Marchionne speaks out about decreasing audiences

Maybe in the short term, but long term wise(2021): 1.) with Liberty 2.) new venues 3.)Live-stream(MotoGP) 4.) New Formula (no manufacturers dictating "green" engines and mega-costly engines/PU's) and following a "garagist" formula (as described by Bas and William in various forums by putting more skill into the driver)....then some if not most purists will watch F1 AND spend our hard earned money to go to a current venue or future venue.

 

AAAAAANNNNNNDDDDD to start the money flowing in now because this is going to be more than an $8 billion venture, I would do the " I.T. dept " side first by Live-Steaming Package deals....globally. Little if not hardly any "cap. x" expenditures due to their media expertise.

 

FEBRUARY 3, 2017

Ferrari considering buying into F1 says Marchionne



Ferrari could be the first F1 team to take up Liberty Media's offer of shares in the sport.

We have reported that despite Liberty's eagerness for the teams to take up to 20 per cent of the commercial rights, none have accepted the offer so far mainly because it would not include the power to vote.

But Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne is now quoted by the Italian media as revealing that the Maranello marque is "considering the opportunity to take shares" in F1.

"We will discuss it with the new owners," he said.

Marchionne said a major consideration in his deliberations will be the future of the sport beyond the current contracts that stretch to 2020.

"It is not a financial issue," said the Italian-Canadian. "It would be unwise to invest without having clarity about what will happen after 2020 and what Ferrari could get from its investment in formula one.

"Once we have this clarity, I think it will be much easier to decide if we want to participate in this venture."

But Marchionne does at least sound upbeat about the post-Bernie Ecclestone future.

"I expect that the sport in general will do better, because Liberty and Chase Carey know the entertainment world and know very well how to make F1 even more popular.

"The Scuderia will do its part in this," he added.

 

Marchionne knows that Ferrari $100M historical bonus is a risk, so he already hints that Ferrari may leave F1 if the audience keeps decreasing.

I read that as a veiled blackmail to Liberty media: "Keep paying or else ..."

 

Sounds like Ferrari will stay and the payment issue will not make them leave. Im sure he see's the benefit in a more level arena for all team in terms of payout/sharing of revenue.

 

+1

So which one is bluffing??...only time will tell

 

With Ferrari now participating in its 67th year non-stop since 1950, it will be very difficult for them to break away in the future.