| Wr4wrX | 03-09-2007 04:02 AM |
Aston Martin F1?
�
�
Aston in '08?
[Quote]
Luxury car business Aston Martin could be sold to a British company in the next few days by current owner Ford.
The buyer is tipped to be a consortium led by Dave Richards, head of the performance car specialists Prodrive, based in Banbury in Oxfordshire.
The price tag is likely to be between �400m and �500m ($770m to $965m).
Ford bought 75% of Aston Martin - best known for being James Bond's favourite car - in 1987, picking up the rest of the marque's shares six years later.
The American giant put Aston Martin up for sale six months ago, with a price tag of �1bn, in response to its own financial problems.
Ford lost more than $12bn last year and has had to take out a $23bn mortgage to cover its restructuring.
[U]Access to technology[/U]
"They're laying off tens of thousands of workers and closing plants in North America so raising $1bn by selling Aston Martin is a quick hit for them to keep their shareholders happy", according to David Bailey, Professor of Economic Policy and International Business at Birmingham University.
While Ford is now only likely to get half the amount it was looking for, it is expected to retain a minority stake in the business.
If Ford was to keep some shares, it would also help the buyers retain access to the technology that drives the current models.
Dave Richards is a former accountant who became a professional rally driver, winning the World Rally Championship in 1981.
His company, Prodrive, already runs the Aston Martin racing team in the World Sports Car series as well as the Subaru world rally team.
[B]
It is due to enter Formula One racing next year and there has been speculation that the cars may now be Aston Martin branded.[/B]
The financial backing for the potential deal is understood to come from Egypt's Naeem investment bank.
[/Quote]
[url]http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6433349.stm[/url]
[Quote]
Luxury car business Aston Martin could be sold to a British company in the next few days by current owner Ford.
The buyer is tipped to be a consortium led by Dave Richards, head of the performance car specialists Prodrive, based in Banbury in Oxfordshire.
The price tag is likely to be between �400m and �500m ($770m to $965m).
Ford bought 75% of Aston Martin - best known for being James Bond's favourite car - in 1987, picking up the rest of the marque's shares six years later.
The American giant put Aston Martin up for sale six months ago, with a price tag of �1bn, in response to its own financial problems.
Ford lost more than $12bn last year and has had to take out a $23bn mortgage to cover its restructuring.
[U]Access to technology[/U]
"They're laying off tens of thousands of workers and closing plants in North America so raising $1bn by selling Aston Martin is a quick hit for them to keep their shareholders happy", according to David Bailey, Professor of Economic Policy and International Business at Birmingham University.
While Ford is now only likely to get half the amount it was looking for, it is expected to retain a minority stake in the business.
If Ford was to keep some shares, it would also help the buyers retain access to the technology that drives the current models.
Dave Richards is a former accountant who became a professional rally driver, winning the World Rally Championship in 1981.
His company, Prodrive, already runs the Aston Martin racing team in the World Sports Car series as well as the Subaru world rally team.
[B]
It is due to enter Formula One racing next year and there has been speculation that the cars may now be Aston Martin branded.[/B]
The financial backing for the potential deal is understood to come from Egypt's Naeem investment bank.
[/Quote]
[url]http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6433349.stm[/url]
| TimStevens | 03-09-2007 06:34 AM |
Cooooool.
| MattDell | 03-09-2007 09:33 AM |
[QUOTE=Wr4wrX;17296348]Aston in '08?
[url]http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6433349.stm[/url][/QUOTE]
I hope not. I'd rather see Prodrive as a constructor.
[url]http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6433349.stm[/url][/QUOTE]
I hope not. I'd rather see Prodrive as a constructor.
| Slick33 | 03-09-2007 09:55 AM |
[QUOTE=Wr4wrX;17296348]Aston in '08?
[/QUOTE]
Interesting...it wouldn't be a far stretch for it to happen, seeing as Prodrive is widely reported to be the front-runner in the purchase of Aston from Ford.
[/QUOTE]
Interesting...it wouldn't be a far stretch for it to happen, seeing as Prodrive is widely reported to be the front-runner in the purchase of Aston from Ford.
| bitterWRX | 03-09-2007 10:44 AM |
[QUOTE]'I'm a top-three driver' - Ralf S.
Written by Administrator
Friday, 09 March 2007
Mar.9 (GMM) Ralf Schumacher thinks he is one of the "best three drivers" in formula one. In an interview with Bild newspaper, the 31-year-old German, who for the first time since 1996 will this year be the only Schumacher on the grid, ranked himself alongside F1's undisputed top two Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen. "Clearly they are really fast but I don't feel like I have to hide from anyone," he said. [B]"I rank myself among the best three drivers. "If I didn't think that then I wouldn't bother being in formula one any more," Schumacher added.[/B] Ralf, however, looks set to be buried in the midfield in 2007 with Toyota's uncompetitive TF107, after admitting that it is presently at least a second per lap slower than the leading bunch. He explained: "But in a slow car even my brother wouldn't have been world champion." Despite Toyota's struggle with a mammoth annual budget, Schumacher said there would be "no point" losing his temper about the fact that he is unlikely to feature strongly next week in Australia. "We have to work and improve, not look the other way," Ralf insisted, "and one day our effort will bear fruit. "I hope it's this year; I still intend to win Toyota's first race in 2007."
[/QUOTE]
I had a laugh at this when I read it. :D
Written by Administrator
Friday, 09 March 2007
Mar.9 (GMM) Ralf Schumacher thinks he is one of the "best three drivers" in formula one. In an interview with Bild newspaper, the 31-year-old German, who for the first time since 1996 will this year be the only Schumacher on the grid, ranked himself alongside F1's undisputed top two Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen. "Clearly they are really fast but I don't feel like I have to hide from anyone," he said. [B]"I rank myself among the best three drivers. "If I didn't think that then I wouldn't bother being in formula one any more," Schumacher added.[/B] Ralf, however, looks set to be buried in the midfield in 2007 with Toyota's uncompetitive TF107, after admitting that it is presently at least a second per lap slower than the leading bunch. He explained: "But in a slow car even my brother wouldn't have been world champion." Despite Toyota's struggle with a mammoth annual budget, Schumacher said there would be "no point" losing his temper about the fact that he is unlikely to feature strongly next week in Australia. "We have to work and improve, not look the other way," Ralf insisted, "and one day our effort will bear fruit. "I hope it's this year; I still intend to win Toyota's first race in 2007."
[/QUOTE]
I had a laugh at this when I read it. :D
| MattDell | 03-09-2007 10:57 AM |
Wow, somebody needs a reality check. :lol:
| Ferg | 03-09-2007 11:33 AM |
Eh, you ask any racing driver and they'll tell you the same thing.
"I'm as fast as any guy out there." or whatever.
On his day Ralfie certainly is, but like so many others those days are few and very far between.
"I'm as fast as any guy out there." or whatever.
On his day Ralfie certainly is, but like so many others those days are few and very far between.
| Ferg | 03-09-2007 01:58 PM |
Bernie's on the latest cover of Forbes perched on the R27.
"Billionaires!"
According to the article he's tied with George Lucas at #243 (out of 800 or so) with a tidy little 3.6 billion. Ahead of Roger Penske (2.2) and Dietrich Mateschitz (Didi from Red Bull @ 3.0)...
[QUOTE]Head of Formula One racing still knows how to cut a deal. In 2005 sold his remaining 25% stake in Formula One to CVC Capital Partners, a leading European private equity firm, then turned around and reinvested with CVC in a new joint company called Alpha Prema. The new corporation now controls 100% of Formula One Group, and Bernie still gets to direct the empire.[/QUOTE]
"Billionaires!"
According to the article he's tied with George Lucas at #243 (out of 800 or so) with a tidy little 3.6 billion. Ahead of Roger Penske (2.2) and Dietrich Mateschitz (Didi from Red Bull @ 3.0)...
[QUOTE]Head of Formula One racing still knows how to cut a deal. In 2005 sold his remaining 25% stake in Formula One to CVC Capital Partners, a leading European private equity firm, then turned around and reinvested with CVC in a new joint company called Alpha Prema. The new corporation now controls 100% of Formula One Group, and Bernie still gets to direct the empire.[/QUOTE]
| rupertberr | 03-09-2007 02:04 PM |
"I rank myself among the best three drivers. "If I didn't think that then I wouldn't bother being in formula one any more," Schumacher added."
I agree with that statement. He just forgot to add Toyota. He is one of the best three drivers on the Toyota Formula One team.:D
I agree with that statement. He just forgot to add Toyota. He is one of the best three drivers on the Toyota Formula One team.:D
| cdvma | 03-09-2007 02:23 PM |
[QUOTE=Slick33;17297732]Interesting...it wouldn't be a far stretch for it to happen, seeing as Prodrive is widely reported to be the front-runner in the purchase of Aston from Ford.[/QUOTE]
For those who don't know, this is now fact. Prodrive Group is the buyer.
For those who don't know, this is now fact. Prodrive Group is the buyer.
| Ferg | 03-09-2007 02:39 PM |
So who's engines chassis and engines are Prodrive going to use?
Will it be a McLaren MP4/22 with a BMW engine and they'll call it an Aston Martin?
My scorecard is getting rather complicated. :confused:
Will it be a McLaren MP4/22 with a BMW engine and they'll call it an Aston Martin?
My scorecard is getting rather complicated. :confused:
| TimStevens | 03-09-2007 02:55 PM |
I'd bet custom chassis...maybe Cosworth engine? Probably speculating a bit too much there :)
| subaru legacy turbo | 03-09-2007 03:03 PM |
It's been a Looooooooooooog wait.. my only question is ...
HOW does Giancarlo Fisichella keep his ride???
(ps I'll miss Jacques :( )
HOW does Giancarlo Fisichella keep his ride???
(ps I'll miss Jacques :( )
| Ferg | 03-09-2007 03:06 PM |
[QUOTE=TimStevens;17301523]I'd bet custom chassis...maybe Cosworth engine? Probably speculating a bit too much there :)[/QUOTE]
There's no time, personal, or factory to design and build a chassis in time for 2008. It's going to have to be a customer car from an existing team, my bet is McLaren.
I'd love to see Cossie back, especially with the current engine freeze given them some parity with the big guys...sadly I don't think it's going to happen. :(
There's no time, personal, or factory to design and build a chassis in time for 2008. It's going to have to be a customer car from an existing team, my bet is McLaren.
I'd love to see Cossie back, especially with the current engine freeze given them some parity with the big guys...sadly I don't think it's going to happen. :(
| TimStevens | 03-09-2007 03:39 PM |
You don't think David Richards' experience in F1 would be enough to pull together something in time? Prodrive has been talking about joining F1 for quite some time now, and I wouldn't be surprised if he hadn't put a squad of engineers on it many moons ago.
| Ferg | 03-09-2007 03:43 PM |
If he has he's kept it very quite. I'll have to go back and look but as far as I've read he's only made one announcement as far as appointments, and that was for a single guy.
I think DR definitely has the experience to make the project work. It's that experience that's going to tell him that a customer car is the only way to get on the grid and be there or thereabouts.
It's going to be fascinating to watch that's for sure!
I think DR definitely has the experience to make the project work. It's that experience that's going to tell him that a customer car is the only way to get on the grid and be there or thereabouts.
It's going to be fascinating to watch that's for sure!
| Ferg | 03-09-2007 03:45 PM |
Ah here we go, definitely planning on buying a chassis.
[QUOTE]Prodrive won't test before December
By Jonathan Noble Thursday, January 11th 2007, 17:25 GMT
Prodrive's new Formula One team will wait until December before testing for the first time, team boss David Richards revealed on Thursday.
Although Richards is in talks with three current F1 teams about a customer car and engine deal, he has ruled out any possibility of Prodrive's F1 operation hitting the test track early in their preparations for 2008.
"Everything has got to be sorted by March 2008 and we are just working backwards from there," he told autosport.com. "You would be surprised how little impact you would have not having anything in place until the latter part of the season.
"We have no intention of running before December."
Richards has said he is still open about his team's plans for 2008, and had not yet decided which team he will receive his customer car and engine from. Last year he revealed that talks had taken place with Ferrari, McLaren, Renault and BMW.
"We have got three options still," said Richards, who did not reveal who he was in negotiations with. "I have a favoured one obviously, but I would be foolish until things are settled to not look at all the solutions that people are proposing for us."
He added: "We are not going to build our own car and we are going to partner with one of the existing teams. They will benefit from working closely with us, with the testing, development and extra mileage on the track, and we will get access to a competitive F1 car."
Although Richards is in no rush to finalise his drivers, he said that staff announcement would be made soon as he sorts out the personnel who will run the operation.
"I have started my recruitment programme and my first announcement will be made shortly. Over the next few months you will see a few other significant announcements."
When asked whether former Honda Racing technical director Geoff Willis would be part of the team, Richards said: "I am not going to mention any individual names whatsoever at the moment. I could say yes, no or lie to you, but I would rather make no comment as to who they are until they come out."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Prodrive won't test before December
By Jonathan Noble Thursday, January 11th 2007, 17:25 GMT
Prodrive's new Formula One team will wait until December before testing for the first time, team boss David Richards revealed on Thursday.
Although Richards is in talks with three current F1 teams about a customer car and engine deal, he has ruled out any possibility of Prodrive's F1 operation hitting the test track early in their preparations for 2008.
"Everything has got to be sorted by March 2008 and we are just working backwards from there," he told autosport.com. "You would be surprised how little impact you would have not having anything in place until the latter part of the season.
"We have no intention of running before December."
Richards has said he is still open about his team's plans for 2008, and had not yet decided which team he will receive his customer car and engine from. Last year he revealed that talks had taken place with Ferrari, McLaren, Renault and BMW.
"We have got three options still," said Richards, who did not reveal who he was in negotiations with. "I have a favoured one obviously, but I would be foolish until things are settled to not look at all the solutions that people are proposing for us."
He added: "We are not going to build our own car and we are going to partner with one of the existing teams. They will benefit from working closely with us, with the testing, development and extra mileage on the track, and we will get access to a competitive F1 car."
Although Richards is in no rush to finalise his drivers, he said that staff announcement would be made soon as he sorts out the personnel who will run the operation.
"I have started my recruitment programme and my first announcement will be made shortly. Over the next few months you will see a few other significant announcements."
When asked whether former Honda Racing technical director Geoff Willis would be part of the team, Richards said: "I am not going to mention any individual names whatsoever at the moment. I could say yes, no or lie to you, but I would rather make no comment as to who they are until they come out."[/QUOTE]
| TimStevens | 03-09-2007 04:02 PM |
Ahh, that settles that then. :)
| KAX | 03-09-2007 07:26 PM |
I really hope they stay as prodrive when they come to F1 and not go with aston martin as the name.
| ptclaus98 | 03-10-2007 08:38 AM |
I hope they have an orange and yellow nose to distinguish the one and two car, like the Audi F1 renders.
| MattDell | 03-10-2007 02:47 PM |
[QUOTE=KAX;17304511]I really hope they stay as prodrive when they come to F1 and not go with aston martin as the name.[/QUOTE]
I agree. We need more constructors like Williams and McLaren.
I agree. We need more constructors like Williams and McLaren.
| meebs | 03-10-2007 06:25 PM |
[QUOTE=MattDell;17310093]I agree. We need more constructors like Williams and McLaren.[/QUOTE]
For people like us, I agree, I would rather it just say Prodrive. But for the growth of the sport; I think it's vital to tag a brand on them.
For people like us, I agree, I would rather it just say Prodrive. But for the growth of the sport; I think it's vital to tag a brand on them.
| meebs | 03-11-2007 12:45 PM |
found this image interesting. Almost go time.
[img]http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/03/dsc_0190.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/03/dsc_0190.jpg[/img]
| KAX | 03-11-2007 04:21 PM |
[QUOTE=ptclaus98;17308275]I hope they have an orange and yellow nose to distinguish the one and two car, like the Audi F1 renders.[/QUOTE]
i hope they have an all black car with blue accent trim :D
that would look HAWT!
i hope they have an all black car with blue accent trim :D
that would look HAWT!
| Patrick L | 03-11-2007 09:18 PM |
I just post this on the motogp thread.
Dude!
Not sure if this is news and has been posted already. i was just watching wind tunnel and there is talk about having a MotoGP round at Indy but running the course CCW with a left hand turn (into the infield) at the end of the front straight and not using the oval turn 1. Also if this new config is approved that the F1 guys would run it that was too.
Dude!
Not sure if this is news and has been posted already. i was just watching wind tunnel and there is talk about having a MotoGP round at Indy but running the course CCW with a left hand turn (into the infield) at the end of the front straight and not using the oval turn 1. Also if this new config is approved that the F1 guys would run it that was too.
| KAX | 03-11-2007 10:17 PM |
[QUOTE=Top_Dog;17319581]I just post this on the motogp thread.
Dude!
Not sure if this is news and has been posted already. i was just watching wind tunnel and there is talk about having a MotoGP round at Indy but running the course CCW with a left hand turn (into the infield) at the end of the front straight and not using the oval turn 1. Also if this new config is approved that the F1 guys would run it that was too.[/QUOTE]
it was only 2 pages ago
[url]http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showpost.php?p=17273445&postcount=1360[/url]
Dude!
Not sure if this is news and has been posted already. i was just watching wind tunnel and there is talk about having a MotoGP round at Indy but running the course CCW with a left hand turn (into the infield) at the end of the front straight and not using the oval turn 1. Also if this new config is approved that the F1 guys would run it that was too.[/QUOTE]
it was only 2 pages ago
[url]http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showpost.php?p=17273445&postcount=1360[/url]
| nick735 | 03-12-2007 12:22 AM |
Is anyone else waiting for ferrari to come out with their 2007 kimi/ ferrari merchandise? :disco:
| parker/slc/gc8fan | 03-12-2007 12:28 AM |
Not until the shot glasses are out. :D
| Ferg | 03-12-2007 12:32 PM |
It's official.
[QUOTE]Richards buys Aston Martin
Monday, March 12th 2007, 14:07 GMT
A consortium led by Prodrive boss David Richards has bought luxury car maker Aston Martin, it was confirmed on Monday.
The buyout ends almost twenty years of Ford Motor Company's ownership of Aston Martin.
The consortium is led by Richards, American banker John Sinders, Investment Dar and Adeem Investment.
Ford could receive over 450 million pounds ($867 million) for Aston Martin, according to sources familiar with the situation.
Richards, whose team will make their Formula One debut next year, will be joining the board of Aston Martin as non-executive chairman in a personal capacity.
"This is an incredible opportunity - Aston Martin is one of the world's most iconic brands" said Richards. "We are confident we now have all the right ingredients to take Aston Martin to even greater heights."
Aston Martin sales rose by half last year to about 6,500 units.[/QUOTE]
I think that pretty much nails it, Aston will be on the grid in 2008. :)
Hopefully they'll call it something like, "Aston Martin Prodrive" or whatever.
[QUOTE]Richards buys Aston Martin
Monday, March 12th 2007, 14:07 GMT
A consortium led by Prodrive boss David Richards has bought luxury car maker Aston Martin, it was confirmed on Monday.
The buyout ends almost twenty years of Ford Motor Company's ownership of Aston Martin.
The consortium is led by Richards, American banker John Sinders, Investment Dar and Adeem Investment.
Ford could receive over 450 million pounds ($867 million) for Aston Martin, according to sources familiar with the situation.
Richards, whose team will make their Formula One debut next year, will be joining the board of Aston Martin as non-executive chairman in a personal capacity.
"This is an incredible opportunity - Aston Martin is one of the world's most iconic brands" said Richards. "We are confident we now have all the right ingredients to take Aston Martin to even greater heights."
Aston Martin sales rose by half last year to about 6,500 units.[/QUOTE]
I think that pretty much nails it, Aston will be on the grid in 2008. :)
Hopefully they'll call it something like, "Aston Martin Prodrive" or whatever.
| Ferg | 03-12-2007 12:33 PM |
Bernie wants more night races...
[QUOTE]Ecclestone wants 'a number' of night races
By Pablo Elizalde Monday, March 12th 2007, 16:23 GMT
Bernie Ecclestone says he wants the Formula One calendar to include a "good number of night races" in the near future.
The Formula One supremo has been playing with the idea of night races for a while, with Singapore, China or Japan as likely calendars due to their time difference over Europe.
Ecclestone also said he wants next year's calendar to include a record 20 races. The current schedule has 17 events.
"I'd like twenty races next season and I'm currently trying to put together a three-year calendar," Ecclestone told the Mail on Sunday in an interview.
"I'm also wanting to stage a good number of night races.
"Apart from the fact that it's a new development, and there will be a novelty factor behind it, the main reason is because so many of the Grands Prix are east of Europe and instead of having to watch them in the early hours of the morning, Europeans can instead watch them during the day if staged in the evenings in the East.
"I think, for example, it's a terrible shame that the first Grand Prix of the new season should be staged in the afternoon in Australia.
"Having to get up and watch it in the night over here is not the best way to get the show on the road."
The 2007 season kicks off in Australia this weekend.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Ecclestone wants 'a number' of night races
By Pablo Elizalde Monday, March 12th 2007, 16:23 GMT
Bernie Ecclestone says he wants the Formula One calendar to include a "good number of night races" in the near future.
The Formula One supremo has been playing with the idea of night races for a while, with Singapore, China or Japan as likely calendars due to their time difference over Europe.
Ecclestone also said he wants next year's calendar to include a record 20 races. The current schedule has 17 events.
"I'd like twenty races next season and I'm currently trying to put together a three-year calendar," Ecclestone told the Mail on Sunday in an interview.
"I'm also wanting to stage a good number of night races.
"Apart from the fact that it's a new development, and there will be a novelty factor behind it, the main reason is because so many of the Grands Prix are east of Europe and instead of having to watch them in the early hours of the morning, Europeans can instead watch them during the day if staged in the evenings in the East.
"I think, for example, it's a terrible shame that the first Grand Prix of the new season should be staged in the afternoon in Australia.
"Having to get up and watch it in the night over here is not the best way to get the show on the road."
The 2007 season kicks off in Australia this weekend.[/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 03-12-2007 01:23 PM |
DR says no link between buying Aston and Prodrive entering F1...
[QUOTE][B][U]Richards denies Aston's F1 link[/U][/B]
By Glenn Freeman and Pablo Elizalde Monday, March 12th 2007, 14:57 GMT
Prodrive boss David Richards says the buyout of Aston Martin has nothing to do with his company or his Formula One team.
A consortium led by Richards confirmed on Monday that it had completed the buyout of the luxury car maker, after 20 years under Ford Motor Company's ownership.
But Richards, whose Prodrive team will make their Formula One debut next season, said it was only a personal investment and denied any links with his Grand Prix team.
"People have put two and two together and got six," Richards told reporters during a press conference to confirm the buyout. "This is something personal to me and has nothing to do with Prodrive.
"Our plan was always to go into Formula One in partnership with an existing team, and the plan is still to do that." [/QUOTE]
[QUOTE][B][U]Richards denies Aston's F1 link[/U][/B]
By Glenn Freeman and Pablo Elizalde Monday, March 12th 2007, 14:57 GMT
Prodrive boss David Richards says the buyout of Aston Martin has nothing to do with his company or his Formula One team.
A consortium led by Richards confirmed on Monday that it had completed the buyout of the luxury car maker, after 20 years under Ford Motor Company's ownership.
But Richards, whose Prodrive team will make their Formula One debut next season, said it was only a personal investment and denied any links with his Grand Prix team.
"People have put two and two together and got six," Richards told reporters during a press conference to confirm the buyout. "This is something personal to me and has nothing to do with Prodrive.
"Our plan was always to go into Formula One in partnership with an existing team, and the plan is still to do that." [/QUOTE]
| Wr4wrX | 03-12-2007 01:25 PM |
Bernie talking sense?
[Quote]
[B]Points system not working, says Ecclestone [/B]
By Pablo Elizalde Monday, March 12th 2007, 16:27 GMT
Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone says the current Formula One points system doesn't work and makes the sport less exciting.
Currently, the system awards ten points to the winner of a race, with eight going to the runner-up and six to the third-placed driver.
The points system was changed in 2003 in order to avoid a driver clinching a title too early. Before that, the winning driver used to get four more points than the runner-up.
Ecclestone believes the current two-point difference is not enough to make drivers take risks and go for victory.
"The decision to award eight points to the runner-up in a Grand Prix has not worked," Ecclestone told the Mail on Sunday.
"There's not enough motivation for the driver in second place to go for the win. They weigh up the situation and decide it's not worth the risk of falling off the road just for two lousy points.
"They reckon they might get lucky in the pits and sneak ahead that way, but that's the only way they are prepared to go for the No 1 spot. All I keep hearing is people moaning about the fact that we don't see an awful lot of overtaking any more in F1.
"To me, it should be all about winning," Ecclestone added. "The driver who wins the most races in the season should be the world champion.
"It's as simple as that. Second places should only come into the reckoning if both drivers win the same amount of races."
Ecclestone says he will push for a change in the system as soon as next season.
"Well, obviously not this season because the regulations are set, but I'd like to change it maybe for next season," he said. "As the president of the F1 Commission, I shall be bringing it up."
[/Quote]
This is something I could get behind.
[Quote]
[B]Points system not working, says Ecclestone [/B]
By Pablo Elizalde Monday, March 12th 2007, 16:27 GMT
Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone says the current Formula One points system doesn't work and makes the sport less exciting.
Currently, the system awards ten points to the winner of a race, with eight going to the runner-up and six to the third-placed driver.
The points system was changed in 2003 in order to avoid a driver clinching a title too early. Before that, the winning driver used to get four more points than the runner-up.
Ecclestone believes the current two-point difference is not enough to make drivers take risks and go for victory.
"The decision to award eight points to the runner-up in a Grand Prix has not worked," Ecclestone told the Mail on Sunday.
"There's not enough motivation for the driver in second place to go for the win. They weigh up the situation and decide it's not worth the risk of falling off the road just for two lousy points.
"They reckon they might get lucky in the pits and sneak ahead that way, but that's the only way they are prepared to go for the No 1 spot. All I keep hearing is people moaning about the fact that we don't see an awful lot of overtaking any more in F1.
"To me, it should be all about winning," Ecclestone added. "The driver who wins the most races in the season should be the world champion.
"It's as simple as that. Second places should only come into the reckoning if both drivers win the same amount of races."
Ecclestone says he will push for a change in the system as soon as next season.
"Well, obviously not this season because the regulations are set, but I'd like to change it maybe for next season," he said. "As the president of the F1 Commission, I shall be bringing it up."
[/Quote]
This is something I could get behind.
| TimStevens | 03-12-2007 01:44 PM |
Lemme guess...instead of going back to the old system which worked for ages they'll come up with some new screwed up system.
| artkevin | 03-12-2007 05:15 PM |
I've always wanted them to make winning worth 12 points and still give points down to 8th.
| FujiApples | 03-12-2007 06:48 PM |
I also think it would be nice if they would give points for fastest lap and laps lead like they do in so many other series. I think that kind of goes against Bernie's grand plan because it could give points to those who don't win, but I think it would accomplish the same goal of making it more exciting.
| RollingRex | 03-12-2007 08:20 PM |
I am not really behind the idea of giving points for most laps lead and fastest lap during the race, but would like to see 1 point given to fastest qualifier as reward for putting that "perfect" lap together.
| KAX | 03-12-2007 09:07 PM |
yeh, i dont like giving off points for every little thing.
the thing i dislike the most about the BTCC is the fact that there are so many points available, it makes it really hard to follow along
the thing i dislike the most about the BTCC is the fact that there are so many points available, it makes it really hard to follow along
| Ferg | 03-12-2007 09:15 PM |
I'm trying to remember one of the older points system they had going...
something like the best four finishes from the first half of the season then the best four from the second half...really bizarre and impossible to follow.
I think making a win worth 12 points, two points for pole, and maybe a single "bonus" point for pulling a sweep...pole fastest race lap and the win.
something like the best four finishes from the first half of the season then the best four from the second half...really bizarre and impossible to follow.
I think making a win worth 12 points, two points for pole, and maybe a single "bonus" point for pulling a sweep...pole fastest race lap and the win.
| MattDell | 03-12-2007 09:15 PM |
[QUOTE=Ferg;17325888]DR says no link between buying Aston and Prodrive entering F1...[/QUOTE]
Excellent!
Excellent!
| MattDell | 03-12-2007 09:34 PM |
[IMG]http://www.mattdell.com/hostedfiles/myearthdream.png[/IMG]
Apparently I'm on Button's car. :p
-Matt
Apparently I'm on Button's car. :p
-Matt
| nKoan | 03-12-2007 09:59 PM |
Woohoo, me too.
[url]http://www.myearthdream.com/#root/showPledge/13886[/url]
Hmm, the link doesn't seem to be working anymore, but I'm on the front wing.
[url]http://www.myearthdream.com/#root/showPledge/13886[/url]
Hmm, the link doesn't seem to be working anymore, but I'm on the front wing.
| KAX | 03-12-2007 10:08 PM |
[QUOTE=Ferg;17331779]I'm trying to remember one of the older points system they had going...
something like the best four finishes from the first half of the season then the best four from the second half...really bizarre and impossible to follow.
I think making a win worth 12 points, two points for pole, and maybe a single "bonus" point for pulling a sweep...pole fastest race lap and the win.[/QUOTE]
with the way F1 is now, i think that would only make things less exciting. Sweeps would be easy and alot of races pole = win.
something like the best four finishes from the first half of the season then the best four from the second half...really bizarre and impossible to follow.
I think making a win worth 12 points, two points for pole, and maybe a single "bonus" point for pulling a sweep...pole fastest race lap and the win.[/QUOTE]
with the way F1 is now, i think that would only make things less exciting. Sweeps would be easy and alot of races pole = win.
| meebs | 03-13-2007 12:52 AM |
I call BS on Richards link denial. He gives it away in the last sentence with "go into". :D
[quote=Richards]"Our plan was always to go into Formula One in partnership with an existing team, and the plan is still to do that."[/quote]
...and then in their second year, the cars will be green, which I actually think would be great.
[quote=Richards]"Our plan was always to go into Formula One in partnership with an existing team, and the plan is still to do that."[/quote]
...and then in their second year, the cars will be green, which I actually think would be great.
| Slick33 | 03-13-2007 11:05 AM |
I wouldn't mind seeing the Aston name in F1, either. Their ALMS cars have done great at reconnecting the Aston marque with motorsports, and I think F1 would be a good move to further solidify that link. Now if only we could get Lotus to come back...
| TimStevens | 03-13-2007 11:10 AM |
Hey, wait...is Prodrive still doing Ferrari work? I know they just did the Aston GT for the RoC.
Would be interesting to have red Prodrive cars vs. green Prodrive cars in GT racing :)
Would be interesting to have red Prodrive cars vs. green Prodrive cars in GT racing :)
| nKoan | 03-13-2007 11:18 AM |
I think Prodrive stopped doing those Ferraris for ALMS a few years ago to do ALMS for Aston Martin.
EDIT: Yeah, according to their website, Prodrive currently runs three teams. Subaru in WRC, Aston Martin in ALMS and other sports car series and Ford Performance Racing in Australian V8 Supercars.
EDIT: Yeah, according to their website, Prodrive currently runs three teams. Subaru in WRC, Aston Martin in ALMS and other sports car series and Ford Performance Racing in Australian V8 Supercars.
| rupertberr | 03-13-2007 06:42 PM |
Interesting interview with Brawn:
[QUOTE]Brawn: Ferrari considered Alonso too
Tuesday, March 13th 2007, 17:57 GMT
Former Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn says that his team would have gladly picked Fernando Alonso as Michael Schumacher's successor had he been contractually available.
Jean Todt recently stated that Ferrari never approached Alonso, but Brawn suggested that this should not be taken to mean that the team did not want the Spaniard.
"There were only ever two drivers considered to replace Michael - Kimi and Alonso. Everything just fell in place very quickly with Kimi," said Brawn in an interview with the BBC Sport website.
"We took the view that the team was strong enough, and that speed was the most important thing. It was really between the two - and one was available and one wasn't at the time.
[B]"You have to remember as well that Jean has got a long history with Scandinavian drivers from his time in rallying, and he likes their introverted, quiet approach.[/B]
"Alonso would also have done a great job, I'm sure. I don't think there's that much between the two of them.
"Alonso has won two world championships and has shown he can do it. But the reasons why Kimi hasn't are not down to him."
Brawn acknowledged that Ferrari will find Raikkonen a very different prospect to Schumacher, but believes that the change will actually invigorate the team.
"He's probably not as forthright as Michael was when he joined Ferrari, but Michael was a double world champion," Brawn said.
"They are different people. Kimi is a quieter person. But the thing to do with people like that is to listen very carefully to them because they often have an awful lot to say, you just have to give them a chance to say it.
"It can be quite exciting for the team. It's a new challenge and that can be quite stimulating."
Felipe Massa appeared to have the edge on Raikkonen in recent testing, but Brawn thinks that the Brazilian still has to make the most of his talent.
"Michael still had Felipe very much under control by the end of the season," he said.
"But Felipe has progressed an enormous amount and if he keeps up that rate of progress he'll be a massive competitor in F1 in the future. It's just a question of whether he does."
Brawn also dismissed speculation that his departure might destabilise Ferrari and prompt a return to the in-fighting that characterised the team's long title drought.
"We were, in the period I was there, able to implement and instil certain philosophies and all the people involved are still mindful of that and will instil them into the team," he said. "They are all very sensible people."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Brawn: Ferrari considered Alonso too
Tuesday, March 13th 2007, 17:57 GMT
Former Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn says that his team would have gladly picked Fernando Alonso as Michael Schumacher's successor had he been contractually available.
Jean Todt recently stated that Ferrari never approached Alonso, but Brawn suggested that this should not be taken to mean that the team did not want the Spaniard.
"There were only ever two drivers considered to replace Michael - Kimi and Alonso. Everything just fell in place very quickly with Kimi," said Brawn in an interview with the BBC Sport website.
"We took the view that the team was strong enough, and that speed was the most important thing. It was really between the two - and one was available and one wasn't at the time.
[B]"You have to remember as well that Jean has got a long history with Scandinavian drivers from his time in rallying, and he likes their introverted, quiet approach.[/B]
"Alonso would also have done a great job, I'm sure. I don't think there's that much between the two of them.
"Alonso has won two world championships and has shown he can do it. But the reasons why Kimi hasn't are not down to him."
Brawn acknowledged that Ferrari will find Raikkonen a very different prospect to Schumacher, but believes that the change will actually invigorate the team.
"He's probably not as forthright as Michael was when he joined Ferrari, but Michael was a double world champion," Brawn said.
"They are different people. Kimi is a quieter person. But the thing to do with people like that is to listen very carefully to them because they often have an awful lot to say, you just have to give them a chance to say it.
"It can be quite exciting for the team. It's a new challenge and that can be quite stimulating."
Felipe Massa appeared to have the edge on Raikkonen in recent testing, but Brawn thinks that the Brazilian still has to make the most of his talent.
"Michael still had Felipe very much under control by the end of the season," he said.
"But Felipe has progressed an enormous amount and if he keeps up that rate of progress he'll be a massive competitor in F1 in the future. It's just a question of whether he does."
Brawn also dismissed speculation that his departure might destabilise Ferrari and prompt a return to the in-fighting that characterised the team's long title drought.
"We were, in the period I was there, able to implement and instil certain philosophies and all the people involved are still mindful of that and will instil them into the team," he said. "They are all very sensible people."[/QUOTE]
| Slick Nick | 03-13-2007 10:00 PM |
Admittedly last year was my first year of following F1, but I think the points system worked perfectly for making it gripping season all the way down to the final race. Maybe it was a fluke that it worked so well, but last season was amazing and I'd be loathe to change it.
Just my thoughts.
-Nick
Just my thoughts.
-Nick
| KAX | 03-14-2007 02:09 AM |
[QUOTE=Slick Nick;17345723]Admittedly last year was my first year of following F1, but I think the points system worked perfectly for making it gripping season all the way down to the final race. Maybe it was a fluke that it worked so well, but last season was amazing and I'd be loathe to change it.
Just my thoughts.
-Nick[/QUOTE]
it was a fluke. the only way thats going to happen is if two drivers have very similar seasons, which is what happened. Usually it was ended about a race or 2 in advance and the last race was just a parade.
Just my thoughts.
-Nick[/QUOTE]
it was a fluke. the only way thats going to happen is if two drivers have very similar seasons, which is what happened. Usually it was ended about a race or 2 in advance and the last race was just a parade.
| artkevin | 03-14-2007 09:17 AM |
Looks like Super Aguri is struggling for sponsor dollars.
[IMG]http://images.gpupdate.net/large/69631.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.gpupdate.net/large/69628.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.gpupdate.net/large/69625.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.gpupdate.net/large/69631.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.gpupdate.net/large/69628.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.gpupdate.net/large/69625.jpg[/IMG]
| Wr4wrX | 03-14-2007 03:15 PM |
Good ol' Flavio graces the cover of the March 26 issue of Forbes. This issue features the world's richest people and includes an article on Flava Flav called "La Dolce Vita: How do you feel like a billion--without the ten figures? Flavio Briatore can show you."
The article reports on Flav's involvement with F1 and his other business affairs. There are also a couple pictures which show him outside the F1 arena. One photo particularly struck me. It showed Flavio lounging on his sofa in his living room--the room was so ornate and over-the-top hyper-stimulating. It was like he'd shrunk Versailles and Times Square into his home.
The article reports on Flav's involvement with F1 and his other business affairs. There are also a couple pictures which show him outside the F1 arena. One photo particularly struck me. It showed Flavio lounging on his sofa in his living room--the room was so ornate and over-the-top hyper-stimulating. It was like he'd shrunk Versailles and Times Square into his home.
| MattDell | 03-14-2007 03:23 PM |
D'oh! I was just about to post up the new Aguri shots! I think it's one of the better looking cars on the grid.
Here's some non-press shots from Honda, though I'd still like to see a "whole car in one piece" shot like the ones above.
[IMG]http://www.mattdell.com/hostedfiles/formula1/2007/02australia/honda001.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.mattdell.com/hostedfiles/formula1/2007/02australia/honda002.jpg[/IMG]
-Matt
Here's some non-press shots from Honda, though I'd still like to see a "whole car in one piece" shot like the ones above.
[IMG]http://www.mattdell.com/hostedfiles/formula1/2007/02australia/honda001.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.mattdell.com/hostedfiles/formula1/2007/02australia/honda002.jpg[/IMG]
-Matt
| TimStevens | 03-14-2007 03:42 PM |
How many f'n million dollars did Honda spend on that car and they can't get a H decal that'll fit without ripples? Their aero director will probably flip when he sees that.
| MattDell | 03-14-2007 04:03 PM |
Glad I wasn't the only one that saw that. :lol:
| pio!pio! | 03-14-2007 04:07 PM |
I would have that they would have printed the Honda logo on the same sheet as the 'world' graphic, but I guess they wanted more weight up front :P
| Ferg | 03-14-2007 04:07 PM |
It also looks somewhat crooked :huh:
| artkevin | 03-14-2007 04:09 PM |
[QUOTE=MattDell;17354437]Glad I wasn't the only one that saw that. :lol:[/QUOTE]
I think we all drink the same kool-aid :lol:
I think we all drink the same kool-aid :lol:
| Ferg | 03-14-2007 04:10 PM |
A little OT but worth a mention.
[QUOTE]MTV to follow Hayden
By Toby Moody Wednesday, March 14th 2007, 10:46 GMT
American cable television network MTV is to make a series of programmes following Nicky Hayden's championship defence throughout the 2007 season.
Following a successful pilot programme made over the winter, MTV bosses gave the green light for a further run of programmes.
A crew was present at the Estoril and Valencia races last season - ironically the most emotional of races for the Honda/Hayden combination - and it is this drama that MTV hope to capture throughout the season.
Cameras are expected to follow Hayden not just at the race track, but at home in Kentucky and at promotional appearances all over the world.
It is expected that the show will air in the latter part of the year.
America's TV presence is growing with the Red Bull US Grand Prix being aired live on the FOX channel this year after a new deal was recently announced.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]MTV to follow Hayden
By Toby Moody Wednesday, March 14th 2007, 10:46 GMT
American cable television network MTV is to make a series of programmes following Nicky Hayden's championship defence throughout the 2007 season.
Following a successful pilot programme made over the winter, MTV bosses gave the green light for a further run of programmes.
A crew was present at the Estoril and Valencia races last season - ironically the most emotional of races for the Honda/Hayden combination - and it is this drama that MTV hope to capture throughout the season.
Cameras are expected to follow Hayden not just at the race track, but at home in Kentucky and at promotional appearances all over the world.
It is expected that the show will air in the latter part of the year.
America's TV presence is growing with the Red Bull US Grand Prix being aired live on the FOX channel this year after a new deal was recently announced.[/QUOTE]
| TimStevens | 03-14-2007 04:13 PM |
^^^ Cool! Looking forward to it.
I'm sure it'll have lots of xtreeeem camera angles.
I'm sure it'll have lots of xtreeeem camera angles.
| Wr4wrX | 03-14-2007 04:24 PM |
[QUOTE=TimStevens;17354131]How many f'n million dollars did Honda spend on that car and they can't get a H decal that'll fit without ripples? Their aero director will probably flip when he sees that.[/QUOTE]
Maybe that's why their test times have been off the pace. :confused:
I'm really surprised that the sticker applier did such a crumby job. I mean, with the new Earth livery, the guy only has like 3 stickers to apply and still he got it wrong.
Maybe that's why their test times have been off the pace. :confused:
I'm really surprised that the sticker applier did such a crumby job. I mean, with the new Earth livery, the guy only has like 3 stickers to apply and still he got it wrong.
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