Buyer for BMW

[_dobbo_]

Where does this leave Lotus?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula...

actually from what I can see BMW haven't got a grid slot next year anyway unless the grid is expanded to 14 teams. Interesting times in F1!

Sorry zac I edited after you posted.

Edited by _dobbo_ on Tuesday 15th September 12:54

[zac510]

Why would it affect Lotus?

It's the buyer with no place on the grid that should be worried.

[MartG]

I guess this puts more pressure on the teams to agree to 14 teams running next year

[Project 644]

Pre-qualifying anyone?

[FourWheelDrift]

They won't need to be reserves when Renault or Toyota pull out

[M3ax]

FourWheelDrift said:

They won't need to be reserves when Renault or Toyota pull out

Exactly - I really should try and spend more time on here. Or not

[MiniMan64]

I guess it'll be a return for Sauber then with a Swiss backer?

[Podie]

http://www.fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre/pressreleases...

[FourWheelDrift]

MiniMan64 said:

I guess it'll be a return for Sauber then with a Swiss backer?

Swiss backer in name but the cash they manage comes mainly from the Middle East, so they shouldn't be short of funds or sponsorship.

[zac510]

I wonder if it includes engines unlike the Honda/Brawn deal. Even if these guys are mega rich it might still be cheaper and easier to buy an engine in.

[MiniMan64]

zac510 said:

I wonder if it includes engines unlike the Honda/Brawn deal. Even if these guys are mega rich it might still be cheaper and easier to buy an engine in.

I would imagine they'll be taking a Cosworth unit pending Renault or Toyota definitely staying.

[Rude-boy]

I think F1 next year is going to be very interesting with all the new teams.

That's all I can to say about all of today's news

[Project 644]

Why are they trying to call it Lotus F1 Team. It was never called that. The name that was sold to David Hunt was "Team Lotus". Useless muppets.

Team Lotus was a pisstake of Scderia Ferrari

[zac510]

MiniMan64 said:

I would imagine they'll be taking a Cosworth unit pending Renault or Toyota definitely staying.

Sounds likely, yeah.

[The Wookie]

Project 644 said:

Why are they trying to call it Lotus F1 Team. It was never called that. The name that was sold to David Hunt was "Team Lotus". Useless muppets.

Team Lotus was a pisstake of Scderia Ferrari

What with the name/team being owned by Litespeed who Lotus Cars previously distanced themselves from, I imagine it's to do with some sort of copyright or brand ownership complication with whatever deal that has taken place

Edited by The Wookie on Tuesday 15th September 14:07

[jimpritchard]

I guess all the theories about who's going where could go out of the window, now the "BMW" seats are staying?

[dpbird90]

Well, BMW seem confident of getting on the grid. I reckon they'll be given Renault's slot if they get chucked out of next year's championship because of all this Piquet crashing nonsense. As long as Lotus come back. With JPS colours, as a big FU to the EU and their tobacco advertising ban, like Ferrari/Marlboro before they sold out to Santander.

[_dobbo_]

Do we really think Renault will get chucked out?

Barrichello had an interesting comment about it when interviewed - he said something like "Someone is really after Briatore".

I think more likely is that Flav will get the boot, and worst case Renault will walk rather than be pushed.

[A911DOM]

Seems like Alonso is ducking all the mud slinging again though doesnt it?

He was obviously a major contributor to the spying scandal thing and just waltzed away from the team completely unscathed. I refuse to believe he knows nothing of either scenario.