Comments on: The fallout from F1’s latest shocks

By: Martin Collyer

Martin Collyer — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:09:48 +0000

Buck, I am agreeing with you, just adding my two pence worth, apologies if my English doesn’t make it clear.

By: martin

martin — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:55:36 +0000

Glad to see the sport back on the Beeb! Just need Murry back now! One point I haven’t seen anyone discussing… With teams leaving the sport, what happens to the team positions and prize money for next year? Toyota, and the possible event of Renault pulling out would surely move Sir Frank and his team up from 7th to 5th in the Pit Lanes next year?

This year was great, (if you ignore all the political flimflam) Well done Jensen, and the Brawn Team, well done Redbull for their fight, and well done Mclaren for their comeback. Next year, I’ll be a little disappointed to see the end of refuelling as this added another variable into the racing which sometimes can be a procession. However the thought of watching Massa take Alonso to the cleaners, Mclaren possibly having two competitive drivers, and hoping that Brawn can defend both titles confidently… I can’t wait.

By: James Allen

James Allen — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:40:25 +0000

I agree, but of all the new teams, they claim to be the most advanced. I am looking forward to going to see their set up.

By: Kedar

Kedar — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:06:01 +0000

Hi James,
It was quite funny to me to find out that Toyota left F1 and the next day reported a profit after many quarters(though this is attributed to the
‘cash for clunkers’). But really why dont the manufacturers let their engine dept to continue? I guess the teams pay for them anyway. This would still leave the impression for the less informed fans that its a sport of racing cars.
James what are your thoughts of the Lotus team? Despite all the build up about them being the British Ferraris It just seems like another “super Aguri” version of Malaysia. Just naming them Lotus will not associate them with History

By: Buck

Buck — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:05:28 +0000

I’m not sure if you’re agreeing or disagreeing with me here but I do agree that we may never know exactly what goes on in the board meetings of these big companies, and their reasons for both joining and then abandoning F1, despite what they say publicly (which no doubt usually has an enormous amount of spin on it).

But then why is it that these big boys were once welcomed with open arms by F1 brass, and now it seems they are uninvited house guests who have overstayed their welcome. “Good riddance you bums and take your dirty underwear with you!” seems to be the response to their departure.

I’m no chef, but something definitely smells fishy.

By: James Allen

James Allen — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:33:14 +0000

But are BMW and Toyota ‘big names’ as you put it? Martin Whitmarsh believes that Toyota were ‘not integral’ to F1 and that the strength of FOTA is Ferrari and McLaren. To lose Renault might be a different matter as they are multiple world champions and innovators. But they do not want to breach the Concorde Agreement as Toyota have done.

By: Martin Collyer

Martin Collyer — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:12:27 +0000

“…but are we really getting the whole story here?…they were “pushed” out of F1 by Mosley.”

The only people who really know why teams pull out are those people on the boards who take the decisions.

BMW, I think it was, issued a press release talking about “…realignment of strategic objectives.”

What does that mean? Anything you want it to mean, therefore it has no meaning.

By: Martin Collyer

Martin Collyer — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 03:50:51 +0000

Med, isn’t it also going to have a knock-on effect in countries like China and Turkey, and for the reasons that you put forward in connection with the value of TV rights.

Locals have hardly taken F1 into their hearts in those, and other, countries with the attraction of high-profile teams/companies like BMW and Toyota. Unaffordable tickets perhaps. Replacing well known manufacturers with Manor, Campos etc is unlikely to improve the appeal to locals.

How long will the governments that subsidise these races be willing to keep on paying the fees if the big names have quit?

How will CVC manage their debt if that happens?

By: Jack

Jack — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:03:05 +0000

Heidfeld to McLaren would be interesting next year, either way with Kimi or Nick I think we’ll be in for a treat!

By: Harveyeight

Harveyeight — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 21:04:45 +0000

I totally disagree, Graham.

Specs rule 98.4%.

Mind you, the rest was spot on.