03-Oct-08: BMW Will Keep Up Development This Season
This is F1 Minute and it’s the 3rd October 2008.
We heard earlier in the week that McLaren are pushing forward with development this year and it’s good news to hear that BMW haven’t given up on the title, either. Technical director Willy Rampf said that they will still develop despite Kubica being 20 points down on Hamilton. He said: “We will continue though. We will try to have at least small modifications and updates for the next races and hope to get closer to the top. We are not far away, not the team and not Robert as our leading driver.”
Elsewhere today, Autosport.com is reporting that the FOTA are looking at a new concept of sharing commercial revenues between the teams equally. Currently, teams get a bigger share, the higher they finish up the constructor’s championship. You’d imagine the larger teams wouldn’t appreciate getting less money, but Autosport has asked Frank Williams who said it’s the best way of making things more competitive. I’d love to know what you think about this potential new scheme, leave your thoughts at F1Minute.com.
Carlos on Fri, 3rd Oct 2008 21:29
I love the idea of revised revenue sharing. Equally would be great, but even if it wasn’t equal, sharing more equally is definitely the right direction. It will surely increase competition.
Case study: the USA’s NFL is probably the world’s most successful sports organization. They have an extensive, fairly equal, revenue sharing plan. The competition in the NFL is very close.
On the other hand, another problem is that Bernie is holding more money away from the teams than he should - more teams would be looking to field a pair of cars if there was more money to be made - or how about just break even?
Of course, other ideas like spec rules, testing bans, budget limits, and driver salary caps could all help competition, but a strong revenue sharing plan seems to be the most sensible. It only makes sense - the money should go back to those that make the sport what it is.
Carlos on Fri, 3rd Oct 2008 21:44
Here’s an interesting story I read while doing some research:
http://sennosportsbeat.wordpress.com/2008/05/22/epl-tv-rev-sharing-idea-could-work/
moka on Fri, 3rd Oct 2008 21:46
It’s about time that equal revenue sharing took place. I only hope it turns out to be true.
Christine on Fri, 3rd Oct 2008 22:02
Good find Carlos.
As far as I know, the FOTA will think about it and take a vote on it. I believe seven out of ten teams need to agree, so even if the top three weren’t keen, it could still go through.