Frustrated Montezemolo threatens to quit F1

[Just_a_fan]

Hmmm, hidden meaning? Someone fishing....?

Either way, at the risk of sounding all too sensible and not subscribing to the blind and irrational hatred of Ferrari and Luca di Montezemolo I think this is all just posturing.

The concorde agreement is up for renewal so the teams (read Ferrari) are wanting to readress the balance of power which MrM built up in the FIA and give some back to the teams. Sure threatening to quit 5 times a year doesn't help and makes him sound like the boy who cried wolf but I appreciate what he is setting out to do.

Aside from the posturing it is one last hurrah from MrLdM before he goes into Italian politics (and all the best to him) at taking on the powers that be. I can't see any of the other team bosses being willing to stand up to the FIA and say they are not happy without forming a comitte with several sub-comittees and thereafter a few more sub sub comittees.

MrLdM is trying to force the FIA to go down a road that suits Ferrari and only Ferrari. The other teams will be less bothered about the new engine regime than Ferrari. Indeed, those with road car links will probably welcome the small turboed unit because of the ability to market links (real or otherwise) between turbo 4 cylinder F1 engines and turbo 4 cylinder road engines.

Ferrari are also still likely smarting from the exposure, and loss, of their "special relationship" with the FIA. Personally, I'm glad they now get treated the same as the others. If they don't like that then they should go elsewhere. F1 doesn't need them as much as they need F1. That's why LdM is making so much noise - it's all bluster because he knows the real position. If he thought he had a secure position he'd be doing everything quietly behind the scenes.

If they don't like "new F1" then they could always go back to sports car racing. I'd like to see them try to take on Audi and Peugeot at Le Mans for example.

[Afterburner]

I don't think this is so good for F1 like many say, i don't think GP promotors would like to pay those fees to get an F1 race without Ferrari. No matter what people say, Ferrari gives audiences to F1 and F1 is all about business.

[chepoi]

For me.. this is an opportunity to get the price of F1 circus to be down if ferrari is out.

We never experience it. but trust me... without Ferrari.. it's like Schumacher retired and if Ferrari make a comeback it's like a Schumacher make a comeback and trust me...
FORMULA ONE DOES NOT FEEL THE COMEBACK OF FERRARI just like Schumacher.....

TRUST ME.....

i'm not the one who favour team A or B... but for me... if you want to go out.. then just go out. "No need to push and pull the rope"....... F1 is not made for Ferrari...


and Yes, get out, or shut up!

[Just_a_fan]

I think that is less of an issue than it once was. If F1 continues to expand in to the "emerging markets" (always though that was a slightly patronising term but better than the horrible "third world") other brands will be more important.

I wonder how many Indians, Chinese etc. are bothered about Ferrari - it's almost a mythical thing and so far out of their price league that it's not even an aspirational brand in the way that it is in Europe/US. Key brands in these other markets are those that are aspirational/affordable. That's why the likes of Red Bull are in the game - there's a lot of money to be made for these sorts of products. A third of the human population of the planet are in China and India and for most of those people a can of Red Bull would be a luxury spend!

I think this is part of the reason the car manufacturers pulled out - they couldn't see a return for their investment because their key markets are already brand aware and the new markets aren't yet ready for their prices. Chucking $250m p.a. at F1 for little return was never going to make sense for BMW or Honda. Renault only stay there because financially they are marginally involved in the team. No idea why Mercedes are there other than to try to annoy McLaren following the latter's decision to compete in the road car market.

Ferrari have most to lose from leaving F1 because the F1 link is their key selling point: "race on Sunday, sell on Monday" or whatever Enzo said.

[spinmastermic]

Yeah, Giblet. That's true. After two months as mod, the sense of humour disappears.

+1

[WhiteBlue]

Yeah, Giblet. That's true. After two months as mod, the sense of humour disappears.

+1

I disagree. Giblet has been doing quite alright in the humor department if you consider the view of a German relevant of course.

They say we are rubbish as stand up comedians and should be only employed as mechanics or janitor.

[ecapox]

I think that is less of an issue than it once was. If F1 continues to expand in to the "emerging markets" (always though that was a slightly patronising term but better than the horrible "third world") other brands will be more important.

I wonder how many Indians, Chinese etc. are bothered about Ferrari - it's almost a mythical thing and so far out of their price league that it's not even an aspirational brand in the way that it is in Europe/US. Key brands in these other markets are those that are aspirational/affordable. That's why the likes of Red Bull are in the game - there's a lot of money to be made for these sorts of products. A third of the human population of the planet are in China and India and for most of those people a can of Red Bull would be a luxury spend!

I think this is part of the reason the car manufacturers pulled out - they couldn't see a return for their investment because their key markets are already brand aware and the new markets aren't yet ready for their prices. Chucking $250m p.a. at F1 for little return was never going to make sense for BMW or Honda. Renault only stay there because financially they are marginally involved in the team. No idea why Mercedes are there other than to try to annoy McLaren following the latter's decision to compete in the road car market.

Ferrari have most to lose from leaving F1 because the F1 link is their key selling point: "race on Sunday, sell on Monday" or whatever Enzo said.

Let me put it this way: All the Chinese millionaires in China (especially the young ones), drive a Ferrari. All the millionaires in India drive Ferraris. Anyone who has a passion for cars, and has tons of cash, wants a Ferrari.

Watch the last few races again and look at the Ferrari flags waving in the stands, or people wearing Rosso Corsa gear. Look at Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi. Look at the cars parked on the street in Monaco during a GP weekend.

Most rich, car enthusiasts want a Ferrari...or two...or three. Sure, there are those whose disdain for the brand makes them avoid a Ferrari at any cost and they usually choose a Mercedes or or even a McLaren.

If F1 lost Ferrari it would be catastrophic. If Ferrari left F1 it would be terrible as well. Sure, tickets would cost $50 instead of $500, but that wouldnt be enought to pay the other teams which would cause them to leave as well.
You cannot lose the biggest brand in F1 and expect everything to be normal and if you dont think Ferrari is the biggest brand in F1 then you are dilusional.

Luca is just lobbying for what he believes F1 should be. You cannot blame him for that. Disagree yes, blame him for speaking out to what is in his best interest, no.

[Just_a_fan]

I disagree but there is not point reiterating the argument. Let's move on...

[CHT]

Let me put it this way: All the Chinese millionaires in China (especially the young ones), drive a Ferrari.

Ferrari Charity Drive at Shanghai GP

[manchild]

I was millionaire I'd like a Ferrari too, but the real one, handmade. F40, 288 or 328.

New Ferrari? No thanks. They are to me confection just like Ferrari laptops, Ferrari fragrance, Ferrari bicycles, Ferrari cellphones and other products of theirs.

Speaking of new cars, Lambo is miles ahead, Bugatti too.

Ferrari still makes sport cars and has F1 team, but they've mutated into corporation which sells everything that can hold their logo. That has nothing to do with Ferrari during Enzo's life, when they were exclusive manufacturer of handmade sports cars.

If it is not handmade, it is not a Ferrari. That is my logic. Same goes for Rolls Royce. Once they started using production line, BMW engines, platforms etc, they've cased to exit to those who know what real values are.

Maintaining a name means nothing. Just take Lotus for example, two Lotus teams in F1. Ridiculous and in the same time very sad for those who respect Chapman's legacy.

Ferrari died with Enzo, or to be more precise, it went into legend.

[Afterburner]

From that logic Lambo also started building handmade tractors and now they don't it anymore, just badge lambo logo on them, shame on them!

[kemalcan]

basically lambo = volkswagen so is bugatti too

lousy arguments to bash ferrari.

[manchild]

Well Ferrari was FIAT for decades, isn't that even worse?

[kemalcan]

yea, it is worse when you compare apple and oranges.

[donskar]

For me.. this is an opportunity to get the price of F1 circus to be down if ferrari is out.

We never experience it. but trust me... without Ferrari.. it's like Schumacher retired and if Ferrari make a comeback it's like a Schumacher make a comeback and trust me...
FORMULA ONE DOES NOT FEEL THE COMEBACK OF FERRARI just like Schumacher.....

TRUST ME.....

i'm not the one who favour team A or B... but for me... if you want to go out.. then just go out. "No need to push and pull the rope"....... F1 is not made for Ferrari...
Get some professional help. Trust me.


and Yes, get out, or shut up!