of F1. Verstappen signed a contract in summer 2001 and was "released" just three weeks before the season starts -- giving him little chance to continue his career. It's sad to see respected athletes treated so poorly and makes F1 an even duller place.

E. Venbroek
Heemstede, Netherlands

I'm disappointed. Jos Verstappen is one of the most underrated drivers in F1. The problem however is the car, not the driver. This problem rests with Sergio Rinland. Comparably, Frentzen will do no better than the equipment he has to work with. Verstappen can find a ride in the aftermath but with whom? Minardi? Prospects look better for test driving than anything else. Too bad. I would've liked to have seen Jos catch Raikkonen's ride at Sauber.

William Hope
Seattle

Frentzen has officially been given the remaining seat at Arrows, and thus Verstappen could be out of a ride this year. For his part, he's a decent driver who I respected until he punted Montoya off the road in Brazil. He does have great overtaking abilities, but it looks as though "Jos the Boss" could be sitting this one out.

Patrick Heber
East Lansing, Mich.

I think Jos' best bet is to land a test drive with a stronger team this year. If Jos can demonstrate his skill against other members of a strong team, then he will soon obtain a race seat. For instance, Olivier Panis' testing for McLaren in 2000 proved his worth and returned him to the grid with BAR in 2001. It seems Jos is one of the few drivers to have been relatively close to Michael Schumacher while serving as his teammate (at Benetton). Perhaps Schuey will assist his friend by securing Jos a test drive with Ferrari. Jos clearly has an affinity for aggressive passes in the early stages of a race -- aided by a light fuel load and a strategy that includes additional pit stops (which costs him toward the end of the race). I enjoy watching Jos' bonzai runs in the early laps and I hope he will be rewarded for his aggressive style.

John Keith
Greenwood, Ind.

Being a bit of a Verstappen fan -- I'd have to say that the man's never been in the ideal situation. (Or the right ride, other than a 1/2 season in Schumacher's shadow at Benetton in '94) So I'm intrigued to see how one of the more explosive starters in F1 will perform, if given the opportunity, with a credible constructer providing Arrows' powerplant for the '02 season. If Arrows is able to best Niki and team in this year's championship, look for heads to roll at Jaguar immediately following the Formula One season.

Nate Duchene
Seattle Decatur, Ga.

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