24/10/2004
NEWS STORY
It is so typical of the Formula One team bosses that after many months of warnings, they finally come up with their solution, a couple of days after the FIA's deadline, once the governing body has issued its 'take it or leave it' proposals for 2005 and beyond.
After scores of meetings in which these guys couldn't agree on anything, suddenly, in a matter of a few hours, and under the guidance of Minardi boss Paul Stoddart, they finally agree on something, all but one.
Suddenly, Ferrari finds itself alone, as its nine rivals form a most unholy alliance.
As Ferrari prepares to comment on this latest move, the one person who must be grinning from ear-to-ear is Bernie Ecclestone, for suddenly Ferrari, and not he, is the villain. Suddenly it is Ferrari that is responsible for the threat to the British and French Grands Prix.
In the initiative signed by nine of the F1 teams, the teams claim that in addition to cutting costs they want to "enhance the spectacle of the sport". If only that were true.
Once again, the teams - all of them - are thinking purely of themselves, and not the millions of fans that sit in the stands, watch TV, buy the magazines, read the websites, write into forums, and purchase the over-priced merchandise. Ultimately, any move these people make is for their own self-interest, not the future of the sport, and certainly not the people.
In all honesty, it's not the pompous attitude of those involved in the sport that is insulting, it's the sheer arrogance whereby they think the fans don't realize what's happening.
Chris Balfe
Editor