F1 Fanatic

The only new team to take a significant step backwards is HRT. Last year they were in the same boat as Lotus and Virgin, and while Lotus and Virgin were planning for the next season and their future in the sport, HRT was busy trying to sue its drivers, and looking out for money (which is something they should have had in place before they decided to enter the sport). I think the Lotus and Virgin cars should not have a problem with the 107% rule, but HRT should have a problem, and they deserve it. If you cannot put in any miles during pre season testing, or on the Friday of the 1st GP, you do not have a car that is race worthy. Its just a matter of time before they leave the sport..

That whole thing about some suspension parts being held in customs now appears to have been proven as a complete lie. The car simply wasn’t ready then, it wasn’t ready for free practice today either.

Still, HRT’s ineptitude still pales in comparison to Andrea Moda. It puts their current situation into perspective in my view.

Having a completely incompetent team is almost like a tradition for F1.

Hmm, theres an interesting task. Compile a list of the most inept teams from the past 20 years. (not including teams that were around before 1991)

I’d sort them something like this, Most inept at the top to least inept at the bottom

1 – Mastercard Lola
2 – Andrea Moda
3 – Modena (Lambo)
4 – Pacific
5 – Fondmetal
6 – Forti
7 – HRT
8 – Simtek
9 – Midland/Spyker
10 – Super Aguri

I’b be inclined to mention Toyota too, considering how much money they poured into F1 without a win.

Yes. I mean don’t forget they actually DID manage to do a complete season of 19 races! Which is something not many others can claim. Especially when starting from 0.

I dunno, considering how big Toyota’s budget was, i’d consider them bigger failures then most of the teams to ever compete in the sport.

Actually, Midland didn’t score any points, and Spyker only scored one- and that was pretty lucky. So I think they’re worth a mention as mediocre teams

Ned, I counted the points Midland scored in 2005 while they were still using the Jordan name to claim the TV money (and yes those points were lucky too).

What I ment was even though they are officialy different teams, the team personel and teamwork continued just like nothing had happened. Its not like Midland sacked all the Jordan people on day one and brought in a whole load of less skilled people.