BMW join Ferrari in threat to leave F1

May 5, 2009


BMW’s Dr. Mario Theissen has joined Luca di Montezemolo in suggesting that should a two-tier system pervade in F1 the team may choose to leave the series. After revealing his plan for a 40 million pound cap for teams participating in the cost-regulated tier, there would remain other teams who could choose to have unlimited spending at a heavily restricted capacity. This, while economy-corrected, might seem appealing to small team or organizations who want to enter F1 but it is antithetical to the manufacturers who are currently involved. Dr. Mario said:Source GMM.
The plot thickens. A new series with Toyota, BMW, Mercedes, Ferrari and Renault would garner the interest of many fans around the world. Would a series involving Williams, Red Bull, Brawn GP, USF1 and Force India capture your imagination? A1GP may just be in the pound seats if Max continues to destroy the DNA of this sport but Max’s scorched-earth policy is nothing new to F1 fans…especially when Bernie’s friends over at CVC have a tremendous debt load to service. Message to FOTA from F1B? “Cute and cuddly boys, cute and cuddly”.

Source: Formula1blog

 

I do not like hearing this at all. The FIA is changing things a little too drastically for my taste, especially with the ban on refueling. While I don't think Ferrari would actually leave, I wouldn't put it past BMW if their season continues on this course.

 

Now is as good a time as any to put this out there:

If Barrister or some other hitherto closeted fan would like to create banter threads for IRL, ALMS, Rolex, MotoGP, etc., then I am sure many other fans of these respective disciplines would also emerge from the woodwork. Although I am a devoted Formula One fan, I am becoming less and less of one almost daily it seems...

 

We had one for the 24 Hours of Daytona as well as the 12 Hours of Sebring, iirc. There's also the NASCAR banter thread. It's hard to find any races that are aired live aside from F1 and NASCAR though.

 

Yeah I was aware we had those, I was just busy when they were on. IRL doesn't air live?

 

F1 sucks. It's the worst it's ever been . I can't even watch it anymore. I tivo the whole race and watch the first 5 minutes and the last lap.

I haven't even watched the end of each race this year, i just press delete after 10 minutes.

 

Wow. I understand your frustration with the recent changes. But I have to disagree with you on the season in general. I think it is the best season in a very long time. The rise of Brawn GP is just what the grid needed. Also, Vettel living up to his promise is also great for the sport.

All you have to do is see that kiddish grin on Button's mug and it makes you feel good!

Give it another look-see. I bet you will find the season compelling if you look past all of this political wrangling.