Team GBR - Page 5

Mak · 27 Mar 2009, 07:28 (Ref:2425896)

The series is in its 4th season now, and started well before the current economic problems, and in fact during a period of "easy money". Unfortunately too many teams saw the series as an easy ride and did not prioritise the marketing of there teams while A1 was funding them. In fact the first two seasons A1 put in a tremendous effort into the marketing and hospitality side of the show to give the teams something to sell. Most just took advantage of these facilities. Pity.

GB franchise was never paid for and "seat holders" were just subs until a finacial purchaser could be found. I think that you may find that GB's biggest debtor is A1GP and there are several teams in the same position. All sound a bit fishy if A1 are now taking over the running. I bet there is no change in team stucture and it is only the teams current creditors who loose out.. CREATIVE ACOUNTING

Kebab · 27 Mar 2009, 09:22 (Ref:2425969)

Who are the creditors that have been burnt then?

Mak · 27 Mar 2009, 10:09 (Ref:2425995)

At a guess suppliers, service providers and perhaps some staff.

Sid The Manager · 27 Mar 2009, 10:38 (Ref:2426012)

maybe even drivers owed wages and prize money

**bella** · 27 Mar 2009, 11:48 (Ref:2426052)

i'm not sure anyone's been paid prize money from last year, drivers or not.

with a lot of teams i'm astounded by the lack of basic maths and business sense that happens.

Andrew Volcker · 27 Mar 2009, 16:24 (Ref:2426246)

Once again it's a shame gossip is causing such chaos within motorsport... whether it's F1 or A1! I don't think any of us have the facts yet about this administration and I'm sure most of the truths will come out over time. What I do know from my contacts within A1 is that Team GBR is not in administration - what is, is a company called A1 GP UK. As far as I know the company had a number of shareholders, some of which have decided to leave due to personal financial reasons and this is the reason for what is going on. Tony Clements has been left with no choice but to re-structure the team, which as far as I know is unaffected in it's operational affairs. With regard to his daughter, she was left with picking up the pieces from the outrageous spending in the first couple of seasons & has had to cut costs left, right and centre whilst trying to run the team and get money in from sponsors and other parties. I don’t know anything about the drivers situation but surely the question is, who on earth would offer to pay drivers in the early stages of a series, particularly when drivers normally pay the teams!!! Team GBR has been one of the most consistent in A1 – obviously this year has been a disappointment but most of that is because they got their car so late. I look forward to some positive news and seeing Team GBR on the grid for Portugal and Brands Hatch! Lastly, has anyone heard the rumor about a possible race in Mexico?

Mak · 27 Mar 2009, 17:33 (Ref:2426296)

Yes to the Mexico rumour.. After Brands as last race. Maybe some contractual obligations to run at least 8 rounds???

Kebab · 27 Mar 2009, 18:06 (Ref:2426315)

Andrew, you sound like you know Katie Clements very well

There is supposed to be massive prize money on offer for the teams, and GBR won a LOT of it in the first three seasons. It should be easy enough to pay drivers proportional to the winnings.

No doubt we'll be reading about it if drivers are unpaid and now screwed by this administration ...

Mak · 27 Mar 2009, 19:15 (Ref:2426357)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kebab

Andrew, you sound like you know Katie Clements very well

There is supposed to be massive prize money on offer for the teams, and GBR won a LOT of it in the first three seasons. It should be easy enough to pay drivers proportional to the winnings.

No doubt we'll be reading about it if drivers are unpaid and now screwed by this administration ...

Can't blame team GBR for this, all are still waiting for the 07/08 prize money from A1. This does not just effect the drivers as most teams include a % of prize monies for team personel as part of their work contracts. I guess they felt it better spent with Ferrari!

RichardRenes · 27 Mar 2009, 19:20 (Ref:2426360)

Quote:

Originally Posted by bella

i'm not sure anyone's been paid prize money from last year, drivers or not.

with a lot of teams i'm astounded by the lack of basic maths and business sense that happens.

That is probably true for the whole world of finance

strider · 27 Mar 2009, 21:18 (Ref:2426441)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kebab

No doubt we'll be reading about it if drivers are unpaid and now screwed by this administration ...

Much like the latest dispute between the FIA and the Formula One Teams Association, if stories are to be be believed. It must be fashionable.

Kiwi3 · 28 Mar 2009, 06:45 (Ref:2426738)

A question is why don't the team issue a press announcement to tell what's going on and stop the negative speculation?

strider · 28 Mar 2009, 09:41 (Ref:2426942)

The lack of communication from the team suggests that either they don't have a Press Officer or they're simply lost; and that's being polite.

Andrew Volcker · 1 Apr 2009, 15:00 (Ref:2430648)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kebab

Andrew, you sound like you know Katie Clements very well

There is supposed to be massive prize money on offer for the teams, and GBR won a LOT of it in the first three seasons. It should be easy enough to pay drivers proportional to the winnings.

No doubt we'll be reading about it if drivers are unpaid and now screwed by this administration ...

Not well, but I have met her once or twice. Regards to the GBR team I just think they've been dealt a pretty tricky hand with sponsors walking away and having their car delivered late at the beginning of this year. From what I've heard from my sources within motorsport in general they're working day and night to ensure a positive future for the series and the team. I think if the series survives the financial melt-down, then GBR will be back to the front of the grid next season.

kerrmanningjarv · 9 Apr 2009, 16:53 (Ref:2437554)

Pay driver alert!

Dan Clarke will drive the British car for the last 3 rounds of the season - perhaps he will be paying the team's bills after their apparent administration. Although I'm disappointed that we haven't got Watts back (I think he is a very good talent), if Clarke helps save the team then I don't mind really. Better that Team GBR finishes in 10th than doesn't finish the season at all.

kerrmanningjarv · 9 Apr 2009, 18:38 (Ref:2437617)

At least, we THINK he's a pay driver... don't know for sure

.

littleman · 9 Apr 2009, 19:35 (Ref:2437670)

Would Team GBR run him if he wasn't bringing much needed dosh............?

kerrmanningjarv · 9 Apr 2009, 20:57 (Ref:2437730)

... which I suppose is why Danny Watts got the boot - he's got a family to support so probably wants paying. Clarke, meanwhile, is desperate to get back into racing so probably isn't so fussy.

Alex K · 9 Apr 2009, 21:14 (Ref:2437738)

But... Dan Clarke is nowhere for last two years, I bet he ain't got money, he's not bringing money. My guess is, Watts was retained by Lechner, or is doing Supercup with other team along his Strakka Racing duties. If it's not for money, or Danny's decision to withdraw... it's strange deciosn. Clarke is nowhere near Watts in terms of skills, talent and... mileage.

strider · 9 Apr 2009, 22:16 (Ref:2437761)

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerrmanningjarv

At least, we THINK he's a pay driver... don't know for sure

.

He has, or certainly had, the backing of the music impresario, Chas Cole. I can't think of any other reason why he should get another chance.

kerrmanningjarv · 9 Apr 2009, 22:55 (Ref:2437778)

Yes, Tony Jardine mentioned Chas a lot on the Sky Sports coverage in Taupo - presumably that's a big factor.

Kiwi3 · 10 Apr 2009, 02:48 (Ref:2437832)

Whatever the reason, it's a shame as Watts seems a character and a thoroughly decent bloke as well as being an excellent driver, the kind of ambassador that A1GP could use.

Dan Clarke on the other hand doesn't do anything for me, this interview reads like "I don't want to make excuses but here are my excuses..." http://www.a1gp.com/News/NewsArticle.aspx?newsId=43662
I think really good drivers can be quick straight away, like Adam Carroll, Filipe Albuquerque and Danny Watts were.

Keyfabe · 10 Apr 2009, 11:00 (Ref:2437991)

Dan Clarke would be better off concentrating on driving instead of clowning about handing everyone hats with his daft helmet design on, looks like team GBR are snookered now, Anthony Davidson would be great in that car.

strider · 10 Apr 2009, 11:47 (Ref:2438008)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keyfabe

Dan Clarke would be better off concentrating on driving instead of clowning about handing everyone hats with his daft helmet design on, looks like team GBR are snookered now, Anthony Davidson would be great in that car.

Exactly. They don't even have anyone out in the rookie sessions this morning. I shall be supporting Team Ireland. Adam is a great guy and a fine driver, too.

I suspect Switzerland will be hard to beat, though.

kerrmanningjarv · 10 Apr 2009, 11:51 (Ref:2438010)

Clarke did the 2nd part of rookie session, with A1 bending their rules to allow Clarke and Liuzzi to run. Supposedly Champ Car and F1 drivers aren't rookies this season...

.

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