Ecclestone: I see it in this order Vettel, Alonso, Button and Hamilton
1 February, 2013
Bernie Ecclestone with the top guns of F1 (although Webber does not fit into the equation according to the little big boss)
Formula One chief executive Bernie Ecclestone has tipped his friend and reigning F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel to win a fourth consecutive world championship in 2013, and has his say on the demise of HRT and turmoil brewing at Monza.
Bernie Ecclestone wishes Sebastian Vettel good luck prior to the start of the Abu Dhabi GP
“I see it in this order: Vettel, Alonso, Button and Hamilton,” he told the Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Ecclestone said that he was curious to see how Mercedes’ sweeping changes for this season will make a difference, and said that McLaren has a “better chance” to win the 2013 title compared to last year.
“Many will not share my opinion,” said the 82-year-old Briton, “but I think McLaren is now better balanced and Button has the potential to be even better.”
Ecclestone also expects a good season for Ferrari.
“Ferrari will be strong, I have no doubt,” he said. “But they need to start well – they can’t wait for five or six races and then emerge,” added Ecclestone, referring to Ferrari’s poor start to its 2012 campaign.
He also did not sound sorry that HRT has folded.
“In Formula One, there should only be the best, not teams that have difficulties,” said the F1 ‘supremo’.
Fans at Monza
“I think there should be ten teams at the most. It’s the ideal number to manage the championship well.”
Meanwhile, having officially confirmed the Nurburgring in its July 7 calendar slot, Ecclestone admitted turmoil behind the scenes at Italian Grand Prix host Monza.
Recently, amid a management controversy, the historic circuit’s chief Enrico Ferrari stepped down.
Ecclestone admitted that he doesn’t “understand what’s really going on”, but praised the departed Ferrari’s role.
“Thanks to him, Monza had a favourable economic treatment compared to all the other European races,” he said.
“On the continent, no race is as cheap as the grand prix of Italy,” Ecclestone reiterated. “He was tough in business, but competent, straightforward, clean.”
Ferrari’s successor is Fabrizio Turci.
Ecclestone said: “I do not know and [I] do not envy him. Without Ferrari it will be more complicated, because Enrico was a key man.” (GMM)
Subbed by AJN.
Related posts:
- Hamilton wins US GP, Red Bull champions, Brazil to decide Vettel vs Alonso
- Vettel rides high to take pole position as Alonso struggles in Austin
- Lauda: Vettel is having to fight like a donkey in order to stay in touch
- Alonso fends off Vettel and Button to win German GP at Hockenheim
- Ecclestone on Button and Alonso
Mr. Ecclestone continues to miss his role as the promoter: by publicly picking favorites not only is inappropriate but incredibly demeaning to all the teams and drivers he doesn’t mention.
He would do the sport great honor and pay a huge respect to keep his opinions to himself.
Why is everyone happy about the Nürburgring being on the calendar? Most irritatingly boring race circuit after Valencia
Bernie is an idiot. Kimi will be in the mix. He will be up to speed at the start of the season versus having to get to know the car and team last year. I say it will be Alonso and Vettel at the top. Then Kimi/Hamilton/Button fighting for 3rd. Maclaren will lose a step without Hamilton and Mercedes will move up because of him. If the F138 is solid, Massa will be ahead of the Maclarens too.
Oh Bernie, how are you able to see anything true besides the giant dollar bills filling pretty much all of your vision?
Never discount the Iceman Bernie
Senile old man comments.