LONDON -- Formula One bosses Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone are poised to take over English Championship club QPR. Briatore, head of the Renault team, and Ecclestone, Formula One's president, have made a recommended offer that has been accepted by the London club's directors on Saturday. Current QPR chairman Gianni Paladini will remain in position, with Briatore joining the board, but Antonio Caliendo and Franco Zanotti have agreed to step down. Briatore said: "Bernie and I were delighted to receive a recommendation from the board of QPR for our bid for the club and we look forward to working alongside Gianni Paladini and his team. "We are fully aware of the history of QPR and the loyal fan base that it has and are totally committed to bringing future success back to the club." Paladini believes the investment is vital if QPR are to have a solid financial base to build on. "This offer provides much needed investment and an excellent opportunity to move the club forward which will be translated into positive results on the pitch," he said. "I am delighted that Flavio and Bernie have asked me to remain on the board and I hope to play a large part in the future of QPR." Briatore was in the stands at Loftus Road on Saturday and watched Rangers crash to a 3-0 home defeat by Southampton. It was QPR's first match since the death in a car crash of England youth international striker Ray Jones, who would have celebrated his 19th birthday last Tuesday. End Story. So is this a conflict of interest for the F1 side? Can we see Renault using TC when it's banned or how about 5 cars instead of 2 on Sunday? I'm a little put off by this.
Seems very strange, that Bernie and Flavio would go into a joint business venture together, especially with F1 like it is and the significant amount of money that both of them have. It does seem like a conflict of interest, and maybe some favoritism in F1.
It's obvious, the boys are just looking for involvement in something a little more exciting.... If it's on the table, there's nothing to fear. Legeredemain dealings occur when everyone is looking thataaway...
My partner tried to buy a well known French soccer team. He was stopped at every juncture by the fact that he was Canadian, not French. Could be Flavio wanted the British team, needed a Brit as a partner. Bernie has some spare change for rainy days, and he is a Brit.
no such problems here. half of our clubs are now owned by foreigners. the only issue i can see here is that its gonna be yet another team bought not nurtured.
They are like a little couple. When I was sitting in the Conrad Hotel in Indy this year, the both walked in together, chatting while the wives/girlfriends stuck behind them.
thats true. Roman Ambromovich started this whole trend. he tried to buy Man Utd 1st, before buying up CHelsea. it seems Ronaldinho has agreed to join Chelsea next season. i hope Alex Fergie can do something about that...
Flavio and Bernie are much closer than most would expect. Rumor has it that Flavio is going to take the reigns of FOM from Bernie, when the old man decides to call it quits.
