<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Orrmate @ Oct 23 2007, 12:24 AM) [snapback]96644[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
It's alot more than just a question of money. It's this Japanese management approach that as we've seen time and time again, doesn't work in Formula One. The pace of development is so fast that teems need someone who has power above all others and can make quick decisions when needed. With Toyota, everything goes back and forth between Cologne and the boardroom in Japan. It just doesn't work. Honda are a good example of this, back when they were BAR and run by Prodrive they were making unbelievable progress. They had Dave Richards at the helm, a stable team and a good driver pairing. I think many of us, including myself, were convinced they would win a world title within the next decade. Then Honda bought them out and it all changed. From reading interviews with Nick Fry, every decision and development they now make has to go back to Japan, where they discuss, taking a fair old time to try and make sure its the right decision, before its eventually approved or dissaproved. I'm no expert on this kinda thing, but in a sport where everything moves so quickly that just doesn't seem like a good way to go about things. The results since Honda took over seem to suggest so.
You also have to question some of the decisions Toyota have made since they arrived in Formula One. In my opinion, the biggest mistake they made was getting rid of Mike Gasgoyne. In the years he was at Toyota in 2004 and 2005, you could bloody well see the improvements they were making. In 2005 they were beginning to strike regular podiums with Jarno, and it looked like they were actually about to crack it. But then after 2005, they got rid of him, apparantly because of a disagreement over 'technical operations'. From what I read, Toyota wanted more involvement back in Japan, whereas Mike wanted everything to happen within Cologne. The results since his departure speak for themselves imo.
Then theres the driver signings. First off I was never happy with the way Allan McNish was basically told to fck off, despite developing the car from scratch and showing some promise, especially his brilliant drive in Malaysia. They pretty much did the same thing with Cristiano Da Matta, he really wasn't given a fair shot either. Then they signed Jarno AND Ralf. I can understand the need to sign an experienced driver, but why the need to sign two? It seemed a strange decision even without the extortionate salary they were paying Ralf. Hopefully, now they have Timo Glock (one of my favourite drivers, c'mon Timo
) they will make steps forward. But I doubt it to be honest. I wouldn't at all be suprised if they finally pull the plug after next season. It can't be good marketing to be mid-pack, can it? Surely they'd be much better off just being a works engine supplier to Williams, who have the expertise to win championships, but just need a steady engine partner and better funding. Honda should consider doing the same imo, they were a fantastic engine supplier.
I agree, getting rid of Mike Gasgoyne wasnt a smart choice at all. I think they really shouldnt have done that. But I guess now they're paying the price, cause they SUCK (big time!!).
Also think they never really gave da Matta a real chance. I dont think he could have made a lot of difference to be honest, but I guess its just hard to tell really. I never understood why they had both Trulli and Ralf in their team. For sure it had to do with experience, but IMHO, they're just not that great. I dont wanna be too hard on them or anything, but I see them as similar drivers, both good on their day, when they have the right equipment, but never really ''great''. I guess thats the case with a lot of drivers, a lot are good, f1 worthy, but not great, not spectacular, thats ok though.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Orrmate @ Oct 23 2007, 12:24 AM) [snapback]96644[/snapback]<div class='quotemain'>
I know
You've brought up something else that annoys me here, the off season in F1 is waaaaaaaaay too long. I think our sport must be the only one where the off season is nearly as long as the actual season itself. It would be brilliant if they'd run the season from February to November. They could do it if they brought in Monday or Friday testing on race weekends, and banned private testing. From my calculations, they could easily do a 22-race season, with no back-to-back races either. It'd eliminate those stupid 3-week breaks too. More racing, less testing I say. Or if they must test at the current level, at least give the fans a better insight into the latest developments, with something like a video review of each test session.
Youtube doesn't work for me
I usually use
www.motorsportmad.com or
www.dailymotion.org. The FIA don't delete vids from those either.
Dont even start about the off season!!!!!!
It's really sooooooo depressing. I'm fine atm, but I'm sure I will go crazy at some point!! I would love it if the f1 season would be longer. February till november sounds great to me
Oh, what the heck, F1 all year LONG!!!
I'm watching vids on youtube atm, some old MS stuff..
Guys, watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqmXXCqKceU
People can say alot about MS, but that guy ENJOYED winning. Seriously, its great!!! Funny to see a young MS. I like it when he said: ''well not number one in the world, but maybe in F3 yes, that is right'' Who knew back then, that he would become one of f1's all time greatest
DAMN, I love youtube!!!!!!!!!!!
