Are any team's finances so poor they are at serious risk of not making the 2014 grid?
That's the sort of thing you really don't know until it happens. It's all sunshine and puppies until the ax falls.
Oh, I didn't say THAT. You may want to change your sig to something about no animals were harmed in the making...
Ahh. Thanks. [I think. ] Just moved house. No 'net for a few days Much to do. Unfortunately, I think you may be right. I think Fernandez may have had enough. I'd guess Marussia are OK as long as the Russian spigot remains open. Fauxtus? I have no idea, but if anyone can find a buyer, surely they'd be in the frame. (?) We know Mr Mateschitch (sp?) wants out of STR, but he won't let 'em sink either. Sauber? Hope not. Would Peter come back *again*? Williams will be OK - Franks *still* a survivor. My 02c, Cheers, Ian
Anyone who chooses to have Mike Gascoyne as their chief technical officer doesn't deserve to be in F1. They do have some big guys like Mark Smith (who made Force India and Sauber so strong) and John Iley (McLaren's aero head).
May I ask what the heck are those teams always at the bottom of the grid, with no points at all at the end of the season, can justify staying in F1? I'd be embarrassed to stay, even if they can at least break even financially. But maybe there's a silver lining I don't know about. Or is it Bernie that wants to fill the grid just for the sake of filling it? Inquiring minds want to know. And sorry for the ignorance folks.
As the man who swept up after the elephants at the circus replied when asked why he didn't quit. "What, give up show business?"
I was going to make a thread about them, Force India doesn't get the credit it deserves. Not so many years ago, they were the HRT of F1. Now they're king of the mid-field and going after McLaren. All credit to Mallya for turning that team. That story is what those bottom two teams are trying to repeat.
When Mallya entered F1 he stated that they will win the title within a few years. That arrogance and ignorance rubbed me the wrong way.
First time I've heard; it is arrogant. Regardless, credit goes to him and Mark Smith for what they've done. Afaik their facilities are pretty unimpressive too.
They've done a hell of a job. Remember in 2008-ish, when Sutil (with Spyker at the time) was running in the points at Monaco (and he'd worked his way up there), with a dozen laps to go or so when Kimi's Ferrari rear ended him. He went to the back of the garage and cried, which I didn't and still don't begrudge him for. They've come a LONG way since then...
Seems they're not doing too badly; Seems the difference between 10th & 11th will be around UKP 20MM this season! ELP; Bernie's agreements with the promoters and, more importantly, the TV guys, promises a minimum of 18 (16?) cars on the grid. He's said he's happy with 20 but steps in if too many get in trouble as, I guess, that's cheaper than losing TV money. As for being embarrassed, they're out there competing and as I've said many times, hope must spring eternal at any level of racing - A point or two is worth a *lot*..... Cheers, Ian BSkyB deal boosts F1 profits - Pitpass.com