Comments on: F1 links: Williams-Cosworth deal mooted

By: Achilles

Achilles — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 06:01:08 +0000

Williams were reported to have agreed with the rest of FOTA not to use Kers in 2010, so even a mechanical version will be unavailable. Cosworth would want to prove themselves, and getting engines in the red bulls would be a great opportunity, question is…are there no other engine options for RBR?

By: Steph90

Steph90 — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:01:09 +0000

Read somewhere Williams has dropped idea of Kers, don’t klnow if it’s just one of those articles though/

By: Scribe

Scribe — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:19:33 +0000

If Flav can get enough of his FIA sanctions overturned it will protect his investment in QPR. It probably not to get himself a role back in F1

By: Red Andy

Red Andy — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:05:29 +0000

The ban on driver management is an interference with Briatore’s business interests, which the FIA (by EU law) are not allowed to do.

Sure, the FIA can bar Briatore access to areas where they have jurisdiction, but he could buy a Paddock Club ticket and turn up anyway. They wouldn’t be able to stop that from happening because, again, that would constitute interference with the business interests of the promoter.

By: Nitpicker

Nitpicker — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:39:20 +0000

Surely they can reserve the right to bar an individual from entry to FIA events? Just like a shopkeeper doesn’t have to serve a customer if they don’t want to.

The “ban on driver management” is an indirect punishment. The FIA won’t allow a driver to compete if they are associated with Flav, so that’s technically different I suppose.

This is all subject to French law, about which I know squat of course.

By: Nitpicker

Nitpicker — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:36:21 +0000

So have Williams opted for the Cosworth in order to use their flywheel KERS next year?

All the other engine manufacturers are members of FOTA who have agreed to abandon KERS after this season. Using KERS in the drivetrain requires some assistance from the engine builder and Cosworth probably won’t have any concerns, especially if they are the FIA’s “preferred” engine, and the FIA also wants to see some KERS in use in 2010, and an opportunity to disrupt FOTA a little.

Incidentally Williams is still in FOTA but for how long, we don’t know.

By: Red Andy

Red Andy — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 07:57:01 +0000

I know that Briatore is unlikely to get much sympathy from the fans, but there is a lot in his case that will be very difficult for the FIA to answer. In particular, I don’t see how the FIA will be able to defend against the fact that they overstepped their jurisdiction by punishing someone who was not an FIA licence holder.

By: DGR-F1

DGR-F1 — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 07:27:51 +0000

Its interesting that RBR are also considering a switch to Cosworth if they cannot get Mercedes power. We are possibly going to have a three tier grid next year:
1. The teams with the long standing design and engine deals
2. The teams with racing experience and new power
3. The newbies who wonder what goes where….
But will it make for better racing?

By: Prisoner Monkeys

Prisoner Monkeys — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:06:04 +0000

Even if Briatore gets his ban over turned, he’s well and truly boned. His case seems to be based around the notion that the FIA did not follow due process, and does nothing to address the question of his innocence or guilt in the race. If he wins, people are going to be apprehensive about dealing with him.

And even if this is a bid to keep his position as owner or QPR (or whatever position it is that he fills), it’s not going to do anything. The Powers That Be will most likely distance themselves from him, and rightly so: Briatore cheated. He has no right to assume a position similar to his original one in any sport.

By: F1Yankee

F1Yankee — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:45:09 +0000

“A hearing date has now been set for November 24, where Briatore will bid to get his lifetime ban overturned and seek damages from the FIA.”

what a load of crap.