Could CART's loss become F1's gain

Full Boost · 8 Nov 2001, 02:39 (Ref:171756)

Im interested to know what you people think about what effect the downward spiral of CART could have on F1?

If sponsors lose trust in a series which at the moment seems to be pretty unstable, could we see a number of them looking to F1 as their means of advertisement?

EERO · 8 Nov 2001, 03:16 (Ref:171768)

Many of the Sponsors are specific to the US or North America. Target for instance, (Tar-jhay to the afficianados) has nothing to gain by supporting a predominantly European Series. Also, the cost of Title Sponsorship in CART wouldn't get you a bargeboard in F1.

BootsOntheSide · 8 Nov 2001, 03:32 (Ref:171773)

The effect it could hsve, however, would be to safeguard F1's audience. CART's racing has been grabbing an increasing amount of fans in recent years, including myself, and any fallout from the engine issues and other aspects of amateurish organisation could keep these fans viewing F1 as the sport's global peak, and CART / IRL as a US based oval series with 2nd rate drivers. All of which would be unfair, but that could be the way it unfolds.

Dr. Austin · 8 Nov 2001, 06:10 (Ref:171790)

No one was ever fooled that CART could challenge F-1 as the pinnacle. Maybe some of the engine manufacturers in CART will look more closely at their F-1 efforts.

Toyota has little to show for the untold millions they wasted in CART. That money would be better spent on making their dog slow F-1 competitive. The Japanese seem to be very patient bringing their racing projects up to competitive speed, but we are talking absurdly stupid sums of money here. Toyota cannot afford to be the doormat in F-1 like they were for years in CART. The whole word is watching this time.

Ford's new CEO is said to be conserned with the money Jaguar is spending in F-1, so cutting the CART budget may be the only thing they can do to appease him. Ford wasn't getting much for their money either with Honda taking all the trophies in CART. And don't think that Lauda (a voceferious CART slagger) won't be pitching for a piece, if not all, of the CART budget.

Honda now (OK, 2003)has all it's resourses available to do F-1 properly. I hope this isn't too late for JV to get competitive.

**Stephen Green** · 8 Nov 2001, 12:28 (Ref:171860)

In many ways the increase in audience figures for Cart can be attributed to the spread of people susbscribing to Sky. It can also be attributed to the 'closer' racing that full course Yellow flags tend to give rise to (whether you agree with full course yellows or not).

I agree with the theory that engine manufacturers may well decide to transfer their budgets from Cart to Formula 1, especially as Formula 1 gives global brand awareness. Proposed Formula 1 races in third world or emerging market economies will only speed up that move away from what is in reality a National Race Series.

Maxmil · 8 Nov 2001, 13:16 (Ref:171877)

CART does seem to be going through a bad patch. They have shareholders to think about now, (Or at least prospective shareholders. Has the offering already taken place?) which may not be a good thing right now. While this will benefit F1 to some extent (Honda's withdrawal.) the IRL may benefit to a much greater extent with better teams coming in (Penske) and more TV viewers. F1 could take advantage of the situation to increase its share in the U.S. market if it could get a better TV outlet than Speedvision. ABC/ESPN/ESPN2 would clearly be an improvement - OK, they need to improve the coverage and the crew - but it hasn't happened yet. A really good marketing program in the U.S. and a second race on a good road course would also be timely.

**Stephen Green** · 8 Nov 2001, 13:21 (Ref:171879)

Good point Maxmill, but until the idiots in F1 realise and agree to a 20 race calender, then I don't see two races in the States.

Speedworx · 8 Nov 2001, 20:02 (Ref:172080)

Unless F1 becomes more competitive, sponsors will leave F1 too.

**Stephen Green** · 8 Nov 2001, 22:59 (Ref:172228)

I'm not so sure. It's the huge worldwide TV audience that makes then use F1 not the racing. I know one goes hand in hand with the other to a certain degree, but in the short term it's the viewing figures that count for the sponsors.

**Bononi** · 8 Nov 2001, 23:16 (Ref:172249)

F1 is big bussiness... anyone wants to be there !!!!

For the most, CART is more exciting, but F1 is worldwide known and beloved and has a HUGE tradition.

So...

Jay · 9 Nov 2001, 02:05 (Ref:172321)

F1 doesn't need any help...

If costs are becoming too much for some teams, or sponsors start dropping out, my suggestion is they buy one less carbon fiber toilet seat, try flying business instead of first class..and maybe stay at a measly 4 star hotel rather than the 5 star one they usually stay at...lol They could also pay their pilots a few million less...and just waste less money overall... That's what the rest of the world will have to do!

If any F1 teams go under, the only dissapointment I will have is that there'll be one less car to crash out on the first corner, pull off the road due to something breaking or finishing 14th or lower...no biggie.

F1 will just have to adapt...Cart is trying...not very well right now..

srinimax · 9 Nov 2001, 23:10 (Ref:172774)

i dont think f1 teams have a problem with getting sponsorship, atleast not the top ones. as for competitive, we've seen in another thread the amazing breadth of driver talent available. and for next year we have most of the major auto manufacturers represented. the only guys that might go away among sponsors are the fags. i dont think there's anything to worry bout as far as sponsorship goes. and i'm betting GM to make an f1 entrance within the next 3yrs.

**Bononi** · 10 Nov 2001, 11:42 (Ref:172889)

Quote:

Originally posted by srinimax
...and i'm betting GM to make an f1 entrance within the next 3yrs.

Uhn... Any reason for they do that ?

**Stephen Green** · 10 Nov 2001, 13:34 (Ref:172917)

Because they are one of the few global manufacturers who are not currently represented. Given the global TV audience it would make marketing sence!

**Bononi** · 10 Nov 2001, 16:46 (Ref:172978)

Uhn... I don't know. If GM really wanted it, it should have been many years ago. And as it was shown in another thread, GM owns a part of FIAT, so it doesn't sound very attractive to them...

srinimax · 10 Nov 2001, 23:24 (Ref:173082)

i agree gm would have entered if they wanted to, many years ago. but in the recent past they have shown improved interest (and success) with their forays, like cadillac into lemans. plus gm has been way weaker in europe than say ford. and rick wagoner has indicated that improved europe sales will reduce the company's dependence on the american market. so i figure they have the resources and the reasons to enter f1.

**Bononi** · 10 Nov 2001, 23:30 (Ref:173084)

Hard to tell anyway...

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