I heard Bill G is talking to Toyota about sponsoring them in F1
This information is valid. Microsoft are in talks to sponsor Toyota next year instead of Panasonic or maybe even along with Panaonic. However, I doubt Bill Gates will have any direct connection with F1. It would just be a sponsorship relationship.
Interesting, but I don't think $$$ is their problem right now. New organzational and management structure should come first.
Some news results with F1 & Gates Others with Microsoft & F1 (note -key, so as to eliminate returns for computing, as in "press F1 key")
Microsoft would be a good sponsor for any F1 team. Microsoft would also become a technical partner for Toyota. The software they could develop for computer simulation and technical know how about software could give an advantage to Toyota.
You sure about this? If they write their race software like the rest I see Da Matta reboot his car in midrace.
On the contrary, the software they develop for commercial use is fairly stable and runs smoothly. Microsoft Business SolutionsNavision is a good example of this. Its their operating systems (XP, 2000, Me, 98 etc) that have some major issues. But I see your point. Imagine Ralf's furry next year if he is driving and sees the blue screen of death on his color LCD. "ctrl + alt + delete, ctrl + alt + delete, ctrl + alt + delete!!! ARRRGGHHH!"
It's about time Gates stop wasting all his money on things like charities and finally get involved in something worthwhile!
Wouldn't it be cool if Gates provided the major $$$ for a US team? That would do a lot to change MY opinion of him!!! Har! Jim
$40M is chump change in F1, particularly for Toyota. I think Toyota is betting the farm on Ralf. For $40M, Bill could buy rides in Jordan, Jaguar, Minardi, Sauber, etc., as bonuses for his staff...
Yea, that cheap bastage only gave me a $3.00 dollars a share dividend this week. If yes gonna pump some $ into F-1 w would anyone be opposed to having an American driver behind the wheel?
Now thats the smartest idea, if I have ever heard one to get an American driver in F1. All F1 potential drivers should be knocking on Microsoft's and Toyota's dorrs right now. An American driver in F1 would be a dream come true. It would be simply fantastic if Microsoft could sponsor a talented and worthy American to race in F1.
Hmm, now you got me puzzled Imperial83. Isn't what you're proposing exactly what Honda did and therefore put Sato into the BAR?
As I said: "... a talented and worthy American to race in F1." Unfortunately, its time to fight fire with fire.
Yes it would, however its would make good marketing sense for Toyo/MS to partner on this. Toyota is the #3 manufacturer in the USA, they are running trucks in NASCAR and I think there has been talk of them running NEXTEL. Only bad part about it is, Toyota has taken a step backwards IMO in F1 this year and the learning curve over the next few years could come at the cost of US talent in a middle of the road team.....of course they have all looked middle of the road against that bold red car!
The last thing an F1 team needs is association with a group infamous for "tweaking" standards. Toyota would get disqualified in every race. Or, after the lawyers got done, every car except WinF1 cars would get DQ'd. (Micro$loth: There can be only one!) (They can have my GNU when they pry it from my cold, dead hard drive.)
Inflamatory to say the least, but which US talent deserves the seat? The last time this was tried, despite lineage and ability at Indy, the driver was replaced by a lard arsed Brit who was so far beyond his prime we'd already sent him over to Indy once! Toyota is a very strange bedfellow for MS - although I understand that they are the best selling car make in the US and that BG probably drives a Corolla 1.4LS. I strongly suspect they'll be the first big manufacturer out of F1, but this is one prediction that I wouldn't put lots of money on A shame Jordan probably won't get a look in, as despite their last year or two, they know how to do a job.... The biggest shame is that the real future talents don't seem to get a look in unless Willi Weber is taking a cut.
They brand new toyota car is going to run on..... Windows Me, its going to have usb connectors and a speed of 28.8kbps. should be an interesting season
A talented and worthy driver, according to Imperial's standards - because an old (for a formula driver) guy who conquered all of the lower formulas isn't talented and worthy
As far as Toyota staying in F1, I believe that they are going to stay in it for a while. I work for Toyota (on the dealership level) and the whole picture is amazing with this company. It is just crazy looking at it from the inside. If they, Toyota, put their mind to it, they will be great. As far as other froms of racing, Toyota is in the NASCAR Truck series and there are plans of running a modified Solara in NASCAR! Along with the idea of an American driver, isn't that what RedBull is doing right now? Didn't they just end a long search for a few good canidates to send over to Europe to run in other Formula series? I believe that is what they did but I am not sure, and I don't know who RedBull is doing it with. Isn't RedBull's sponsorship with Sabuer (non-American)? Joe C. (dazed and confused with these F1 talks)
That $ 3.00 is going to go a long way in purchasing my 355 Spider! YaaaaaaaHHHHhhhooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
