Lets Not Talk about Ferrari for a Moment: The New Teams

My opinion is that Lotus will be the most successful of the new teams. Aside from my personal bias of hoping I'm right, I think they've shown the most forward progress even though they've been hampered by the same mechanical issues over and over. If they can get a more competetive engine and reliable transmission for next year, I think they have a very good chance of getting into the middle of the field and even winning a few points.

 

In the coming years? None. All will be out of business or sold off in the coming years.

 

Unfortunately I think you are right. unless Malaysia wants to pump billions into F-1..... dont know why they would want to do that?

 

No. Virgin will go belly up by the off season. HRT may not even make it that far.

 

Cypher

 

It is clear to me that Lotus is the most serious about investing in the sport, developing their car, and improving their performances. HRT lacks the funding to improve itself, and Virgin seemingly doesn't want to spend the money required to move up the field.

 

Don't underestimate Virgin: Branson is already operating at the level of budget cuts. He is in it for the long run.

 

I voted Lotus, because of government backing. Tony Fernandes is a visionary, and as long as he's at helm, they'll only be progressing.

I just hope they won't throw in that local dude next season, or any time soon...

 

The loti.

 

Wanna bet?

What do you define "long term" to be?

He'll be gone in 5 years, guaranteed. And I would say 5 years isn't long term.

 

I vote Lotus, due to its former Pedigree History in F1, thus it will be able to move forward, as Old Timer's with spare finance, will tend to back and support Team Lotus, as they fondly remember the "Good Old Days".

Remember the late James (Jimmy) Clark made his F1 Grand Prix debut at Zandvoort during June, 1960.

 

Agree 100%

 

Not gonna take that bet. Way too many factors influencing this one (e.g. the FIA back paddling on cost reduction).

Could very well be that he is gone in 5 years, but you could say that about almost any team in F1 (except for McLaren and Ferrari). In fact people said that about RedBull when Mateschitz started. Or Force India etc etc.

 

Based on Bernie's latest, one or even two of these teams will be gone before or right after the season is over. He says they add no value and doesn't really care. How unfeeling of him! Doesn't he realize that these teams represent Mosely's legacy? Isn't it up to Bernie to ensure that this legacy survives? He's Mosely's buddy, isn't he? What kind of legacy is it if only one out of four survives?

 

If Sir Dick can stay focused Virgin has the legs ($) to stay around. HRT is gone already (see Bernie's quotes today). Lotus has the commitment and the bucks (for now) they'll need some results and some luck though.

 

What sort of results are you expecting from Lotus? I can't see any scenario that even nets them 1 point this year.

 

With a new team lasting the first season is sufficient.
The question is if they have the finances and determination to hang in for the long haul. Virgin has the money but Branson's attention span is suspect.
HRT has no money so determination is irrelevant. They're toast.
Lotus looks to have the determination and so far their backers have been strong.

 

With a new team just lasting the first season is sufficient.
The question is if they have the finances and determination to hang in for the long haul. Virgin has the money but Branson's attention span is suspect.
HRT has no money so determination is irrelevant. They're toast.
Lotus looks to have the determination and so far their backers have been strong.

 

Ok, so he's not in it for the long haul - we agree

Branson is in it to turn the team around as soon as possible for a quick profit. He has no interest in racing cars, certainly not F1. He was presented with an opportunity that was likely to make him a lot of money, so he took it.

His intent is to run the team at break-even until he gets bought out. He is biding his time until BMW or Honda or Toyota or anyone else wants to buy him out. His team is perpetually for sale.

 

Everything is always for sale for the proper price but I think Branson is in F1 for brand exposure, corporate morale and ego gratification more than resale value.

 

I agree that Branson is waiting for a buyer. But that doesn't mean that he isn't in it for a longer period: Eddie Jordan was nothing but a whore and milked his stable as long as he could and by doing so lasted a lot longer than those who are in it "for the right reasons" like Stewart Racing, Prost Racing etc.

You mention BMW. That's almost ironic: How short did they last? Good chance Virgin will outlast them.

What does it matter in the end why somebody is in F1? All that matters is that they're in it.

Sounds like Buemi will outlast Senna Jr. Hehehe.

 

I seriously doubt he is getting his monies worth...