The F1 world is trying to figure out how to get 14 to go into 13. There are 13 entries and 14 teams and while it is utterly illogical to throw away a proven heavyweight such as Sauber/Qadbak because the BMW management in Munich cared more about its share price than the jobs of the people in Hinwil, it is hard to see how this will be achieved unless one of the new teams fails to show up in 2010. Given that the FIA analysed the business plans with much scrutiny and demanded various guarantees from the new teams – and they were picked over others because of these elements – one would expect all to appear.
These new operations obviously have priorities other than their PR because communication thus far has been patchy at best, with the exception being Team Lotus that immediately started telling the world what was going on and thus has the image of being a solid operation. USF1 has woken up to the fact that its reputation in F1 circles was shaky (at best) and has sent out some photos of bits of machinery to show a little bit of action to back up a lot of meaningless talk. Campos’s only contact with the world thus far has been an email saying that the name Meta should be attached to the team title. The Virgin team (aka Manor) is keeping schtum and pretending that the Virgin-isation of the team is all still a secret, while it has people wandering around the F1 paddock trying to do deals with drivers and sponsors. One presumes that an announcement will be made as soon as the season ends and the current deal with Brawn GP is over. To go on longer with the current charade makes little sense.
The latest rumours in Europe are that Campos is really struggling. There are reports that the Dallara chassis is behind schedule and that the team does not have enough money to complete the task and that it is considering taking over the programme and doing its own thing in Spain, with backing from some local or regional authorities in the country. That does not sound very promising. One would expect that such rumours will result in some reactive PR activity, but as yet there has been no sign of anything.
What is clear from all of this is that the new teams need to think beyond engineering and get involved in F1 from a media perspective. Yes, building the new cars is important but making the right impression now will help the teams give off the right vibes prior to appearing in F1. As other F1 teams have learned over the years, good communication is not just about exposure and brand awareness, it is all about engaging with the world.
I thought I read last week that Campos had just secured significant funding from the Spanish Government to fund its F1 programme? I may have read it wrong, but I would have thought that would help it push through with development of its car…of course the Dallara issue would still remain, but you could always go and purchase Super Aguri’s chassis as a last resort starting point I guess
I think the fact that FOTA and the FIA reneged on the 45million budget cap has left all the teams, save Lotus, deeply in the mire.
If Lotus are backed by Proton/TATA then there should be no problem wiith cash for the first year of two until the teams get down to the promised ‘ early 90s levels of expenditure’ (thats such a wonderfully vague ‘figure’ very F1!) Maybe thats why they feel confident with the PR – plus they have Mike Gascoigne involved which adds vital experience into the mix. As for the others, well I can see Sauber still being involved but only 13 teams on the grid if you get my drift.
Is it just me or did USF1 and Campos always sound a bit pie in the sky? It just reminded me of the late 80s early 90s when people just decided they wanted an F1 team so created one and spent the whole season in pre-qualifying and never getting anywhere else (andrea moda anyone?)
Just when F1 needs to start sorting itself out I hope we dont have to deal with two new teams crashing out midway through their first season.
we still have no idea the reasons behind the selection of these three teams, but we can be fairly sure they weren’t chosen in order of their likelyhood of making it to teh grid next year.
[...] Joe Saward: Today’s team in trouble is… [...]
I completely agree. It’s weird that USF1′s primary investor invented YouTube but they have no idea how to create a proper website or social media outlet.
I guess the other argument would be that Brawn really didn’t do a good job this year either until they were on the grid.
@Dave,
I am not sure that the Super Aguri thing will work, given that next year’s cars require a longer wheel base on account of refueling ban…besides there is the small issue with the new aero and double diffusers….
I think we need to consider another point of view.
The only thing that matters to these teams is that they can prove to the FIA that they are on course. The FIA will determine that with a visit to the factory etc – not what they read in the press or gossip they hear in the pit etc.
Yes possitive PR plays a role with sponsores, drvers and spectators in established teams – but the biggest hurdle was getting a slot and you needed money or proof of that long ago.
Once they make testing in early 2010 then the game changes.
There is a time and place for PR and the focus right now needs to be getting the car built – the rest will follow
@Uppili
I was of course being flippant…Super Aguri’s basic chassis was an ex-Arrows chassis…so Manor would be running an 8 year old car if they were to resort to that!
As for the new teams having been chosen primarily for their likelihood of being able to get a car to the track… are you kidding? These teams were chosen over Prodrive, remember. Prodrive, helmed by a proven F1 team principal, with a long history of motor car production, development and racing to their name. Multiple world championships and major event wins in many categories of motorsport. Prodrive, now with the backing, heritage and glamour of Aston Martin in the background, and probably the foreground in time. I don’t know what Dave Richards did to annoy Max and Bernie, but if they were really after credible new entrants then Prodrive should have been a shoo-in. The cynic in me can’t help but wonder if the FIA/FOM were actually hoping that one of the new guys would fail, then their place would be up for grabs again and their bond money safely banked. I wonder where that ends up is someone defaults. Any thoughts Joe?