Discussion
RUSSIAN TEAM SET FOR F1
A Russian-backed Formula 1 team will hit the grid in 2006, it was announced on Friday.
The team, to be known as Midland F1, will use chassis built by Italian manufacturer Dallara.
Midland Group chairman Alex Shnaider said: "Of course the team will have a Russian flavour and in time we hope to bring a Russian driver into Formula 1.
"Midland is deeply rooted in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States and we are certain that, via Formula 1, mutually beneficial relationships and businesses can be created as most international companies recognise that they must enter these markets.
"Our research into coverage of different sports showed that only three events met our criteria for international exploitation: The Olympic Games, World Cup Soccer and Formula 1.
"As the two others are quadrennial Formula 1 was the natural fit."
Shnaider, 36 is a naturalised Canadian born in St Petersburg.
The privately-owned Midland Group is registered in Guernsey, but conducts most of its business in Russia and the former Soviet Union.
Shnaider said the team had yet to make any decisions on drivers or even engines.
But the company is among the buyers interested in Cosworth – and despite Shnaider’s insistence that they wanted to build a new team from scratch, speculation persists that Midland might also buy the Jaguar team.
If that is the case, there would appear to be no reason why the new team could not be on the grid as early as next year.
Shnaider said he and his backers were aware of the financial undertaking necessary to be competitive in F1.
He said: "We understand that basic survival in Formula 1 requires a budget of around $100 million per annum and we are prepared for that.
"Everybody wants to win. Midland F1 will be no exception to that. But first we have to do our homework; put a team together - the right people, a competitive car. Then we can start thinking about winning.
"But I can assure you winning will be on our agenda."
Our man is Japan reports that DC is changing his name by deed poll to Coulthardski in a last ditch attempt to stay in F1, and that he is fitter, hungrier and faster than ever and 2005 will be his year!
A Russian-backed Formula 1 team will hit the grid in 2006, it was announced on Friday.
The team, to be known as Midland F1, will use chassis built by Italian manufacturer Dallara.
Midland Group chairman Alex Shnaider said: "Of course the team will have a Russian flavour and in time we hope to bring a Russian driver into Formula 1.
"Midland is deeply rooted in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States and we are certain that, via Formula 1, mutually beneficial relationships and businesses can be created as most international companies recognise that they must enter these markets.
"Our research into coverage of different sports showed that only three events met our criteria for international exploitation: The Olympic Games, World Cup Soccer and Formula 1.
"As the two others are quadrennial Formula 1 was the natural fit."
Shnaider, 36 is a naturalised Canadian born in St Petersburg.
The privately-owned Midland Group is registered in Guernsey, but conducts most of its business in Russia and the former Soviet Union.
Shnaider said the team had yet to make any decisions on drivers or even engines.
But the company is among the buyers interested in Cosworth – and despite Shnaider’s insistence that they wanted to build a new team from scratch, speculation persists that Midland might also buy the Jaguar team.
If that is the case, there would appear to be no reason why the new team could not be on the grid as early as next year.
Shnaider said he and his backers were aware of the financial undertaking necessary to be competitive in F1.
He said: "We understand that basic survival in Formula 1 requires a budget of around $100 million per annum and we are prepared for that.
"Everybody wants to win. Midland F1 will be no exception to that. But first we have to do our homework; put a team together - the right people, a competitive car. Then we can start thinking about winning.
"But I can assure you winning will be on our agenda."
Our man is Japan reports that DC is changing his name by deed poll to Coulthardski in a last ditch attempt to stay in F1, and that he is fitter, hungrier and faster than ever and 2005 will be his year!
A: I believe it when I see it (like the long touted Russian GP).
B: Are they going to buy up an already existing slot or are they total newcomers? If a team does a adeal with a chassis manufacturer, surely the car should be called by the name of the chassis makers - that was always the norm in F1. In this case it would be something like Midland-Dallara.
I hope Dallara do a better job than their last foray into F1.
B: Are they going to buy up an already existing slot or are they total newcomers? If a team does a adeal with a chassis manufacturer, surely the car should be called by the name of the chassis makers - that was always the norm in F1. In this case it would be something like Midland-Dallara.
I hope Dallara do a better job than their last foray into F1.
It makes no sense to build an F1 team from scratch - look at the resources Toyota has, not to mention the biggest budget on the grid, and where has that got them? Apart from the required costs to be competitive, there is also the retainer that has to be paid to Bernie to get on the grid which, if I recall, is about £25m.
They would be better off bidding for Jaguar.
They would be better off bidding for Jaguar.
hendry said:
It makes no sense to build an F1 team from scratch - look at the resources Toyota has, not to mention the biggest budget on the grid, and where has that got them? Apart from the required costs to be competitive, there is also the retainer that has to be paid to Bernie to get on the grid which, if I recall, is about £25m.
They would be better off bidding for Jaguar.
Dallara are not exactly "from scratch". iirc they make a number of IRL cars. And these Russians probably had this plan before Jag announced their For Sale sign. So I would imagine they ARE bidding for Jaguar....but if they are not the winners then expect Dallara on the grid in the future I think
Eric Mc said:
The jump from lower formulae to F1 is enormous - and in this day and age almost impossible. Look what haoppened to Forti, Lola, Pacific etc. The last team to successfully make the transition was Jordan. And that was 13 years ago.
Dallara are one of the longest running chassis manufacturers in top single seater and GT formulas. While I agree the step to F1 is a big one there are very few companies that have the same level of design skills and resources available to them. If anyone can make that leap now it is Dallara
But they have already tried once before - and did not impress.
I think the current way F1 is structured makes it totally impossible for newcomers to bed in before running out of money. Jordan have been on the verge of banruptcy on at least three occasions since they came into F1 in 1991. Not one of the other teams that joined since survived - and by team I mean outfits that came in after having run in other formulae. BAR, Toyota etc are not "teams" in the traditional sense. They have come in with big budgets, big ambitions and big backing from the boards of major corporations- and even they have struggled (although perhaps BAR are now beginning to pull through).
I do not hold out much hope at all for any outfit based on a traditional racing team EVER being able to make an imnpact in F1 again.
I think the current way F1 is structured makes it totally impossible for newcomers to bed in before running out of money. Jordan have been on the verge of banruptcy on at least three occasions since they came into F1 in 1991. Not one of the other teams that joined since survived - and by team I mean outfits that came in after having run in other formulae. BAR, Toyota etc are not "teams" in the traditional sense. They have come in with big budgets, big ambitions and big backing from the boards of major corporations- and even they have struggled (although perhaps BAR are now beginning to pull through).
I do not hold out much hope at all for any outfit based on a traditional racing team EVER being able to make an imnpact in F1 again.
jimbro1000 said:
Dallara are one of the longest running chassis manufacturers in top single seater and GT formulas.
Like Lola...
Does anyone think it's time F1 introduced a privateers cup for non factory backed teams? Might be a way to get some of the F3000 teams to take the plunge? Maybe come to an agreement to use previous years engines (even cars?) from the manufacturer teams? That way, not only do you give smaller teams an incentive to step up, you also give good drivers in average cars a chance to shine more than they do now. It would also be a way of keeping regulations stable for a few years.
Don't suppose Bernie would ever consider it. After all, it's the pinnacle of the sport isn't it, and we'd all rather see 18 car grids with no interest outside the top 3 teams and backmarkers going bankrupt trying to stay in touch than 24 car grids and interest throughout the pack.
With all the hoo-ha over the British GP, I decided it was time I boned up on Bernie Ecclestone's career. I'm now reading the book "Bernie's Game" and it makes VERY interesting reading.
Bernie's tactics over the British GP are totally in keeping with his behaviour over the past 30 years. At least he's consistent I suppose.
Bernie's tactics over the British GP are totally in keeping with his behaviour over the past 30 years. At least he's consistent I suppose.
Bernie's behaviour as team managaer of Brabham was no better or worse than any of the other team managers of that era. I was actually referring to his business deals and how he came to be head of the F1CA (later FOCA) and how he cleverly used brinkmanship to up the fees payable by the various circuits and GP organisers to the F1 teams.
His tactics have not changed that much. You would think that the circuits would devise some sort of unanimous startegy to force some of their costs down. Unfortunately, they've never been able to present a united front. In fact, because Bernie cleverly plays the circuits off against each other, they end up fighting over the "prviliedge" of hosting GPs. Of course, those with government support have an unfair advantage over the others. Bernie was able to secure the 1977 Argentine GP using just these techniques. It helps if the government is not answerable to the indigenous population too (the military junta had just seized power in Argentina).
Nothing changes.
His tactics have not changed that much. You would think that the circuits would devise some sort of unanimous startegy to force some of their costs down. Unfortunately, they've never been able to present a united front. In fact, because Bernie cleverly plays the circuits off against each other, they end up fighting over the "prviliedge" of hosting GPs. Of course, those with government support have an unfair advantage over the others. Bernie was able to secure the 1977 Argentine GP using just these techniques. It helps if the government is not answerable to the indigenous population too (the military junta had just seized power in Argentina).
Nothing changes.
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