Ecclestone: "We ‘bought’ Ferrari"

[imcarthur]

“Ferrari get so much more money than everyone else,” he said. “They know exactly what they get, they are not that stupid, although they are not that bright, either. They get about $80 million (about £54 million) more. When they win the constructors’ championship, which they did this year, they got $80 million more than if McLaren had won it.”

Ecclestone added that the special deal with the Italian sports car manufacturer goes back to the attempt by the teams to form a breakaway championship in 2003, when Ferrari were the first to return to the fold. “They were the only team that broke ranks with the other manufacturers – why did they break ranks?” he said. “That’s where the $80 million comes in. We ‘bought’ Ferrari. We ‘bought’ Ferrari’s loyalty. Our deal with Ferrari was that we ‘bought’ them so they would not go to the others.”

Source: TimesOnLine

It would seem that Bernie is rather pissed after Di Montezemolo's critical comments from the day before.

Ian

[Jim Richards]

F1 sounds like it's coming apart at the seams.

[Zeke]

I wonder if we should take it that way or consider that Ferrari sold out. Either way, I don't give a rat. I watched 2-3 races last year. Probably won't watch any in '09. I can't stand Hamilton. Or Kimi. Massa I can watch. Most of the rest are good, but I'd rather they bring back WRC.

Which one of those cats just recently got in an F1 car and nearly ran competitive times out of the box?

[strupgolf]

It was that hot-shot motorcycle racer, Rossi maybe, that got in and really showed them how easy it was to drive. F1 really does need a breakaway group to finally shove Bernie into a hole.

[Dennis Kalma]

gee, what a surprise. Ferrari got assistance over and above the normal agreements, I suspect buried in Bernie's comments is the ability for Ferrari to get their way in disputes (again, what a surprise).

And as for the fine levied on McLaren last season, may be this brings the case somewhat into disrepute?

You know, I am all in favour of keeping Ferrari in the sport even if they are now exposed as the cheaters they are, but there were so many ways to do that without Bernie resorting to this kind of tactic...and the management of Ferrari actually agreeing to it.....that I am just irritated about the whole thing.

This just discredits the whole sport. Time for the manufacturers to set up their own series, I understand that the Montreal dates are open (as is the track). It may take a few years to unwind the F1 contracts at various tracks, but I suspect there are enough to run a series and shoot Bernie right where it hurts....his wallet.

Dennis

[sammyg2]

Ferrari Ferrari Ferrari. Bash bash bash. Waaa Waaa Waaa. I'm so sick of this anti-Ferrari conspiracy crap.

If any other major player had broke ranks before Ferrari did, they'd be getting the $80 million instead of Ferrari. This is not favoritism and if you think it is your tin foil hat is too tight. This is what is called a smart business deal.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by milt

Most of the rest are good, but I'd rather they bring back WRC.

That would make me so incredibly happy.

[Wickd89]

Formula one is becoming a real joke.

I have been trying to walk away from it for years because it seems like the officials are deciding too much.

I have stop spending money on F1 races, and now just watch it on TV..
What better way to walk away from a sport as a spectator, just do not spend any money on trips, tickets, t-shirts, etc...

[Wickd89]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

That would make me so incredibly happy.

and maybe bring in Schumi as a driver.......

[Zeke]

It was Sebastien Loeb.

[Dennis Kalma]

Originally Posted by sammyg2

Ferrari Ferrari Ferrari. Bash bash bash. Waaa Waaa Waaa. I'm so sick of this anti-Ferrari conspiracy crap.

If any other major player had broke ranks before Ferrari did, they'd be getting the $80 million instead of Ferrari. This is not favoritism and if you think it is your tin foil hat is too tight. This is what is called a smart business deal.

Obviously your view of what is ethical and mine differ considerably....if Ferrari or Ecclestone had gone public at the time with an announcement of the "reward", so be it, call it a fair business deal, but to have kept it under wraps for this long whilst participating in violations requiring fair practice indicates a profound lack of honesty for anyone who participates in it....

My tinfoil hat may be too tight, but apparently Bernie, Ferrari and adherents of both have less respect for the truth than a tomcat has for a marriage license...

Dennis

[Craig 930 RS]

We'll look back on all this F1 BS and the series will even out to a reasonable level .... I'll bet on it.

Right now it's just posturing and confusion, typical of anything going through change & controversial.

[tabs]

I would rather watch Roller Derby