Looking at the F1 website, I see that Virgin is now team Marussia. It is said that Marussia is a Russian car manufacturer. Anyone know about these cars? Do they have the old fabled aluminum brake rotors and the like?
I just can't get excited about any F1 schedule when I know that the bulk of the money ends up in the hands of that pompous egomaniac prick called Bernie Ecclestone. What a total ass. I'm dumbfounded that the teams and manufacturers haven't somehow unseated the guy's stranglehold on the F1 money machine.
The sport could be so much more affordable, and enjoyable, without that twat.
Petra Ecclestone Buys Spelling Mansion | The Jane Dough
Max Mosley was cut from the same piece of cloth too.
Currently, it's economics and profits that decides all major decisions in F1. Time for a revolution in F1 management and administration....new leadership, new ownership, new economics. The current situation stinks.
Whatever guys. The fact of the matter is that F1 is bigger than any one person, and no one person should control it. It should be a cooperative vision spread across those major constituents who contribute the most to it from the perspective of sport (not profit). The sport would be improved.
And no, making money is not a crime. But when making money becomes the primary purpose in a sport (as it arguably is today in F1 for Bernie) then the sport is secondary and that's just not right. The sport suffers because of it.
And just because you think Bernie is better than those that may have preceded him doesn't make him an appropriate shepherd of the sport, he may just not be as bad. There's better, more qualified, leadership available.
And this is just fine as a forum to discuss such matters. Happy to make it a separate thread if that's appropriate.
Cheers.
But it's Bernie's circus - he's not a 'shepherd' - he owns Formula 1 - he created it - and it's his product period ceasing to be a sport in the '80's.
If you mean Grand Prix Racing for open wheeled cars then there's nothing stopping anyone from starting such a series. You have one called IRL I believe but you just can't call it Formula 1.
Current F1 is of Bernie's making. Unless Sam Walton had sold his shares or his rights in Walmart for example, no one else could call their store Walmart.
The name "Formula One" cannot continue with anyone else unless he sells it or the rights to it. Who owns Le Mans? The Automobile Club de Ouest (ACO) - same deal although it is a group rather than an individual and one would guess open to more scrutiny.
Formula 1 is a product and a brand owned by Bernie Ecclestone. He is not a custodian,shepherd or a minder and love him or hate him Formula 1 IS Bernie Ecclestone.
OK,
Honest question: If Bernie is F1 then why does F1 need FIA sanction or any sanction?
Keith,
I guess I'm just old and obsolete.
Simply because I don't usually get things right, and avoiding (at much personal effort), any temptation to argue as to why Bernie can do exactly as he wishes with his business and to hell with anyone who seemingly resents such success, I would like to draw your attention to post #16 and then sit back and revell in your unanimous praise for my enlightened prediction.
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If I were a betting man, I'd stick a tenner on Button and a fiver on Lewis. I think MClaren could be great next year. I don't think Ferrari will be in a winning position until 2013. Just a gut feeling though. Absolutely no science behind it, (as with most of my posts).