130 replies to this topic

[vietlol]

no jens would be awesome

[mads]

its hard enough finding button SUPPORTERS, nevermind SPONSORS.

Lewis in 2007
vs.
Jenson in worst car ever in 2007.

Jenson kinda disapeared largely by the fact that ITV stopped licking his taint.

[Nacho]

Lewis in 2007
vs.
Jenson in worst car ever in 2007.

Jenson kinda disapeared largely by the fact that ITV stopped licking his taint.

I still like Button, although it's hard with how dismal Honda is doing. I really wanted them to come back strong in 09....

[_R_]

Honda Racing have lost one of their main sponsors, with Brazilian oil company Petrobras confirming that it does not wish to be part of any plans to save the team.

While negotiations continue to try and secure the future of the Brackley-based outfit, speculation over the weekend had suggested that Petrobras were to be key backers in a rescue deal that would see Bruno Senna elevated to a race seat alongside Jenson Button.

However, not only have Petrobras denied any plans to support Senna, the company has also announced that it does not wish to see through a $10 million (USD) sponsorship deal that it signed with Honda at the end of last year.

Furthermore, without the possibility of linking up with another manufacturer, Petrobras has announced that it will quit F1 entirely because it is only interested in the technical challenges offered by the sport.

Claudio Thompson, Petrobras' Head of Sponsorship, said: "Petrobras' presence in Formula One was our means to continue technological development and to do that we needed to work closely with a manufacturer.

"Once Honda announced it was pulling out of Formula One, we decided we were going to stop too, because all the manufacturer-backed teams had fuel suppliers for 2009. We're not interested in just being a commercial sponsor without the possibility of using and developing our products."

As well as the decision regarding its future involvement in F1, Petrobras also issued a statement in Brazil responding to the Senna rumours and making it clear that the company has never adopted the policy of supporting drivers.

The statement said: "Petrobras denies the rumours seen in the media about Bruno Senna's hiring by the ex-Honda team with the company's support.

"The company has no contract with Honda or any future team being formed for the 2009 Formula One season. Petrobras also reiterates that under the terms of its Motorsport Sponsorship Programme, it does not sponsor drivers individually."

Although the loss of the Petrobras money is a dent to Honda Racing's bid to put together the budget for the season, it is understood the team are closing in on getting the finances ready to allow them to compete this season.

Although there has been no official comment coming from the team since the end of last year, it had been widely expected that a management buyout by Nick Fry and Ross Brawn would be the most likely outcome from the situation.

However, a report in The Daily Telegraph on Monday quoted a Honda source as saying that a bid from an unnamed third party had emerged that could take the team forward.

The report quoted the source as saying the company behind this mystery bid was: "reputable, able to bring long-term financial stability, with a brand image known throughout the world. Formula One would do well to have them on board."

Jenson Button is already contracted to the team for 2009, while Bruno Senna and Rubens Barrichello have been in negotiations with the team for the second drive.

Petrobras entered F1 in July 1998 with Williams.

[AErrorist]

Jesus, would they just fucking announce it already. Either "Yes, ex-Honda is going racing in 09" or "No, fuck you guys"

I just wanna know

[Nacho]

As the clock to Melbourne clicks down to less than 40 days, the latest rumour in the Honda saga is that Sir Richard Branson may be the mysterious late bidder for the Brackley-based team.

It seems clear that the proposed management buyout, led by Nick Fry and Ross Brawn, came close to fruition in recent days, until reports that an 'unnamed third party' stepped in at the eleventh hour.

The Daily Telegraph quoted a source as describing the unnamed company as 'reputable, able to bring long-term financial stability, with a brand image known throughout the world.'

"Formula one would do well to have them on board," the source added.

Branson heads the predominantly travel, entertainment and lifestyle brand Virgin.

http://en.f1-live.co...217085736.shtml

This one almost makes sense, as Richard Branson is both loaded and basically totally insane.

[Nacho]

Oh, and you know Virgin Racing would totally stock the pits in Race Whores, like Eddie Jordan used to in his day.

[DrDickAction]

http://en.f1-live.co...217085736.shtml

This one almost makes sense, as Richard Branson is both loaded and basically totally insane.

this might actually be cool.

Loaded, totally insane, and really, a pretty terrible businessman as of late. Anyone remember virgin cola?

[kngrsll]

IN for virgin racing!

[mads]

in for jenson being #2 to branson

[Nacho]

in for jenson being #2 to branson

I can see that.

[MrHahn]

in for jenson being #2 to branson

in!

[Robert]

I hate to see Honda and possibly Renault leave F1.

[Robert]

And Bernie won't die either.

[DrDickAction]

Anyone else over Honda's new ad campaign?

[kngrsll]

Anyone else over Honda's new ad campaign?

that cant be real... seriously?

[DrDickAction]

that cant be real... seriously?

for serious:

http://dreams.honda.com

[Nacho]

Only a few days remain for the Brackley-based Formula One team to survive the shock withdrawal of the Japanese manufacturer Honda.

Amid reports of potential buyers including Richard Branson's Virgin Group, or a Nick Fry and Ross Brawn-led management buyout, it has emerged that Monday 23 February is the deadline for final plans to be set in stone.

Team Principal Brawn is quoted by the Swiss newspaper Blick as confirming that Monday is decision-day, and Britain's Guardian newspaper revealed the same deadline.

The Daily Mail said the deadline for the Honda Motor Co. board to approve a buyout deal is 28 February.

The Guardian, however, said 23 February is the deadline set by Mercedes-Benz, with the German manufacturer wanting its first payment for the customer supply of engines on that date.

With the first payment, the team must also be able to demonstrate to the German manufacturer that it can afford the entire 8m GBP engine bill for the full season.

Meanwhile, the Brazilian oil company Petrobras, having intended to back Honda's 2009 campaign, clarified this week that it is not interested in signing with the 'future team yet to be formed', nor is it helping to finance Bruno Senna's Grand Prix debut.

But the Guardian claims that Embratel, another Brazilian company, is still 'keen to offer support'.

[DrDickAction]

crazy...sounds like nick fry is trying to do this WITHOUT virgin...that guy is so full of failure, aids, and faggotry. There is no way I can support or wish ex-Honda well as long as he's involved.

http://www.autosport...rt.php/id/73357

[Redliner]

crazy...sounds like nick fry is trying to do this WITHOUT virgin...that guy is so full of failure, aids, and faggotry. There is no way I can support or wish ex-Honda well as long as he's involved.

http://www.autosport...rt.php/id/73357

I didn't get that from the article at all...the mangement buyout sounds like it was the last alternative until Virgin stepped up. I'm totally in for Virgin taking over But I do agree, Fry needs to DIAF.

Also...Virgin is a backer of Sato

[kngrsll]

I didn't get that from the article at all...the mangement buyout sounds like it was the last alternative until Virgin stepped up. I'm totally in for Virgin taking over But I do agree, Fry needs to DIAF.

Also...Virgin is a backer of Sato

Sato and Senna-san? the japanese would go crazy!!

[Redliner]

Sato and Senna-san? the japanese would go crazy!!

No man...it'd be the end of the world as we know it....and I feel fineeeeeeeeeee

[_R_]

Sato and Senna-san? the japanese would go crazy!!

one could only dream...

[DrDickAction]

If you look at this objectively, is anyone really going to be over the moon if jens keeps his drive? Why not have sato/senna...you'll win over all of south america and immediately have a better reputation in japan than honda has had for the past few years.

[Dr. Jimmmah!]

If you look at this objectively, is anyone really going to be over the moon if jens keeps his drive? Why not have sato/senna...you'll win over all of south america and immediately have a better reputation in japan than honda has had for the past few years.

even the brits stopped caring now that they can root for lewis.