30-Jul-08: Mosley Talks Presidency, Costs, and Setup Issues
Welcome to F1 Minute for the 30th July 2008.
More Max Mosley news today, he has been talking a lot. Firstly, he has reiterated the fact that he’s not going to be attempting another term as FIA president. When his run is over in October 2009, that’s it. Until then, Mosley says he will be concentrating on making F1 cheaper for teams, and greener for the environment. He also wants the Concorde Agreement sorted before the end of this year.
Here’s a quote regarding the cost issue: “At the moment, if you’re an independent team like Toro Rosso or Force India, you can’t run at a profit – you depend on a billionaire to subsidise you. And there just aren’t enough billionaires around to subsidise.”
Mosley also discusses the problems that the new KERS technology has been facing, and says that fears about the new technology are being overstated. He said the electric shock received by a BMW mechanic was “surprising”.
Finally, Mosley mentioned that he believes his News of the World scandal emerged because he was setup by someone trying to force him to resign.
That’s all for today, I’ll be back tomorrow with another F1 Minute.
29-Jul-08: F1 Teams Come Together to Work on Concorde Agreement
It’s the 29th July 2008, and this is F1 Minute.
Representatives of each of the F1 teams, plus Bernie Ecclestone and a colleague from CVC got together in Italy today to discuss the future of the sport. The meeting took place at the Ferrari headquarters in Maranello, and a spokesperson for Ferrari called it “extremely productive.” The most notable outcome for now, is that the teams are going to set up a new group called the Formula One Teams Association to try and sort out the Concorde Agreement with the FIA and FOM. Let’s hope they can achieve something.
The teams agreed on this new group unanimously, which should please Flavio Briatore as he has been reported as saying that things in F1 really need to change. His list of complaints include the fact that they need to have a majority rule, they need a single Director of Operations to represent all the teams, and he would like to see Max Mosley concentrating on his job instead of his personal life. Wouldn’t we all?
That’s all for today, I’ll be back tomorrow with another F1 Minute.
23-Jun-08: A New Concorde Agreement May be on the Horizon
This is F1 Minute for the 23rd June 2008.
It’s being reported that the FIA may be interested in a new Concorde Agreement but only if Bernie accepts some changes. Apparently the new deal would be in place if Bernie ups the share of F1 revenue given to the teams. For promotional revenues, it could go up from 75 to 92 per cent, and for TV earnings from 50 to 67. It looks like the proposal was submitted to Mr Ecclestone last year, and so far has garnered no response. Within the paddock, however, teams aren’t really in on the deal. Mario Theissen says the new Concorde Agreement isn’t just about money, but of course, they wouldn’t turn it down.
Elsewhere, after the exhaust incident in France this weekend, it looks as though Raikkonen will need an engine change ahead of the British GP, but he won’t receive a penalty. Ferrari will be able to cash in on the one freebie engine rule.
Finally, the San Marino Grand Prix has been missing off the calendar for a couple of years now, but the Imola circuit has received certification from the FIA so they can now host F1 tests.
That’s all for today, please join me again tomorrow for another F1 Minute.
16-Jun-08: Ecclestone Comes Clean About Breakaway Rumours
It’s the 16th June 2008, and you’re listening to F1 Minute.
Bernie Ecclestone has spoken out about those persistent rumours that the teams could breakaway and form their own motorsport series. After the Mosley scandal has left the political side of the sport in turmoil, Bernie has said that he needs to say everything is fine to keep the sponsors happy, but in fact, he has no control. Bernie says that what the teams need is a renewed Concorde Agreement, but Mosley isn’t interested. And the most telling quote from Ecclestone was this: “The teams can do what they like.”
Former F1 champion John Surtees, who took the title in 1964, is being honoured by the Queen of England. He will receive an Order of the British Empire in recognition of his services to motorsport and to charity.
Finally today, preparation for France is already beginning, with BMW boss Mario Theissen stating they will not be changing their goals despite the win in Canada, and Lewis Hamilton saying he will still have a good race even though he’s starting ten places back.
That’s all for today, join me tomorrow for another F1 Minute.
05-Dec-07: Hamilton Fastest on Jerez Day Two
This is F1 Minute for the 5th December 2007.
Lewis Hamilton posted the fastest time over the second day at Jerez, despite running off track in the early hours. David Coulthard was just behind him, beating two Ferraris and de la Rosa in the other McLaren. Fisichella was in the Force India car again, but was beaten a couple of places by Klien in the sister car. There were four red flags brought about by Heidfeld, Vettel, Webber and Rosberg.
Away from the track, Max Mosley has been setting the record straight regarding engines and Prodrive. Firstly, he believes the ten year engine freeze will be beneficial to both manufacturers and sponsors alike. He said the idea should appeal to sponsors especially, because they are aware of the need for an environmental conscience, and Formula 1 needs to be seen doing its bit.
Mosley has also confirmed that he cannot guarantee Prodrive’s entry for 2009, because of the ongoing legal complications. Ordinarily, their entry would be renewed automatically, but with no Concorde Agreement in sight, and their forfeit of the seat this time round, it looks like they will have to submit an entry all over again.
That’s all for today, please join me tomorrow for another F1 Minute.
23-Nov-07: Prodrive Won’t Race in 2008
It’s the 23rd November 2007, this is F1 Minute, and these are your top headlines for today.
Prodrive have said they will not be participating in the 2008 championship after last minute legal battles. A statement from the team said that they were disappointed at the challenges they faced with the Concorde Agreement, especially as their plans to use a customer car had been public knowledge for a year beforehand. Prodrive do intend to enter Formula 1 at some stage though, when an agreement can finally be reached.
Also in the news today, teams have been complaining about what they see as underhanded tactics from Honda. In the recent test at Barcelona, Super Aguri tested out some new, young drivers, apparently on Honda’s behalf. This means that Honda could continue using up their own testing miles for the data, and let Super Aguri use up their miles on the drivers.
Finally, details of a legal document given to the FIA by McLaren reveal they believe Renault did benefit from having their information. The document also revealed McLaren are unhappy with some of the submissions from Renault engineers, believing them to be misleading.
That’s all for today, have a great weekend, and join me on Monday for another F1 Minute.