New entries want exclusive F1 spot

On the plus side: Sky taking over F1 means that we'll get much more team radio. #hacking 08:14:48 AM July 29, 2011 from TweetDeck

Classic poor timing from F1 re: Sky deal. I'm sure they will announce the F1 show will be presented by Andy Coulson. 07:34:20 AM July 29, 2011 from TweetDeck

Jenson Button complaining about something other than "MASSIVE FRONT LOCKING." It's a start I suppose. #f1 12:38:59 PM June 24, 2011 from TweetDeck

I like how FOM tells us it's a thermal image, just in case we were wondering if anyone had slipped LSD into our coffee. #f1 11:50:18 AM May 07, 2011 from TweetDeck

Fiat involved in #F1 takeover? Talk about conflict of interest! It'd be like a standard ECU being built by one of the teams ... oh wait ... 03:50:46 PM May 04, 2011 from TweetDeck

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New entries want exclusive F1 spot

Written by Red Andy on 25 April 2009

Sakhir, Saturday: As the Formula One circus gears up for the Bahrain Grand Prix, the news this weekend is that several groups are planning their entries into the F1 world championship for 2010.

Fail: Chassis builder and F1 hopefuls Lola

Chassis maker Lola, failed former F1 applicant Prodrive and car manufacturer Aston Martin have all been linked with moves to the sport next year, their enthusiasm rekindled by sweeping cost cuts proposed for the new season. FOM boss Bernie Ecclestone has already hinted that the grid could be allowed to expand beyond its current maximum of 24 cars, to make way for all the new entries – and that a return to the pre-qualifying of the early 1990s could be necessary.

Peter Windsor, motorsports journalist and key figure in fellow 2010 applicant USF1, told reporters why the motivation to enter F1 has never been stronger:

“Obviously the massively reduced costs have made some impact,” Windsor said, “but the main thing is that with the withdrawal of Honda at the end of last year, there is a niche in F1 to be filled.

“USF1, Lola, Prodrive and others will basically be competing for the privileged spot of F1’s laughing stock.”

The role, filled in the past by such entries as Andrea Moda, Pacific Grand Prix and Forti Corse, is said to be prestigious among motorsport bosses, as it is difficult to make a team so woeful without a special effort. “And with costs dramatically coming down, being a good businessman will no longer be a requirement to running an F1 team,” Windsor added. “This paves the way for all sorts of inept and disorganised lunatics to start competing in the very near future.”

Hopefully, shoestring-budget race teams will also allow dangerously rich and marginally talented pay drivers into the sport as well. “Skill is too important a factor these days,” Windsor confessed. “We want drivers who can pay, even if they are hilariously useless.”

The need for rich, underperforming drivers will be a relief for Nelson Piquet, whose F1 dreams may not be over just yet.