Ron in Abu Dhabi

[andyps]

Interesting to see that Mosley's grip on F1 has already been loosened judging by the fact that Don Dennis was at the Abu Dhabi race, and in the interview said that he would be at a few races last year.

It confirmed what we knew all along that it was definitely personal from Mosley getting Ron ousted, Ron even commented to the effect that he still has overall control of McLaren Racing. Good to see him back (and getting a quick advert on the BBC for McLaren Automotive

[CampDavid]

He's focusing on McLaren Automotive. I don't believe his decision to not be at GP has anything much to do with Max, more that he's got big, big plans for the new road car

[andyps]

I fully understand the commitment to McLaren Automotive, but Ron is, and always has been, a racer. After the Australia issue Ron announced he would have nothing more to do with McLaren Racing, Martin Whitmarsh would have full control. The punishment issued by the FIA (Mosley) was less than it might have been. Ron didn't go to another race until a week after Mosley left his post at the FIA. I think it is more than coincidence.

[chris_w]

Shame Lewis didn't win, would have been great to see Ron go up to collect the silverware!

[MiniMan64]

He wasn't wearing any McLaren clothing or team apparel and he appeared to wearing several 'visitor' passes as well. I think he was just there cause it was the last race of the season and that it was a tasty circuit to visit for a decent holiday.

Nothing to do with Max.

[thestig84]

Im with andyps. He most definitely did step down to lessen the punishment. He had planned to go to most races this year then all of a sudden after lie gate he went to concentrate on the automotive and did not attend one till max went!

Either way it wasnt just a holiday! He was trying to secure financial backing for the automotive side and negotiating with the Bahrain Mumtalakat holding company to try to buy the 40% of Mclaren Mercedes own which will free them to buy into Brawn. All on the James Allen blog.

It was great to see him back!!

[Tony 1234]

thestig84 said:

It was great to see him back!!

+1

[belleair302]

Ron was there with Mansour Ojjeh (both own a tied 15% each of McLaren) to discuss engine deals for 2010 onwards, to sell the new Mclaren Automotive Group to Aldar and a select number of VVIP guests in addition to saying hello to BMW and keeping the peace with M-B who will soon be smaller shareholders in McLaren.

Why Ron sold to them is beyond me and I was there when it happened!!! A complete culture clash and M-B were always happy to supply engines to McLaren. If Mercedes buy Brawn it will all be over within five years.