Friday 24th September 2004

Ford to keep F1 toehold -- maybe

Ford boss hints at possibilities for Jaguar.

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It would appear that Ford is not quitting F1 entirely, despite its stament of intent to sell the Jaguar team. Ford’s F1 boss Tony Purnell is reported as saying at the Chinese Grand Prix that, “There’s been masses of interest” in buying the team. He added that "F1 generates a lot of people who want to take a chance and we’re sifting through the realistic buyers from the chancers.”

However, you have to wonder why Ford wasn't fighting off buyers before its announcement of the sale. Is this just hooey?

Purnell also reportedly said, “I think one’s got to be fairly confident that a solution will be found.” This suggests that maybe Ford will retain a toehold in the sport, maybe through Cosworth-engined cars, or maybe the Jaguar or Ford names on other team's cars.

All speculation though -- what really matters in F1, as any fule know, is what Bernie says. And he ain't saying.

[jamesc]

I hear Minardi are changing their name to Volvo!

[T4R]

Steady on old chap

[TonyToniTone]

Does that mean they will be lapping with rear safety light permanently on?

[dodge]

I'd like to see what would happen if a Volvo F1 car rolled. I have visions of all-encapulating airbags popping out and turning the whole car into something like the Mars landers.

[jimmyc412t2]

dodge said:

I'd like to see what would happen if a Volvo F1 car rolled. I have visions of all-encapulating airbags popping out and turning the whole car into something like the Mars landers.

Also handy for when Ralf Schumacher goes to overtake it

[v8thunder]

dodge said:

I'd like to see what would happen if a Volvo F1 car rolled. I have visions of all-encapulating airbags popping out and turning the whole car into something like the Mars landers.

- with huge deformable 'safety aerofoils', warning lights that flash if the driver isn't strapped in and tweed seats.

In fact, can anyone photoshop an estate back end onto a Minardi?

>> Edited by v8thunder on Sunday 26th September 20:53

[Sgt^Roc]

jamesc said:

I hear Minardi are changing their name to Volvo!

sounds better thaN Transit


>> Edited by Sgt^Roc on Sunday 26th September 21:13