His old-fart's greedy claws will tenaciously be hanging on after he's dead, in one way or another. Ecclestone's sheer outright greed for him and for his close coterie have wrecked F1, their greed founded on ripping off racing enthusiasts, and countries, throughout the world. The sooner he's gone the better off F1 should be.
elect70,
Dec 2, 12:15pm
Why do you think its called the circus . all the beautifull people want to be seen there the racing is just an excuse . Once it was the pinnacle of motor engineering (back in the 60 s) then it became more about the people &$$$$$$
socram,
Dec 2, 2:17pm
Bernie tied F1 together from a mish-mash of entrants all getting different start money, (Ferrari always got plenty. ) but he steadily not only gained full control, but also owns all the TV and broadcast rights, charges a minimum of 28 milliion dollars (NZ) to bring his circus to a track - which inevitably loses a massive amount of money.
They have to be propped up by their respective governments and/or the 51 weeks a year club racers. The magnificent corporate suites are empty most of the year, so who in their right mind wants a once a year event that has everything to do with big business $ and the posers, and very little to do with a sport, that has a massive club and national base?
Cue Auckland Council, the gummint, Pukekohe horse track and the Aussie V8s.
It is a travesty that France (where racing started) and Germany have been dumped for wealthy countries, where spectator numbers are minimal. It is all about TV and as far as Bernie is concerned, there is no other racing other than F1.
david.b,
Dec 2, 3:15pm
Agree 100%, remove the rules, F1 has become boring, but: Control the formula by restricting the type and amount of fuel for a race meeting. Very powerful and I guess thirsty car= limited practice and set up time, other wise you won't have sufficient fuel for the race. Not set up ultimately so they cant handle perfectly, less powerful, more fuel efficient cars have greater practise times, better set up and therefore a considerable advantage. Cars get to fast, reduce the amount of fuel available for the race meeting. Limit the number of pit crew guys to only 2 or 3 people. Extreme working = errors = spectator interest. Also cars would not be able to get back out on the same lap so greater interest by more passing required. Further restrict the type of tyres and the number of available tyres for a race meeting.
bill-robinson,
Dec 2, 4:58pm
as we have now without the radios?
gammelvind,
Dec 2, 5:27pm
That has been tried with the failed A1 series, just never caught on.
ignition328,
Dec 2, 9:22pm
You know you can get out and go watch local car clubs as well right? I never really watch motorsport on the TV, like to volunteer and pick a good corner at the local rallies or the track. Can yarn to the drivers who are struggling with an utter pile of shit but can't afford better. I can relate to that stuff better given my racecar was originally a $100 purchase which is growing into unmanageable levels of power as I keep dropping bigger turbos onto it.
mm12345,
Dec 2, 10:02pm
I'd just like to say, without making any great claim to expertise on the subject, that I'm just as confused as the experts seem to be as to what to do to sort out the F1 debacle. I can only add that it seemed to be better when the cars had cigarette ads plastered all over them, the drivers all had moustaches, everybody drank heaps of Vat 69 whisky, and girls got invited into the pits if their miniskirts were short enough.
socram,
Dec 4, 1:44pm
As most newspaper editors seem to think that motorsport is undeserving of coverage and have no concept of the G forces, skill and judgement, then knowing that a few hot laps with a good driver tends to change their stance somewhat, I suggest that all F1 cars have to carry a riding mechanic/observer/media person for 20 laps, come in, lift out the vomit and poo stained media person, strap in another sucker into the seat and do another 20, then sell rides for another 20 laps.
monsieurl,
Dec 4, 3:28pm
The rules and regs in the early 2000's were designed to kill Ferrari's domination fullstop. ideally a return to 25000rpm screaming V10's or V8 turbos, tyre manufacturer and engine wars, less computer aids, KERS would bring a few F1 fans back but TBH this era is tame and boring as hell!
mrfxit,
Dec 4, 4:07pm
It's not just F1 thats suffering this fate. All the class's are so heavily regulated now that it's taken a lot of the spectator interest away by each class being pretty much identical except advertising & even thats restricted in many ways
geedubu,
Dec 4, 8:03pm
Maybe that's why the Goodwood Festival is such a success
socram,
Dec 4, 8:20pm
Not ours! Handicap races are the only ones that count for points. Wouldn't work for F1 though.
The Giro d'italia car version. 800-1000 hp Lancia Beta Montercarlo depending on boost levels etc Usually 3 crew listed - 2 drivers and 1 co-driver, to give the drivers a break from the stages. https://youtu.be/mqbXiogtGpg
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