Bleacher Report - Articles by Paul

F1: Three Car Teams, New Qualifying?

Paul — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:15:30 -0400

Expect FOTA to recommend a number of provisions aimed at putting some energy back into F1, as they had promised during the German GP.

The first recommendation in an effort to revitalizing the sport to the FIA is to allow the team to run three cars, thus having a field of 36 cars. According to AP writer Rob Harris, spokesperson Secretary General Simone Perillo said

“Professional work has already begun within FOTA aimed at increasing the involvement of the fans and at improving the F1 show.

"Among those initiatives, one that could be interesting is the introduction of a third car on the grid. FOTA will seek the opinions of all the most relevant stakeholders in order to exchange ideas and define proposals for the future of Formula One.”

The same source suggest that "teams association is believed to be close to recommending an overhaul of qualifying to the FIA. Currently, five cars are excluded after each of the first two parts of qualifying, leaving 10 cars to compete for pole in the final 10-minute session.

"A plan that would make the starting lineup more unpredictable is to have five cars challenge in the preliminary session, with the two fastest progressing to challenge the next group of five until the grid is determined"

Regarding BMW, who are a member of FOTA, it is understood that Peter Sauber will take over the team and will take BMW's place in FOTA.

Perillo, also stated “FOTA teams have immediately consulted each other and are ready to assure all the necessary support to the Swiss-based team, whose membership in the association is confirmed, to continue its involvement in F1,”

So it would appear that FOTA are back up to full strength

F1. First Armstrong Now Schumacher?...UPDATE!!!

Paul — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 22:11:58 -0400

In our little survey, 90 percent said that seeing Michael once again in a Ferrari would be great for F1. Well they are about to get there wish. In a statement that sent shock waves around the globe, Michael is back! In a statement that was made to The Times, Michael had this to say

"The most important thing first is that, thank God, all the news concerning Felipe is positive," said Schumacher in a statement. "I was meeting this afternoon with [Ferrari principal] Stefano Domenicali and [company president] Luca di Montezemolo and together we decided that I will prepare myself to take the place of Felipe."

He added: "Though it is true that the chapter of Formula One has been completely closed to me for a long time, it is also true that for loyalty reasons to the team I cannot ignore that unfortunate situation. But as the competitor that I am, I also very much look forward to facing this challenge."

In the final days of this years Tour de France, the seven-time champion showed the world how he won those titles.

Even being out of the sport for three years, Lance Armstrong let the world know that he is a very special kind of racer that comes along once in a life time. He was brilliant against two of the best climbers that the Tour has ever seen, Alberto Contador and Andy Schleck, finishing third overall. It is the stuff that legends are made of. Lance Armstrong retired in 2005 after winning his seventh Tour.

A year after the seven-time Tour winner called it quits, another seven-time world champion left the world's stage. His name: Michael Schumacher.

Could it be possible that the seven-time FIM world driving champion, may imitate Lance's return with one of his own?

Last Saturday during the second round of qualifying for the Hungarian GP, Ferrari Ace, Felipe Massa slammed into the tire barrier unconscious. What caused the shunt was Massa being hit in the face with a suspension spring out of a Brawn car. While the reports are that Massa is on the mend, a big question is over an eye that has been damaged, it could in fact be the end of his career, if the injury impacts his sight.

Author Poll Results from first article

Would a return by Michael Schumacher, be good for F1?

Yes, love or hate him, he is still Michael. 88.9%
No, nobody cares about him. 11.1%
Total votes: 54

In a statement to the Times, Ferrari President, Luca di Montezemolo made it quite clear that their priority was the fallen star Felipe Massa. After leaving the hospital and being questioned about Massa's possible replacement, he made it quite clear that Massa was family and his well-being came first.

All that being said, Schumacher is listed as one of the team's reserves, this of course allowed him to do test work this season for the Prancing Horse. This means that Ferrari could use him this year without bringing in a replacement, who does not know the team or car.

All that being said, there is a bigger story here, F1 is in turmoil, much the same way the Tour de France was. A battle between the FIA and the teams (FOTA) has alienated the fans and they are turning away from the sport.

If ever there was a magic wand that could reignite F1, is the return of the greatest driver of the modern era, seven-time world champion, Michael Schumacher. It would put F1 back on the world stage and people would return in droves, some to see him win, others to hope he does not.

Could this be the year of the returning champions? Could this be the year, that Queen immortalized in the song "We are The Champions"?"

Could this be the year, that two seven-time champions return to grace our presence?

F1: First Lance Armstrong Now Michael Schumacher?

Paul — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 06:45:22 -0400

In the final days of this years Tour de France, the seven-time champion showed the world how he won those titles.

A year after the seven-time Tour winner called it quits, another seven-time world champion left the world's stage. His name: Michael Schumacher.

Could it be possible that the seven-time FIM world driving champion, may imitate Lance's return with one of his own?

Could this be the year of the returning champions? Could this be the year, that Queen immortalized in the song "We are The Champions"?"

Could this be the year, that two seven-time champions return to grace our presence?

Max Mosley and Bernie Ecclestone vs. FOTA: How the War Will End

Paul — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 02:25:03 -0400

So much has been written about the FOTA/FIA/Bernie war, that fans are sick of it. Unless this thing is settled soon, the impact on F1 will be far reaching.

The hardcore fan base will turn away from their beloved F1. Now I will say I am sure that the majority of fans would follow the split, without any doubt. Take no notice of the F1 sites that attack FOTA and in the same breath Ferrari.

They are a part of the Bernie boys, if Bernie goes so does their power. With their regurgitated, warmed over F1 news and mantra, these sites need to prove their worth. At the moment they survive by silly gossip and rumors, full of fluff and no real substance.

Ok, the following are some points of the current situation and what is going to happen. Yes you can quote me, I will be right!

Bernie Ecclestone does not own F1. (his stake is 10 percent)

The FIA does not own F1, yes they have power, but there hold is weak at best.

FOTA are not going to go away. Although they hold the key to the power.

There will not be a split.

Repeat there will not be a split!

Max will not be the President of the FIA for another term.

Bernie is about to get his wings clipped at best, or removed from F1 all together.

There is going to be a new era for F1, the fans will be the focal point.

The real owners of F1 will settle with FOTA and real changes will follow.

The real owners of F1 are CVC.

If you do not agree, step up and say what will happen, just as I have. Don't just be a bag of hot air. Am I another Nostradamus? Not at all, however I do have more than enough business sense to know that these people (FOTA/CVC) are business people and there are no other options.

The owners of CV cannot afford a split, so they will make this work. You can take that to the bank!

F1: How The FIA Vs. FOTA War Will End!

Paul — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:47:23 -0400

So much has been written about the FOTA/FIA/Bernie war, that fans are sick of it. Unless this thing is settled soon, the impact on F1 will be far reaching.

Ok, the following are some points of the current situation and what is going to happen. Yes you can quote me, I will be right!

Bernie Ecclestone does not own F1. (his stake is 10 percent)

The FIA does not own F1, yes they have power, but there hold is weak at best.

FOTA are not going to go away. Although they hold the key to the power.

There will not be a split.

Repeat there will not be a split!

Max will not be the President of the FIA for another term.

Bernie is about to get his wings clipped at best, or removed from F1 all together.

There is going to be a new era for F1, the fans will be the focal point.

The real owners of F1 will settle with FOTA and real changes will follow.

The real owners of F1 are CVC.

The owners of CV cannot afford a split, so they will make this work. You can take that to the bank!

FOTA Walks Out, New Series On? UPDATE!!!!

Paul — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:28:47 -0400

It is clear to one and all that the FIA wants to break the power of FOTA. Well, at Nurburgring today during the FIA's Working Group they force FOTA to respond. Charlie Whiting, who was chairing the meeting, told the the FOTA 8 that they were not entered into the 2010 season. What resulted was a walk out of all 8 members of FOTA.

The FOTA eight—Ferrari, McLaren, BMW Sauber, Renault, Toyota, Red Bull Racing, Toro Rosso and Brawn G—then proceeded to make a press statement that clearly indicates that the battle lines are drawn.

A statement issued by FOTA read: "Representatives of all FOTA teams attended a meeting of the Sporting Working Group at the Nurburgring today.

"During the course of this meeting, the team managers were informed by Charlie Whiting of the FIA that, contrary to previous agreements, the eight FOTA teams are not currently entered into the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship and have no voting rights in relation to the technical and sporting regulations thereof.

"It will be remembered all eight active FOTA members were included on the "accepted" entry list as endorsed by the FIA World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) and communicated by FIA press statement on June 24.

"In light of these claims, the FOTA representatives requested a postponement of today's meetings.

"This was rejected on the grounds no new Concorde Agreement would be permitted before a unanimous approval of the 2010 regulations was achieved.

"However, it is clear to the FOTA teams that the basis of the 2010 technical and sporting regulations was already established in Paris.

"As endorsed by the World Motor Sport Council and clearly stated in the FIA press statement of June 24 'the rules for 2010 onwards will be the 2009 regulations as well as further regulations agreed prior to April 29, 2009'.

"At no point in the Paris discussions was any requirement for unanimous agreement on regulations change expressed.

"To subsequently go against the will of the WMSC and the detail of the Paris agreement puts the future of Formula One in jeopardy.

"As a result of these statements, the FOTA representatives at the subsequent Technical Working Group were not able to exercise their rights and therefore had no option other than to terminate their participation.

"The FOTA members undertook the Paris agreement and the subsequent discussions in good faith and with a desire to engage with all new and existing teams on the future of Formula One."

Well, well, the FIA are clearly trying to break FOTA. Their latest actions are going to end up in court, as there is little chance of this being resolved any other way.

The FIA clearly are at fault here, as they are ignoring laws and agreements. The question for real F1 fans is, will FOTA rid us of this sham and give us a new series that real race fans can get behind?

************Last Night FOTA held an emergency meeting in London. Why did they not hold the meeting in Germany, after they walked out of the meeting with the FIA. Am led to believe that they went to the UK as to hav talks with the company that will run the series for them!

The Fallout for Bernie Ecclestone Begins!

Paul — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:44:49 -0400

Bernie Ecclestone is under pressure after his recent remarks, when he suggest that Hitler "got things done", and that Max Mosley has the same type of leadership qualities.

Almost as soon as he made the remarks, criticism came from all sources. Politicians, media, and other teams all seemed to express their concern over his remarks.

Well things have escalated, and the fallout has started!

In a shock move, Bernie cancelled a planned visit this Thursday for the grand opening of a new high-tech leisure that is at the Nurburgring circuit. The opening had been planned to coincide with this weeks German Grand Prix at the same track.

No reason was given by the Nuerburgring GmBH company, except to say the were informed of Bernie's shock decision by phone.

While Bernie missing a meeting is of no real concern in or of itself, in light of the other incidents, and the outpouring of criticism, that makes this a much bigger deal. The Prime Minister of Baden-Wuerttemberg cancelled an important meeting with Ecclestone on Monday because of his remarks.

The reason for the meeting was to address the financial problems faced by Hockenheim. This was a very important meeting, so having it cancelled by the Prime Minister has huge implications.

When informed about his meeting being cancelled with the Prime Minister, Ecclestone was shocked, and replied, "As far as I'm concerned, I am to meet him at 12 o'clock on Sunday. Nobody has said anything to the contrary to me."

Having very important meetings cancelled in the space of a few days suggests that Bernie is in for a very rough ride. With calls from many sources suggesting that he needs to leave the sport, the talk is that he will miss this weeks German GP.

Yesterday, it was the teams that were crying foul against the FIA and their forced engines choice. Today it is Bernie who is the focal point of politicians anger. Yes those that have the most to gain by the fall of Bernie and Max, have said nothing.

Could FOTA, be stirring the hornets nest?

The F.I.A and Dirty Dealings!

Paul — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:31:32 -0400

Does it ever end? Well, it seems as though, when it comes to trouble and Max Mosely, it never ends! The latest trouble in F1 is from the teams who had their bids to be an F1 team for next year's Championship rejected. They have claimed that there was a little twist to any applications being accepted.

The stipulation was regarding the engines that were to be used for the campaign. They had to be bought from Cosworth. Failing to do so would mean that their applications would not even be considered.

So the ultimatum was, use Cosworth engines. No other engine would be considered.

Two of the teams left out in the cold were marquee brands Lotus and Aston Martin. Two companies that have a rich heritage in racing, yet they were told, if you want to be in F1, you cannot buy any other engine or build your own.

In other words we dont want the best teams, we want teams that will do as we tell them. Of course the three teams Manor GP, USF1 and Campos that did get a slot in the Championship, all are signed and sealed with Cosworth.

Clearly that have some dirty dealings. There is a clear intent in this spec engine agenda and that is to break FOTA and their strength. What better way that to introduce a force spec engine and have teams that will do Bernie's bidding.

This, however, is not the end by a long way, some of the rejected teams are upset to say the least. Comments are coming thick and fast, one said.

"We were told that if we wanted to take up the 2010 grid slot we would have to sign a three-year engine contract with Cosworth," one team boss told The Daily Telegraph.

While another sent a letter to the newspaper, in which he claimed he "had a real possibility of obtaining a Renault, Mercedes or Ferrari engine. It was made very clear to me that it was considered a 'mandatory' condition from the powers-that-be that Cosworth was the engine supplier."

While another boss stated third that the three new teams had been "hand-picked for political, rather than sport criteria."

Of course, Cosworth are denying that had anything to do with the forced agreements on the applications and stated "in no way, shape or form requested that the FIA make demands on its behalf of potential entries to the Formula One World Championship."

An FIA spokesman confirmed the allegations and stated "the whole grid would be at the mercy of the car industry and no new team would be able to enter without their permission."

Well this is far from over and not only will FOTA have more to say about this in the coming weeks. The chances are now every high that the FIA decision to impose a forced engine supplier, will be challenged in court. The reason, they did not have the legal right to change the the entry requirements, without it being agree by the present F1 teams.

This another perfect illustration of the "Dirty Dealing" by Max and Bernie.

Bernie! The Fat Lady Needs To Sing

Paul — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 03:12:40 -0400

A senior insider of F1 today dropped a bombshell, according to Autosport, when he made the statement about F1 rights controller Bernie Ecclestone.

"The saddest thing about it is that no one close to him has got the guts to put a hand on his shoulder and say: 'You aren't the man you used to be, and it's time to call it a day,'"

This came after a firestorm had erupted concerning the shocking statements Bernie Ecclestone made this week to the Guardian. Ecclestone made the comment that Adolf Hitler was able to get things done, and that it was wrong to go after Saddam and the Taliban.

The top insider then went on to say that the person that should tell Bernie to step down, because he has lost the plot, was his long time partner and friend Max.

The battle between FOTA and the FIA escalated to the point that saw Max Mosely, President of the FIA, to not run for reelection in order to avert a split between the factions.

A split that clearly would have caused serious problems to the FIA, Bernie Ecclestone, and CVC. The fight with the FIA was a battle over who would call the shots as it pertains to the governance of the sport.

The next battle for FOTA is over the commercial side of F1. Controlled by Bernie and CVC, the commercial side of F1 is great enough that Bernie Ecclestone is a very wealthy man, worth an excess of £1.466 billion Net.

We can be rest assured that FOTA will use this latest firestorm to assist in getting a bigger stake of the commercial revenues of F1.

The old saying, "It ain't over until the fat lady sings" may be true. However, it is time for Bernie to go, and it is time for the fat lady to sing.

Adolf, Saddam and Max, Great Leaders According To Bernie!

Paul — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 04:22:02 -0400

Just so nothing is taken out of context, the following is a direct quote from Bernie Ecclestone: "Adolf Hitler was a man who was able to get things done. In a lot of ways, terrible to say this I suppose, but apart from the fact that Hitler got taken away and persuaded to do things that I have no idea whether he wanted to do or not, he was in the way that he could command a lot of people, able to get things done.

"I prefer strong leaders. Margaret Thatcher made decisions on the run and got the job done. She was the one who built this country up slowly. We've let it go down again. All these guys, Gordon and Tony are trying to please everybody all the time...Max would do a super job, he's a good leader."

He added that he doesn't believe that having Sir Oswald Mosley, leader of the British Union of Fascists, as his father should count against Max.

"I don't think his background would be a problem," he continued. "Politicians are too worried about elections. We did a terrible thing when we supported the idea of getting rid of Saddam Hussein, he was the only one who could control the country. It was the same with (the Taliban)."

So this jerk, who is bleeding F1, defines a great leader by what they get done, not who they are, or who they destroy in the process. This an absolute disgrace, that this jerk is any kind of a spokesperson for F1.

He says it was wrong to get rid of the Taliban and Saddam, is this guy informed about what goes on in this world, or does he just not care when lives are being destroyed.

So does Bernie even care how many Jews and non-nationals Hitler murdered? My gosh, what the Taliban did was so degrading that I am shocked that this guy would ever condone their actions.

Back to F1, now that we know Bernie's criteria for a good leader and that his partner Max according to Bernie is a good leader.

We get an insight how Bernie treats those around him (promoters, etc.) and what is clear, F1 needs Max and Bernie to go and get as far away from F1 as possible.

My wish is that Max will stand for re-election as that will bring about the split that F1 needs.

FOTA does not need Adolf Ecclestone and Saddam Mosely; they do not need the Taliban (FIA).

Get rid of the dictators, give the fans what they want and deserve, the best series, one that is designed to cater to the fans, not the fascist and his followers.

FOTA Goes After Max's Right-Hand Man. UPDATE 29th JUNE!!

Paul — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 14:05:56 -0400

It seems as though FOTA is gunning for FIA Chief Steward Alan Donnelly. They have had problems with Donnelly before, that saw a letter being sent to the FIA. The letter claimed that Max's right-hand man was trying to "create a division between the FOTA teams." The letter went on to say that Donnelly was acting outside his position during the Turkish GP.

The response from the FOTA claim by the FIA: "We utterly reject the suggestion in the correspondence received." FOTA responded with a second concern and one that suggests that there is dirty work involving Manor GP getting the much sought after F1 slot.

The complaint is saying that Sovereign Strategy, a company owned by Alan Donnelly, was running a public-relations strategy for the Manor F1 team. It also claims that Donnely was introducing a senior executive from Manor to the other principles at the Spanish GP. Clearly these actions, by a top FIA representative at each GP, were viewed as a conflict of interest by FOTA.

Donnelly along with David Ward, are Max's closest allies and one must question now the selection process that saw Manor get a much sought after place on the 2010 grid.

The technical director for the Manor team is none other than Nick Wirth. Wirth was Max's partner in the Simtek F1 team, a junk team from the early 90s. It was their car that lost its front wing and as a result Roland Ratzenberger was killed. His death had a huge impact on another driver who was killed the next day, Ayrton Senna. They also had close ties with Cosworth, the FIA, and the French Government.

So we have Max's old partner at Manor, his right-hand man, as Chief Official for the FIA and clearly one of two people that Max will be pushing for to replace him as president. FOTA are very much aware that Donnelly is on Max's short list to replace him and they will want to make sure that whoever ends up as president, will be far removed from Max and Bernie!

After a little more digging, can add the following. Max in the past has shown clear bias towards "friends" One case that can be used as an illustration is that of Andrea Moda in 1992.

Moda purchased a chassis design from Simtek, then Max embarked on a campaign to include the team on the grid. Must note, this was done, even though they refused to pay the entry fee, which at that time 100.000 Pounds. So the question is raised, why was Max pushing so hard for Moda's involvement in F1, could it be that it was because they were in partnership with Simotek?

As for Manor and Max's long time partner Nick Wirth, the ties with the FIA are far reaching. One example was that on the Wirth Research website the FIA was listed as an official client, That was until about 12 days ago, when it was removed, which by the way coincides with the time that questions were being asked. Nick Wirth, was on a FIA committee, that was studying rear wing designs, was also involved with their road safety campaign. Manor is clearly a "Trojan Horse" that is in the series to defuse the power of FOTA. They will be very aware of this, question is, will they let them into the association?

When it comes to the dealings of Bernie and Max, everywhere one looks, there is dirt!

If Red Bull Want The Title, They Need to Make The Call Now!

Paul — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:45:31 -0400

After seven races, the only kink in the armour of Brawn F1 and Jenson Button was a loss to Red Bull/Sebastian Vettel. Hope was high for the team, Button and his British fans, that The British GP was going to be a Button affair. Commentators were calling the race and the title his.

Well history tells us that Vettel dominated the race and destroyed all before him, including his team mate Mark Webber. In qualifying, he grabbed the poll carrying the heaviest fuel load and proceeded to walk away from the field. While all this was happening, his teammate failed to take the second spot on the grid with a costly error. They proceeded to follow Rubens Barrichello all the way to the first stop, never applying any pressure, even though Webber was in a dominant car.

The result of Vettel's brilliant drive, and the awesome pace of the Red Bull has introduced the title chase with a glimmer of hope. Now, the questions that arise from this are twofold. Can Red Bull make the right decisions? Can Jenson be caught? The later question first, can Jenson Button be caught? Well if his drive this weekend is any indicator, then yes he can indeed be caught. Clearly the Brawn was not at it's usual best. Still Jenson's teammate drove the car to its limit and netted a third place. While Jenson never looked like a title contender, clearly cracks appeared in his armour.

So if Jenson can be caught and assuming that the pace Red Bull is real. We are left with one question, can Red Bull make the right decisions? Decisions that need to be made if they are to have any shot at the title. It is obvious that the only way they can have a shot at the title, is to pick a clear number one. With his second win of the season and the way he dominated all at Silverstone, including his teammate, Sebatian Vettel is the clear and obvious choice. He is faster, knows how to win, is better at qualifying, and is better in the wet.

So, does Red Bull have the right style of management, to make the correct call? Or will they lose their chance with silly decisions?

FOTA Has Won, Max Is Gone! Bernie Is Next!

Paul — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:34:59 -0400

In an article written earlier I stated that FOTA would win the power struggle.

Today, Max has backed down, F1 is now is a state of Peace. Max has agreed not to run for re-election this coming fall, for the office of President of the FIA. An office he has held for the best part of 20 years.

What does all this mean to fans of F1 and those who are now in power. First the power base has changed, FOTA are the guys now calling the shots. Look for a friendly face for the teams at the FIA, Bernie's inside man at the FIA is gone. Bernie is now isolated and the teams will start working of a bigger piece of the pie. The teams have agreed to stay in F1 until 2012, so they will either get all that they want from Bernie now, or they will leave for sure.

FOTA, now will start working on their power-base and their position within the current series of F1. There will be a number of issues that they will use as springboards to get control of the money. Ticket prices, stability of venues, full financial disclosures from Bernie and co.

Bernie is an old man who has been isolated, it will be very difficult for him to prevail. He has lost his mouthpiece, his puppet. Now he has to fight his own fights for the first time and am sure that he is just not strong enough.

Great news for all fans, Max is gone, Bernie is next. Now the future of F1 is in the hands of FOTA and they will change F1 forever.

A Power Struggle That FOTA Will Win!

Paul — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 05:06:04 -0400

There are no questions about FOTA's ability to make a successful series, if they split with F1. Sure there are those opposed to FOTA, that will try and present a case for their failure if they try to split.

However the facts strongly suggest that not only would they succeed in a split but would bring about the demise of F1 in the process. So the first question a fan must ask, is how did things get to this point, that the worlds greatest series is in self destruct mode. Well the fact that FOTA even exists, suggest that there was a problem for some time. If we understand that problem, then maybe we can getter a better grasp of the situation.

Max Mosely is one of his ramblings yesterday, made a statement that has been heard so many times over the year. "Without the independent teams, the championship would depend entirely on the car manufacturers who, of course, have always come and gone as it suited them." So why did these teams leave F1, what was it that caused them to leave the best series for showcasing their brand.

The answer is clear and at the very heart of the problem we now face. Money, teams get tired of pouring money into a series, that does not yield a return for them while others are getting fat of the funds they generate. Getting Fat of F1 is an understatement, the management of the brand, have spent 30 years bleeding the sport.

Back then Bernie and his legal adviser Max Mosley, negotiated a lions share of the revenues for FOCA, from which came FOPA (Bernie himself, at least on paper). Who in turn ended up with the rights to negotiate all TV deals. What the little team did was empower Bernie, giving him absolute control. With best friend Max, the son of a pro Nazi and leader of the British Union of Fascists, guiding him. Bernie became a billionaire. Max had this to say about Bernie "Within about 20 minutes of [Ecclestone] turning up at the [GPCA] meeting, it was apparent that here was someone who knew how many beans made five and after about half an hour he moved round the table to sit next to me, and from then on he and I started operating as a team."

So the teams who made the sport, were spending money to make the sport bigger and helping Bernie and his associates get richer, while leaving them with nothing but a sour taste.

Today's teams, those that make this sport what it is have said enough, we spend the money, we want a fair share and more say over our own series. We do not want to be dictated to by a person who clearly has a conflict of interest and whose actions are destroying the sport that we have built.

These same teams that spend such vast amounts. are quite aware that if there was real profit sharing, that they would all be making a profit.

Now, the struggle is about Power and the money that comes with that power. Ask any promoter about his relationship with Bernie and his group, are they happy, do they make money, are the group reasonable? Ask any real driver which series they would rather drive for? Ask any sponsor, which side of the split, they will be on? Ask fans across the globe who they will watch? Ask the media, which the will choose to cover first.

While there will always be some that will side with the F1 series, the overwhelming response from all groups would come out in support of FOTA.

While F1 as we know it may legally be Bernie and his group, ask any follower of the sport and their reply is it is the teams, drivers and the history that they write that is F1.

There is rule that needs to be applied to this power struggle. It is called the "Golden Rule" , he who has the Gold rules. It is the teams that own the cars, sponsors, drivers, factories, technology.

In this power struggle the team with the gold is FOTA and they will win, with or without Bernie and Co.

A Sneak Peek at The Bleacher F1 Hall Of Fame Ballot

Paul — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:14:52 -0500

A lot has been said about the Hall and the first two veteran inductees bios are about to be released. What comes next is voting for stars of the modern era. The following is a sneak peek of the first nominations, all are worthy , who will be your pick? Who can vote, any member of the B/R community. To be nominated a driver must first be officially retired. Along with the drivers, teams and cars of the modern era, there is the veterans, this is the stars, cars and tracks pre-1950. Inductees from this era do not go through the voting process, they are simply inducted as veteran inductees. So racing fans of B/R here is a sneak peek at the first ballot.

DRIVER FOR NOMINATION BALLOT

Juan Manuel Fangio 1951-54-55-56-57

ARGENTINA

Birth24 June 1911 1995-07-17

First Race 1950-05-13 Silverstone Last Race 1958-07-06 Rheims

Races Run 57 Victories 24 Podium 35 Pole Position 28 Fastest Lap 23 Finish in points 43

Points 277.14 Seasons 8 Tracks 13 Teams 5

Alberto Ascari 1952-53

ITALY

Birth13 July 1918 1955-05-26

FirstRace1950-05-21 Monte Carlo Last Race1955-05-22 Monte Carlo

Races Run34 Victories13 Podium16 Pole Position14 Fastest Lap13 Finish in points22

Points137.64 Seasons6 Tracks12 Teams3

Jack Brabham 1959-60-66

AUSTRALIA

Birth2 April 1926

FirstRace1955-07-16 Aintree Last Race1970-10-25 Mexico City

Races Run129 Victories14 Podium31 Pole Position13 Fastest Lap11 Finish in points53 Points261.00 Seasons16 Tracks31 Teams5

Graham Hill 1962-68

GREAT BRITAIN

Birth15 February 1929 1975-11-29

FirstRace1958-05-18 Monte Carlo Last Race1975-05-11 Monte Carlo

Races Run179 Victories14 Podium36 Pole Position12 Fastest Lap10 Finish in points59 Points289.00 Seasons18 Tracks35 Teams7

Nelson Piquet 1981-83-87

BRAZIL

Birth17 August

1952 FirstRace1978-07-30 Hockenheim Last Race1991-11-03 Adelaide

Races Run207 Victories23 Podium60 Pole Position24 Fastest Lap22 Finish in points100 Points485.50 Seasons14 Tracks33 Teams6

Jim Clark 1963-65

GREAT BRITAIN

Birth4 March 1935

1968-04-07 FirstRace1960-06-06 Zandvoort Last Race1968-01-01 Kyalami

Races Run74 Victories25 Podium32 Pole Position32 Fastest Lap28 Finish in points40 Points274.00 Seasons9 Tracks20 Teams1

Jackie Stewart 1969-71-73

GREAT BRITAIN

Birth11 June 1939

FirstRace1965-01-01 East London Last Race1973-10-07 Watkins Glen

Races Run100 Victories27 Podium43 Pole Position16 Fastest Lap15 Finish in points57 Points360.00 Seasons9 Tracks25 Teams4

Emerson Fittipaldi 1972-74

BRAZIL

Birth12 December 1946

FirstRace1970-07-18 Brands Hatch Last Race1980-10-05 Watkins Glen

Races Run149 Victories14 Podium35 Pole Position6 Fastest Lap5 Finish in points57 Points281.00 Seasons11 Tracks27 Teams3

Niki Lauda 1975-77-84

AUSTRIA

Town Birth22 February 1949

FirstRace1971-08-15 Osterreichring Last Race1985-11-03 Adelaide

Races Run177 Victories25 Podium54 Pole Position24 Fastest Lap24 Finish in points73 Points420.50 Seasons13 Tracks32 Teams5

Alain Prost 1985-86-89-93

FRANCE

Birth25 February 1955

FirstRace1980-01-13 Buenos Aires Last Race1993-11-07 Adelaide

Races Run202 Victories51 Podium106 Pole Position33 Fastest Lap41 Finish in points128 Points798.50 Seasons13 Tracks34 Teams4

Ayrton Senna 1988-90-91

BRAZIL

Birth21 March 1960

1994-05-01 FirstRace1984-03-25 Rio de Janeiro Last Race1994-05-01 Imola Races

Run162 Victories41 Podium80 Pole Position65 Fastest Lap19 Finish in points96

Points614.00 Seasons11 Tracks30 Teams4

Michael Schumacher 1994-95-00-01-02-03-04

GERMANY

Birth3 January 1969

FirstRace1991-08-25 Spa-Francorchamps Last Race2006-10-22 Interlagos

Races Run 250 Victories91 Podium154 Pole Position68 Fastest Lap76 Finish in points190 Points1369.00 Seasons16 Tracks28 Teams3

Mika Hakkinen 1998-99

FINLAND

Birth28 September 1968

FirstRace1991-03-10 Phoenix Last Race2001-10-14 Suzuka

Races Run165 Victories20 Podium51 Pole Position26 Fastest Lap25 Finish in points83 Points420.00 Seasons11 Tracks26 Teams2

Bleacher Report - Articles by Paul

F1: Three Car Teams, New Qualifying?

F1. First Armstrong Now Schumacher?...UPDATE!!!

Author Poll Results from first article

Yes, love or hate him, he is still Michael. 88.9%

No, nobody cares about him. 11.1%

F1: First Lance Armstrong Now Michael Schumacher?

Max Mosley and Bernie Ecclestone vs. FOTA: How the War Will End

F1: How The FIA Vs. FOTA War Will End!

FOTA Walks Out, New Series On? UPDATE!!!!

The Fallout for Bernie Ecclestone Begins!

The F.I.A and Dirty Dealings!

Bernie! The Fat Lady Needs To Sing

Adolf, Saddam and Max, Great Leaders According To Bernie!

FOTA Goes After Max's Right-Hand Man. UPDATE 29th JUNE!!

If Red Bull Want The Title, They Need to Make The Call Now!

FOTA Has Won, Max Is Gone! Bernie Is Next!

A Power Struggle That FOTA Will Win!

A Sneak Peek at The Bleacher F1 Hall Of Fame Ballot

Bleacher Report - Articles by Paul

F1: Three Car Teams, New Qualifying?

F1. First Armstrong Now Schumacher?...UPDATE!!!

Author Poll Results from first article

Yes, love or hate him, he is still Michael. 88.9%

No, nobody cares about him. 11.1%

F1: First Lance Armstrong Now Michael Schumacher?

Max Mosley and Bernie Ecclestone vs. FOTA: How the War Will End

F1: How The FIA Vs. FOTA War Will End!

FOTA Walks Out, New Series On? UPDATE!!!!

The Fallout for Bernie Ecclestone Begins!

The F.I.A and Dirty Dealings!

Bernie! The Fat Lady Needs To Sing

Adolf, Saddam and Max, Great Leaders According To Bernie!

FOTA Goes After Max's Right-Hand Man. **UPDATE** 29th JUNE!!

If Red Bull Want The Title, They Need to Make The Call Now!

FOTA Has Won, Max Is Gone! Bernie Is Next!

A Power Struggle That FOTA Will Win!

A Sneak Peek at The Bleacher F1 Hall Of Fame Ballot

FOTA Goes After Max's Right-Hand Man. UPDATE 29th JUNE!!