~GPWC Could Start in 2004~

[The Moon Monkey]

Just read this on autosport.com - does anyone think this is really serious???

discussions which could mean that their proposed breakaway grand prix championship starts as early as 2004 according to a story in this week's AUTOSPORT.

The Grand Prix World Championship was originally scheduled to start in 2008, but the plans could be brought forward if an agreement can be established with F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

The GPWC – formed by Ford, Renault, Mercedes, BMW and Fiat – wants to find a solution that will allow the F1 teams to be released early from their contractual commitments to the existing championship.

"We want to work towards a solution that makes everybody happy," a source close to the manufacturers told AUTOSPORT. "If that can happen then of course we would want to start the series as soon as possible."

[Sato san]

I cant see Bernie agreeing to anything that will cost him $$$...and if they all break away in their own series its gonna cost Bernie his fortune.

[Maxmil]

It could happen if all of the parties to the Concorde agreement decide to scrap it. This would include for sure, all of the teams, Bernie, and, probably, the FIA which Bernie controls through his puppet Max. I think if the teams can come to an agreement, Bernie will go along if he is treated reasonably. He certainly stands to lose some income, but when you have as much salted away safely as he does the level of current income becomes less important. Hiring Bernie to run the new show under a Board of Directors is a good idea for the GPWC. After all, who knows the circus better than the present ringmaster. He could train up a successor while he is at it.

[Mr V]

Originally posted by The Moon Monkey

The GPWC – formed by Ford, Renault, Mercedes, BMW and Fiat – wants to find a solution that will allow the F1 teams to be released early from their contractual commitments to the existing championship.

I thought that all this had been sorted now that Kirch aren't about anymore. If BMW and Mercades do breakaway with the others what does that mean for Williams and McLaren? Does it also mean that Ferrari won't be in F1 anymore? or Jag or Renault?

[Maxmil]

Originally posted by mr v
I thought that all this had been sorted now that Kirch aren't about anymore. If BMW and Mercades do breakaway with the others what does that mean for Williams and McLaren? Does it also mean that Ferrari won't be in F1 anymore? or Jag or Renault?

First, Kirch may be in bankruptcy, but it still owns the TV rights for F1 until they are sold to someone, the contract is abrogated by both sides, or the bankruptcy court declares it null and void. (If it has that power.)

When thinking about the "manufacturers'" teams, think BMW/Williams, Mercedes/McLaren, Ford/Jaguar and Fiat/Ferrari. Renault is obviously Renault and will also remain. I think Toyota will definitely join the group and, very probably, Honda will invest in a team and join. The big question is; "What will become of BAR, Arrows, Minardi and Jordan?" With no "factory" investor, their status is uncertain. I don't think that the manufacturers want to see them fold up, so something will be worked out.

[BootsOntheSide]

I thought that when the GPWC was founded, they deliberately excluded Honda and Toyota on the grounds of calling it a 'European' consortium (the concern being of course that if you split a pie into 7 pieces, the pieces are smaller than if there are 5. Same reasoning as the 12 team limit).

But of course, corporate fighting 'discriminatory, anti-competition' laws is the in thing today, so maybe the 5 woun't hold out for long

[Damon]

I really hope this doesn't happen. F1 as it is may have its flaws but its great as it is. If this break away takes place it will become even more of a money making venture than it is today.

[Nicholas]

But they did invite Honda once, I remember reading it.