Ferrari to get an offer they cannot refuse?
12 November, 2011
Bernie Ecclestone
Nov.12 (GMM) Bernie Ecclestone could be planning to pull $100 million out of the coffers to give the negotiations over Formula 1′s next Concorde Agreement a kick-start.
In 2005, amid the teams’ threats that they would give up on the income offered by formula one and set up their own series, Ecclestone pulled off a masterstroke by paying Ferrari $100 million to sign up.
Ferrari was selected by the F1 chief executive due to its arguably indispensible value to the sport, and indeed the breakaway threat duly folded.
Now, seven years into the future, talks about the period beyond 2012 are getting set to move into high gear.
The difference this time is that the teams are united under their FOTA umbrella, even though Ecclestone would love to see the current disagreements over a cost-cutting agreement result in the union’s split.
However, with breakaway threats believed to now be strictly prohibited, the teams’ new tactic could be the suggestion of an involvement as co-owners of the lucrative commercial rights.
“On my side, we have certain obligations not to speak about sensitive subjects. Any kind of declaration we may make can be used and – let me put it this way – manipulated for the wrong reasons, so I would say that I cannot comment on that,” said Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali in Abu Dhabi.
But after the shock cancellation of a key FOTA meeting this weekend, rumours are rife.
“What is being said among members of the teams is that, as he did in the past, Ecclestone could make an unique offer to renew (the Concorde Agreement) between Ferrari and FOM,” O Estado de S.Paulo correspondent Livio Oricchio wrote.
“If FOTA ceases to exist – and the chances of this seem high – and Ferrari accepts an offer from Ecclestone, the others will feel obliged to negotiate as well. History will repeat,” he added.
Related posts:
- FOTA threatened as Ferrari backs Red Bull
- FOTA unity threatened by spending debate
- Ferrari make Massa an offer he can’t refuse?
- Sutil waiting for an offer he cannot refuse
- F1 teams offer KERS solution for 2011
Bernie Ecclestone is a very smart man
on the topic of 2012, i think since they have no traction control i think they should get rid of power steering as this is a driver aid.
and i think they need new design concepts in f1 15 years of the same looking f1 cars with front wing or bk wing being the only differance.
f1 new generation needs a new unique look,
“the teams are united under their FOTA umbrella.”
Well no, HRT pulled out, and the top 4 teams are stabbing each other in the back so much the FOTA meeting scheduled for the Abu Dhabi GP has been cancelled.
“with breakaway threats believed to now be strictly prohibited.”
Only just, clause 4.5 of the Concorde agreement prevents any announcement of a rival series until after the last race of 2012, but they can make plans for a series from the 1st of January 2012.
“What is being said among members of the teams is that, as he did in the past, Ecclestone could make an unique offer to renew (the Concorde Agreement) between Ferrari and FOM,”
Well no, under clause 4.6 of the Concorde agreement FOM (FOWC) is not allowed to “confer on any team any material preferential right, benefit or privilege or discriminate against any other team or subject it to more onerous material obligations than any other team.” so a payment to 1 team is not allowed.
Hope that helps