Hey, Despite the claims in here that he's a complete and utter fool who should be fired I have immense respect for the guy. He's certainly steered Ferrari to huge profitability at the very least. He's nobody's fool. Which is why I find the following a little surprising; I don't see what good can come from such comments - Why piss off the Pygmy? *Unless* he knows something we don't of course..... Cheers, Ian http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/104705
Does he forget the name of the company for which he is working? I seem to recall of a sportscar building company in Italy with the same name, which company was still leaded by an "elderly gentleman" until that man was almost 90 years old? Would the same Luca (I know, he wasn't working there in the Eighties) have then dared to suggest that the founder of this company had lost the plot due to old age? This is sour grapes about last week, that's all.
Umm, Luca was there in the 1970's as a young team manager for Ferrari..... For the record, Luca (65) is 17 years junior to Bernie (82) Image Unavailable, Please Login
Anyway, bernie is not today person to decide F1 destiny, he is an hoolligan, maybe luca doesn´t must to say that, but is true. regards.
I don't think so. I chopped off the bottom of the release unfortunately; No sour grapes there IMO. Cheers, Ian
That is what Nelson Piquet did in the late 80's prior to Enzo's death, and made a ass out of himself.
Yes, of course I recall the years of Luca at Ferrari during the seventies; what I was trying to say is that he was no longer at the Company in the eighties, when "the Old Man" was past his eighties. After reading Ian's remark about "no sour grapes", then frankly, I don't understand such a crummy (I believe this is the right traduction for the french "mesquin") remark by Luca. Bernie is eighty-two, yes, but he still has a sharp mind. Of course, like all true autocrats, he has not prepared his succession, which is what I actually find a bit worrying. But I am kinda found of the "Pigmy"; perhaps Formula One has not always evolved for the best, and I fully understand that some among us may have some nostalgia for the older racing. But I began to follow Formula One closely at the beginning of the seventies, and if my memory serves me well, only the Monaco and French Grand Prix were shown at the french TV then. Today, I can watch every Grand Prix on TV, and a lot of this is due to what Bernie has achieved. I am fully aware that he has made a fortune out of it, but some others made also (admitely smaller) fortunes out of it too, due to what he had acheived. They were only too happy to let him take control of the business side during the seventies, and when I hear remarks like the one frome Luca, well I think: "and then, who are you to forget who made you king too?". In fact, the only grudge I have towards Bernie is that he has moved the start of "exotic" (to us...) Grand Prix too late in the afternoon to have them "on the right time" on TV. I long for the very early start of the Australian and Japanese Grand Prix...to wake up early in the morning and watch those coffee in hand was an experience I do miss indeed. O.K, it is more of a show business these days, that's a pity. But he has indeed done a remarkable job. And therefore, I find Luca's remark out of place. All the more because I do admire Luca's job at the head of Ferrari for the last twenty years, too! Well, perhaps there is no need to worry? with the progress of medical science, Bernie will be good for another twenty years from now on? Flame suit on... Regards
I think Luca is right this time. They asked for a "clarification" (whatever that means), FIA said "no, f*ck you", and that´s all, end of story. Bernie didn´t need to add insult to injury. When McLaren appealed the results in 2007 I don´t remember any commotion. Of course Bernie knew what he was doing: he´s one of those men who think that any publicity is good publicity. Formula 1 teams don´t owe anything to Bernie. Formula 1 already was important before Bernie came, and Bernie got filthy rich with Formula 1. But teams got the chance of getting out and they still are there, so now they have to cope with the occasional 80 years old man nonsense.
Even given the disclaimer at the end about accepting the FiA decision regarding the flags, Luca's comments do come across as sour grapes just because of the timing. However, I agree that the lack of testing has had some detrimental side effects as it relates to young drivers getting seat time. As far as why piss off Bernie, I see it as an example of heavyweights throwing their weight around. Ferrari is one of the few (only) manufacturors who is almost as big as F1 itself. Because of the Ferrari name, Luca has lots of "currency" to back up whatever he chooses to say. Shot across the bow maybe? Anyone think that Luca might have designs to be the next F1 supremo?
I never had any doubts that is his main motivation and frankly I am not sure if it would be productive for Ferrari/FIAT or for F1. I cannot forget nor can I forgive Luca's past discretions yet I have no say so, I sit on the bench.
Those of you who saw the Senna movie know about the controversial Senna v. Prost Japanese GP when they were both at McLaren, ie, the chicane incident. Dennis was ready to throw his own driver (Prost) under the bus in chasing an explaination from the FIA to get Senna the WDC; to say that Ferrari in seeking a clarification from the FIA is sour grapes is just plain silly; its the nature of F1 and any competent team would have done the same. Bernie was completely wrong here.
Exactly right. Luca also commented on the fact that F1 is too Aero dependent and lack of testing, which most people didn't state in the article. I agree 100% with those two remarks, the lack of testing is a joke and the Aero has gotten out of hand.
I couldnt disagree more. The footage readily available and up for review by very smart people at Ferrari. They had no case without even asking for a review. Bernie may have been harsh about his words chosen with respect to the Ferrari request, but he probably knew the answer without asking, as Ferrari should have. A huge waste of time for the FIA and Ferrari and frankly indirectly spite Red Bull who simply beat Ferrari fair and square.
"I disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it" Voltaire (and classic308)!
LdM is probably the main reason Ferrari is so successful today, he is extremely talented if a little passionate (he IS Italian after all ) He is also very well connected so if he is saying something that would upset the short-arse used car salesman then he knows something .... alternatively he just might like the idea of upsetting the git
Indeed. You may have a point there. Still seems a little 'disingenuous' to me though. +1 We should never forget that. +1 A much better idea...... Cheers, Ian
I agree the ban on testing is rather silly, I am not saying allow lots of testing but perhaps allow a set number of days that teams can use when they wish, though policing this may be rather tough.
Completely agree with Luca. The lack of testing is limiting the sport. And Bernie is a silly old fool and has been for ages. Making money is not hard when you have plenty to start with. He has not achieved anything of significance for the last 20 years. Just like Richard Branson. Pete
