what is the point of LMP1, and even GT3?

[Derek Smith]

groomi said:

bordseye said:

Thats an eloquent description Groomi but I dont buy it. Sure there must be some particulalry shallow people who buy on image but I suspect most people buy on cost and suitability .

You'd think so, yes. But how many people actually go and look at a Kia, Daihatsu (sp?), or even a Ford or Vauxhall instead of automatically going for the BMW, Audi, Merc option? Does the 'premium' brand make a better car or is it just paying extra for the image? The reality is probably something inbetween, but it is absolutely undeniable that marketing that 'premium' works - if it didn't, they wouldn't spend billions a year doing it.

bordseye said:

What they can afford and certainly nothing to do with motor racing, like Soul Reevers wife.

You're absolutely right. And the cars that are available at any cost also have nothing to do with motor racing. But they all have an image, a brand and that brand is often promoted through motor sports - but can be equally found sponsoring racing yachts, partnered in glossy magazines with oversize watches etc.

It's simply consumerism. It's the age we live in. Everything we buy is the same - down to whether we choose to do the weekly food shop at Sainsbury's or Aldi.

Indeed. Lifestyle is what is being sold. Don't buy a Kia when an Audi could show neighbours and those you meet that you are also a bit of quality.

Racing for Merc et al is advertising. We know Merc are German and that equals quality because they are so great at F1. The fact that the engines are built and designed near Northampton doesn't bother them.

Motor racing has always been a way to sell cars and long may it continue. Who cares if Merc's boast that the technology filters down to road cars might not be true - and if you have ever owned an SLK you might doubt it as well - the three-pointed star on the bonnet is what it is selling.

The only thing that matters to me is whether the racing is exciting and interesting. If so then I don't care if the vehicles have no relationship to cars on the road.

[bordseye]

groomi said:

bordseye said:

Thats an eloquent description Groomi but I dont buy it. Sure there must be some particulalry shallow people who buy on image but I suspect most people buy on cost and suitability .

You'd think so, yes. But how many people actually go and look at a Kia, Daihatsu (sp?), or even a Ford or Vauxhall instead of automatically going for the BMW, Audi, Merc option? Does the 'premium' brand make a better car or is it just paying extra for the image? The reality is probably something inbetween, but it is absolutely undeniable that marketing that 'premium' works - if it didn't, they wouldn't spend billions a year doing it.

I believe that the contract hire rates on BMW for example are better than on Ford reflecting the fact thet BMW are cheaper to run.

groomi said:

bordseye said:

What they can afford and certainly nothing to do with motor racing, like Soul Reevers wife.

You're absolutely right. And the cars that are available at any cost also have nothing to do with motor racing. But they all have an image, a brand and that brand is often promoted through motor sports - but can be equally found sponsoring racing yachts, partnered in glossy magazines with oversize watches etc.

It's simply consumerism. It's the age we live in. Everything we buy is the same - down to whether we choose to do the weekly food shop at Sainsbury's or Aldi.

Yes the Ferrari house magazine is full of boat ( stink boats not yachts! ;-) ) and watch adverts