Not to start another thread about the indictment, but only to take a poll of where people stand towards Bernie. So let's assume for a moment he will be found guilty and sentenced to some jail time (IMHO unlikely, but that's not the point). Where do you stand?
I don't think I can honestly vote on this, purely because the options offered don't offer a suitable solution for Me! I think IF Bernie gets convicted (and to Me it's still a big IF!), then it will be a blow to F1 definitely, but I don't think Bernie will see it as a blow so much as more of an inconvenience! (and I suspect, an interesting experience!). How will Bernie get on if he goes to prison? I'd see it as a modern day version of Noel Coward in The Italian Job: [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0uN32GV1_c]The Italian Job (1969) - Trailer - YouTube[/ame] I can well imagine Bernie, going to prison, seeing how it's run and then then totally reorganising it to make it more efficient! (And more comfortable for himself! )
I voted for the daughters. As pointed out maybe on the other thread or an article, Gribkowsky is in prison for accepting a bribe. As, unlike the U.S. where bribery is akin to walking a dog without a leash, they take this stuff seriously in Germany and so it only goes along that the person who made the bribe also goes to prison. Never the less, in the end, money talks and Bernie will likely slip through. He'll pay a fine which amounts to a drop in the ocean. Whether he continues as head of FOM is another matter. Participating manufacturers, sponsors, partners, etc. have boards of directors to answer to and if enough of them decide to pull out as a result, Bernie may be ushered out. Enter dear Tamara... BHW
Recent edition of Playboy might help. As for the poll: It is interesting to see where this is going: - most don't really care or are undecided - of those who have an opinion the majority is against Bernie Personally I haven't voted because I can't make up my mind: F1 wouldn't be the #1 sport in the world if it wasn't for Bernie. That he broke the rules getting it there, I have no doubt and really don't care much. However I do fault him for a lot of what is wrong with the sport like moving it out of the traditional venues into countries where it only serves the purpose of making its participants richer. In short for stiffing the fans in the process.
+1 But we need nude photo's for a correct evaluation! No nude Bernie pics either. That I sight I don't even want to think about
Is it worth putting him behind bars...bit late in the day for it methinks, (knowing him he has it covered one way or the other) nailing Bernie is probably a kin to trying to attach a strawberry jelly to the back of a greased pig, with a staple gun. Although I think he deserves a stint in the clink for letting Mosley run wild on the sport for far too long. Would there be F1 without Bernie, he has made it a success for himself and the players, (0k that's debatable) but would it have been better without him steering it, who knows, better the devil you know, I suppose, for now.
+1 Before this all came to pass I often thought that once Bernie dies, F1 will change dramatically and most likely for the better. Less of $$$ is the only ruler and less regulation and probably more access to the fans.
We may have to destroy this village to save it. Any series has to be financially viable but at this point money is by far the driving force in F1.
Who cares about some tiny amount he paid to some German banker? F1 has always been shady. They extort billions out of venue cities in fee's while constantly lieing about the economic benefits that never materialize. Most of F1 is owned by organized crime syndicates through the various shady bank funds its ownership constantly changes hands in ie CVC Capital partners, Lehman.. The event is nothing more then a method to fleece public coffers of the venue cities. If F1 was so fantastic and lucrative the private sector would have financed it 100%. Bernie and crew should be in jail for extortion and fraud not for irrelevant bribes over paperwork.
Many may not like the him, but surely everyone must doff their caps.... The full story; pitpass - F1's tax bill shows that Ecclestone hasn't lost his magic Love this pic of him "heading to the negotiating table" Cheers, Ian [/quote] Image Unavailable, Please Login
Gotta say I'm a little surprised at the results here..... Seems more than half of 'us' don't give a damn either way(?) and of those who do, the majority want him to go down it seems. No big deal, just not quite what I was expecting I guess. Cheers, Ian
Personally, I don't particularly want to see him go to prison (and I don't believe he will). However, there is certain fascination if it does happen, with how he will deal with it (and more than likely turn it into some sort of advantage for himself!).
lol. extorting BILLIONS? i think the fee is round about 20 million euro for a race. re economic benefits, i dont think its a lie so much. the people that sign the deal should do their own homework in any case and not take the word of a salesman with a powerpoint presentation. people are always quick to blame the one that benefits from their stupidity. perhaps thats why were in a recession; everyone believed everyone who wore a suit and blindly threw money at them. always do your own homework. - I voted for the daughters (esp petra). I doubt he goes to jail for a little tax dodging . Likely a large fine and lap on the wrist from an angry German.
