The arrogance of Bernie Ecclestone

[Matt32AMG]

Giving Silverstone some 24 hours remaining of the 48 hour deadline to sign the dotted line to host the British GP, Toyota having withdrawn from F1, along with BMW and Honda in the last 11 months, with Renault considering their options and Bridgestone ending tyre supplies 2010, is the man delusional? With every week that goes by, surely he needs to be reconsidering the genuine value of the spectacle that he has on offer. The fastest show on earth is rapidly grinding to a halt.

I don’t know about you guys, but as a genuine enthusiast, the real threat of pulling the plug on the British GP would be a massive own goal by F1. Bernie Ecclestone is forgetting that most of teams are UK based showcasing the real talent that exists in this country, both on and off the track. He has also completely dismissed the UK fan base, a truly arrogant stance in my view, and all because Silverstone doesn’t have glittering LED lights on the media centres roof or plush hotels and restaurants or easy access in and out of the circuit.

Actually the British GP is what it has always been and seldom failed to deliver a race without drama or incident, people attend knowing there will be delays here and there, and the fact there are no expensive hotels around is actually something in its favour. Not everyone has the money to spend on what is already an expensive weekend watching F1 only to shell out more expense on plush accommodation for two or three days, remembering being its premium rates as its GP weekend.

While I will concede the new venues being used to stage F1, such as Abu Dabi are truly very spectacular, it, like its very expensive counterparts, failed to deliver the , very thing the F1 sport requires, close racing. Like Bahrain, Turkey, China, & Valencia, none of these new outrageously expensive venues have generated a massive influx of spectators or increased enjoyment or interest in the fastest show on earth. 50,000 people attended the Abu Dabi this weekend gone, not exactly what you’d call a break even gate. No if you like GP, you will watch it wherever, and with the exception of the last 6 laps at the Adu Darbi GP for example, it’s venue didn’t contribute to the racing, it was the cars and Mr Button and Webber who did that.

Turkey this year, despite being a great circuit was practically empty, the trouble is it’s miles from the capital and as an investment for the country I wonder how good a model it is. Which leads me to wonder in the fullness of time, if any of these new tracks will ever conjure the mystique, traditions, or the history associated with circuits such as Monza, Silverstone, Nurburgring, (Sanitised admittedly), Spa or Monaco, and regularly be attended come rain or shine in ever increasing numbers. Personally I doubt it.

Ecclestone has in my view, turned F1 into a curiosity or novelty at these new far flung venues that could just as easily turn into massive white elephants. He’s forgotten the very basic thing about motorsport, fans will watch and attend where ever its held, regardless of facilities, if they happen to be nice well that’s a bonus. When I think back to when I attended Le Mans in 1989 and saw Sauber Mercedes win, the fact that the facilities for spectators and teams alike where basic, didn’t detract from the spectacle or enjoyment of the event. Not a great deal has changed since.

Put another way, money isn’t everything, its the people that attend that make the event a success, and from that aspect alone, people still pitch up to Silverstone and enjoy the weekend. The drivers want it, the people want it so whats the problem Bernie

Silly me, no five star hotel on the water

 

[kwakdonut]

Agree with most of that except that Silverstone does have easy access in/out of the circuit. There is a clever 'one-way' system created over the weekend that allows pretty easy access compared to Donington Park, where anyone who has ever been for Moto GP will know is absolutely appalling!

 

[Matt32AMG]

Agree with most of that except that Silverstone does have easy access in/out of the circuit. There is a clever 'one-way' system created over the weekend that allows pretty easy access compared to Donington Park, where anyone who has ever been for Moto GP will know is absolutely appalling!

I stand corrected as I haven't been to Silverstone for some years so maybe thats a more recent improvement
Regards

 

[Dryce]

Giving Silverstone some 24 hours remaining of the 48 hour deadline to sign the dotted line to host the British GP,

And not just a deadline but allegedly at an eye watering price.

I think Silverstone should just walk away TBH. Sad to lose the British GP for a few years but aspects of the 'sport' are so rotten it's not worth shedding tears.

 

[Matt32AMG]

And not just a deadline but allegedly at an eye watering price.

I think Silverstone should just walk away TBH. Sad to lose the British GP for a few years but aspects of the 'sport' are so rotten it's not worth shedding tears.

Sad to say but I see your point which is a real shame if you get my meaning.

 

[corned]

the real threat of pulling the plug on the British GP would be a massive own goal by F1.

F1 is no stranger in recent times to scoring own goals, sadly. In fact, it sometimes seems as if this is the only thing it can still do.

For example: F1 is roundly criticised, on a global basis, for its carbon footprint. The response? Floodlit racing! Let's increase the carbon footprint even more! Which genius thought that one up?

 

[Mudster]

Firstly, Bernie, no longer the owner of F1 rights, is responsible to his shareholders to obtain the best deals for the sport. There is a huge amount of money (backed by governments in many cases) available in the middle east etc.

Why should any racing circuit be given precedent over another if the second is able to pay much more cash. It's a simple business decision.

Formula 1 won't miss the British Grand Prix.....all the hot air about there "should" be a UK race reminds me of "The Sun" campaigns about Salad Cream etc....bottom line, if it's not financially viable, it doesn't happen. After all, the only non financially viable operations allowed to run in the UK are national airlines, postal services and Banks......everything else can go bang.

Is it shame? of course it is...in the big scheme of things does it matter? not at all.

 

[Dryce]

Firstly, Bernie, no longer the owner of F1 rights, is responsible to his shareholders to obtain the best deals for the sport. There is a huge amount of money (backed by governments in many cases) available in the middle east etc.

In other business sectors the failure of the Donnington deal - particularly given the signs were obvious from the start that it would fail - would bring some shame to the business management involved in setting it up.

Why should any racing circuit be given precedent over another if the second is able to pay much more cash. It's a simple business decision.

There is the issue of subsidy. Are the other circuits that are popping up being run on a truly commercial basis - if not then this is a form of unfair buisness.

Formula 1 won't miss the British Grand Prix.....

No. And yes.

As a business there is little tactical damage to them dumping Silverstone.

But the telling point to F1's 'big lie' is that the races are *increasingly* being timed for European audiences. That implies that's where where the bulk of the sponsorship money is aimed at promoting brands. And where the primary fan interest is.

Now if I was in F1 strategically I would be looking at what Silverstone brings in terms of audience and fans. Clearly it's one of the most successful venues in motor racing. It should be commercially stupid to ignore it. But because of the warped commercials of F1 as a national prestige sport they'd rather the commentators were left admiring the hotel at the venue as opposed to being focused on the racing.

How many of us no longer watch races live? I stopped watching for a while and then started again. But now at least half the races I watch are recorded and the FF button gets used a lot. I probably miss two or three races outright. So that's only about a third watched live end to end.

Given the choice between mowing the lawn and watching the Valencia, Singapore, or Abu Dhabi GPs then the lawn wins if the weather's good.

 

[bpsorrel]

Always watch them on BBC iPlayer. Haven't watched a live race since I got fed up with adverts on ITV! (except the last Abu Dhabi one and I slept through most of that!!)

 

[Matt32AMG]

F1 is no stranger in recent times to scoring own goals, sadly. In fact, it sometimes seems as if this is the only thing it can still do.

For example: F1 is roundly criticised, on a global basis, for its carbon footprint. The response? Floodlit racing! Let's increase the carbon footprint even more! Which genius thought that one up?

Probably so races can be broadcast for the European viewer, not that it's ever bugged me getting up at 4:30 in the morning to watch the Japan GP or Australian GP. I also happen to think that, (though obviously not as far as the BBC are concerned), its about commercial time. Think ITV here every 15 minutes there is a commercial break, which was always annoying.

Does flood lit night racing improve the spectacle, err no.

 

[BlackC55]

I will miss the british GP as I have been going for 15 years without fail. It MUST happen.

No british GP? I am not sure I will want to watch any GP if there is not one.

 

[rf065]

I watch most F1 races, even the early starts, but after watching Moto GP if it is on the same weekend I sometimes wonder why I bother with F1.

Russ

 

[Mudster]

In other business sectors the failure of the Donnington deal - particularly given the signs were obvious from the start that it would fail - would bring some shame to the business management involved in setting it up.

How was it obvious from the word go that this was a failure?

There is the issue of subsidy. Are the other circuits that are popping up being run on a truly commercial basis - if not then this is a form of unfair buisness.

What does this actually have to do with the issue of where the race is placed? Bernie's interest is to make money, what does it matter where that cash comes from? After all this is business (entertainment) not sport, if we're honest of course

As a business there is little tactical damage to them dumping Silverstone.

Agreed, none what so ever.

But the telling point to F1's 'big lie' is that the races are *increasingly* being timed for European audiences. That implies that's where where the bulk of the sponsorship money is aimed at promoting brands. And where the primary fan interest is.

Now if I was in F1 strategically I would be looking at what Silverstone brings in terms of audience and fans. Clearly it's one of the most successful venues in motor racing. It should be commercially stupid to ignore it. But because of the warped commercials of F1 as a national prestige sport they'd rather the commentators were left admiring the hotel at the venue as opposed to being focused on the racing.

How many of us no longer watch races live? I stopped watching for a while and then started again. But now at least half the races I watch are recorded and the FF button gets used a lot. I probably miss two or three races outright. So that's only about a third watched live end to end.

Given the choice between mowing the lawn and watching the Valencia, Singapore, or Abu Dhabi GPs then the lawn wins if the weather's good.

Actually this pretty much describes me, but has more to do with Sky+ and similar devices than my willingness to watch or not watch an event live. In so much as I can finish what I need to get done to keep Mrs M happy, then watch the race semi live (starting an hour or 45 minutes late) and skip through the periods between pitstops and overtakes. This reflects the reality of my life and commitments, ideally I'd like to be left to my own devices, watch the entire build up and race live. But it ain't going to happen anymore with two women in the house.

Ideally for me I'd like all the races at 8am on a Sunday morning, I can then get up, watch the event and by 10am I have the rest of the day ahead of me without worrying about results on the radio.

In my mind the only race on the calender that would really do F1 any damage if it were lost is Monaco, which really has very little to do with racing, more to do with tradition or entertainment.

Think about it, it wouldn't matter if the British GP was Silverstone, Donnington or Brands Hatch......But Monaco is irreplaceable as a spectacle, the British events are duffle coats and wellies on disused WWII airfields with little or poor transport infrastructure in a world of 7 star hotels, private jets and $25 Million a year salaries.

It has tradition, but there's only so much tradition can overcome cold hard cash.

 

[Matt32AMG]

Why should any racing circuit be given precedent over another if the second is able to pay much more cash. It's a simple business decision.

Monaco is given a precedent, so is Ferrari sorry Monza and Spa for that matter, and also not forgetting to mention Melbourne.

Formula 1 won't miss the British Grand Prix.....all the hot air about there "should" be a UK race reminds me of "The Sun" campaigns about Salad Cream etc....bottom line, if it's not financially viable, it doesn't hter matappen. After all, the only non financially viable operations allowed to run in the UK are national airlines, postal services and Banks......everything else can go bang.

It is financially viable to run the British GP, and that is the point, but not at the level of Bahrain, Turkey, China, & Valencia Abu Dabi. Who wanting buy in into the F1 market had to build from scratch an entire complex to accomodate it. I mean Australia, use a temporary track around a recreation park no one has hit them with a £2 billion dollar bill to refurbish or build a custom purpose built track. Nor have Monaco Monza or Spa been hit with Multimillion dollar investment ultimatums. Silverstone is being singled out because of lack of investment as Bernie sees it. Who by our government? The BRDC? Who can say, but then that is an entirely different conversation. The question is are any of the new venues offering better racing? The short answer is no. And that is the point of this thread.

bIs it shame? of course it is...in the big scheme of things does it matter? not at all.

Depends in what context you mean in the big scheme of things. If by that you mean in the F1 world, then yes I believe it does matter, there is little in Industry left to be proud of these days that this country excels at and do well, motorsport happens to be one of them, and it is something we should showcase. However if you refer "in the scheme of things" with reference to world debt/conflict/the sick and the poor, then F1 is a minor consideration.

Maybe all this excessive revenue F1 generates it could contribute more directly to helping third world development, or reinvestment into the Industry it promotes.

 

[Mudster]

It is financially viable to run the British GP that is the point, but not at the level of Bahrain, Turkey, China, & Valencia Abu Dabi.

Clearly it's not or they would have signed and it would have been all done and dusted.

F1 needs the money so the likes of Kimi can eat $10 million ice creams every race.

The sport is at risk of imploding due to it's onw ability to absorb vast amounts of cash.

Max Mosely (love him, hate him or despise him) had the foresight to see this and try and do something about it. The revenue required was killing the "Sport". Look at the price of the tickets to these events, they are absurd.

 

[Dryce]

How was it obvious from the word go that this was a failure?

It was blindingly obvious that it was unlikely to succeed from the moment it was announced. You just had to take a look at the amount of work and finance required combined with the lack of means and current economic situation.

I don't know about you but I've just been waiting for when it would fail as opposed to if.

What does this actually have to do with the issue of where the race is placed? Bernie's interest is to make money, what does it matter where that cash comes from? After all this is business (entertainment) not sport, if we're honest of course

It's not an issue of where but the economics. Subsidised circuits mean two things. One is simply unfair competition. the other is that it artificially shifts the balance of economic power to the sport's organisers over the other circuits.

From that leads the issue of 'where' simply because of where the economic advantages are being applied (and conversely where they are not).

 

[jontyash]

Ecclestone is top class plonker. He's so up his own backside he can't see the woods for the trees. The quicker they get rid of idiots like him, the better the sport will be. I hope all the teams do eventually break away and start a new breed.

He drinks in a little pub just off Oxford Street in London every week. Last time I saw him in there I really wanted to shout "plonker - stop ruining F1" at him but I held back...regret it now..

 

[Matt32AMG]

Clearly it's not or they would have signed and it would have been all done and dusted.

F1 needs the money so the likes of Kimi can eat $10 million ice creams every race.

The sport is at risk of imploding due to it's onw ability to absorb vast amounts of cash.

Max Mosely (love him, hate him or despise him) had the foresight to see this and try and do something about it. The revenue required was killing the "Sport". Look at the price of the tickets to these events, they are absurd.

I beg to differ, Clearly it is possible, or else Sliverstone and the BRDC would have shown a loss in their year end accounts. This they didn't, they showed a modest profit after operating expenses of £650,000. Not mega bucks agreed, but then not at a loss. Sure further investment into the track and facilities is required, but I have trouble understanding the levels of investment being dictated by Bernie.

Mosley as I understand it, was trying to reduce costs of running a team, not the expense of creating new venues or reducing ticket prices for the spectator. And given that Max was trying to reduce the costs of putting a car on the starting grid, few teams seemed that bothered or in a hurry to sign up to this directive, with perhaps the exception of Williams or Force India. Other teams didn't seem that bothered about the cost or running a team, it cost what it cost, in fact Ferrari objected.

 

[Bill_33]

Ecclestone is top class plonker. .

Par for the course these days - there is an army of them in the UK, (and worldwide) - the only thing that I would add is "rich"

sorry I am wrong it's "very very rich"

 

[Dryce]

Ecclestone is top class plonker.

He's a successful clever focused business person who has the usual traits of those involved in sports management (IME it's all about money, rights, and keeping the talent under control).