Quotes Roundup – Week Ending 8th Feb

The very best from the mouths of those in the know.

Mosley’s Lunch Date

The FIA President speaks to a select few…

• “If we get the job done we will have 12 teams – it means independent engine and gearbox supplier at a sensible cost.Secondly decisions taken quickly and thirdly the commercial rights holder paying down to 12th place and also transport.” Max Mosley
  
• “Being very frank about it, a lot of people are saying you need to stay because of this situation and I really have to ask myself is 1) should I stay and that would mean 18 years running the sport, that is an awfully long time and then to do another 4 years, and 2) do I want to?” Max Mosley
  
• “If someone said ‘Here is 100 pounds, you have got to put it on a driver’, I would probably put it on Lewis. I think McLaren have done a very good job over the winter, everything I hear indicates that.” Max Mosley
  

Toro Rosso Racer

The team confirmed Bourdais, leaving Sato without a drive…

• “Now, I can focus on preparing for the coming season. It promises to be a very interesting one, thanks to all the rule changes and I’m also looking forward to establishing a good relationship with my new teammate, Sebastien Buemi, to ensure both of us do the best possible job for the team and for Red Bull.” Sebastien Bourdais
• “After one year with Toro Rosso, we expect him to profit from the experience he gained last season. He now knows the F1 environment, the race tracks and the team. In addition, the slick tyres, which make a comeback this year, should suit his driving style very well.” Franz Tost
  
• “I am determined to stay in top level motorsport and I will be fully focused on making a return to F1 as long as any opportunity is there. I want to thank all my supporters who have been absolutely fantastic with their loyalty, I will always remember these fantastic relationships we have built and hope we can one day repay this support.” Takuma Sato
  

The Licence Fee Debate

Drivers refuse to pay the inflated price…

• “The drivers contend that the Super Licence fees should not be a revenue stream for the FIA and such a change constitutes a major departure in principle for both past Super Licence fees and fees for any other drivers’ licences.” GPDA Statement
  
• “In the present climate, somebody who is earning several million a year and doesn’t want to spend one or two percent of that to get a licence for his trade is not going to get a lot of sympathy. And maybe we will have a quiet Friday in Melbourne…” Max Mosley
  
• “The drivers are not opposed to a reasonable increase in the Super Licence fees, the fee which should cover the administrative and other costs relating to the issue of the licence.” GPDA Statement