bartelby said:Contrary to widespread belief, Ferrari has decided to withhold its consent for Formula One tail-enders Minardi to race its old car in this weekend's Australian Grand Prix.
I've been reading about this on the F1 site I frequent, some really ferocious debates going down about it.
Now, as far as I'm aware, Ferrari has NOT done any such thing. They have merely said that it's the FIA's role to decide on the matter.
Minardi will have to present their car to scrutineering, and it is up to the FIA to deem if the car is safe, if it meets the 2005 crash/safety regulations, then the teams will be consulted with regards to its complicity of the 2005 technical regulations and thus it's possible inclusion in Sundays Australian GP.
So as of the moment and as far as I'm aware Ferrari actually haven't refused anything.
bartelby said:Ironically, Ferrari is also starting the season with a version of last year's car, but has the resources to modify the F2004 in accordance with the heavily revised rules package that stipulates, amongst other things, a reduction in aerodynamics and engines now need to last for two whole race weekends."
And so have Jordan... yet their lack of budget hasn't effected them building a car which complies with the new regulations, even though they suffered the same issues as Minardi when Ford sold up and the future of Cosworth was in doubt.
bartelby said:EDIT: Is this fair and 'Sporting':
Ferrari are guaranteed $67m (£34.8m) every year - an estimated 15-20% of their budget - before any money is distributed to the other teams.
Yes it is fair (do I agree with it? nope).
Without Ferrari, the popularity of F1 would see a significant drop in commercial revenues, a substantially greater loss than the £34.8 million (no one knows exact figures set out in the Concorde Agreement) they are paid, and thus all the teams would be worse off.
Don't believe me...?
Let's not forget first and foremost that ALL of the teams AGREED that Ferrari should be given more money, because they are fully aware of what Ferrari brings to F1 and as such are worthy of special dispensation , even Ron Dennis has stated that.
Let's also not forget that the GPWC were willing to pay Ferrari a special golden handshake initial payment of $50million just to sign with the GPWC.
bartelby said:Ferrari have absolute veto over all changes agreed by the other teams, even if the other teams agree unanimously.
This is inaccurate. Ferrari do not have an absolute veto at all. Infact all teams have the right to veto changes they do not agree with. Any changes have to be unanimously agreed by ALL of the teams (unless they're in the name of safety in which case the FIA can act) and that is the only fair way.
bartelby said:Ferrari would get more of F1's commercial revenue if they finished last than any other team would if they won the world championship.
But let's not forget that this is a none issue with the teams, all the teams have agreed that Ferrari should be given special dispensation because of what they bring to F1.
Funny how this was never an issue when Ferrari were not winning any championships between 1983 and 1999 is it?
bartelby said:I hope the GPWC goes ahead without them
I don't, we either have one or the other.... otherwise both will eventually suffer like CART and IRL have.
The only thing that worries me about the GPWC is that it'll be controlled by car companies, now is it just me, or is it more than a little worrying considering that in the past many of the large car companies have not committed to F1 for a significant period of time? even now BMW and Renault are questioning their participation in the sport.
With the likes of Ford, Renault, BMW, Porsche, DC/Mercedes, Honda all pulling out at one time or another, only to come back, and then leave again. How will that affect the stability of the GPWC at a governing level?
For example BMW decide to pull out of racing, will they still have a voice in the controlling body?
If so is that fair?
If not will they be allowed to return and resume their place on the board?
How will major rule changes be implemented?
Will it be like it is at the moment where all teams have to unanimously agree on changes?
Or will it be with the majority?
bartelby said:II can do without their whining and whinging.
But isn't it Paul Stoddart doing the whinging?
bartelby said:If I never see those egomaniacs Brawn, Schumacher and DiMontezemelo again I'll be a happy man.
I still don't understand why the hatred of Brawn, Schumacher, Di-Monte... and Ferrari in general, what are they doing that is so wrong?
All they're doing is dominating their sport... nothing more and nothing less. It'll come to an end... it always does.
But what they're achieving together is incredible, never before seen in the history of the sport (any sport?) and for that they should be celebrated and lauded for their performance, not derided for it.
bartelby said:The main person I feel sorry for is Rubens, I swear he's got a clause in his contract that says he's not allowed to over take Schumy.
Do you really believe that? if so why?
Anyway as for my take on the whole thing, IMHO if Minardi cannot build a car which conforms to the regulations then they should not be allowed to race until they can.
What makes Minardi so special anyhow? F1 has lost far, far greater teams in the past.
Another example, my football team (Coventry, I know, I know... but I was born there) are currently fighting relegation, they don't have the budget, nor the squad at the moment.
So, would it be fair that they should be allowed to field 2 extra players to help make them more competitive? or should they be allowed to play with a smaller goal to make it more difficult for the opposition team to score? Of course it wouldn't... and I don't see why it should for Minardi either.
Anyway... I think we'll see the Minardi's on the grid come Sunday.