Comments on: USF1 confirms European base in Spain

By: Grinder

Grinder — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:44:17 +0000

I think a joint launch would be a great event for fans, bring what can be quite a distant sport a bit closer to those who really love it. I imagien this as a bit oif fun – A cross between NBA All Star and the Race of Champions in an an arena with fans cheering and fireworks, firing.

The argument against this just doesn’t stack up. Sponsors being unhappy? I dont think so, there wodul be lots of opportunity or local activation-Hospitality, simulators competitions etc. Also, I can’t remember any team other then Ferrari or the team who won the last WC getting any coverage at all… and even then it was pretty sparse outside the specialist press.

In terms of media coverage I’d guess it won’t change anything in the specialist press-Those who have a story will get good (or bad)coverage, those who don’t will get some perfunctory coverage. As someone sadi above it would be awesome to see a season launch issue of Autosport though with all the cars compared and contrasted.

If this goes onto TV I’d definetly watch -Especially if Beyonce is coming down from the roof swinging on a glitterball. Glamour, Girls and F1 cars? What’s not to love!

By: Thursday Thoughts: Team Launches « Pardon The French

Thursday Thoughts: Team Launches « Pardon The French — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:25:16 +0000

[...] for sponsor events along with increased with publicity which can only be good for the sport, right? James Allen suggests that an event like this could see less publicity for the smaller teams and that the event would be [...]

By: Cliff

Cliff — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:34:46 +0000

James,
The principle is good but I think a number of Team Sponsors may question whether they will get Value for money, especially with the media concentrating on the top teams. I do however think that FOTA should hold a pre-season test session similar to the one held in Moto GP where prizes are up for grabs and the general public are invited. This could be held in January. It would also give the teams to try new things prior to the season opener in March.

By: grat

grat — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 09:43:37 +0000

I’m in favor of online launches to start the buzz, but then an “official” Formula-1 Event to roll the cars out, possibly including practice sessions, interviews, etc.

I still think the “one size fits all” approach to “cost savings” is ridiculous. What saves Ferrari money may not even be an expense for USF1 or Force India, or could be hugely expensive for Campos or McLaren (team names largely random). For example, the factory closure debacle this summer that most teams agree cost them money in overtime to make up the lost time.

If this were a gaming system, you’d be allocated a set amount of “research points” that you could spend as appropriate– one team might need to test new drivers, another might need wind tunnel testing, and a third might need a few extra aero runs. Take the idea a step further, it might be a way to encourage established teams to assist new teams– but that’s just crazy talk.

By: Geoff

Geoff — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:36:09 +0000

They already do a group launch event. It’s called the first race of the season.

There is no need for teams to do these fancy pre-season launch shows at all.

If the teams want to spend money on them, then that is their own choice. Fortunately there are no points awarded for “Best fireworks” or “Most dancing girls”.

By: Stu

Stu — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 10:57:55 +0000

Seems an odd decision to base themselves in Spain, but then it’s alot cheaper than commuting back to the US all the time (especially in the peak european season) so I suppose it makes a degree of sense.

I look forward to seeing what USF1, and the other 3 new teams, bring to the sport.

By: James Allen

James Allen — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 04:16:25 +0000

The site will continue through the winter, plenty of content planned.

By: Drewe

Drewe — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 03:38:33 +0000

Go the online Route – Toyota tried it a few years ago, but that way they can create a media buzz, have some people come to the event, but still do it was lower cost that hiring out the center of barcelona……

By: Buck

Buck — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 03:09:08 +0000

Launch them all at the same time. With the money saved they could put back into making a really good show or festival of speed. Make it fun. Show off the new cars but especially show off what makes F1 cool and unique. Hold it at a tropical track. Hold it at Vegas with magicians revealing the cars in unexpected ways. Hold it in an indoor football stadium or in the Louvre. Have a classic/supercar auction like Speed TV’s Barrett Jackson. Have a concert festival. have cart races with famous drivers. Bring Senna, Evel Knievel and Elvis back from the dead. Whatever it takes. Just make people want to actually watch it. Ha ha.

Probably my last post here this year. Thanks for putting together such a great site and for your great reporting and insights on a wild, roller-coaster year James. You no doubt had to work your ass off especially hard this year! Congratulations.

By: Darren

Darren — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:21:57 +0000

what about new for old , Williams launch the new for 2010 car with Damon Hill in his world championship car also doing demo runs. Same with all the teams new car with driver and a historic car from there show room with a former world champion or race winning/main driver.would be a great history lesson for new fans.

the new 2010 lotus against one of the JPS lotus from the 70′s … can see it now