In today’s round-up, Romain Grosjean finishes fourth at Imola to win his second title.
Links
Top F1 links from the past 24 hours:
Dani Clos wins sprint race, Romain Grosjean takes title (GP2Series.com)
"In the final race of the 2011 GP2 Asia Series in Imola, Dani Clos recovered from a poor qualifying on Friday by winning today’s event in Imola, while Romain Grosjean sealed a second title with a fourth place finish."
Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button discuss rivalry (BBC F1)
"McLaren drivers Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton talk to BBC Sport’s Jake Humphrey and Eddie Jordan about their working relationship and the pressures of having two world champions in the same team."
If Lewis Hamilton wants to be the best, he will have to leave McLaren (The Guardian)
"McLaren must up their game this season or face a desperate struggle to retain the services of Lewis Hamilton, one of the defining talents of this Formula One generation. A third barren year would be enough to persuade Hamilton that he should look elsewhere if he is to fulfil his ambitions of becoming one of the sport’s great champions, a multiple world champion."
Home is where the heart is for Japan’s Kamui Kobayashi (The Guardian)
"Kamui Kobayashi has eyes that dance with mischief and menace and at once there is the realisation that he must represent one of the most unwelcome rear-view mirror sights in all Formula One."
Paul Di Resta: The long and winding road (The Scotsman)
"There are three things we know for sure about Paul Di Resta, mainly because everyone from his indycar-racing cousin Dario Franchitti to motorsport legends such as Sir Jackie Stewart mention them every time they’re asked for an inside line on the latest Scot to ascend to Formula One."
Alternatives to the Grand Prix (The Age)
"Get set for a week of whinging as the grand prix detractors get their annual fill of anti-motor sport clich??s. And to think all this grief could have been avoided if we’d just run the race around Docklands, or considered some less intrusive events."
Time for Race 2 already (Toro Rosso)
"On all Scuderia Toro Rosso team documentation, the Australian GP is listed as Race 2, with the season going through to Brazil as Race 20 and for the sake of continuity that numbering system has not been changed since the demise of the race in Bahrain. But whatever it’s called, next week’s curtain-raiser in Melbourne should be a fitting show with which to start the season."
Lotus vs Lotus (HM Courts Service)
The case of Lotus vs Lotus was supposed to start on Monday but there’s no sign of it here yet.
Follow F1 news as it breaks using the F1 Fanatic live Twitter app.
Comment of the day
Which F1 races are you going to this year? Magnificent Geoffrey says:
If you’re an F1Fanatic regular and you’re heading down to Albert Park next weekend, keep an eye on the Aus GP page because a lot of us (ahem) Aussie Fanatics will be down there too and we’d love to hear from you!
Magnificent Geoffrey
Read more: 2011 Australian Grand Prix discussion
From the forum
mads asks: who holds the record for highest number of gained places during a race?
Happy birthday!
Three birthdays today – happy birthdays to Gaz, thomahawk_93 and Gary Richardson!
On this day in F1
Clay Regazzoni won the Race of Champions at Brands Hatch for Ferrari 40 years ago today.
Jackie Stewart started the 50-lap race from pole position but finished second ahead of John Surtees.
RIISE (@riise)
21st March 2011, 0:10
People forget how good McLaren are don’t they? What’s to say Lewis leaves for Red Bull then they lose pace, at the end of the day it’s guaranteed they won’t be fighting for the top places all the time.
McLaren are a well established, proven team that “Will” provide a championship winning car for Lewis whether it’s this season or next.
The ignorance floating around the F1 news world at the moment is ridiculous.
rfs
21st March 2011, 0:21
Since 1991 Mclaren have only won one constructors title and 3 drivers titles. In that same timeframe Ferrari, Williams and Renault/Bennetton have won more.
Mclaren is a great team but IMO a bit overrated.
Adrian J
21st March 2011, 0:33
That is true and is startling statistic, but of those 3 teams only Ferrari has been in the title hunt as recently as McLaren.
I also think that we should remember that McLaren would have walked away with the WCC in 2007 if they hadn’t been excluded from the championship.
bananarama
21st March 2011, 10:40
Actually I think Ferrari would have won by one point since they were stripped of their points in Hungary. Could be mistaken though.
David-A (@david-a)
21st March 2011, 0:34
Mclaren have been more consistent title challengers and race winners than Renault and Williams though.
And they are still second statistically only to Ferrari (who really extended their gap over the rest because of the Schumacher years).
Hare (@hare)
21st March 2011, 0:34
although they have finished 2nd 8 times, 3rd 4 times, and 4th 4times, with the remaining to time a disqualification and a 5th.
I don’t think overrated has anything to with it. They are almost always there or there abouts. Consistently one of the best teams.
You can never overlook them.
BasCB (@bascb)
21st March 2011, 8:14
I guess that is a pretty convincing reason to stay put. In the end, both Lewis, and Fernando did their own part in not winning both titles in 2007.
Being at least an outsider for the title more or less for the last 5-6 years is not too bad, is it.
Fer no.65 (@fer-no65)
21st March 2011, 2:28
on that basis he should move to Williams because they won 7 drivers titles since 1980, more than any other team.
Mclaren have the resources to win again and again and again. All this about Hamilton leaving Mclaren because “it’s not a good enough team for him” is just another example of British habit to put pressure on every sportman within them.
No offence but it must be twice as hard to succed being british than being from somewhere else. Ask Murray, Button or Hamilton…
Fer no.65 (@fer-no65)
21st March 2011, 2:35
appart from Mclaren, that is, that won 10 DCs…
Mouse_Nightshirt (@mouse_nightshirt)
21st March 2011, 7:33
Plus Lewis would have had more of a shot at the title had he not made the rather silly mistakes he made last season.
I think he needs to calm down for now. There isn’t a seat anytime soon (well, Ferrari may move Massa, but Alonso isn’t going to let that one happen)
Icthyes
21st March 2011, 10:13
If it wasn’t for Vettel and Alonso making silly mitsakes, he wouldn’t have even been in it for so long, so whilst it’s frustrating that he had those points in his grasp, it’s hardly a fair assessment of the bigger picture.
At the end of the day, you would think a top driver deserves a title-challenging car one out of every two years from when he starts being competitive at the front. So far Lewis has had 2 from 4, so if this year’s car can’t keep up you’d think he would have legitimate cause to at least think about moving.
bananarama
21st March 2011, 11:06
Last time I checked, drivers still drove for the team, not the other way around and none of the employers in F1 come second on purpose. But lets say Hamilton moves, where should he go?
To Ferrari to team up with his best pal in the world?
To RedBull, because we know they will be consistently at the front for the next decade and rarely ever make mistakes and don’t already have a favourite?
To Mercedes when Schumacher retires again?
To Renaut, since they look like the better team compared to McLaren?
Williams because they are clearly floating to new highs …
To ToroRosso to live out his passion for rookie mistakes?
To Lotus, because they have a load of titles to their name, so they must be very very good ….
To Sauber or Force India because he really pops against white background?!
Or to Virgin/HRT because he can build up something new and look like the second Jack Brabham and beat him next time to become the Champion of Champions on F1F?
I don’t think there is an option for Hamilton in the next 5 years except he believes Williams or Mercedes can build him better cars than McLaren does.
(I reread my comment and it seems like a direct and harsh reaction to Icthyes, but it isn’t, its just my opinion).
phildick (@phildick)
22nd March 2011, 9:26
LOL, I love it.
robert
21st March 2011, 10:15
Ferrari wouldn’t swap Massa for Hamilton. A quote from the Ferrari boss himself and before Alonso was part of the team.
For sure it would be an improvement for Lewis himself.
Rob
21st March 2011, 10:59
Alonso wouldn’t allow Ferrari to swap Massa for Hamilton.
Hare (@hare)
21st March 2011, 0:10
Not surprised about Romain’s success. In the GT1 category, he showed considerable talent and aptitude where others struggled. Hearing about his success in GP2 is no shock.
My feeling is he came to F1 slightly too soon, and in difficult circumstances. However, he probably learned from that experience and has taken that with him.
So I feel he’ll be a good catch for a mid to lower ranked team.
OEL
21st March 2011, 7:44
I’m surprised about his silly move on Guiterez, he just can’t cut the grass like that and not be punished, can’t beleave he didn’t understand that. But otherwise, great drive in race 1 and he is worthy another shot in F1.
BasCB (@bascb)
21st March 2011, 8:24
Looks like he is set on winning the main series this year, altough it will have a bit more competiton.
About the GP2 Asia “Series”, how many races did they do? The first weekend in Abu Dhabi (1+1 races) and now Imola? So in effect 2 real races and 2 sprint races.
ajokay (@)
21st March 2011, 9:25
Hardly a ‘Series’, is it? More like an extended GP2 testing session with a racey element.
OEL
21st March 2011, 9:25
Yep, 4 races in total. Long championship…
BasCB (@bascb)
21st March 2011, 10:43
Rather 2+2 as it is 2 real races and 2 sprint races with reversed grid that cound only partly.
A bit of a non series then. I hope they get a more decent calendar going next year, this felt more like competative testing.
Steph (@)
21st March 2011, 13:50
Yeah Grosjean looks good for the GP2 title BasCB. However, for some reason, GP2 Asia title winners don’t tend to win the main series which is fine by me as I want Bianchi to win that so I’m not fussed he lost out on this title :P
BasCB (@bascb)
21st March 2011, 14:14
You want Bianchi to replace Massa next year ? :p
RIISE (@riise)
21st March 2011, 0:30
I think Mag’s post was edited slightly =P
Warwick (@warwick)
21st March 2011, 0:37
I’m quite surprised by that BBC video… Button and Hamilton seem to genuinely get on well together rather than it being all for show.
Hare (@hare)
21st March 2011, 0:40
Whats surprising about it? Jenson’s a very conciliatory chap, and Lewis has no issues with anyone.
Steve
21st March 2011, 9:29
Very good actors.
BasCB (@bascb)
21st March 2011, 10:47
I think they do get on, and why not. They certainly seem to have the same taste in sports clothing style ;-)
Honestly I feel Lewis has more to lose from it, but Button seems to really enjoy the challenge, now that he has reached his goal of being champ in 2009.
Hare (@hare)
21st March 2011, 0:39
Re : Lotus vs Lotus (HM Courts Service)
Sounds like a divorce hearing… equally uncomfortable awkwardness to it.
US_Peter (@us_peter)
21st March 2011, 6:37
David Hunt’s weighed in for only the second time since this debacle started: bit.ly/e4uKVj
Sounds like Fernandes might be having trouble making payments to Hunt.
BasCB (@bascb)
21st March 2011, 8:52
And here’s me al the way through the last 4 months thinking Fernandez had it agreed with Hunt.
Boy, this is a real big mess.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
21st March 2011, 11:44
It’s going to start tomorrow.
Toro Stevo
21st March 2011, 0:54
“If Di Resta, who is now managed by Hamilton’s father Anthony,”
NOOOO! If he turns up this means we’re going back to the obligatory once a lap vision of him watching the race in the pits. Say it isn’t so.
Michael Griffin
21st March 2011, 1:36
McLaren are remembered for great cars like the MP4/4 and the MP4-13, they were great cars, but they also had great a combination of scarily brainy designer and a devastatingly quick driver(s) at the wheel.
With the MP4-4 it was Gordon Murray teamed with Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost.
With the MP4-13 it was Adrian Newey and Mika Hakkinen.
If Lewis is to win a title once again with McLaren, he needs a great car designed by a great designer to do it.
Red Bull may be the only option.
damonsmedley (@damonsmedley)
21st March 2011, 8:32
I’m talking mainly about 2000 and 2001. There is no way the McLaren was faster in those years, but Mika Hakkinen didn’t let it show. He’s not the best driver ever, but I think you’re being way too harsh.
Icthyes
21st March 2011, 10:28
2001 was hardly a glittering year for Mika…
Also in neither of those years was the McLaren as behind as they supposedly are now. 2000 and 2010 would be a better comparison, I feel.
Steve
21st March 2011, 9:36
Ofc you need a good combination, but you have to remember that these days the designer really doesn’t do much but manage his design team. All the top Teams have great designing teams who are all capable of designing the best car. Adrian is simply the most famous of the managers because his team has allowed him to take credit. Do we even know who designs (read manages) the Ferrari’s aero design? No, because its a team effort.
Redbull wont be there for much longer. History has taught us that.
montreal95
21st March 2011, 17:18
Do you mean his teams allowed him to take credit? Because clearly March, Williams and Mclaren did too, but strangely those who followed him, weren’t allowed to take credit in the same way. Why is that do you think? Occam’s Razor tells us that the simplest explanation is probably the right one. in this case it’s that Newey’s much better than all of them.
And yes, it’s well known that current head of aerodynamic design in Ferrari is Nick Tombazis. Of course he’s a less known and respected figure than Rory Byrne was, for the same reasons that Newey was and is. When Tombazis will get half of the results Byrne had, that may change, and then people will come out and say again: It’s not Nick, it’s the team…
JustAnF1Fanatic (@justanf1fanatic)
21st March 2011, 1:39
is it just me or does GP2 ASIA end at IMOLA… correct my geography????
SouthPawRacer (AKA Stealthman)
21st March 2011, 1:57
They would have run the last race of the season at Bahrain, but we all know how that turned out.
BasCB (@bascb)
21st March 2011, 8:54
although instead of “last” race meeting, you could just as well have said “second meeting”, if I am not mistaken.
Wificats
21st March 2011, 9:47
No, it would have been the third, they were planning on holding 2 events in Bahrain on 18-19 Feb and 19-20 March, because they’re true internationalists really.
It’s a shame that the calendar is so small really, although I could understand not taking in the far east as it might be expensive, they could at least go to Qatar, Istanbul and Dubai if they were hosting “GP2 Middle-East.”
Better still would be if they either expanded GP2 to be worldwide support for F1 (probably too costly though) or held a parallel championship for asian drivers and teams, which might actually develop some talent and racing experience in all these “new markets” that Bernie wants so badly to get into. There’s certainly enough circuits there to have a calendar at least as big as the main GP2 series.
sam3110 (@sam3110)
21st March 2011, 11:58
GP2 Asia should really have about 8 races to it, Japan, South Korea, China, Malaysia, India, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and maybe Australia too, as the football team are part of the Asian championships
wasiF1 (@wasif1)
21st March 2011, 2:09
According to me Hamilton will stay with the team for a long time as Schumacher did with Ferrari,He have a good relationship with them & also he knows the team inside out.Until & unless something very bad happened between them in their relationship I don’t think they will part company.
Hamish
21st March 2011, 2:24
I like your source :-)
Hare (@hare)
21st March 2011, 3:31
Like Jenson and Nicole commit an indiscretion? That’d probably do it.
Prisoner Monkeys (@prisoner-monkeys)
21st March 2011, 4:25
It probably would. But have you seen Jenson’s girl? Why would he give up on her for Nicole Sureidbangher? It would be like saying “I have a Lamborghini Gallardo, but what I really want is a Nissan Sunny”. Or “I’m not happy with this prime rib madeira; I’d like some prison gruel instead”. Or “I’m in a serious relationship with a Japanese-Argentine lingerie model, but I’m lusting after
athe Pussycat Doll” (face it, Nicole is the only one who can sing and the only one anyone can name; the rest are more anonymous than those two guys who appear in the background of every Black Eyed Peas music video).damonsmedley (@damonsmedley)
21st March 2011, 6:34
Nice analogy. I agree. Jenson is winning, there. ;)
Hare (@hare)
21st March 2011, 7:16
But Nicole is a better singer…..*
*These are not the opinions of the publisher but are just randomly stated comments for the sake of it.
David-A (@david-a)
21st March 2011, 7:55
Spot on
Prisoner Monkeys (@prisoner-monkeys)
21st March 2011, 3:44
Lotus vs. Lotus gets interesting.
According to David Hunt, Tony Fernandes has changed his mind about their deal to use the Team Lotus name, and is attempting to renegotiate the terms of the contract. Hunt is not impressed, and is refusing to support Fernandes in the High Court unless he honours the terms of the original contract. Since we’re on the eve of the hearing, it’s a major blow to Fernandes’ case – which hinges on whether or not Fernandes honoured his contractual obligations to Group Lotus – which Hunt also says has “[potentially] serious issues”, though he doesn’t elaborate what those issues might be. Even if Fernandes wins his case against Group Lotus, it could cost him everything later in the year when the case over the ownership of the Team Lotus name gets heard.
In short, of all the things that could possibly go wrong in Fernandes’ case, this is probably th worst of them.
Hamish
21st March 2011, 8:17
Yea agreed. Things have turned very pear shaped for Mr Fernandes.
Prisoner Monkeys (@prisoner-monkeys)
21st March 2011, 8:41
Unfortunately, I think a lot of people will support him – especially if he loses the case to Group Lotus. There’s a perception that Dany Bahar is evil and looking to steal Fernandes’ thunder for himself, which, rather frankly, is wrong. Lotus Cars’ affiliation with teams in (at least) five other series – GP2, GP2 Asia, GP3, Indycar and GT4 – is not something that was dreamt up overnight. Indeed, Bahar supported Fernandes to begin with. It wasn’t until Fernandes allegedly violated the licencing agreement that Bahar pulled out and defected to Renault. Bahar is only acting in the interests of his company, and if things have happened the way I think they have – Fernandes using the Lotus name outside the team – then he’s well within his rights to do so. But because Fernandes was directly involved in the sport for a year and because Lotus Racing was the most successful of the new teams, the majority of fans will support him over Bahar.
BasCB (@bascb)
21st March 2011, 9:00
It is not dreamth up over night, only the inspiration probalby came one morning waking up enlighted. I bet Bahar was running around with this Idea forming in his head for quite some time.
The only thing he needed was someone stupid enough and with deep enough pockets to let him have a go.
From what I understand/make of it, Fernandez might have rethought paying Hunt for the Team Lotus rights before these rights being proven in court.
In effect telling Hunt to support him in the case with his years of knowledge of how he had those rights confirmed to get it defenitely booked, before he gets payed for those rights.
As for Bahar “having more involvement” by sponsorship deals all over motorsport, throwing away the Enstone teams own legacy to steal the smoky one from Lotus
…
i am without words to comment that logic.
Prisoner Monkeys (@prisoner-monkeys)
21st March 2011, 9:16
When that “legacy” includes accusations of race fixing and a culture of bullying and favouritism – even if levelled against a man no longer affiliated with the team – are you really so surprised that Renault threw it away? Flavio Briatore did more damage to Renault’s name during his tenure at the top than Dany Bahar has done in sponsoring them.
Prisoner Monkeys (@prisoner-monkeys)
21st March 2011, 9:21
When that legacy includes accusations of race fixing and a culture of bullying and favouritism, can you really blame Renault for wanting to distance themselves from it? Flavio Braitore did more damage to the Renault name than Dany Bahar has in sponsoring them …
BasCB (@bascb)
21st March 2011, 11:07
PM, they might have gone back to the toleman days if they had wanted to avoid beeing seen with Briatores doings in the team.
And Bahar is right on the way to do more or just as much damage to Lotus in a real short time, than Briatore has managed to damage Enstone or Renault in all those years.
Prisoner Monkeys (@prisoner-monkeys)
21st March 2011, 11:50
How is sponsoring a team as bad as fixing the outcome of a race by having a driver deliberately crash by holding his contract to race for the team – and thus his entire future in the sport – hostage?
Icthyes
21st March 2011, 10:23
The reason they support Fernandes is because he was first. Simple as. If Group Lotus don’t like the mess, they should have let Fernandes be, race as Team Lotus, giving them lots of free advertising in the process. But no, they started this legacy nonsense. It was bad enough when Fernandes claimed descent form the original team, Bahar doing it is plain ridiculous.
Prisoner Monkeys (@prisoner-monkeys)
21st March 2011, 10:41
It doesn’t mean he’s right. Some of the things they’ve said and done of late – like their objective for 2011 being to “embarass” established teams, or rejecting Group Lotus’s attempts to make peace – are very aggressive. With that attitude, it’s a wonder anyone in the paddock can stand them.
The key to Group Lotus’ case is that Fernandes used the Lotus Cars name outside the conditions set forth in their contract. Apparently it was over merchandising. They claim they no longer want to be associated with Fernandes because of what happened, and that by using the Team Lotus name, Fernandes and his team can easily be mistaken for Lotus Cars. Hardcore fans know the different, but it is unlikely that casual fans do not.
If Group Lotus feel that Tony Fernandes is damaging their brand by using their name to market products they do not approve of, why should they simply leave well enough alone and let Fernandes continue to use the Team Lotus name?
Icthyes
21st March 2011, 10:42
Sorry, I don’t mean to imply Bahar is claiming Renault are Team Lotus, but all the “The Real Lotus is back” nonsense is even worse the second time around.
What it all comes down to is Group Lotus not wanting the possible liability of Team Lotus damaging their image somehow. Which when you consider their existence gives them free exposure and that Lotus Racing were in the field first, is pretty petty.
Icthyes
21st March 2011, 10:49
And therein lies the source of your argument: you don’t like Fernandes. Neither do I, but he was on the grid first and now has a legal right to one of the Lotus names (depending on recent developments). And who of us actually knows what the offer from Group Lotus was, if it was really untenable or not? Either way it’s hard not to see that things developed really conveniently for Group Lotus to break away from Fernandes and work towards controlling their own team and that is what makes me suspicious, never mind their lack of a decent case (unless the Team Lotus licence really has fallen through).
BasCB (@bascb)
21st March 2011, 11:10
They should let Fernandez work with the Team Lotus rights / name and badge (provided Fernandez pays Hunt) as he sees fit, as it is not theirs to decide about something they are only associated with.
Them now painting their Evora GT car a pack of smokes as well is pretty bad taste and defenitely something different than what they claimed they were doing only a few months back.
Prisoner Monkeys (@prisoner-monkeys)
21st March 2011, 11:42
Yes, they’re associated with it. To the casual observer, and to the interested new sponsor, there is little to distinguish Team Lotus from Lotus Renault GP execpt for the colour of the car. Group Lotus feel that Tony Fernandes did damage to their brand when he did whatever it was that prompted them to terminate the licencing agreement. And because of the similarities between the two teams, they feel that people getting them mixed up will be detrimental to their name.
Say my last name is MacLaren, and tomorrow I decide to start my own team called MacLaren. It’s not McLaren’s place to decide whether I own the name, but if they feel that I am doing damage to them, why should they be forced to sit by and watch me trade on a name that is similar to theirs? And if they have the right to try and get me to use a different name, what makes the Lotus-Lotus case so different that Group Lotus should be forced to sit and watch someone use a name that is almost identical to theirs damage their image and reputation?
BasCB (@bascb)
21st March 2011, 12:10
PM, to the casual observer, the nikes and addidas shirts on sale here at the vietnamese markets look like they are nikes or addidas as well.
But as the guys making and selling them do not have the right to call them that, they are not.
Same case, lets move on and let the court decide just as it would in these cases.
As for being MacLaren and calling a racing team that it is not really comparable, as Ron got involved with the original team. You would have to compare being someone buying Red Bull in a few years, finding out it has rights to the Jaguar Racing name (just theory, I know Ford did not give that name up separately before they sold Jaguar as a whole) and got a team Jaguar on the grid only to be finding TATA file a case in court, and TATA would lose (again part of the theoretical case).
Prisoner Monkeys (@prisoner-monkeys)
21st March 2011, 12:12
But the difference is that they’re a bunch of street vendors in the middle of Saigon. They’re not a highly-visible multinational company claiming to be Nike or Addidas.
BasCB (@bascb)
21st March 2011, 12:18
I said Bahar was doing going to do more damage to LOTUS than Briatore did to Renault. The enstone team did survive, after all.
Who knows what will happen to Lotus Cars, or even Proton, after the banks get settled with them in a few years time. Will they find a Lopez to get them going?
Well, on second thought it might be Lopez himself would have a go at it. Will be cheaper than SAAB, but with a wors product portfolio.
BasCB (@bascb)
21st March 2011, 12:24
LOL PM, try reading the whole message, not just what you think is easy to critisize.
I seriously do not live in Saigon, nor do I refer to it as here.
Fact is, If you would sell these things, even if your name was Nike or Addidas you would be impersonating their product iligally, i.e. without having a right to do so (not teaching you english, your better at that, just making a point).
Same as with Lotus Cars /GL. They do not have the rights to Team Lotus nor to the JPS livery nor to telling the world they won 8 F1 world champoinships. And still they try to give the impression they are the genuine article.
Prisoner Monkeys (@prisoner-monkeys)
21st March 2011, 12:36
They still may well be. Their argument against Fernandes owning the Team Lotus name stems back to 1995, when the original Team Lotus was liquidated. They claim that Fernandes does not own the Team Lotus name because David Hunt was never in a position to sell the name in the first place. If they can prove that Team Lotus was not liquidated properly, and that the rights to the Team Lotus name would default to Lotus Cars in such an instance, they may not have any more claim to the Team Lotus name than they do today – but they’d have more of a claim to it than Tony Fernandes.
BasCB (@bascb)
21st March 2011, 12:43
Yes, well, that is what the court case is about, isn’t it?
1. To decide who is right on the case of terminating the “Lotus Racing” licence
2. To confirm / deject the claim to the rights of Team Lotus and use of the badge in F1 by Fernandez after buying Hunts team.
If that second issue would already be decided 100% there would not be a case, would there?
Prisoner Monkeys (@prisoner-monkeys)
21st March 2011, 13:13
Actually, there would be, because that doesn’t resolve anything. Group Lotus are claiming that because Tony Fernandes is using the name Team Lotus, there will be two teams known as Lotus on the grid. And because there will be two teams known as Lotus, there is the potential for confusion. Group Lotus claim this causes damage to their name. What would happen if Team Lotus were in a situation where they used team orders and got in trouble for it because they used an encoded message? Group Lotus would no doubt receive some negative attention because of it. If Tony Fernandes legally owns the Team Lotus name, it actually makes Group Lotus’ case stronger, because they can say “Here is concrete proof that there are two teams known as Lotus. We want nothing to do with Tony Fernandes, but because he insists on using a Lotus name, he is damaging our brand since we no longer want to be associated with him”.
BasCB (@bascb)
21st March 2011, 13:21
I love how you confirm what I say and at the same time disagree.
Let me try again. A court case would not be nessicary if:
all sides would see clearly that (version a.) Fernandez NOT having rights to the Lotus name, then it would be Renault with Lotus in F1 and Fernandez with a different team name and his problem how to solve the Chassis name. or (version b.) Fernandez does have the sole right to the Lotus name in relation to F1 in wich case GL have a problem with sponsoring anyone without Fernandez’ consent AND using references to Team Lotus racing heritage.
But that matter evidently is not agreed upon, hence the case to decide by the court.
Aetost (@aetost)
21st March 2011, 10:13
When will this mess end? It was an interesting read at the beginning, but now, after all these months, it is getting very annoying. All we are seeing is a bunch of dubious businessmen bickering over a few millions of dollars they don’t really own. And that is always ugly.
Truth is we know nothing about any one of them. Bahar is associated with wild partying and a foolhardy plan of introducing 5 new Lotusesin the next couple of years, Fernandez is an ex-Virgin employee that became a successful entrepreneur almost overnight (how?), Hunt is a guy that, for some reason, was unable to sell F1’s second most prestigious brand for over a decade and last but not least Lopez is the owner of an investment company (these kind of companies are associated in my mind with vultures…).
The most unfortunate part, is that in the midst of their bickering stands the livelihood of hundreds of employees and their families, as there is a chance that some of the (financially troubled) companies involved may not survive this row.
Prisoner Monkeys (@prisoner-monkeys)
21st March 2011, 10:35
Fernandes has hit back, claiming that Hunt is the one who is trying to effectively extort him. But regardless of who is in the right here, David Hunt has done some massive damage to their cause.
BasCB (@bascb)
21st March 2011, 11:16
I am pretty sure, Fernandez now wants Hunt to support him in court (and prove the worth of what he sold) before getting paid for those rights.
Understandably, Hunt feels different about that. I understand, that his holes in the cas are about Fernandez first agreeing with Group Lotus before getting things settled with Hunt. That does feel like the weakest part, as it shows Fernandez at that point at least felt GL was allowed to do so. Now I suppose, he must prove they were not and explain how he got to change opinion.
How more messy can this case get? Let us all just hope they get it solved really fast now. Best before Thursday.
Prisoner Monkeys (@prisoner-monkeys)
21st March 2011, 11:30
Oh, clearly. Hunt would probably be prepared to take Fernandes at his word if he said Hunt would be paid after a verdict was reached. The sticking point for Hunt is not that he hasn’t been paid, but rather that Tony Fernandes is (allegedly) trying to change the terms of the original deal to ones Hunt does not like; the direct implication is that Fernandes is trying to pay Hunt less for the Team Lotus name than they agreed upon in the first place.
BasCB (@bascb)
21st March 2011, 12:33
I guess it might be rather about Fernandez telling Hunt the supporting the case is part of the deal instead of paying Hunt a bit of a fee for his support.
BasCB (@bascb)
21st March 2011, 12:36
I must say the Idea of Fernandez paying Hunt for the company and the rights before getting the value of them confirmed in court did strike me as a bit strange a few months ago.
As in case the court would in fact rule, that the Lotus holdings Hunt sold do not give the rights to use the Lotus name in court, it would in effect mean paying for nothing.
Prisoner Monkeys (@prisoner-monkeys)
21st March 2011, 12:42
Maybe, but Hunt appears to be very upset about this. Like his worst fears have been realised. If you read interviews from when he first joined forces with Fernandes, he seems a little uneasy about the whole deal. He doesn’t state it outright, but he comes across as concerned that Fernandes can’t wor won’t follow through. If this was over something as minor as being paid for helping out with the case against Group Lotus, then it’s not something of immediate concern, so why bother with the outburst and claims that Fernandes’s case has holes in it? That seems like a massive over-reaction to me.
BasCB (@bascb)
21st March 2011, 12:47
Thats true, I was suprised by that as well. On the other hand, if he disagrees with Fernandez, Hunt is hardly goint to tell what a nice bloke he is, is he?
As there is only hours before he just has to support the case, he is running out of time to bargain. And thus brings out the bigger artillery (My guess, would make sense as a negotiation tactic).
Prisoner Monkeys (@prisoner-monkeys)
21st March 2011, 13:17
No, but you have to consider the scale of the disagreement. “You’re not paying me to help out with the case against Group Lotus” is a long way from “You bought the Team Lotus name from me and now you’re trying to change the terms of the deal to favour yourself”, wouldn’t you say?
I don’t think he’s trying to bargain anymore. I think he’s been trying to bargain for some time now – this level of anger doesn’t simply happen; it has to build up first – and has lost all patience with Tony Fernandes and so has resorted to public tongue-lashings to try and get his attention.
BasCB (@bascb)
21st March 2011, 13:27
Fernandez might want to pay less, or wants more for the same money. In effect he wants a better deal and Hunt does not like it. No suprise, really.
Exaclty what I said in my post before.
Where on earth do you get the notion from, that this would be just by word of mouth (although noting would bar such a deal as fully legal and enforcible by law)?
Certainly not from me.
Solo (@solo)
21st March 2011, 23:05
I don’t think his trying to pay less. His probably just denying to give him the rest of the payment according to the agreed dates until the court decides the “Team Lotus” name really has value.
Hunts wants his money as promised and doesn’t care about that but Fernandes sees no reason to give him whatever money is left to give if the name has no value. Then he would have spend millions buying absolutely nothing and basically he would have been scammed by Hunt.
damonsmedley (@damonsmedley)
21st March 2011, 5:08
I loved the Kobayashi article. And I loved the fact he forgot about Yamamoto even more! What’s he trying to say, I wonder… :P
ajokay (@)
21st March 2011, 10:23
Yama-whotoo?
BasCB (@bascb)
21st March 2011, 11:22
I liked it very well. Kamui is really a great asset to the Sauber team and F1. Keep Japan in the picture, nice humor and good for an honest quote, and he makes great lunges, and he even makes most of it work!
I bet he is not the only one rather forgetting about the Yamasomething guy trundling along in the background.
box this lap (@sebashuis)
21st March 2011, 6:59
From the Guardian article:
come on.. every F1 driver wants to be a multiple champion! they write it like Trulli for example, chooses to drive at Lotus because he don’t wants to be a champion. that’s stupid!
Every F1 team on the grid is competing to win the world championship.
BasCB (@bascb)
21st March 2011, 9:04
Stunning news, isn’t it!
AndrewTanner (@andrewtanner)
21st March 2011, 7:46
Can’t help but feel the sentiment from The Guardian regarding Lewis Hamilton is a little premature…he knows McLarn can deliver. Everyone does. He should stay put…unless things get THAT bad.
Congrats to Grosjean, looking forward to start of the GP2 Series in May :)
verstappen
21st March 2011, 10:04
Go Guido! If he clinches the title at last, we might see dutch blood in F1 again. I know he’s probably no WDC material, but who knows? *keeping the dream alive*
Icthyes (@icthyes)
21st March 2011, 7:55
Happy Birthday guys!
A rather nice piece by David Coulthard on Vettel here At first I thought it was going to be the typical DC love-fest, but it’s very insightful and the part about Mark Webber is a very interesting opinion.
BasCB (@bascb)
21st March 2011, 9:05
I second the birthday wishes.
Nice present in that article Icthyes.
ajokay (@)
21st March 2011, 10:25
I also believe today would have been Ayrton Senna’s 51st birthday.
BasCB (@bascb)
21st March 2011, 11:32
WOW
BasCB (@bascb)
21st March 2011, 11:38
I must say, if DC continues giving off such nice pieces with getting more involved in the BBC commentary i am really looking forward to it great job!
Very nice, it gives a bit of an inside on how the drivers feel as well.
Selidor
21st March 2011, 8:08
On the Toro Rosso Blog, it says Daniel Ricciardio will run in Friday practices, starting in Melbourne where he will drive Jaime’s car for the first 900 minutes…So does FP1 now lasts for 15 hours? Or is this a polite way of saying Jamie wont be racing on Sunday? :)
verstappen
21st March 2011, 9:32
Phew! I’m having trouble deciding if Bismilliah’s never ending rant or Julian’s description of him should be COTD…
verstappen
21st March 2011, 9:36
Ah well, all removed. Then move these two probably as well, Keith
BasCB (@bascb)
21st March 2011, 9:52
The fist aearial shots of where the Austin GP is starting to take form here: http://vimeo.com/21259599
Looks like the first bends are already cleared (from about 55 seconds onwards)!
MattHT (@mattht)
21st March 2011, 10:01
Congrats to Grosjean, not an easy series to win, though a little disappointing it was cut to 4 races – it’s good stuff to watch.
cubejam (@cubejam)
21st March 2011, 19:40
being GP2 Asia champion means bugger all! 2 venues! That’s not a championship…
Adam Tate (@adam-tate)
21st March 2011, 20:52
Gosjean certainly seems to be making a case for a return to F1 in the near future, with the way he has driven in the lower categories, I see him earning a second chance much like Glock has done.
US_Peter (@us_peter)
22nd March 2011, 0:03
Yep. Frankly I’m baffled why neither Senna or Chandhok tried a similar strategy as there was no chance of a race seat or a reserve drive with a team willing to give up seat time…
AlonsoWDC
21st March 2011, 23:27
I had made a point to someone a few days ago that while McLaren is class of the F1 grid by teams, second only to Ferrari in any broad sense, and never out of the discussion locally, has only produced a car considered class of the field a few times since the early 1990s. I think their 2007 car was the best that season, though Ferrari obviously wasn’t that far behind. I don’t care what case you can make for 2005, no amount of pace can beat Alonso then if it fails to consistently score podiums. And as far as the cold bottom line goes, one WDC since 1992.
Now, none of this should even be a mitigating factor to the ridiculous thought that McLaren is holding Hamilton back, and that he should be looking out.
AlonsoWDC
21st March 2011, 23:28
Can we not edit?
McLaren has 2 WDCs since 1992 of course.