2253 replies to this topic

[Dr. Jimmmah!]

CVC, the owners of F1, are pissed though...

You guys know that on any given day I'm going to side with FOTA, but fuck CVC. Because they made a bad investment (buying F1 at an overvalued price) they are recouping their losses by axing grand prix racing's historic venues in favor of tracks that are boring as hell and nobody cares about.

I still wish we were headed for FOTA1

[DrDickAction]

You guys know that on any given day I'm going to side with FOTA, but fuck CVC. Because they made a bad investment (buying F1 at an overvalued price) they are recouping their losses by axing grand prix racing's historic venues in favor of tracks that are boring as hell and nobody cares about.

I still wish we were headed for FOTA1

[_R_]

You guys know that on any given day I'm going to side with FOTA, but fuck CVC. Because they made a bad investment (buying F1 at an overvalued price) they are recouping their losses by axing grand prix racing's historic venues in favor of tracks that are boring as hell and nobody cares about.

I still wish we were headed for FOTA1

from what I've read, the CVC are pissed at Bernie and Max and how the FIA is handling all of this, they're actually somewhat siding with the FOTA...

[chiuey]

what Bernie and Max are doing is to buy themselves times.

They get FOTA teams to sign up so they'd drop the plans for FOTA1. Then B&M fuck them on the deal, stall for time and eventually FOTA teams will have no choice but to go along with FIA because they have run out of time to set up FOTA1.

I believe the agreement is till 2012? Someone correct me on this?

[_R_]

what Bernie and Max are doing is to buy themselves times.

They get FOTA teams to sign up so they'd drop the plans for FOTA1. Then B&M fuck them on the deal, stall for time and eventually FOTA teams will have no choice but to go along with FIA because they have run out of time to set up FOTA1.

I believe the agreement is till 2012? Someone correct me on this?

that's what I've been thinking for a while... they're just wasting FOTA teams time and painting them into a corner...
and I believe you are correct on the 2012... max tried to sneak in 2014 till the teams saw the contracts and refused to sign

[Dr. Jimmmah!]

that's what I've been thinking for a while... they're just wasting FOTA teams time and painting them into a corner...
and I believe you are correct on the 2012...

FOTA pushing ahead with breakaway

By Jonathan Noble Thursday, July 9th 2009, 17:19 GMT

Formula 1 teams are pressing ahead with their plans for a breakaway championship next year, despite hope that a fresh push to tie a deal with the sport's commercial chiefs can bring an end to their troubles with the FIA.

Following the drama of Wednesday's walk out of a Technical Working Group meeting by eight members of the Formula One Teams' Association (FOTA) after they were told they could not have any input on future rules, fears about a rival series have resurfaced.

And although team bosses confirmed at the Nurburgring on Thursday that the breakaway plans were indeed back on the table because of the situation with the governing body, there is still some confidence that a deal to secure F1's future can be reached.

It is understood FOTA has decided to shift its efforts into securing a future deal onto working with commercial rights holders and sport owners CVC rather than dealing solely with the FIA.

BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen was optimistic that the progress with CVC to formalise a new binding Concorde Agreement could be completed soon, but the teams were not yet ready to call off the breakaway totally.

"It is very simple," he said when asked about the latest development in the FIA/FOTA battle. "There are still some irritating efforts which have surprised us. We still don't have an agreement, although I would say we are making progress - slowly but steadily.

"We cannot sit back and wait if there will be an agreement coming our way or not. So we have to keep all options open, and that means we have to look at the other course as well.

"We are in constant negotiations, and we might come to a conclusion, as the FIA indicates, in a few days - but it might take a few weeks. Or we might finally find out that there is no agreement, so we have to prepare for all possibilities."

FOTA insiders suggest that, in light of recent events, the teams are more determined than ever that FIA president Max Mosley sees through with his promise to step down from his position in October – as was originally agreed in the Paris meeting last month.

It is suggested that the teams will make it clear to CVC that they will only commit to the Concorde Agreement if Mosley's departure is confirmed. That stance comes after Australian GP chief Ron Walker, a close ally of Bernie Ecclestone, called on Mosley to step down on Thursday.

Toyota F1 president John Howett, when asked if Mosley standing again as president would scupper a deal, said: "Without answering that directly, I would say that the commercial rights holder understands what is required to get our signatures on the Concorde Agreement, and the agreement with them is very close. We just need to see and wait what happens."

FOTA is unruffled by the FIA's latest stance regarding their stand-off, and sources suggest that the body was keen to 'ignore' the latest press release from the governing body detailing the background to the discussions between them. Instead, FOTA wants to focus on nailing down the situation with CVC that will secure F1's future.

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner said: "The teams are very close to finding agreement with the commercial rights holder regarding a new Concorde Agreement.

"Obviously there is a bit of turbulence at the moment with the FIA, and I am hoping common sense will ultimately prevail and ultimately we can find a solution very shortly."

Speaking about how unclear the picture was, with a Concorde deal close yet relations between the FIA and FOTA troubled, Horner said: "It is a bit confusing.

"It was a great shame that that position was taken regarding the TWG meeting because it wasn't particularly constructive to signing off regulations that we are pretty much in line with and agree with. So, I just hope that common sense will prevail and a solution can be found in the near future.

"The devil is in the detail with all these things, but I think that significant progress has been made since Silverstone, although there has been a bit of turbulence along the way. I am hopeful of a solution and I think we are not far off from seeing an end to this unhealthy situation for F1."

Horner said that he hoped the teams would not be forced to go ahead with their breakaway championship, although said there would be no qualm about launching it if a deal could not be reached with CVC.

"I think the thing that was compelling after the breakaway was announced was the amount of support that was forthcoming, that was pushing the teams to say yes, you've done the right thing, go ahead," he explained.

"Ultimately for F1, there does need to be a solution, it does need to be the F1 world championship and the breakaway, ultimately nobody would benefit from unless a solution genuinely cannot be found.

"But in this paddock nothing is out of the question, so I don't think you can rule it totally out. The intention is to try and find a position that everybody can live with."

With the latest row between the FIA and FOTA having renewed the breakaway fears just a fortnight after it appeared a deal was in place, Howett said he was sorry fans were facing more political wrangling.

However, he was confident that the situation would end in a solution that was positive.

"All we have to do is apologise to the public at the moment, but they should trust us," he said. "We know exactly where we are going, we have got the alternative still on the table and we are making positive progress with the important parties."

http://www.autosport...rt.php/id/76802

FOTA1 planning is still going on in the background just in case Mad Max thinks this stalling the teams tactic is going to work

[DrDickAction]

http://www.autosport...rt.php/id/76802

FOTA1 planning is still going on in the background just in case Mad Max thinks this stalling the teams tactic is going to work

that is fantastic news

[chiuey]

http://www.autosport...rt.php/id/76802

FOTA1 planning is still going on in the background just in case Mad Max thinks this stalling the teams tactic is going to work

In theory that's fine and dandy, but from a business perspective, why would anyone want to invest time and money into a series that "might" happen?

If I was the CEO of a company, I'd want a guarantee from FOTA that the money I put in is going to get returns. Not, "oh if they get it running then I'll be in". Like any business investment, signing up to FOTA1 would be a risk worth while, but in today's economy, can anyone really afford that kind of a risk? I'm sure this is the same reasoning behind Max and Bernie's thinking. Stall, stall and stall. Eventually, no one will be willing to take the risk and sign up to FOTA1.

[cafcwest]

In theory that's fine and dandy, but from a business perspective, why would anyone want to invest time and money into a series that "might" happen?

If I was the CEO of a company, I'd want a guarantee from FOTA that the money I put in is going to get returns. Not, "oh if they get it running then I'll be in". Like any business investment, signing up to FOTA1 would be a risk worth while, but in today's economy, can anyone really afford that kind of a risk? I'm sure this is the same reasoning behind Max and Bernie's thinking. Stall, stall and stall. Eventually, no one will be willing to take the risk and sign up to FOTA1.

egg zachary.

They had credibility the first time. Now everyone knows that FOTA is just bluffing, and everyday the FIA drags this out, the FOTA looses time to setup a new series.

[_R_]

Sebastien Loeb, the five-time world rally champion, has told Scuderia Toro Rosso that he is interested in making the switch to Formula 1 as a replacement for Sebastien Bourdais.

With Bourdais poised to be dropped by Toro Rosso following this weekend's German Grand Prix, speculation has been rife that youngster Jaime Alguersuari will be given a chance to step up to F1.

However, Loeb has suggested that he too is a contender for the drive at some point this season - even if a debut at the Hungarian GP is highly unlikely.

"Who knows, as long as the Formula 1 and rallying calendars don't overlap anything is possible," Loeb told French newspaper L'Equipe. "If there is a place at Toro Rosso I am available.

"Although I must say a grand prix is not the same as a rally. It is 70 laps and physically I'm not ready. In rallying you do not have the same conditions as an F1 driver."

L'Equipe suggested that Loeb had recently spent some time at the simulator of Toro Rosso's sister team Red Bull Racing. He impressed in a test with Red Bull last winter.

However, with Loeb locked in a tight fight for this year's rally title, an imminent move to F1 is unlikely – although it could still happen once his WRC commitments with Citroen have ended.

Olivier Quesnel, the head of Citroen Sport, moved to play down talk that Loeb would become a full-time replacement for Bourdais.

"Let me be clear, Sebastien Loeb will not replace Sebastien Bourdais at Toro Rosso, if he is transferred," he said. "Sebastien has expressed a desire to be in F1, and it does not surprise me as it is a dream come true for him. However, we must not dream."

Loeb in F1
Olivier is a french faggot cock-blocker... "we must not dream" ?!?! suck a dick...

[kngrsll]

WTF is with toro rosso and guys named sebastian?! jesus lol

oh and loeb is the man

[vietlol]

loeb would love to see him on the grid after current WRC season

[_R_]

guys named sebastian?! jesus lol

I've always wanted to name my son (if i have any) sebastian as far back as i can remember...

[PittHockey]

http://www.autosport...rt.php/id/76802

FOTA1 planning is still going on in the background just in case Mad Max thinks this stalling the teams tactic is going to work

oh fuck yes

[_R_]

Jaime Alguersuari will become the youngest Formula 1 driver in history when he makes his debut for the Scuderia Toro Rosso team as replacement for Sebastien Bourdais at the Hungarian Grand Prix, AUTOSPORT has learned.

Following a weekend of speculation about Bourdais' future, on the back of a disappointing first half to the campaign, Toro Rosso is expected to confirm within the next 48 hours that it has decided to part company with the Frenchman.

And although the team has decided that reigning British F3 champion Alguersuari will be slotted into the seat alongside Sebastien Buemi, an announcement confirming the plan is not expected until after the Spaniard has finished competing in this weekend's World Series by Renault race at Le Mans.

Toro Rosso has decided to give the youngster the race opportunity in spite of his lack of experience as it is the only way for him to gain experience in preparation for a full season in 2010, due to the in-season testing ban. The team has so far declined to comment on the situation.

There are also suggestions that Alguersuari's step up is being eased by Spanish oil company Repsol, who are personal backers of the youngster and are poised to tie-up a deal with Toro Rosso.

Alguersuari's step-up means he will make his debut at the age of 19 years and 125 days. It beats the previous record of 19 years and 182 days held by Mike Thackwell, who drove for Tyrrell in Canada 1980 - although was officially a non-starter after a first-lap red flag.

The next youngest driver was Ricardo Rodriguez, who raced for Ferrari at the 1961 Italian Grand Prix aged 19 years and 208 days.

Despite Alguersuari's promotion to the race seat, Sebastien Loeb remains linked with a switch to F1 with Toro Rosso once his commitments in the world rally championship are finished this season.

[Dr. Jimmmah!]

Bernie Ecclestone has filed trademark applications that indicate he is ready to back the breakaway plans. Britain's Sunday Express newspaper reveals he, through one of his companies Epsilon Ltd, applied for ownership of the words 'Formula Grand Prix' and 'Formula GP' on June 19th.

June 19 was the day on which the Formula One Teams' Association originally launched its intention to break away from the official FIA Formula One series.

On the same date, Ecclestone also lodged applications to protect 'GP1' and 'GP1 Series' logos, which can be previewed by doing a public search at the European trademark consultation service website.

Also trademarked by Epsilon recently were logos for a junior series called GP3, meaning that if FOTA was to turn to Ecclestone for help with its breakaway, it could operate with GP1, GP2 - the existing F1 support category - and GP3 under a uniform umbrella.

The potential involvement not only of the eight FOTA teams but also Ecclestone and F1's commercial owners CVC would pile enormous pressure on FIA President Max Mosley to back down.

The next crucial date in the political saga is Wednesday, when FOTA could be ready to sign off its Cost Regulation contract and all parties enact a new Concorde Agreement.

Only minor disagreements are presently holding back full agreement on the proposed technical regulations.

If the FIA further dithers, it is on Wednesday that FOTA is warning it will press ahead definitively with its breakaway.

Ecclestone told Auto Motor und Sport: "Next week we will have peace in Formula One. We will all agree and there will only be one series."

Source: GMM
© CAPSIS International

http://en.f1-live.co...712121858.shtml

WHAT? GP1 breakaway series?

[_R_]

http://en.f1-live.co...712121858.shtml
WHAT? GP1 breakaway series?

it could also mean that he's trying to make it harder for FOTA teams to name their new series if he owns all the names they could probably consider...

[Nacho]

http://en.f1-live.co...712121858.shtml

WHAT? GP1 breakaway series?

I thought half the point of the breakaway was to cut out Bernie and his money skimming cronies.....

[Dr. Jimmmah!]

I thought half the point of the breakaway was to cut out Bernie and his money skimming cronies.....

Apparently. My guess is Mr. Berns is looking out for number 1 by siding with FOTA to give them leverage, and thus applying pressure the FIA to back down so F1 continues with the FOTA teams. If the FIA don't play ball then he's at the very worst still got a 'piece of the pie' with GP1.

[draobpi]

it could also mean that he's trying to make it harder for FOTA teams to name their new series if he owns all the names they could probably consider...

I agree 100% with this.

[Nacho]

it could also mean that he's trying to make it harder for FOTA teams to name their new series if he owns all the names they could probably consider...

I'm sure if they were far enough along to announce a breakaway series, they'd have already copyrighted at least one name.

[Dr. Jimmmah!]

FLIPPITY-FLOPPITY

Mosley backs Todt for FIA presidency

By Jonathan Noble and Dieter Rencken Wednesday, July 15th 2009, 10:06 GMT

FIA president Max Mosley has confirmed that he will definitely not stand again in October's election and has endorsed Jean Todt as his preferred candidate.

In a letter sent to all FIA member clubs today, Mosley said that despite pressure from members to restand, he had decided to go through with his decision to step down.

He says that with hard work expecting to result in a new Concorde Agreement being signed to secure F1's future in the next few days, plus other progress in rallying and sportscars, there was little reason for him to go back on his original intention to relinquish the role.

"From a personal point of view, it would be very difficult for me to change my mind and stand again," wrote Mosley in the letter.

"I began some months ago to rearrange my family life with effect from next October. I also informed senior FIA staff that I would not be a candidate. To continue now would greatly complicate my domestic arrangement and be inconsistent with my obligations to my family, particularly after our recent loss. Also, I have felt for some time that I would like to work less. After all, I will be 70 next year.

"Therefore, with these new arrangements in place, extremely grateful though I am for all the letters, emails and messages I have received, I have decided to reconfirm my decision. I will not be a candidate in October."

With former World Rally champion Ari Vatanen having put himself forward for the FIA presidency role, Mosley has ended years of speculation about the man he would like to see replace him and backed former Ferrari team principal Jean Todt for the role.

"I believe the right person to head that team would be Jean Todt," said Mosley about the need for a 'strong, experienced and competent' group of people to lead the FIA in the future.

"Jean is unquestionably the outstanding motorsport manager of his generation and arguably of any generation.

"If he agrees to stand, I think he would be the ideal person to continue but also to extend the work of the past 16 years. He can be relied on in all areas where the FIA is active. I very much hope you will give him your support."

http://www.autosport...rt.php/id/76980

He'll change his mind and want to run for re-election again by next weekend

[_R_]

Nelson Piquet contested his final Grand Prix for Renault at the Nurburgring last weekend, according to a Brazilian television network.

SporTV claims the 23-year-old will be replaced at the forthcoming Hungarian Grand Prix and for the remainder of the 2009 season by team reserve driver Romain Grosjean, a French-Swiss GP2 driver.

The Brazilian source also said Lucas di Grassi will be drafted in to Grosjean's test seat.

However, the news has not been confirmed by Renault, with team boss Flavio Briatore last Friday answering "we don't know yet" when asked if Piquet will still have his seat in Hungary.

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport believes the decision has been left up to the French team's engineers, with the Brazilian hopeful of getting one more chance after racing without the improvements featured on Fernando Alonso's car in Germany.

The French sports daily L'Equipe believes Renault is free to oust Piquet if it wants to.

Noting that the Brazilian has not scored a single point so far in 2009, the publication said Piquet's contract required him to score at least 40 per cent the points tally of his teammate by mid-season.

Fernando Alonso having scored 13 points after nine out of 17 races on the calendar, Piquet should have taken at least five points over the same period.

[vietlol]

if thats true the team must have a high opinion to expect 40% and he still fails

[vietlol]

First Felipe Baby now...