Ok - the big question for Brian & Bow; do you think USF1 is real? Can they make it to the grid? (Sorry - two questions) I'm just an idiot with an opinion; need to hear from two pros........ Kevin
Well I think it may happen, think and that was said to me from a high respected source. However the problem seem's to me what PW says and what happens is pole's apart. All yank team, so why has David Stubbs been recruited to join the USF1 team.
I don't see how that is even possible. That's 1/3rd of the smallest teams. It is unbelievable to me that 2/3rds of the resources of a small team could be cut and still be able to produce a car.
I'm honest here, I am NOT a PeeWee fan! Anything related to him could smell IMO. I think that there is an effort, as to what end who knows? It took a lot of time and money to get my green card and that was way back when. Bow shall we say won't be returning to these shores soon! I wonder how all these staff are suddenly going to jump a plane after this race and start work in NC. They're not all US citizens nor US work visa holders. I tried last year to get a skilled worker a visa for my business and frankly gave up on it! There are a lot of inuendos with USF!, definitely a 'party line' in most interviews but not much concrete. As I've said, I think they will suddenly throw out a series filmed in their shop, Hurley even hinted a movie type release! Even as far as partners and suppliers go, a website which showed things like that would be nothing for Mr Hurley to produce and would pacify even the biggest doubters. Heck I would buy a hat to go with my Brawn one. I've seen a few 'snake oil' sales pitches, not convinced that this is much above that level, but I await to be proven wrong.
76, Jones, Japan, TS19-06 Notice the later nosecone. Big problem was that the car was not stiff enough torsionally and we had no money or resources to change the basic design. Car always understeered. (pushed!) Image Unavailable, Please Login
I will have to look in my Watkins Glen photos; I wonder if you're in them! Interesting feedback on USF1... Thanks! Kevin
Pitlane at Brands, possibly British GP. I get the belts ready for Jonsey. We put EVERYTHING in this truck for the whole weekend. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Brian and BowBells thanks very much for providing the tremendous insights that you do here and in the other racing area. Brian, I knew you had much experience from your prior posts and this just solidifies it. Thanks for all your valuable comments. Carol
will do but probably not until Sebring....do you know Kaye Wilson and my Scottish friend Allan? Carol
They're basically saying that they've unlocked a secret to trimming 67% of the operating costs that none of the other teams have thought of. Without turning a wheel. What's not to believe? So far, those personnel reductions include drivers
I think its possible, hard, but still possible. Say you have 20-30 designers, 20-30 builders, and the rest 40ish travel/race team it could be done, with say another 5 or so back for HR/Travel/Purchasing. However I'm confused about there Aero department, is that all outsourced as well? as Im not really including that area... Dont forget that over the next two seasons the number of people you can take to the track will be limited to 45 people.
I think those numbers are way off and way too simplified to be honest. The smallest F1 teams have budgets of around $120mm a year. If USF1 is going to go on HALF that budget, that's $60mm a year. $60mm of cash flow is going to require a group of probably 8-10 people just to handle accounting. At least several sales/PR people (you're always going to have 1-2 at home base and at least the same again on the road). At least 4-5 people to handle travel alone (gotta have 1-2 people on site at the races). I'd be surprised if they could get away with sending less than 75 people to each race. You've got maybe 20 guys per car for the mechanics and such. You've got the "upper management" that go. Then you have a small herd of guys who handle set-up and break down, the truck drivers, everything. All the logistics people who make sure stuff goes right. IT people, hospitality/PR, trainers, the works. The limits on who can be taken won't include all the "extra" people like the catering/hospitality and such. Even if 1/3rd of the whole team went to the races, that means a staff of 135 people in total. In a 33k sq-ft building? They wouldn't fit. It's a pipe dream, I am more sure of it every time I think through the numbers.
I really don't understand where all the hate for USF1 comes from. Don't get me wrong, I am by no means a PW fan, infact quite the opposite. However, rumors in the press are really meaningless. I'd wait for the first race of 2010 before I say anything. They might show, they might not. We'll see. But my point is these are baseless accusations made based on a paragraph of speculative journalism. On another note, in regards to the comment on 45 people per race per team, I believe Brawn is already bringing 47 a weekend so it isn't far out of reach.
Thanks. I'm glad I asked. One more question. The London rubber products, did they go on the car or the driver?
Interestingly, Brawn has around 400+ employees, IIRC. The numbers still don't add up. And does Brawn's 47 people include everyone? Truck drivers, catering, PR, sales, labor setup/breakdown, travel/logistics or are we talking they have 47 in their "race team" - engineers, tire guys, etc?
