Bernie Ecclestone ?
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Discussion

v1nce

128 posts

189 months

Monday 13th May 2013
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Anyway back to Bernie...

I found an interesting ESPN documentry on the little fella a few weeks back...

Legends of F1 - Bernie Ecclestone

Worth a watch.

skinny

5,269 posts

261 months

Monday 13th May 2013
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Suzi hasn't got a clue how to deal with bernie - he's well known for being a bit awkward in interviews and just says what he wants to get a reaction. Everyone knows it and she was just left looking like a very stupid girl completely out of her depth pleading 'no, come on bernie' over and over again.

Daz68

3,690 posts

236 months

Monday 13th May 2013
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http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/13/us-formu...

Interesting to see what happens next.

Thundersports

705 posts

171 months

Monday 13th May 2013
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I still find it extraordinary they didn't put a footbridge over to the new Pits if it was costs surely they could have got it sponsored? Or did they want to make sure it was impossible for the public to sneak in.....

DE15 CAT

355 posts

187 months

Tuesday 14th May 2013
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Personally I believe the old adage 'many true words spoken in jest' so although a contract is in place he cannot 'do away' with Brit. GP immediately, it's his future plan? or laying the seeds of negotiating the next contract. He has for years to me always appeared anti British when it comes to his money making GP. plans. I'm sure the Brit GP is a loss leader financially to Silverstone, but tradition & overall marketing value they somehow scrape together the exorbitant fee the midas midget asks.

The facilities have certainly improved to an acceptable standard for the modern era, only criticism after GP. the main stands close too quickly, my last visit within 10 mins. end of end of GP the stewards are round asking us to leave 'we're closing the stand now'.

I did think after paying hundreds of ££ having a chat in my seat waiting for the masses to shuffle out being asked to leave so quickly was taking the piss. furious

DE15 CAT

355 posts

187 months

Tuesday 14th May 2013
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phil1979 said:
Just seen the Suzi Perry interview on Youtube - I always want to leave the room when they interview him. This typical Youtube comment did make me laugh, though:

"What a fking compleat wker this tt is I hope a fking wheel comes off a car and hits this old full on in his face the best thing that can happen to F1 is for this bell end to fk off"
I'm no midas midget fan I think he's forgot his Motorsport roots & sold his principles to the devil. The worrying thing is who will replace him, there was talk of someone from the F word game (one of my personal worst nightmares, does that filth have to invade my brain everywhere furious)even heard some top exec. who used to work for Sainsbury, (no motorsport background, but can sell a few extra fruit n' veg) so in the future are drivers going to be competing for fking Nectar points. rolleyes

chevronb37

6,472 posts

212 months

Tuesday 14th May 2013
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I've heard Zak Brown's name mentioned as a possible Bernie successor. He certainly has suitable racing / commercial credentials.

I actually interviewed Brown a couple of weeks ago. He was utterly approachable and professional; as well as being a totally devoted petrolhead. I think the sport's future would be safe in his hands.

ChrisJ.

619 posts

266 months

Tuesday 14th May 2013
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Janesy B said:
Yeah looks a right tip doesn't it... lol

It's impressive, but when I'm there ('usually Silverstone Classic) it never feels like I'm at Silverstone?
I hope I can get to look round the original parts of Monza one day, before they tidy all that up.

rdjohn

7,093 posts

221 months

Tuesday 14th May 2013
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Susie fluffed an important opportunity on Saturday. Bernie just threw her a curved-ball.

She should have been asking about his impending prosecution in Germany and the fact that there is no Concorde Agreement in place for next year.

Bernie's house of cards may be about to fall down. But don't hold your breath.

chevronb37

6,472 posts

212 months

Tuesday 14th May 2013
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ChrisJ. said:
Janesy B said:
Yeah looks a right tip doesn't it... lol

It's impressive, but when I'm there ('usually Silverstone Classic) it never feels like I'm at Silverstone?
I hope I can get to look round the original parts of Monza one day, before they tidy all that up.
The banking is crumbling. The simple truth from a structural engineering perspective is that it can't survive forever. There is insufficient concrete cover on the steel reinforcement. The steel is exposed, rusting and that is blowing the surrounding concrete. The same is visible in the grandstands at Reims. However, neither are going to fall down tomorrow. Monza is my absolute favourite circuit - it doesn't have the topographical grandeur of Spa but for speed, atmosphere and aesthetic I believe it without equal.

DE15 CAT

355 posts

187 months

Tuesday 14th May 2013
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chevronb37 said:
I've heard Zak Brown's name mentioned as a possible Bernie successor. He certainly has suitable racing / commercial credentials.

I actually interviewed Brown a couple of weeks ago. He was utterly approachable and professional; as well as being a totally devoted petrolhead. I think the sport's future would be safe in his hands.
Worry is he's american (I have an irrational fear, dislike, suspicion of yanks cannot shake it off) usa seems to have too many fingers in world pies everything ends up being the american way or no way, to the detriment of everyone else.

skinny

5,269 posts

261 months

Tuesday 14th May 2013
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chevronb37 said:
I actually interviewed Brown a couple of weeks ago. He was utterly approachable and professional; as well as being a totally devoted petrolhead. I think the sport's future would be safe in his hands.
probably means it's not going to happen then.

besides, i don't think there'll be much of F1 left by the time bernie has finished with it. if all of these new countries decide they don't want F1 anymore we'll have a handful of circuits left. With underpowered over-aero'd cars tiptoeing around to save their blu-tac tyres.

belleair302

7,001 posts

233 months

Tuesday 14th May 2013
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Zac Brown is nothing more than Bernie's Lap Dog. His business hasn't done much for Indycar and he was also mentioned for the CEo role there but won't get it. He is also too close to McLaren and their sponsors and has no ability to play the politics needed between teams, broadcasters, governments and owners. Let him keep working within his sponsorship agency and also driving his collection of toys.

Rich_W

12,548 posts

238 months

Tuesday 14th May 2013
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As for Bernie. Clearly just winding up Perry. And far too many people on here underestimate him and his ability or reach. And given how many interviewers get played. Most don't understand his sense of humour either. Apparently he's also a pretty good to work for too. Graft for him and he'll look after you.

The main problem for Silverstone for years and years was the owners BRDC would rather build a shiny new clubhouse than sort out the infrastructure. Clearly after the 2000 wash out weekend. Something had to give and they begrudgingly did some of the car parks. Then there was more battering of the BRDC where they kept saying "it's out right and fk all of you who think we should actually make an effort with the place" and eventually they did the "Wing" which is great. But for some ridiculous reason the pitlane runs downhill then uphill to get out at track level. Well done to whover fked that up! No spirit levels available? laugh

And just when you think all is well again. Last year they tell people not to come to Qualifying because the car parks are flooded. rolleyes

Thankfully Silverstone is still easier to exit than Brands Hatch. A circuit I vowed never to return to after it took me over 4 hours to get out from a BSB meeting! And it was a sunny afternoon/evening/night. So no weather excsues, just incompetence!

Aparently Bernie offered to buy Silverstone from the BRDC and renovate it. They veto'ed it. rolleyes Better to have it inn the ownership of people that couldn't afford to run it properly He would have spent the money and made it the best place in the world. (Look at Paul Ricard as his previous) And more importantly he would have got a deal where the BritGP was on the calender for eternity.

But as ever, people just bash Bernie and say Silverstone is wonderful in every way.


CocoUK

1,065 posts

208 months

Tuesday 14th May 2013
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rdjohn said:
Susie fluffed an important opportunity on Saturday. Bernie just threw her a curved-ball.

She should have been asking about his impending prosecution in Germany and the fact that there is no Concorde Agreement in place for next year.

Bernie's house of cards may be about to fall down. But don't hold your breath.
Had Susie asked the initial question I doubt we would be seeing her at another F1 race, perhaps not on television again!


Rich_W said:
As for Bernie. Clearly just winding up Perry. And far too many people on here underestimate him and his ability or reach. And given how many interviewers get played. Most don't understand his sense of humour either.
Indeed, it is however a catch-22 for the interviewers as of course they have to ask the questions that he is never going to give straight answers for.

For me, this makes 99% of the comments to the media a complete nonsense, shame, as a man so wise could offer much more.

Edited by CocoUK on Tuesday 14th May 23:08

chevronb37

6,472 posts

212 months

Wednesday 15th May 2013
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belleair302 said:
Zac Brown is nothing more than Bernie's Lap Dog. His business hasn't done much for Indycar and he was also mentioned for the CEo role there but won't get it. He is also too close to McLaren and their sponsors and has no ability to play the politics needed between teams, broadcasters, governments and owners. Let him keep working within his sponsorship agency and also driving his collection of toys.
You evidently know the chap better than me and it appears you work in the same industry. I could only comment as I found and on the rumours I've heard.

DE15 CAT

355 posts

187 months

Wednesday 15th May 2013
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Spot on CocoUk, At best Bernie would have made a very withering put down to perry, or stormed off, her pass would be revoked & her thrown out the pits before the end of the programme never to be seen again.
A lot of interviews have that pre rehearst corporate feel anyway.

The only way Bernie would be asked about his alleged actions, without fear of their job would be by a news journalist & he still would not give an honest answer & prob. push his way past.

jbudgie

9,842 posts

238 months

Wednesday 15th May 2013
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Why they try to keep interviewing Bernie I really don't know. They will never get a straight answer or even one that makes sense, just leave him alone.

Much better for the viewers at least.

Derek Smith

49,231 posts

274 months

Wednesday 15th May 2013
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Daz68 said:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/13/us-formu...

Interesting to see what happens next.
Ecclestone has gone out of his way to be obstructive and insulting to the German authorities but even so I reckon there will be a settlement. Prosecuting would mean a decision would come only after he was long dead.

Ecclestone suggesting that F1 could be floated is interesting as well. This has been his perpetual wish yet he hasn't been able to do so. One wonders if it has anything to do with this court case. It can't be a selling point. Is he under the impression that it will all be over soon? The SFO, with their proud record of triumph over rich people, getting involved is hardly threatening.

Further, when it is floated (if it is that is) one wonders whether he'll be in the same position. Investors might want to know who will be the man in the future before they throw money at F1.

As for the interview, Ecclestone doesn't make himself available, he tells the particular media where he'll be. He pulls the strings. He was caught en route to some meeting last season and he came out looking bewildered and confused. Since then it has been on these stage manged situations. I feel sure that the interviewer is aware of what subjects can be mentioned and what can't.

belleair302

7,001 posts

233 months

Thursday 16th May 2013
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chevronb37 said:
belleair302 said:
Zac Brown is nothing more than Bernie's Lap Dog. His business hasn't done much for Indycar and he was also mentioned for the CEo role there but won't get it. He is also too close to McLaren and their sponsors and has no ability to play the politics needed between teams, broadcasters, governments and owners. Let him keep working within his sponsorship agency and also driving his collection of toys.
You evidently know the chap better than me and it appears you work in the same industry. I could only comment as I found and on the rumours I've heard.
I have nothing against Zac Brown but I do not believe he has the gravitas, political hardness nor corporate knowledge to head up a PLC like F1 when floated.