Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Canadian GP back on F1 calendar through 2014]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/canadian-gp-back-on-f1-calendar-through-2014/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/canadian-gp-back-on-f1-calendar-through-2014/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/canadian-gp-back-on-f1-calendar-through-2014/#commentsFiled under: ,

Canadian GP

It's official, Formula 1 and Montreal are in love again. Bernie Ecclestone's supersonic price increases in 2008 drove the Canadian venue (and North America entirely) off the map in 2009. It was the first time in three decades that the F1 club didn't visit Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, and by the end of this summer, everyone was highly motivated to get it back.

When Ecclestone's original demand of $175 million Canadian ($165M U.S.) over five years became $75 million Canadian, ($71M U.S.), the Montreal, Quebec, and Canadian governments got together to split the cost three ways. When the government's commitment to spend such an amount on a sporting event was questioned, Quebec's minister of finance replied that the GP will cost Quebec $4 million but return $10 million to its coffers alone. On top of that, Ecclestone promised them 30% of ticket sales every year, which, for a hugely popular grand prix, should be a substantial number. Vive le Montreal GP and June 13, 2010! Thanks to everyone who submitted tips

[Source: F1 Live | Photo credit: Vinod Sankar via CC2.0]

Canadian GP back on F1 calendar through 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Believe it or not, nobody has put a muzzle on Bernie Ecclestone yet. After having publicly praised the likes of Adolf Hitler and Saddam Hussein, the Formula One chief has made headlines once again by characterizing the death of Ayrton Senna as "good for F1."

Clarifying his comments, Ecclestone noted that while it was "unfortunate" to have lost the three-time world champion widely remembered as history's greatest driver, the publicity his death generated ultimately helped the sport attract new followers.

As if the remarks couldn't have been any less sensitive or more revolting in their own right, they were shockingly made to the press in Senna's home country of Brazil - where the 2009 world championship was tied up this weekend - after meeting with the late Senna's sister Viviane and her son Bruno. The late great's nephew is reportedly being closely considered for a race seat next season with either Campos or Manor, two of the new teams joining the grid for the 2010 championship. That is, assuming Bruno can bear the thought of working with someone who characterizes the death of his family member as good for business.

[Source: F1-Live | Image: Clive Rose/Getty]

In Bad Taste: Ecclestone calls Senna's death "good for F1" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Formula One impresario Bernie Ecclestone has made no secret of his desire to see his series make a stop in the Big Apple - Manhattan, in point of fact. To that end, our friends at 0-60 thought they'd help him out by drawing up a suggested courses - in fact, in an oddly prescient move, they had already done so, publishing the fantasy circuits in the pages of their Winter 2008 issue.

In any case, with Ecclestone reportedly reaffirming his interest in the Big Apple today, 0-60 has decided to publish the story and the routes online. The routes through Central Park are inspired, although we suspect that more than a few of NYC's anti-car intelligenstia would take issue with that notion. No matter, you can peruse their efforts by clicking on the link below.

[Source: 0-60.com]

REPORT: Bernie wants F1 in NYC, 0-60 already has the plans originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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At the risk of sounding like the end of a cheesy kung-fu movie, the future of the Japanese Grand Prix is safe...for now. After Toyota confirmed it could no longer host the race at its Fuji Speedway, Honda has reportedly stepped up to secure a new deal with Bernie Ecclestone to hold the race at its Suzuka circuit for the next three years. Hiroshi Oshima, president of Honda's Mobilityland division met with Ecclestone in Valencia at the European Grand Prix this past weekend to sign the contract.

The Suzuka International Racing Course hosted the event twice in the early Sixties before the Japanese Grand Prix switched to Fuji. Suzuka hosted again from 1987 through 2006, after which an alternating agreement was signed between the two tracks. With Suzuka now set to host until 2011, Honda will hold the race but field no team, while Toyota continues to compete but host no race...for now.

[Source: Autosport | Image: Clive Mason/Getty]

REPORT: Suzuka secures future of Japanese Grand Prix for three years originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This year was the first in Formula One history that had absolutely no presence in North America. But that could change for next year if the latest reports from Canada are any indication, as insiders suggest that a new deal between race organizers and government officials on the one hand and Bernie Ecclestone on the other is in the closing rounds of negotiations.

Ecclestone pulled the plug on the Canadian Grand Prix - the only F1 race in North America and a longstanding fixture of the F1 calendar - last year after municipal, provincial and federal government officials refused to pay his exorbitant fees. But after a year without the race in Montreal, Ecclestone has reportedly changed his tune and agreed to a substantially reduced (though still highly lucrative) deal with local officials that would cut his fees by a reported $100 million, down from his previous demanded guarantee of $175 million to the governments' counter-offer of $75 million.

The F1 chief's actions are suspected to be influenced by the new Concorde Agreement - F1's secretive profit-sharing deal - with the teams eager to return to North America and Ecclestone weary of losing more manufacturers from the series following the departure of Honda and BMW. Thanks to everyone who sent in tips!

[Source: The Globe and Mail via F1-Live | Image: Paul Gilham/Getty]

REPORT: Ecclestone cuts rates to bring Grand Prix back to Montreal originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Aug 2009 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bernie Ecclestone didn't get to be a billionaire by waiting for things to come his way. With the threat of a breakaway series seemingly very real once again, the man credited with making Formula 1 what it today is has apparently decided to make sure he is on it. F1 Live reports that last month, Ecclestone filed trademark application papers for Formula Grand Prix, Formula GP, and GP3, in addition to applying to protect his GP1 and GP1 Series logos.

If there were a breakaway series and the teams wished to continue working with Ecclestone, in theory, they could step right into a GP1-GP2-GP3 set-up. On the other hand, even suggesting such an alliance could get the FIA and its controversial president Max Mosley back to the table in a more conciliatory mood, potentially heading off a splinter series.

It isn't clear why any teams would want to stay with Ecclestone if there were a breakaway, since he's continually mentioned as one of the reasons the Formula One Teams Association is unhappy. Various rumors have the FOTA cutting Ecclestone out, but things won't get any clearer until the next teams meeting on Wednesday.

[Source: F1 Live | Image: Mark Thompson/Getty]

REPORT: Ecclestone backing breakaway GP1 series? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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After attempting to clarify and apologize for his recent and controversial professed admiration for Adolf Hitler's ability to "get things done," F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has reportedly added fuel to the fire by blaming "the Jews" for failing to address the worldwide banking crisis.

Ecclestone apparently issued the controversial comments in response to calls made for his resignation by the community advocacy organization World Jewish Congress. According to Ecclestone, "It's a pity they didn't sort the banks out.... They have a lot of influence everywhere." He would go on to add that his colleague - FIA president Max Mosley, the fascist leader's son who made headlines for allegedly engaging in a Nazi-themed S&M orgy with several prostitutes - would make a good prime minister.

In addition to protests lodged by Jewish organizations worldwide, elements within Germany have publicly stated that they are appalled by Ecclestone's comments, which come just days before the start of the German Grand Prix. Government officials in Germany have already canceled meetings with Ecclestone, while some have speculated that the series' German teams - which include McLaren-Mercedes and BMW Sauber as well as the Cologne-based Toyota team - could boycott Ecclestone's leadership, whatever practical implication that would have. Either way, following hot on the heels of FOTA's near split with Formula One's management, Ecclestone would do well to watch his next step. Thanks for the tip, Sparky!

[Source: Daily Mail | Image: Mark Thompson/Getty]

FOLLOWUP: Ecclestone fans flames again, reportedly blames Jews for banking crisis originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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For such a distinguished and high profile institution, Formula One looks more and more like some sort of pro wrestling outfit by the day - and much of that circus-like atmosphere can be traced to the sport's leadership. The latest development in the series is Bernie Ecclestone's Marge Schott-esque interview with London's The Times newspaper.

Over the weekend, an interview ran in which Ecclestone talked about his preference for "strong leaders," including people like former UK prime minister Margaret Thatcher and Max Mosely. No problem there, but bringing up talk of Adolf Hitler in such contexts is generally frowned upon, particularly when saying things like "he got things done," but "In the end he got lost, so he wasn't a very good dictator."

Like Mosely, Ecclestone has never been a shrinking violet, and he's rarely been one to shy away from controversy. He famously once noted that women should wear white "like all other domestic appliances," a comment he revisited in The Times interview, suggesting that the utterance was a joke, only to follow it up with: "I would love to have a good lady race driver and preferably black and Jewish, too, but they might take maternity leave."

Ecclestone's comments have raised the hackles of a number of Jewish groups and politicians, who have called him "either an idiot or morally repulsive," chiding him for "a complete lack of judgment.

In a subsequent interview with Germany's Bild, the 78-year-old reportedly maintained that the furor his comments inspired were predicated on "a big misunderstanding," saying that: "It was never my intention to hurt the feelings of any community... many people in my closest circle of friends are Jewish." Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Sources: The Associated Press via ESPN; Motorsport.com | Image: AFP/Getty]

REPORT: F1's Ecclestone ripped for Hitler comments originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Take a poll anywhere outside of Max Mosley's or Bernie Ecclestone's motor homes and you'll probably find a preponderance of F1 fans rooting for the Formula One Teams Association. When the FOTA announced a breakaway series for 2010, it took just about 12 hours for the FIA to uncork its laywers. Just two days later, says F1 Live, at the British Grand Prix, Mosley himself said "There won't be any writ. I think we would rather talk than litigate," so everyone could "sit down and iron out the last few difficulties."

After the vitriol in the FIA's lawsuit announcement and the matter of Mosley's rather grand persona, it's hard to believe that this 48-hour about-face is anything other than a frank admission that Formula 1 means little without its marquee teams. Bernie has also chimed in, saying the FOTA can't afford to run a breakaway series, and he can't understand why they'd want to try when he's already arranged everything for them.

Of course, it hasn't helped things that, also during the British GP, Mosley reportedly called the FOTA members "loonies." Nor does it help that the FOTA has already proposed a 17-race calendar for next year -- including Montreal, Indianapolis, Buenos Aires, and Magny Cours, and it has a new name for the series: New Formula. In spite of Mosley's repeated assurances that a deal is close, it can't be a good omen that the FOTA has said they are nowhere close to a deal. Indeed, it may be possible that the FIA might be obligated to oversee the new series. The next six weeks will be some of the biggest the sport has ever seen.

[Source: F1 Live | Image: Clive Mason/Getty]

That didn't take long, either: FIA reportedly drops lawsuit against FOTA, wants to talk originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Barely a half a day has passed since the FOTA announced it start a breakaway championship, and as predicted, the FIA has announced it's suing the rebel teams. The FIA's sternest words were aimed at Ferrari, saying "The actions of FOTA as a whole, and Ferrari in particular, amount to serious violations of law including willful interference with contractual relations, direct breaches of Ferrari's legal obligations and a grave violation of competition law."

Max Mosley has been saying for months that F1 can do without the Ferrari and its rebel cohorts, and that the teams would be left off the 2010 championship entry list if they didn't come into line. Apparently, even though the sport can survive without them, and even though there are plenty of other teams applying to get into F1, the FIA would rather not explore that option. Hence the 2010 entry list has been "put on hold while the FIA asserts its legal rights."

Call us crazy, but it looks like the FIA knows who puts the gold in the coffers. In one of the many statements made before the racing and litigating begins this weekend, BMW's normally reserved Mario Thiessen said that the FIA's position was unacceptable, and McLaren's Martin Whitmarsh said that a breakaway series would "be recognized as the major championship." Hat tip to James.

[Source: Crash.net]

That didn't take long: FIA sues the FOTA over breakaway series originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's official: F1 is broken. At least, with the FOTA's announcement it will create a rival championship, it appears that F1 as we have known it is all but broken. Max Mosley and the FIA have gone back and forth with the FOTA for months, with neither side able to agree on a compromise and both sides claiming the other party is being intransigent.

After meeting at Renault's Enstone, England headquarters the eight "rebel" teams (Ferrari, McLaren, Toyota, Renault, BMW, Brawn, Red Bull, Toro Rosso) decided there was no way to proceed with the FIA, so it would proceed without the FIA. The crucial bits of their follow-up press release state:
"The teams cannot continue to compromise on the fundamental values of the sport and have declined to alter their original conditional entries to the 2010 World Championship.

"These teams therefore have no alternative other than to commence the preparation for a new Championship which reflects the values of its participants and partners. This series will have transparent governance, one set of regulations, encourage more entrants and listen to the wishes of the fans, including offering lower prices for spectators worldwide, partners and other important stakeholders.

"The major drivers, stars, brands, sponsors, promoters and companies historically associated with the highest level of motorsport will all feature in this new series."
The release goes on to address issues the FOTA has with the "commercial rights holder," by which they mean Bernie Ecclestone. If they mean what they've written, a more stable and less expensive F1 would be a victory for teams and fans. Track owners would probably also profit, since they pay Ecclestone more than ten million pounds simply for the right to hold an F1 race -- and that's part of the money the teams want a bigger share of.

Many observers have said the teams won't set up another championship because they're too focused on selling cars. But the FOTA has already spoken to Carmelo Ezpeleta, whose Dorna Sports company is in charge of Moto GP, and who has experience in taking control of the series from the FIM. If he can provide a turn-key solution, the teams can stick to doing what they do best.

We suspect the FOTA is correct and that brands, sponsors and promoters will follow the breakaway series rather than hang back with Williams, Force India and eight other teams in the F1 reset series. The question is: if those eight teams follow through, and assuming they take their contracted drivers, which series will get your attention next year?

For now, though, bring on the lawyers. Thanks to all who tipped in.

[Source: Autosport]

BREAKING: Formula 1 Teams Association announces breakaway series for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It is unclear whether reality show impresario Mark Burnett is actually the one running Formula 1, but the political goings-on of the series continue to overshadow what happens on the track. The FIA recently published the 2010 regulations with some novel inclusions: a winner-take-all system for determining the Championship (yes, again), a higher weight for cars to promote KERS usage, and a budget cap system that would let teams spending no more than £40 million have more technical freedom vs. the big-spending teams. Follow the jump for the rest of the rundown.

Continue reading FIA introduces two-tier cost structure and winner-take-all F1 Championship in 2010

FIA introduces two-tier cost structure and winner-take-all F1 Championship in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 May 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Abu Dhabi is scheduled to hold its first ever Formula 1 Grand Prix on November 11 of this year. Due to tight capital, though, it is being reported that the event's organizers are behind on the building schedule for the race track and new support hotels. If that race gets replaced, rumor has it that Montreal will be asked to step up. Montreal would certainly get our sympathy vote -- the city's grand prix site still features a timer that is busy counting down to nothing...

For his part, Montreal mayor Gerald Tremblay has been speaking to Bernie Ecclestone about bringing F1 back to Montreal in 2010, and Quebec's gem could be slotted into an October space to substitute for the Middle Eastern race. Tremblay said he doesn't want to consider a one-off event, he wants a long term contract that brings F1 conclusively back to Montreal. Thanks for the tip, Pat.

[Source: F1 Live]

Rumormill: Montreal GP could be back as soon as this year originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abu dhabiabu dhabi f1 grand prixabu dhabi gpAbuDhabiAbuDhabiF1GrandPrixAbuDhabiGpBernie EcclestoneBernieEcclestonecanadaf1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOneGerald TremblayGeraldTremblaygrand prixGrandPrixmontrealmontreal gpmontreal grand prixMontrealGpMontrealGrandPrixmotorsportsQuebecTue, 31 Mar 2009 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Even NASCAR drivers apparently don't like new F1 scoring system]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/26/even-nascar-drivers-dont-like-new-f1-scoring-system/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/26/even-nascar-drivers-dont-like-new-f1-scoring-system/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/26/even-nascar-drivers-dont-like-new-f1-scoring-system/#commentsFiled under: ,



The winner-take-all points system hastily introduced and then hastily rescinded for this year's Formula 1 season truly has no friends outside of Bernie Ecclestone. NASCAR drivers commenting to Fox Sports on the proposed system have trashed it: Carl Edwards, playing the role of NASCAR's Felipe Massa, said, "I think if you determine your champion just based on wins, you're taking a huge gamble of having the wrong champion." That, even though Edwards would have won last season had such a points system been in place.

Jeff Burton, echoing nearly every F1 driver who stressed the value of consistency, cited NASCAR's 36-race season as a marathon. And Kevin Harvick said what almost every pundit - and Autoblog commenter - said, "the most ridiculous idea I have ever heard." But if Bernie gets his way, we can still expect to see that very idea in place for 2010. Thanks for the tip, Nicholas!

[Source: Fox Sports | Image: Geoff Burke/Getty]

Even NASCAR drivers apparently don't like new F1 scoring system originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bernie ecclestoneBernieEcclestonef1f1 points systemF1PointsSystemfiaformula 1Formula1motorsportsnascarThu, 26 Mar 2009 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: F1 scraps new winner-take-all format after teams protest]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/22/report-f1-scraps-new-winner-take-all-format-after-teams-protest/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/22/report-f1-scraps-new-winner-take-all-format-after-teams-protest/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/22/report-f1-scraps-new-winner-take-all-format-after-teams-protest/#commentsFiled under:

As if there could be any more drama before the 2009 F1 season begins, the recently (and hastily) implemented change to the points system has now been thrown out. This year's "winner take all" format was a variation on the gold medal system Bernie Ecclestone proposed last year that was likewise rejected by the teams.

According to Max Mosley, Ecclestone told the FIA that the teams were behind this revised points system, so the FIA "unilaterally" made the change. Yet the teams, which had proffered their own points system that put more space between first and second place finisher, scoffed at that explanation. No matter, because last year's points system is back in place. Consistency, except where the FIA is concerned, wins the day. Now we only have the diffuser controversy left to be dealt with...

[Source: Daily Telegraph]

REPORT: F1 scraps new winner-take-all format after teams protest originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Mar 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Former Formula One World Champion Jackie Stewart believes that no one in the sport's paddock will dare to speak out against Max Mosley and Bernie Ecclestone, so he's tasked himself with the honor. Suggesting that F1 is essentially run by a cabal consisting of two men, Stewart says that Max and Bernie are too close and have too much power. This has kept the people inside the sport from speaking out about it and the situation has made the current revenue sharing plan "untenable" - all of which figures to leave an enormous vacuum whenever Bernie exits the series.

Of course, nothing Stewart says is likely to change anything. The last time Stewart said something about Mosley, Mosley called him "a certified halfwit who dresses funny." And Ecclestone has said numerous times that the day he quits F1 is the day they are putting him in the grave. Only Ecclestone's partners, CVC, could try to force him out, but since he made F1 what it what it is today, that isn't likely to happen until... they put Ecclestone in his grave.

[Source: AFP via Google]

Jackie Stewart says it's time for Mosley and Ecclestone to step down originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bernie ecclestoneBernieEcclestonef1fiaformula 1Formula1jackie stewartJackieStewartmax mosleyMaxMosleyWed, 14 Jan 2009 13:59:00 EST<![CDATA[F1 President Max Mosley postponing retirement plans?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/26/f1-president-max-mosley-pondering-postponing-retirement/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/26/f1-president-max-mosley-pondering-postponing-retirement/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/26/f1-president-max-mosley-pondering-postponing-retirement/#commentsFiled under:

Max Mosley has been head of the FIA for 15 years. Earlier this year, he pledged that when his term ends next year, he would step down - and that was before the infamous sex scandal. Yet even after the turpitude, Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone - whose Christmas card brought the whole thing up again - noted there was no way that Max would step down, saying, "I've always said that Max will be the president until he dies" because he believes Mosley enjoys confrontation and power.

From the looks of it, Mosley is beginning to prove Ecclestone correct. The FIA president has now said that he will wait until next June to decide whether he will step down or not. That's only three months before his term ends, and unless a challenger decides to campaign while Mosley deliberates, it's unlikely that 90 days would be enough to unseat Lord Mosley. According to Ecclestone, Mosley won the vote of confidence after the sex scandal after bribing representatives from third world countries to back him. Between his power and political skill, it's hard to believe that Max will vacate his post until he decides to do it himself.

[Source: The Guardian]

F1 President Max Mosley postponing retirement plans? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Dec 2008 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Formula One impresario Bernie Ecclestone's Christmas tradition is to send a mischievous card to friends. The past few years he probably hasn't had to work too hard to come up with something -- in fact, it's probably taken more time to figure out which particular F1 shenanigan he wanted to portray.

This year, Bernie looked no further than one of his best friends, Max Mosley. Max was embroiled in an ugly sex scandal earlier this year, and Ecclestone's card depicts Max meting out the same justice to F1 team bosses that a room full of prostitutes did for him while Bernie stands by with the band-aids. The other interesting things about the card: Toyota's manager is writhing in agony and while the other team bosses appear to be watching the race, Toro Rosso's Gerhard Berger is watching... legs.

[Source: F1 Fanatic]

Bernie Ecclestone wishes you a Merry Christmas... at Max Mosley's expense originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Anyone who's watched the trials and tribulations of Formula 1 over the last few years knows that Bernie Ecclestone usually keeps to himself. But if you provoke him, he'll always say exactly what he thinks -- and it's usually more than you'd hoped for. That appears to have happened yet again after Ferrari head Luca de Montezemolo told a group of journalists that he thought it might be time for Bernie to step down, give the F1 teams more money and stop holding races in far-flung places "just because they have a nice skyline."

More specifically, Montezemolo said "In terms of revenue, we want to know more about them. Theoretically, like in other professional sports, like basketball in the USA, we can have a league made by us and appoint a good league manager to run our own business. Because it is our own business." Ecclestone's reply essentially amounted to: "Shut up." He said that Ferrari's loyalty was bought during the breakaway threat of a couple years ago, when the teams threatened to leave F1 over a dispute with the new Concorde Agreement. Ferrari was the first one to break rank, and Ecclestone says that was done because Ferrari was promised about "$80 million more when they win the constructor's championship."

As for revenues, Ecclestone said that Ferrari, like any other team, can check the books whenever it wants. And as for far-flung races, with CVC Capital Partners still in huge debt from buying into the series, the number-one goal now is to go where the money is. That probably means more races in Asia than Europe, and more nice skylines for the time being. As far as we're concerned, if it brings more passing, we're on board.

[Source: Autosport]

Ferrari and Ecclestone at odds on how Formula 1 should be run originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 07:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The points system used by Formula 1 has been the subject of debate for years. When the system was expanded after 2002 and began offering points up to eighth position, people thought that would create more suspense since Michael Schumacher was running off with the trophies every year. It didn't work, and now with Schumacher gone, all the points system tends to reward is consistency over winning. Lewis Hamilton won five races this year and Felipe Massa won six, but Lewis Hamilton is the world champion because he scored more points.

F1 impresario Bernie Ecclestone wants to move to a medal system next year, awarding gold, bronze and silver to the top three finishers. The guy with the most gold at the end wins the championship. If that had been in place for this year, Felipe would have won the championship. If Lewis had won the last race in Brazil, he and Felipe would have been tied on gold medals and tied on silver medals, but Lewis has one more bronze medal (third place) than Felipe, so Hamilton would be champion. Will it happen? Bernie says the teams are behind it, so it only awaits a vote from the World Motorsport Council.

[Source: F1 Live]

The F1 Olympics: Bernie wants to scrap points, use a medal system in 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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