"FPR saved from oblivion in shock sale" - Speedcafe

[bluesport]

Originally Posted by Mixer

FPR were more competitive this year than they have ever been, but they had 2 drivers taking points off each other and they still did their usual strange strategy stuff, admittedly less than in the past. They were definitely best of the rest and really took it to 888 in the first half, I think this is hardly something to be ashamed of?

In reality you are correct, but Australians tend to consider second place as "the first loser"..........I guess we'll just have to wait 5-10 years and see what the record books say.

[peckstar]

Why are prodrive selling

the speedcafe article suggest to me that Prodrive are in some sort of trouble

The custodial change at FPR has now shored up the future of the squad following a period of uncertainty involving the troubled Prodrive operation.

[formerf1champ]

The sale of the FPR could rejuvante the team. They do come across a bit stale.

[rustyinsthoz]

With the Prodrive organization casting FPR adrift, I expect FPR to become less competitive over time. Will be interesting to see how they go.

[peckstar]

Originally Posted by rustyinsthoz

With the Prodrive organization casting FPR adrift, I expect FPR to become less competitive over time. Will be interesting to see how they go.

The speed cafe article suggests they were saved from oblivion. Maybe FPR has cast Prodrive adrift

[Chris - Melb]

Originally Posted by rustyinsthoz

With the Prodrive organization casting FPR adrift, I expect FPR to become less competitive over time. Will be interesting to see how they go.

I think it has been a long time since Prodrive has done anything well. The WRC Subarus were uncompetitive when they were dropped and the Minis have not been a success at all.

Remember when Prodrive tried to build V8 Supercar engines? Thankfully FPR seem to be more autonomous after that debacle.

FPR have been competitive despite their ex-parent company, not because of them.

[TWRv12]

Originally Posted by Chris - Melb

I think it has been a long time since Prodrive has done anything well. The WRC Subarus were uncompetitive when they were dropped and the Minis have not been a success at all.

Remember when Prodrive tried to build V8 Supercar engines? Thankfully FPR seem to be more autonomous after that debacle.

FPR have been competitive despite their ex-parent company, not because of them.

Prodrive have done a great job building the Mini, its just the commerical side of the deal with BMW went pear shaped because the running of the WRC has been a complete omnishambles. There are loads of customer Mini's that will keep them busy.

Their Aston Martin GTE programme got huge boost with the deal to expand in America
http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...ce-cars-to-u-s

Seen a article which said the Prodrive composites business doubled.

DR recently secured new investment in Aston Martin, which will probably have a Merc technical link, which would begin the end of some of the Ford based engines etc.

Prodive in Australia may be finished, but doubt the rest of Prodrive could be described as 'troubled'

[Chris - Melb]

Is it just me or is it interesting that Charlie Schwerkolt didn't seem to register on the radar in the Ford Performance Racing takeover?

I would have thought at the very least he'd have made a more obvious partner for Rod Nash, but perhaps he didn't have the cash (the rhyme was not intended).

I'm surprised no one in the forums or in the media has highlighted him not being a contender, especially given his designs to allegedly take over Dick Johnson Racing.

I'm not saying there is anything wrong at all with the Nash/French ownership; I'm just curious.

[one five five]

Maybe he was just never offered the chance?

[alfacors]

Perhaps Charlie wanted more say in how things are run vs Rusty being more of a silent partner in the business?

[Denosaur]

Originally Posted by alfacors

Perhaps Charlie wanted more say in how things are run vs Rusty being more of a silent partner in the business?

Once bitten, twice shy maybe for Charlie.....but as a customer, they may have never considered offering him a chance.

As for Nash and French. From what I know, those two are reasonably close when it comes to business. And Nash knows that he won't have any problems with Rusty wanting to buy him out or anything like that.....